Hanoi Travel Guide: 5 Must-Visit Places

When travelers think of Vietnam, which in recent years has experienced a boom in tourism, the spectacular culture of the cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City comes out. These are the top prosperous cities. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and its political and historical center. Once visiting Vietnam, why not pick up this charming city in your bucket list. Then, let’s check out the top tourist attractions that MyProGuide has found that you shouldn’t miss out on.

1. Hanoi Old Quarter

As a historic and cultural city that has survived eras of severe toughness, in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, you really should roam around somewhere old yet memorable, and the Old Quarter is the place to remind travelers of French colonial era; from two-storey houses, narrow alleys, western styles of architectures, to local Vietnamese cuisine and a cup of coffee.

Also, Hanoi Old Quarter is known for its ‘36 streets’, and many travelers end the day on Tạ Hiện, the Old Quarter’s ‘beer street’, which is packed with street-side bars and restaurants. It’s Hanoi’s answer to Bùi Viện Street in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). If you would like to experience the vibrant nightlife, Tạ Hiện is the place to go.

2. Hoan Kiem Lake

Located adjacent to Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake is considered a must-visit for all travelers chasing for a tranquil and picturesque view. Furthermore, this lake features Ngoc Son Temple, literally meaning 'Temple of the Jade Mountain', a temple dedicated to the scholar Văn Xương and to Tran Hung Dao, who was the General as well as national hero repelling the Mongol invasion in the 13th century.

3. St. Joseph’s Cathedral

Speaking of old churches in Hanoi, St. Joseph’s Cathedral is definitely worth a look. Standing in Nha Chung Street, this unique and magnificent architecture, boasting Neo-Gothic style, attracts tons of travelers to record its beauty that can date back to 1886, French colonial era. If you really have limited time in Hanoi, this tourist spot is what you shouldn’t ignore.

4. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Exploring the unknown world while reading history books, many might yearn to learn more about the Great of all time(even though they were no longer in the world, still want to close to them.) Needless to say, when you come to Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, the most influential political leader that changed the history of modern Vietnam, is the man who probably impresses you with his efforts in the past. 

Thus, Hanoi boasts the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which symbolizes his courage and spirit, and it is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in the capital. The mausoleum opens only in the morning on certain days and closes for a few weeks each year for maintenance, and visitors must dress modestly and keep silent inside, so check the opening schedule before you go.

5. Temple of Literature

This temple, also known as the first national university of Vietnam or Imperial Academy (Quốc Tử Giám, ‘國子監’ in Chinese), was built almost one thousand years ago (1070) to honor Confucius, and the Imperial Academy was added in 1076. It was set up to educate the country’s royalty, nobles, mandarins and other members of the elite, and most students had to pass the regional examinations before they could enroll, so being a student here was a mark of high status in old Vietnam. If East Asian studies are your type of reading, you might be familiar with this kind of ‘university’ that was originated from China. Perhaps, comparing the differences between the Temple of Literature of Vietnamese style and those of other neighboring countries could spice up your journey of historical culture.

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Besides viewing the temple for Confucius, travelers wouldn’t ignore how tidy and well-maintained the garden is; grassy, red flag, and clear pond water form a harmonious picture.