Hanoi Places to visit

Top Attractions in Hanoi

Hanoi, the central heart of Vietnamese culture and history, has numerous things to do and places to visit. With an abundance of wonderful sightseeing, a day trip in Hanoi covers all the must-see attractions and must-do activities that everyone should try at least once in a lifetime. Here are the top places to visit in Hanoi.

Hanoi Old Quarter

For those who want a getaway out of the hustle and bustle, Hanoi Old Quarter is the first place to visit with a handful of tranquil streets, food vendors, and interesting boutiques. Once you discover our list of places to visit in Hanoi, you will capture the essence of Vietnamese local life.

Hang Ma Street, one of 36 ancient streets in Hanoi Old Quarter

While Hanoi Old Quarter features the ancient beauty of old streets, the nearby districts boast a large number of contemporary scenes filled with historical sites, colonial buildings, pretty cafés, and restaurants.

Hoan Kiem Lake

The serene Hoan Kiem Lake, which is located right on the southern tip of the old town district, is Hanoi's most well-known sight.

The stocky Turtle Tower is located on a different tiny island in the lake's southern region and is best observed from the bridge.

The Turtle Tower On The Hoan Kiem Lake

The small island including Ngoc Son Temple is connected to the lake by a red bridge. It is the main tourist attraction. It is dedicated to three important historical figures in Vietnamese history: La To, who is revered as the patron saint of doctors; Van Xuong, a renowned scholar; and Tran Hung Dao, a general who fought against the invading Mongol army in the 13th century.

Ho Chi Minh Complex

The Ho Chi Minh Complex includes Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum as well as a number of museums and monuments. It is located inside the city's gardens.

Ho Chi Minh's embalmed body is kept in a glass case in the tomb, a stern marble structure under the Mausoleum.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Reflection Of Vietnam's Grand History

The Ho Chi Minh Museum, which is also part of the complex, offers a diverse collection that includes items that belonged to Ho Chi Minh personally and a wealth of knowledge about the background of the Vietnamese Revolution.

Hanoi Opera House

Standing in the heart of Hanoi, the Hanoi Opera House was located in a beautiful intersection downtown, where five main city roads lead to. The building was completed in 1911 after 10 years of construction, by two French architects, Broyer and V. Harley, resembling the Opéra Garnier de Paris.

Hanoi Opera House, a symbol of colonial architecture in Hanoi

In addition to historical and cultural highlights, the outskirts of Hanoi still have many traditional villages to visit and learn about its long-lasting history.

To get more ideas of places to visit in Hanoi, see our following list of top attractions to inspire your wanderlust.