If you are planning to visit, I will introduce you to some places to visit in Hanoi that you will not want to miss.
Hanoi is not only the capital, but also a city rich in culture and history of Vietnam. This is where you can feel the beauty of the past thousand years while enjoying the vibrant energy of 36 streets and the warm, elegant spirit of the people here.
From early morning to late night, Hanoi is always bustling with life. The city is also home to more than 600 temples, pagodas and cultural relics that make this place truly special.
12 Best Places to Visit in Hanoi
The inner city of Hanoi is home to many attractions of historical, cultural and architectural value of Vietnam. Below are 12 places to visit in Hanoi that you can refer to for your upcoming trip.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
It would be a big mistake if you do not visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on your upcoming trip to Hanoi. This is the resting place of Vietnam’s beloved leader, located right next to Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence.
Nearby, you will find the Presidential Palace, a large building with beautiful gardens that represents the country’s political power. Don’t miss Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, a simple house surrounded by rows of green trees, where he lived.
One Pillar Pagoda
If you have visited Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, then take a few steps to reach One Pillar Pagoda, a unique and iconic landmark of Hanoi.
One Pillar Pagoda is a special Buddhist temple built in 1049 by King Ly Thai To. The temple is located on a single stone pillar in the middle of a lotus pond.
The temple was built to honor the Goddess of Mercy, who answered the Emperor’s prayer for a son. The design of the temple resembles a lotus flower growing out of muddy water, which in Buddhism symbolizes purity and beauty.
Hanoi Old Quarter
Hanoi Old Quarter is a vibrant area rich in history and culture. Dating back to the 13th century, the Old Quarter is famous for its narrow streets, ancient buildings and bustling markets.
Walking through the winding alleys is like stepping back in time. You can learn about the Old Quarter’s rich history, enjoy delicious street food and shop for traditional handicrafts. The streets are filled with food vendors, markets and cozy cafes serving delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
Hanoi Opera House
The Hanoi Opera House is a stunning structure that reflects the rich culture of Vietnam. Its stunning neoclassical design and grand interior make it a vibrant arts hub.
Here, you can enjoy all kinds of performances, from opera and ballet to symphony concerts. It is the perfect venue for anyone who loves art and culture.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
Tran Quoc Pagoda is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Hanoi. It is located on a small island in West Lake, offering stunning views of the water and surrounding area.
Inside, you will find shrines, pagodas and meditation halls, each with its own special significance. This is a must-see destination if you are interested in exploring the history and culture of the city.
Temple of Literature
Temple of Literature is one of special places to visit in Hanoi where history, art and education come together. It is a place where you can admire beautiful architecture, stroll through tranquil gardens and learn about Vietnam’s rich past.
If you want to understand more about Vietnamese culture, this temple is a must-see destination for anyone.
Hoa Lo Prison
Hoa Lo Prison is an important historical site in Hanoi. Once a prison for political and war prisoners, it is now a museum that tells the story of the harsh conditions people faced there.
Adding Hoa Lo Prison to your Hanoi trip will help you understand the sacrifices of those who fought for Vietnam’s independence.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake, located in the heart of Hanoi, is a favorite destination for young Vietnamese people. In the middle of the lake, you will find the Turtle Tower, a famous symbol of the city. Nearby, Ngoc Son Temple is located on a small island, connected by the bright red The Huc Bridge.
This path is a favorite place for both locals and tourists to stroll, exercise or just sit and enjoy the view. The area is full of trees, creating a quiet getaway from the busy city.
Tay Lake
With the largest area in Hanoi, West Lake is considered the green lung of the capital with an area of over 500 hectares, a circumference of up to 17km and a history of thousands of years.
West Lake is not only beautiful because of its clear blue water but also stands out with the purple-red color of Lagerstroemia, Royal Poinciana flowers and the green color of trees and leaves. When you come here, you can rent a water bike or cruise around the lake.
Aquarium Times City
Times Aquarium City has an area of nearly 4,000 m² equivalent to 3 million liters of seawater and is the first aquarium with a tunnel with a 180-degree view. Times Aquarium City consists of 4 main sightseeing areas: freshwater area, reptile cave, saltwater area and specimen exhibition area. The creatures here are extremely diverse with more than 30,000 individuals, such as penguins, giant spider crabs…
In addition, you can also watch attractive performances such as: Flashmob dance, shark, stingray, Koi carp feeding shows,… watch the lively performance of the mermaid in the tank and take pictures with it.
Dong Xuan Market
Dong Xuan Market is the city’s largest covered market and has been around since the late 1800s. Here you’ll find everything from clothes to food, and it’s a favourite shopping spot for locals and tourists alike.
But it’s not all about shopping, walking through the market and the nearby alleys will give you a real sense of the daily life in Hanoi. It’s definitely one of vibrant and exciting places to visit in Hanoi!
Ta Hien Street
Ta Hien Street, also known as “Beer Street”, is a vibrant spot in Hanoi that is popular with both locals and tourists. It is home to a wide range of bars, pubs and street food stalls, serving a wide range of local and international beers.
Here, you can experience Hanoi’s fun social atmosphere, meet friendly locals and enjoy delicious street food.
Conclusion
Besides 12 places to visit in Hanoi that I have shared above, there are still some other tourist attractions such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Quan Thanh Temple, …
Hopefully through this article, you have grasped the famous tourist destinations in Hanoi to plan your next shopping trip.
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