Top 15 Iconic Hanoi Attractions: Journey Through Vietnam Capital's 1,000 Years

1. Hoàn Kiếm Lake: Top Iconic Hanoi Attraction

Hoan Kiem Lake connects Old Quarter Hanoi with the French Quarter and serves as a central landmark for the city. You can visit at any time, but sunrise and sunset offer a particularly romantic setting for a lakeside stroll or photos.

To the west of the lake, the twin bell towers of St. Joseph's Cathedral stand tall. Enjoy a view of the church from a nearby café, sipping a cappuccino or iced lemon tea. On the southeast corner of the lake, you'll find the Hanoi Opera House, a grand symbol of colonial Vietnam, and the National Museum of History, which blends European and Eastern styles.

According to legend, in the 15th century, a magical sword was given to Emperor Le Loi by heaven to drive out the Chinese. After the war, a giant turtle emerged from the lake and took the sword back to its divine owners, giving the lake its name, Ho Hoan Kiem (Lake of the Returned Sword).

Around the lake, you can find ancient structures like Hoa Phong Tower and the iconic Turtle Tower, a symbol of Hanoi. On weekends, the lake area transforms as traffic is banned. Streets fill with hip-hop dancers, children in mini-cars, and street musicians, creating a joyful atmosphere that's perfect for a visit.

The iconic Turtle Tower is situated in the middle of the lake, symbolizing Hanoi's resilience and history

2. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Vietnam’s Capital Historical Attraction

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a grand marble building, built between 1973 and 1975 with materials from all over Vietnam. Despite Ho Chi Minh's wish for a simple cremation, his body now rests inside a glass coffin, deep within the mausoleum. It may be closed on certain days for maintenance.

The mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. Visitors must dress modestly—shorts, sleeveless shirts, and hats are prohibited. Bags, cameras, and phones may need to be stored before entry. Inside, talking, hands in pockets, and photography are strictly forbidden. Expect long lines, but the experience moves at a slow, steady pace past Ho Chi Minh's body.

If you're fortunate, you might witness the changing of the guard outside the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This ceremony is nearly as grand as Buckingham Palace in London.

Nearby, the massive concrete Ho Chi Minh Museum celebrates the founder of modern Vietnam. The museum's exhibits offer a mix of personal mementos, rare photos, and official documents about the fight against the French and the rise of socialism. Photography is not allowed, and visitors may need to check their bags.

The mausoleum is located within the Ba Đình Square, a historic public square in Hanoi

3. Hanoi Temple of Literature: Vietnam’s First University

Hanoi’s Temple of Literature is one of Vietnam’s most impressive ancient monuments, featured on the 100,000 VND banknote. Built in 1070 to honor Confucius, it is closely linked with education.

Originally, it served as a base for Confucian studies and later became Vietnam’s first university. Today, students visit to pay respects before exams.

The complex, founded by Emperor Le Thanh Tong, showcases traditional Vietnamese architecture. It includes altars dedicated to famous scholars and kings.

In 1484, Emperor Le Thanh Tong also ordered stelae to be built to honor outstanding scholars. The paths lead through gardens and ponds to the Khue Van Pavilion, constructed in 1802, a scenic spot for graduation photos.

The most famous feature of the temple is the Great Hall of Literature, which houses the stelae of the scholars who passed the exams

4. Hanoi Old Quarter: Capital of Vietnam’s Cultural Hub

The Old Quarter is a bustling hub with over 1000 years of trade history, and it shows no sign of slowing down. The name might suggest quiet, lamp-lit streets with wooden shops, but the Old Quarter, Hanoi is far more vibrant and busy.

This lively area was once home to 36 guilds in the 13th century, each on a different street, giving rise to the name "36 Guild Streets."

Today, there are even more streets, usually named "Hang" followed by the type of product sold there. For example, Hang Thiec is known for metalworks, while Hang Gai features silk, embroidery, and lacquerware.

A walk through the Old Quarter can range from a quick hour to a full day, depending on your pace. Feel free to explore the narrow alleys, as they often reveal shortcuts, hidden temples, and unique architecture.

Most alleys are public, and if you happen to wander where you shouldn’t be, the locals will let you know. Just say "xin loi" (sorry) and move on.

Tip: In the evening, visit the bia hoi corner at the intersection of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen to enjoy amazing street food and great deals on drinks.

The narrow, winding streets of the Old Quarter are lined with shops selling everything from traditional handicrafts to modern electronics

5. Imperial citadel of Thang Long

Hanoi's Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, has been a center of Vietnamese military power for over 1,000 years.

Archaeological work continues, uncovering ancient palaces, grand pavilions, and imperial gates. The main gate, Doan Mon, shares its name with a gate from Beijing's Forbidden City.

Behind it stands the French-built Caserne de la Compagnie d’Ouvriers with its imposing columns. At the rear, the Princess Pagoda, known as Hau Lau, may have housed the imperial concubines.

You can also explore military command bunkers from the American War, complete with old maps and 1960s communication gear used by General Vo Nguyen Giap.

At the Thang Long citadel's southern edge stands the hexagonal flag tower, an iconic landmark of Vietnam’s capital.

The citadel is a complex of many structures, including palaces, temples, and military fortifications

6. Hanoi Opera House: Timeless Artistic Venue

This bold neoclassical gem of French Indochina stands out with its Gothic pillars and domes. Built in 1911, Hanoi Opera House seats 900 people and was inspired by Paris’s Palais Garnier, but with a more playful color palette.

On August 16, 1945, the Viet Minh Citizens' Committee declared they had taken over the city from a balcony here.

To enjoy some drama today, get tickets for a performance either at the entrance or online at ticketvn.com. It's often the only way to see the building's stunning interiors.

The schedule features ballet, classical music, traditional theater, and modern acrobatics. Most weekends, you'll find Hanoi wedding couples posing for photos on the graceful front steps.

The building is a stunning example of French Beaux-Arts architecture

7. West Lake: Hanoi Scenic Spot

The legend of West Lake is just as mystical as that of Hoan Kiem Lake, though less famous. The story tells of a giant golden calf from the north, drawn south by the ringing of a monk’s bronze bell.

When the calf reached what is now West Lake, the sound stopped, leaving it lost and confused. Unable to find its way back, the calf wandered in circles, creating a large basin. Water from the Red River filled the basin, trapping the calf forever.

Today, it's hard to imagine the lake’s lively past while looking at the modern apartments, restaurants, and cafes. West Lake’s shores once held fishing villages, flower markets, and incense workshops. But the area has become quite appealing.

Streets like To Ngoc Van are known for their international food spots, making it a popular area for expats. On weekend evenings, Trinh Cong Son Street turns pedestrian-friendly, perfect for families with children. Along the lake's western edge, seafood restaurants and trendy cafes add to its charm.

West Lake is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere

8. Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi: A Glimpse of Vietnam’s Past

Tran Quoc Pagoda sits on an islet east of West Lake in Yen Phu Ward, Tay Ho District. Established during the pre-Ly dynasty, it was originally called Khai Quoc.

The pagoda blends ancient architecture with the scenic beauty of West Lake. It features several layers of buildings, including the Front Hall, the incense-burning hall, and the Upper Palace.

One notable stele from 1815, inscribed by Master Pham Quy Thich, recounts the pagoda's reconstruction after years of decay.

The highlight of Tran Quoc Pagoda is its garden with ancient towers from the 18th century. The most striking is the lotus-shaped stupa built in 1998, standing 15 meters tall with 11 floors, each featuring a gemstone Amitabha statue. Atop the stupa is a nine-storey lotus made of stone.

In the center of the pagoda grounds stands a Bodhi tree, a gift from the President of India in 1959, grafted from the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.

Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest in Hanoi, was declared a National Historical and Cultural Heritage in 1962 and has been recognized by Wanderlust as one of the world's ten most beautiful ancient temples and pagodas.

The main stupa, a towering structure, is a notable feature of the pagoda's complex

9. Hoa Lo Prison: Hanoi's Hell on Earth

Hoa Lo Prison, known as the "Hanoi Hilton" by American POWs during the Vietnam War, is a site that makes you think.

It shows the Vietnamese struggle for independence from France, with most displays covering the period up to the mid-1950s. One striking piece is the French guillotine, once used to execute Vietnamese revolutionaries.

There are also exhibits about American pilots held here during the Vietnam War, including the late Senator John McCain. His flight suit is on display, along with a photo of his rescue from Truc Bach Lake after his plane was shot down in 1967.

Built by the French in 1896, Hoa Lo Prison was designed for 450 inmates, but by the 1930s, it held nearly 2,000. Many prisoners escaped through sewer grates over the years.

In addition to daytime tours, visitors can now join night tours at Hoa Lo. Tickets for these night tours sell out fast, often requiring booking 2-3 months in advance.

Hoa Lò Prison is a historic site revealing Vietnam's enduring spirit and bravery

10. Hanoi Water Puppet Theater

Vietnamese water puppetry has its roots in the 11th century, originating from the Red River Delta's flooded fields. This unique art form is a must-see when visiting the capital of Vietnam.

At Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in the city center, you can watch expert puppeteers skillfully maneuver wooden figures over water stages. They use long poles to create the illusion of movement across the water.

During the show, puppeteers work from behind a screen, standing waist-deep in water. The performances, featuring between 7 and 11 puppeteers, are accompanied by lively traditional Vietnamese music played on drums, cymbals, bamboo flutes, and more.

The shows bring to life traditional Vietnamese tales, such as the Legend of the Restored Sword of King Le and dragons breathing fire.

Thang Long Theatre is a short taxi ride or a 25-minute walk from Hanoi’s main station. To avoid the crowds, book your tickets in advance, especially from October to April. Remember, there’s an extra fee for cameras, and sitting in the front row might get you wet!

The puppets are intricately carved and painted, depicting various characters and scenes

11. The French Quarter: Iconic Colonial Architecture

Though its name evokes elegance, the French Quarter today presents a different picture. Many of its grand villas have been repurposed for government offices and housing. Those that remain well-preserved now house foreign embassies.

This area, located south of Hoan Kiem Lake, west of the Red River, and extending to Cong Vien Thong Nhat (Reunification Park), offers wide, traffic-free pavements. Take a leisurely stroll past the embassies and aging villas, imagining their former splendor.

Despite the loss of many heritage buildings to neglect and redevelopment, some significant structures still stand. Keep an eye out for notable sites like the Indian Embassy on Tran Hung Dao Street.

The French Quarter, despite its name, doesn't quite resemble its former elegant image

12. Bat Trang Pottery Village

Bat Trang craft village, just a 30-minute drive from Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam, has a long history of creating fine pottery and ceramics. Although the village has shifted to mass production for big buyers like Britain’s John Lewis, its original charm remains in its quaint residential alleys.

These alleys link the bustling market area, full of great deals, with the river. Don’t miss the Bat Trang Museum, a modern building reflecting the village’s heritage, where you can spend an hour exploring.

In Bat Trang Village, you can participate in hands-on workshops with experienced artisans and create your own ceramic pieces. This is a great way to understand the art and effort going into making pottery.

Vietnamese ceramics from Bat Trang Pottery Village are perfect souvenirs. From detailed bowls and vases to lovely tea sets and decorative items, they often feature beautiful floral patterns or vibrant landscapes.

These workshops offer a unique chance to create your own ceramic pieces, guided by experts

13. St. Joseph's Cathedral: Hanoi Architectural Gem

St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi, a neo-gothic masterpiece, opened in 1886. Its grand facade faces a small plaza, often crowded with selfie-takers and photographers.

The cathedral is famous for its tall twin bell towers, ornate golden altar, and beautiful stained-glass windows. Visitors can enter through the main gate only during mass, with times posted on a sign to the left. At other times, there may be access from the side road on the left.

Nearby, several cafes like Hanoi House, La Place, Eden Café, and Cong Caphe offer stunning views of the cathedral.

Around the cathedral, you’ll find a few sidewalk cafes. They serve cold lemon tea and sunflower seeds, popular with students and teenagers on a budget.

St. Joseph's Cathedral is a central place for the Catholic community in Hanoi

14. Perfume Pagoda: Top Attractions Around Hanoi

The Perfume Pagoda, nestled in the limestone hills of Huong Tich Son, is a stunning group of temples and caves.

Located in My Duc district, Hoa Binh province, 60 km southwest of Hanoi, this sacred site is renowned for its natural and spiritual charm.

The pagoda complex, with its roots in the 15th century, features breathtaking scenery, including lush streams and tropical plants.

Start your visit with a serene boat trip on the Yen River, passing through picturesque landscapes. Arrive at the Thien Chua Pagoda, known for its striking rock formations.

For a quicker ascent, take the cable car to the top of Huong Tich Son, where you can explore the Huong-Tich Cave.

Enjoy the scenic walk with views of fruit trees and ancient temples along the way. The Perfume Pagoda offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The area around the Perfume Pagoda is also known for its lush forests and tranquil beauty

15. Historic Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi

Long Bien Bridge is a symbol of Hanoi’s resilience. Built between 1898 and 1902, it was bombed several times during the American War, but each time the Vietnamese repaired it quickly.

Today, the bridge is still used by trains, pedestrians, and bikes that oddly travel on the opposite side of the road. Walking along the bridge is the best way to reach Banana Island, a green area filled with banana plantations and farms.

Long Bien Bridge is now one of six bridges crossing the Red River, but it remains a historic symbol of Hanoi, alongside landmarks like the Ngoc Son Temple and One Pillar Pagoda.

Crossing the bridge, whether by foot, bike, or motorbike, offers a memorable experience, especially during sunrise or sunset, when the views are stunning.

At sunrise, visitors can enjoy the fresh morning air and see the bustling Long Bien Market at the foot of the bridge. To see the bridge in action, take the train from Hanoi to Hai Phong, which crosses this iconic landmark before reaching the charming train station in Hai Phong.

It was the first steel bridge in Vietnam, symbolizing Hanoi's colonial past

3 Day, 2 Night Itinerary in Hanoi

Day 1. Hoan Kiem Lake - Old Quarter - Hanoi Opera House

Start your day with a morning stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. Look for Ngoc Son Temple and Turtle Tower. Enjoy street food for breakfast, and sip iced lemon tea by St Joseph’s Cathedral. Head north to the Old Quarter for a lively lunch.

In the afternoon, wander through hidden alleyways and discover charming temples and bustling streets like P Thuoc Bac. Experience Vietnam capital city's reputation as Southeast Asia’s cafe hub.

As evening falls, admire the Hanoi Opera House’s beautiful interiors with a performance. End your day with a refreshing bia hoi at Ta Hien Street.

Day 2: Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex - Tran Quoc Pagoda - French Quarter

Your day in Ba Dinh begins with visits to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a lovely restaurant situated on one of the grand streets in the district.

In the afternoon, recharge at a unique café like Manzi Art Space and Cafe. Then, head to Truc Bach Lake for a peaceful stroll. Sample local snacks and visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, and catch a stunning sunset if the weather is clear.

In the evening, savor a fine dinner in the French Quarter.

Day 3: Hoa Lo Prison - Vietnamese Women’s Museum - Temple of Literature - Old Quarter

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast. Then, make your way to the French Quarter for a coffee. From there, choose between visiting Hoa Lo Prison or the Vietnamese Women’s Museum. Afterward, head back to the Old Quarter to savor more delicious street food.

In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, then continue to the Museum of Ethnology. This museum is a must-see if you’re heading to the northern mountains. Don’t miss their lively water puppet shows.

Wrap up your day with a cocktail bar crawl around Hoan Kiem and the Old Quarter to enjoy Hanoi’s vibrant nightlife.

There you have it—the best Hanoi attractions to add to your bucket list! Each spot offers a unique glimpse into the city’s culture and history. So, why not experience it all for yourself?

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