Places to visit in Hanoi

One of the most interesting places to visit in Hanoi the Bat Trang Ceramic Village belongs to Hani’s Gia Lam district. A location of the banks of the rivers Pho Hien and Thang Long, the traditional pottery and porcelain village has a history of seven centuries. The 14th century village has an area that is rich in clay hence the village potters have an advantage of ingredients required to create fine ceramics. 

Visit the tranquil 11th-century Confucian temple of literature, Van Mieu, in Vietnam. It now serves as a memorial to outstanding professors from its days as a leading Vietnamese institution. Here, you can stroll around its picturesque halls, pavilions, and sculptures set among peaceful gardens and ponds, and absorb the wealth of knowledge it contains.

Chua Tran Quoc is located in North Vietnam on the island of West Lake in Hanoi. It is a historical and ancient Buddhist Temple known for its beautiful architecture and cultural significance. The temple was built in the 6th Century by the Emperor Ly Nam De. Originally built across the river, it moved to its current location in the 17th century due to river encroachment.

Regarded as the freshwater lake of Vietnam, West Lake is spread over 500 hectares of land. Known for its soothing atmosphere, scenic beauty, and historic pagodas, it is an iconic escape from urban hustle attracting travellers and locals from all around the globe.

Built in 1911, the Hanoi Opera House is one of the notable architectural landmarks and cultural places to visit in Hanoi. It lies very close to the Hoan Kiem Lake and bears resemblance to the Opera House of Paris in its interiors and structure. The sight of the balconies, pillars and beautiful domes of the 600-seat opera will mesmerize you to the core. You can enjoy Vietnamese musicals and Western classics here. 

Old Quarter in Vietnam is an iconic district known for its narrow lanes, bustling markets, and ancient temples situated in every nook and corner. When exploring its busy street, get ready to indulge in mouth-melting street food and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture that will leave all travelers awe-struck! 

One of the most outstanding places to visit in Hanoi is the Ba Vi National Park that is known for its splendid natural beauty. It lies in the center of a three-peaked mountain that juts steeply out of the landscape.

Hoan Kiem Lake, nestled in the heart of Hanoi, Vietnam, is a shimmering gem steeped in legend and history. Spanning approximately 12 hectares, it serves as a tranquil oasis amid the bustling cityscape, attracting locals and tourists alike seeking respite from urban chaos. The lake's name translates to "Lake of the Returned Sword," derived from an ancient tale of a mystical sword bestowed upon a Vietnamese emperor by a divine turtle, which he later returned to the lake.

The Vietnam Military History Museum is one of the notable Hanoi tourist places that features a massive weaponry collection right at the front. The Museum displays Chinese and Soviet Equipment alongside US and French-made weapons that were captured during several years of warfare. You will spot the Soviet-built triumphant MiG-21 jet fighter displayed as a centerpiece here.

You cannot come to Hanoi and not visit this outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Site of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. This citadel is Vietnam’s history’s intriguing relic that signifies its cultural and historical importance. Many artifacts in this Citadel date back between the sixth and the twentieth century.  This ancient site remained the country’s political center for thirteen consecutive centuries. You have to pick a map from the ticket counter to visit the places inside the fortress.

Built in the year 1917, the two-story building of the Vietnam Museum of Revolution once served as Vietnam’s trade department. Later at the start of 2008 the museum was upgraded with thirty displays that contain 40000 chronicled exhibits. 

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology features a fabulous collection of well-presented artifacts, tribal art and objects of use related to the ethnic minorities of Vietnam. If you dabble into anthropology then this museum is worth your time. To ease your experience the items collected from the traditional village houses are labeled in English, French and Vietnamese.

Located on the 65th floor of the Lotte Center the observation Deck of Lotte is one of the chief Hanoi attractions. This deck offers sweeping views of the city from the top and is divided into four major sections. The zones are namely: the Romantic Zone, Experience Zone, Welcome Zone and the Attraction Zone.  This undisturbed vantage point lets you compare the Old Quarter’s size relative to the voracious growth of Hanoi. You can walk out on the steep drop through the glass-floor skywalks and enjoy drinks at the rooftop bar on the same floor.

Dedicated to the Thanh Mau Mother Goddess the Tay Ho Pagoda is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Hanoi. Located on the West Lake’s northern Peninsula this temple draws thousands of people on each lunar month’s 15tth and on Sundays. People come here to receive blessings and good fortune. The intricately carved frescoes, panels, and altars of the temple will thoroughly impress you besides the stunning landscape full of lotuses.

One of the perfect places to visit in Hanoi especially to escape Vietnam’s torrid heat is the Hồ Tây Water Park. You can pump up your adrenaline from the diving pool and high-speed slides here. There are thrilling rides with seven sliding lanes of 12 meters in height that produce high waves similar to the mammoth waves of the sea. There are swinging ropes and a Tibetan suspension bridge to give you all the daredevil feels. However, if the adventurous rides exhaust you then you can always laze around in the lazy river, or relax in the massage pool near the water park.

The crowded and narrow 200-meter street of Ta Hien is one of the must-visit places to go in Hanoi. This special street in the city never sleeps and is Hanoi’s busiest nightlife area. Majority of trippers and foreign tourists set foot here to take a break from their shopping expedition and try the best food stalls here. You can hang out on this food and beer haven and enjoy your beer in beer-mugs.

Dedicated to the Royal highness Prince Linh Lang the 953-year old Voi Voi Phuc Temple is popularly called as the Kneeling Elephants Temple. Ly Thai Tong constructed this temple believing that his son is a god. This ancient place of worship occupies the exact place where the mighty elephant knelt so as to allow Prince Linh to mount on top of it and ride to the battlefield. When you go sightseeing in Hanoi city you cannot miss visiting this wood temple for the stunning architecture of the shrine. What’s remarkable is that configurations of several walls, statues and entrances of the temple have been built as per the feng shui practices.

Located in the district of Hoai Duc district of Hanoi, the Bao Son Paradise Park is one of the biggest tourism complexes. This park is only 12 kilometers away from Hanoi’s core and offers diverse services of entertainment suitable to all age brackets. When you go sightseeing in Hanoi city you cannot miss this theme park that comprises four main areas. There is a traditional craft village section that features replicas of Vietnam’s 15 craft villages that specialize in embroidery, rattan and bamboo-made handicrafts, and gemstone-inlaid pictures. The Ancient Quarter Section displays the Hanoians’ daily activities through its old-style, tiled-roof attached houses. These houses resemble shops that sell beverages, art works, watches and clothing. 

A very quaint “do it yourself” workspace in Hanoi is the DIY Box that lets you spend time curating leather goods. It is one of the fun-filled places to go in Hanoi as you get to spend 2 -3 hours designing everything from bracelets to passport holders, bags and wallets in the workshop.  This cool place lets you ignite your creativity and take back DIY leather souvenirs made by you. Indulge in oodles of fun and relax through this delightful activity that lets you try something out of the box.

Located in Hanoi’s Nguyen Thai Hoc Avenue, the Statue of Lenin is the communist leader’s legacy on how he influenced the Vietnamese politics and culture. Constructed in 1980, this stone sculpture is reminiscent of Bolshevik history. 

This statue is one of the enchanting places to visit in Hanoi as there are not many Lenin statues left in the world to remind people of the impact USSR once had on world political movements. By visiting the statue you not only witness its grandeur but also get to spend quality time in the nearby verdant park.

If you are all set out for a fun Hanoi sightseeing, do not miss out on the first, most modern and the largest Aquariums of Hanoi. This aquarium contains 3 million liters of water and houses some of the most exotic sea species.  You can spot rare creatures like the sea cows, otters and penguins here. More than 300 colorful fishes live inside this 4000 meters aquarium and make for a sight to behold. You get to draw valuable information about the gorgeous marine ecosystem here.

Located in Hanoi’s northwest the Hanoi Botanical Garden is one of the greenest Hanoi tourist places that was established in 1890. It surrounds the French palace’s backyard and is home to many rare species of trees. You will spot tons of diverse fauna here that include the long-tailed macaques and squirrels. In the midst of the noisy streets this garden is fresh space where people can unwind.

Duong Lam Ancient Village, located near Hanoi, Vietnam, is a living museum of traditional rural life. Dating back over a thousand years, it preserves well-preserved ancient architecture, including traditional houses, communal temples, and ancient trees. Visitors to Duong Lam experience a step back in time, immersing themselves in the rich cultural heritage, cobbled streets, and serene landscapes that make this village a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking an authentic Vietnamese experience.

Phu Tay Ho, situated in Hanoi, Vietnam, is a sacred pilgrimage site renowned for its historical significance and spiritual ambiance. Nestled on the banks of West Lake, this scenic spot features the iconic Tay Ho Temple dedicated to the revered Mother Goddess. Pilgrims and visitors alike are drawn to its tranquility, cultural richness, and the mesmerizing views of the lake.

One of the most highly informative Hanoi tourist places is the Vietnamese Women's Museum that showcases roles that women have in Vietnamese culture and society. The exhibits labeled in English and French cover everything from childbirth to marriage customs. However, the most poignant is the contribution of heroic women during wartime.

The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum is one of the most patriotic Hanoi tourist places, that gives you a visual representation of how the country was caught in the throes of war. You can spot a tiny collection of the indigenous artworks of the 21st and 20th centuries abound with the themes of martyrdom and patriotism. However, there are some paintings, lacquers and effigies that provide you a glimpse of Vietnamese folktales and heritage.

The Presidential Palace is a mustard colored three-storey building that has thirty rooms and is used for political gatherings. For the architecture enthusiasts the Palace is one of the remarkable Hanoi tourist places built in elaborate French architectural style. The Palace was erected for Ho Chi Minh however he chose to stay in his traditional stilt house. You will spot Uncle Ho’s house right within the palace’s compound. You must definitely come here to appreciate the refreshing gardens surrounding the palace.

Situated in the heart of Hanoi, Ngoc Son Temple is also known as the ‘Temple of the Jade Mountain’. It is located near the famous Hoan Kiem Lake which is known for its historical significance and scenic beauty. The construction of the temple took place under the reign of the Ly Dynasty in 1841. It is dedicated to Van Xuong De Quan, a Taoist deity, La To, a Buddhist saint and General Tran Hung Dao, the one who defeated the Mongols.

Situated at the Old Quarter’s chore, the little Temple of Bach Ma is the oldest in Hanoi city. This temple is one of the legendary places to visit in Hanoi. You spot a splendid-looking red-lacquered funeral palanquin and white horse statue here, as you pass through the wooden doors of the pagoda.

If you are extremely fond of goods made of silk then the Van Phuc Silk Village can be your ideal find. This village houses many specialty shops that sell the best quality silk clothes. The village is renowned for its traditional techniques of silk weaving.  Though it was established a century ago, the tranquil locale of the village will still mesmerize you with its communal houses, wells and massive banyan trees. 

Located in the Old Quarter the Dong Xuan Market is a non-touristy market residing in a cavernous building, full of small aisles. You will spot hundreds of stalls here that sell loads of household items and goods. The area around the market is also bustling with stalls and shops that mostly appear at night. You can come here to enjoy the flavor of a local Hanoian’s life.

One of the most historically significant places in Hanoi has to be the Water Puppet Theater that hosts universally entertaining water puppet shows. If you attend any of these shows you will be aghast at how the puppets jerk their across shallow water pools. What’s remarkable is that the master puppeteers move the puppets flawlessly hidden behind the curtains.

The very first thing that you notice in the Quan Thanh Temple is the way the large banyan trees have beautifully shaded the premise. This Taoist Temple is home to the shrine of Tran Vu and as you pass beneath the entrance, you will be transfixed by the towering statue of the deity of North, occupying center stage.

Built into the Huong Tich Mountain’s karst cliffs, the Perfume Pagoda is a striking complex of Buddhist shrines and Pagodas. The faithful come here to offer prayers to the deities here, as they are known to purify souls, grant children to childless families and cure sufferings. You must come here to explore one of Hanoi’s most venerated temples and who knows the deities may just grant your wish.

Visit St. Joseph's Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the city, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Hanoi's past. It is a monument to resiliency that has withstood wars and unrest and stands calmly in the middle of the busy streets. Explore its French colonial architecture and become engrossed in its ongoing story as eager tourists flock to this beloved historical landmark.

Legend has it that the One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi was built after a fatherless emperor dreamed of an enlightened Avalokiteshvara giving him a baby son, resting on a lotus. Thus, Emperor Ly Thai commissioned the One Pillar Pagoda to be created in resemblance of this lotus flower that also is considered as the enlightenment symbol in Buddhism.  You can come here to view this beautiful pagoda but you have to follow a dress code. Carry a scarf and wear clothes that cover your legs, shoulders and chest, whenever visiting the Pagoda.

Hanoi’s very first steel bridge was constructed by the French in 1902. This Long Bien Bridge stands as a symbol of resilience and courage. Located strategically across the Red River, this bridge served as the only link between Hanoi and Haiphong. The unique architectural wonder that this bridge is, lets people witness some of the glorious sunsets and reminisce about the war. You can come here to view the busy markets of the city from high above.

Your Hanoi sightseeing is incomplete without a visit to the Vincom Mega Mall. This mall is Hanoi’s most visited shopping destination. Here you can access multiple well-being and fashion stores. There are different sections dedicated to fun and ice skating activities all within the premises of the mall.

If you are waiting to be mesmerized to the core then a specialty store is one of the major Hanoi places to visit. This outlet has a plethora of interesting craft items. You can shop for all sorts of cotton items, dyed and hand crafted by the locals. Everything from original gifts to accessories and clothes are made from pure organic cotton that grows on the mountain nearby. Shopping at the Indigo store is the best way to support the local artisan and craftsmen.

When you go Hanoi sightseeing, do not miss out on the fabulous Tan My Design that offers excellent merchandise available under numerous designs. You can get hold of the best accessories here besides embroidered goods that are available at affordable rates. This multi-utility store presents you with a stunning range of styling goods and fine jewelry. The jewelry pieces for women at the store are unique in terms of crafting and appearance. You can easily pay a visit to this charming store as the outlet is accessible via public transport.