Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city known for its long history, diverse culture, and mix of Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences. At the center of the city is the busy Old Quarter, where narrow streets are named after the trades once practiced there. You’ll find small temples like Bach Ma, which honors a mythical horse, and bustling places like Đồng Xuân Market, filled with local food and everyday goods.
Famous landmarks include the unique One Pillar Pagoda, built on a single stone column, and the Temple of Literature, a historic site that once served as a school for Confucian scholars. The city also features many old French-style buildings, such as the elegant Opera House and St. Joseph’s Cathedral, built in a Gothic Revival style.
You can learn about Vietnam’s recent past at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison Museum, also known as the “Hanoi Hilton,” which held prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.
Hanoi offers rich cultural experiences—from people practicing tai chi by Hoàn Kiếm Lake to enjoying traditional music and water puppet shows, a unique Vietnamese art form.
Places to visit in Hanoi
Hoàn Kiếm Lake
Hoàn Kiếm Lake, also called Hồ Gươm, is a peaceful freshwater lake in the center of Hanoi. It covers about 12 hectares and is one of the city’s most popular spots. Locals and tourists often gather here to relax, walk, and enjoy the scenery. In the past, it was known by names like Luc Thuy Lake and Thuy Quan Lake.
Ho Chi Minh Museum
The Ho Chi Minh Museum, located within the Ho Chi Minh Complex in Hanoi, honors the life and legacy of Vietnam’s beloved leader. The museum includes eight themed sections that showcase his life story through photos, documents, gifts, and displays from both inside and outside Vietnam.
Hỏa Lò Prison
Hỏa Lò Prison, known to American POWs as the “Hanoi Hilton,” was originally built by the French to house Vietnamese political prisoners. During the Vietnam War, it held captured U.S. soldiers. Although most of the prison was torn down in 1990, the entrance area now serves as a museum telling its powerful history.
Lenin Park
Lenin Park is a small, triangle-shaped green space in Hanoi, featuring a statue of Lenin and shaded by palm trees. Locals often come here to relax on benches, enjoy the open space, or stroll through the plaza.
Keangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower
The Keangnam Landmark 72 is Hanoi’s tallest building, located in the Nam Từ Liêm district. This 72-story skyscraper includes offices, a hotel, apartments, and shopping. It also hosts Vietnam’s highest stair-climbing event, the Hanoi Vertical Run.
One Pillar Pagoda
The One Pillar Pagoda is one of Hanoi’s most iconic Buddhist temples. Built on a single stone pillar, the temple resembles a lotus blossom rising from the water. It’s part of a larger complex known as Diên Hựu, which means “long-lasting blessings.”
Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long
The Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long is a historic site in the heart of Hanoi and a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built over many dynasties, starting with the Lý Dynasty in 1010, it was once the seat of Vietnam’s royal court until the early 1800s.
Trấn Quốc Pagoda
Located on a small island in West Lake, Trấn Quốc Pagoda is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi. With a history stretching back over 1,500 years, it features traditional design, beautiful lotus flower statues, and symbols of the Eightfold Path in Buddhism.
The Huc Bridge
The Huc Bridge is a charming red wooden bridge that connects the shore of Hoàn Kiếm Lake to Ngoc Son Temple. Known as “the bridge of morning sunlight,” its graceful design and bright color make it one of Hanoi’s most photographed attractions.
Best Time to visit Hanoi
The best time to visit Hanoi is between September and November or from March to April, when the weather is cool, dry, and great for sightseeing.
