10 Ideal Attractions in Hanoi for Travel Enthusiasts

Step into the heart of Vietnam with Hanoi, a city that balances tradition and modernity. It is one of those cities in the country that has several unforgettable attractions that no travel enthusiast can afford to miss. Be it a random act of walking around ancient pagodas, tasting mouth-watering street food, or enjoying a serene lake-side stroll there’s an adventure awaiting anyone. Inside our guide to the best Hanoi Tours, we unwrap just some of the incredible sights and unique experiences that this city has to offer. Take a journey into the attractions in Hanoi, one great attraction at a time!

Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword) and Ngoc Son Temple

Hoan Kiem Lake

• Address: Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Welcome to Hoan Kiem, the magical lake dubbed the “Heart of Hanoi"! It’s an iconic landmark and one of the most-liked settings within the attractions in Hanoi. It sits at the center of the hustle and bustle of the city’s Old Quarter, with Hoan Kiem Lake acting much like a tranquil oasis for locals and travelers alike, offering them quiet respite from the city’s busy streets. Its name means “Lake of the Returned Sword," and, accordingly, it is associated with a very interesting legend that has also made it representative of peace and national pride.

One of the most striking and recognizable features of the lake is the Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small island at its northern end. The temple is devoted to General Tran Hung Dao and the scholar Van Xuong and is reached by crossing the lively, red Huc Bridge. Nicknamed the “Bridge of the Rising Sun," this is a very popular photo spot, especially at sunrise or sunset when the colors reflect beautifully in the water. Further on, one must not miss the Turtle Tower right in the middle of the lake, standing graciously to remind one of the lake’s mythical beginning.

For those more locally engaged, Hoan Kiem Lake provides much activity. Early morning is a great time to see locals practicing Tai Chi along the shores of the lake calmly a beautiful scene that is a good example of how the city maintains a balance between tradition and modernity. The walk around the lake is leisurely and quiet, with lush surroundings that photography enthusiasts will enjoy for the stunning views and architecture. Hoan Kiem to most people is indispensable in any Hanoi Tour program, and at each corner of Hoan Kiem, a piece of the soul of this city appears.

The Old Quarter of Hanoi

Hanoi Old Quarter

• Address: Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Embark on a time travel through the winding streets of the Old Quarter of Hanoi-one of the most alluring sights to see attractions in Hanoi. This very lively quarter, formally called Kiem Lam, has narrow-streeted areas with commercial bustles in Hanoi and has been a hub for cultural activities where tradition meets modernity. It is known as the “36 Streets" Old Quarter and gets pre-named by guilds that originally settled it, with each street specializing in a different craft, from silver making to herbal medicine.

Walking through the action-packed streets of the Old Quarter involves walking down the labyrinthine streets lined with old trades and new trends. A tour of the Dong Xuan Market, the largest indoor market in Hanoi, gives a chance to book local goods and souvenirs and try delicious street food. Other attractions include the Ma May Ancient House, an exquisitely preserved edifice, which allows peeping at the architectural past and traditional way of life in Hanoi.

Enjoy a truly local experience with some of Hanoi’s famous street food right here in the Old Quarter, from steaming bowls of Pho to crunchy Banh Xeo or refreshing glasses of Bia Hoi amidst the bustling street scenes. Night turning into morning-the-night markets, very busy bars, and live performances of the Old Quarter never give an end to entertainment throughout your Hanoi tour.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

• Address: 2 Hung Vuong Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of the most interesting sights in Hanoi and forms an integral component of any attraction in Hanoi. This is a highly regarded spot that expresses the deeply rooted respect and veneration of the nation towards its cherished leader, Ho Chi Minh. There lie the remains of “Uncle Ho," whose body has been embalmed and put into a glass sarcophagus by stern traditions. Somber but very stirring, it is here that one gets a true glimpse into the respect accorded to the founding fathers by the people of Vietnam.

A visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum requires some rules to be followed: it opens in the mornings from Tuesday through to Sunday, but do check local timings before going. Remember, long sleeves and trousers are advisable while ensuring your demeanor and voice remain quiet and respectful. Next door, explore the gardens of the Presidential Palace, the informative Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the serene One Pillar Pagoda.

Pave your way in as early as possible to avoid the long queue, especially on weekends. Dress appropriately and keep quiet inside the temple to make the visit truly worthwhile in this important part of Hanoi’s history.

The Temple of Literature (Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam)

The Temple of Literature

• Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Get whisked back in time to the golden age of Vietnamese education at the Temple of Literature of the attractions in Hanoi’s most prized possessions! This beautifully constructed 1070 site was built for Confucius and later became Vietnam’s first national university. Take a stroll through its beautiful courtyards and discover the Stelae of Doctors-b stones standing with stele inscriptions of graduate names, honoring the academic achievements of the entire country.

The Temple of Literature is an architectural marvel that reflects traditional Vietnamese design. From beautifully crafted gateways to serene gardens, every element speaks volumes of respect for learning and culture. It is a must to appreciate the Five Courtyards with each a different highlight of its poetic pathways in the gardens to historic altars.

You can further enhance your visit by bookending a guided tour to delve deeper into its rich history or try timing up with any of the special cultural events and exhibitions being held here quite often. The Temple of Literature is tranquil and enriching, and always a feature in the itinerary of any Hanoi Tourist.

Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Thang Long Imperial Citadel

• Address: 19C Hoang Dieu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Discover the rich history of Vietnam at Thang Long Imperial Citadel, one of Hanoi’s strangest attractions and a spot considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is home to the ancient complex that has been serving as the political hub of Vietnam for more than a millennium and has witnessed the rise and fall of various dynasties. The wide grounds of the citadel are filled with historical relics and archaeological wonders that talk volumes of the past of Vietnam.

Key features include the Doan Mon Gate, an ancient main entrance that is just so grand and robust, and the Kinh Thien Palace, which used to serve as the ruling hub for the emperors. Take an easy walk around the archaeological site, where new excavations bring to light evidence of the foundations, artifacts, and remnants of Vietnam’s royal era. These findings give not only knowledge about the country’s dynastic history but also prove the continuity of this site as culturally relevant for the modern times of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

Don’t miss this beauty during your Hanoi Tour; it is an opportunity to take a walk through several centuries of history and feel the legacy that follows from former rulers of Vietnam.

Hanoi Opera House

• Address: 1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam.

No Hanoi tour would be complete without a visit to the emblematic facility that is the Hanoi Opera House. A masterpiece of architecture, built in 1910 using for its basis the great example of the French colonial design with its grand columns, sweeping staircases, and ornate balconies, it stands as a symbol of cultural elegance and artistic heritage modeled after the Palais Garnier in Paris.

Inside, the Hanoi Opera House has everything from classical concerts and ballets to modern Vietnamese plays. It organizes guided tours inside its richly decorated interior, where people can go in deep and hear about its ever-numbered past. And, if there is luck, one can find a cultural event that turns this historical venue alive!

The Hanoi Opera House is right in the heart of the bustling French Quarter of Hanoi, proximal to many landmarks, and it is an easy and rewarding stop on your tour of Hanoi.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral

St. Joseph’s Cathedral

• Address: 40 Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Welcome to St. Joseph’s Cathedral, an astonishing sight that whisks one away from Hanoi to 19th-century Paris. Recognized for its beautiful Neo-Gothic architecture, this magnificent cathedral was built in 1886 and is often spoken of as Notre Dame de Paris. Both boast their tall twin bell towers with intricately designed stained-glass windows. Its façade proudly stands right in the middle of attractions in Hanoii, thus making it a major religious and cultural feature.

By apart from architecture, St Joseph’s Cathedral is important to the Catholic community in Hanoi. Locals come here to pray, celebrate religious festivals, and find solace in their faith. Attending Mass is a spiritual experience for any visitor as the interior resounds with hymns and prayers throughout in a serenely holy atmosphere.

Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for photography enthusiasts when the soft light makes the grey stone walls of the cathedral very enchanting. Snap your perfect snap, then take a stroll around to the quaint cafes lining the surrounding streets where you can take a rest and order a cuppa Vietnamese coffee. Be sure to add St. Joseph’s Cathedral to your Hanoi Tour to have a glimpse of spiritual life in the city!

The West Lake (Ho Tay) and Tran Quoc Pagoda

West Lake

• Address: Thanh Nien Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Relish the tranquility of West Lake Hanoi, which serves as the largest lake in the city and a gay zone for locals and tourists. This serene piece of water reflects smooth surfaces and wide views, thus making it one of the loveliest sights and attractions in Hanoi pets Smack in the middle of an emerald environment with conventional temples dotted here and there, West Lake is just the place to spend a languid day outdoors.

One of the highlights of West Lake is the Tran Quoc Pagoda, which can boast of being the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, dating back more than 1,500 years. This stunningly beautiful pagoda with a tall, red tower and serene gardens stands on a small island that is connected to the mainland by a causeway. Further, as you make your way around, you will come across the Phu Tay Ho Temple and the famous lotus which grows magnificently this summer. The sweet fragrance wafted through the air, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

The activities around it include cycling through pathways lined with trees, dining at restaurants along the lakeside, boating, and enjoying the beautiful sunset reflected on the water surface of the lake. From seeking peace, culture, and adventure, West Lake Hanoi is varied and one of those experiences that should not be missed on your Hanoi Tours!

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

• Address: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Visit the interesting past of Hanoi and visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, a notorious “Hanoi Hilton" among American POWs in the time of the Vietnam War. This is about the most interesting sights of attractions in Hanoi displaying great insight into the turbulent history of the country. Originally built by the French colonialists in the late 19th century, Hoa Lo Prison was designed to house Vietnamese political prisoners, and later it became a prison for American pilots captured during the Vietnam War.

Inside the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, one can behold many exhibits showing the prisoners in their worst conditions both during the French colonial era and during the Vietnam War. It displays a collection of relics, photos, and life-size models that dramatize vivid images of Vietnam’s strife for independence and the resiliency of its people. There, you could reflect on your insights into this piece of the nation’s history.

Don’t miss this unusual stop on your Hanoi Tours for an experience with Vietnam’s past that few of them can offer.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

• Address: Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam.

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is one of the places to visit attractions in Hanoi and is a showcase of the rich cultural diversity of Vietnam for any guest interested in knowing more about the multifaceted heritage of this beautiful place. Nestled in the heart of Hanoi, within an open space, this museum was built with the mission of preserving and promoting the culture of 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam through color and insight into their unique traditions, crafts, and daily life.

Among the artifacts to be seen are traditional costumes, farming implements, religious items, and musical tools. This exterior part is even more interesting because it shows life-sized models of the traditional houses from various ethnic groups, giving one first-hand knowledge of how these different people live. One must not miss the spectacular cultural performances that occur regularly in bringing to life the dynamic traditions of Vietnam.

Spend your time playing with hands-on exhibits and making casual walks through interactive outside displays. It is also very informative to include, on any Hanoi Tour, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology for another dimension in perspective of the cultural mosaic that is Vietnam.

Conclusion: Your Hanoi Adventure Awaits!

Your Hanoi Adventure! Hanoi reflects a kaleidoscopic mixture of culture, history, and adventure that creates at least a thousand reasons to visit attractions in Hanoi. Be it serene lakes or the most vibrant marketplaces, each nook and corner of this city has another legend to tell. Come for an experience yourself! Take directly to the heart of Hanoi with Impress Travel on our range of specially curated Hanoi Tours. Book tours and accommodations now with Impress Travel for your unforgettable journey! Don’t forget to regularly follow our Impress Travel for more interesting information about traveling to Ha Noi  and to book Ha Noi Tours at the best prices.