TOP 60 attractions in Hanoi and its surroundings
I have been living in Hanoi since 2020, I am in love with the city, and I love to explore it in my free time and find new hidden locations, which I am happy to share in this article.
What to see in Hanoi and its surroundings, photos, tips, secret locations
Hanoi (literally "city between rivers" or " (place) surrounded by a river") is the capital of Vietnam and the second most populous city in the country. The main political, educational and cultural center of the country. The population is 8,246,500 people (as of 2020). The history of the city begins in 1010, when Emperor Ly Thai To ordered the construction of a city in the vicinity of the Dai La fortress and the transfer of the capital of the state here from Hoa La.
Organization of excursions in Hanoi:
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"It is my pleasure to help people around the world to get better understanding about Sri-Lanka and Vietnam" |
Sights of Hanoi. What to see in Hanoi and its surroundings
We can give you a sightseeing tour of Hanoi and its surroundings, during which you will see the main sights of the Vietnamese capital. We can also conduct individual excursions to sights that are not included in our standard excursions, a brief overview of which is given below.
Contents:
My personal TOP places in Hanoi
1. Thang Long Citadel
2. Tam Truc Pagoda
3. Railway Street
4. Ethnographic Museum
5. Women's Museum
Secret locations (or about which there is almost no information on the Internet and guidebooks):
1. Pagoda and Cave Complex Thay
2. Tram Pagoda: Ho Chi Minh's cave, the base of the Voice of Vietnam
3. Co Loa, the oldest citadel in Hanoi
4. Vietnamese Venice - Grandworld
5. Temple of the Trung Sisters - empresses of the largest female empire in history
The main attractions of Hanoi:
1. Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem)
2. Ngoc Son Temple
3. Tran Quoc Temple and the West Lake
4. Thang Long Citadel (Dragon Citadel) and the Forbidden City
5. Mausoleum Ho Chi Minh City and Ba Dinh Square
6. One Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot)
7. Temple of Literature
8. Quan Thanh Temple (Guardian of the Northern Gate of Hanoi)
9. St. Joseph Cathedral
10. Hanoi Old Quarter
11. B-52 Lake
Museums in Hanoi:
1. Women's Museum
2. Hoa Lo Prison Museum (Hanoi Hilton)
3. National History Museum of Vietnam
4. Vietnam Ethnography Museum
5. Hanoi History Museum
6. B-52 Victory Museum
See more
Main attractions in the suburbs of Hanoi
1. Bat Trang Pottery Village
2. Van Phuc Silk Village
3. Incense Village
See more
Parks, theaters, zoos, aquariums of Hanoi:
1. Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
2. Bao Son Paradise Park
3. Hanoi Opera House
See more
Other attractions in Hanoi:
1. Long Bien Bridge
2. Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural
3. Lotte Viewpoint
See more
Where to go from Hanoi for 1 day
1. Ninh Binh Scenic Reserve
2. Yen Tu Mountain
3. Halong Bay
My Personal TOP Places in Hanoi
1. Thang Long Citadel
The Imperial Citadel, also known as the Hanoi Citadel, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress was built in the 11th century, during the Ly Viet Dynasty, as a symbol of the independence of the Dai Viet Kingdom. It was built on the ruins of a 7th-century Chinese fortress, on reclaimed land in the Red River Delta near Hanoi.
2. Tam Chuc Pagoda
Although this place is not located in Hanoi itself, but in close proximity to it, I still decided to include it in my personal TOP. Tam Chuc is a special religious complex with an impressive landscape. The facade of the complex is located near a lake, next to a mountain. The entire complex has a total area of about 5,000 hectares, of which Tam Chuc Pagoda occupies 144 hectares, making it the largest pagoda in terms of area on earth.
Huong Pagoda and Tam Chuc Pagoda (1 day)
- Huong Pagoda
- Tam Chuc Pagoda
- Cruise on boats
- Cable car
3. Railway Street
Railway Street, where trains pass just a few centimeters from houses, cafes and restaurants, is one of the best places to take photos in Hanoi.
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Hanoi sightseeing tour (1 day)
- Lake of the Sword
- Railway Street
- West Lake (Thay)
- Old city area
- One Pillar Pagoda
4. Ethnography Museum
The Vietnam Ethnography Museum is a great place to get acquainted with the socio-cultural diversity of Vietnam. The museum was built in 1995. It presents cultural characteristics and reflects the daily life of 54 officially recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam.
5. Women's Museum
The Vietnam Women's Museum is managed by the Vietnam Women's Union. It reveals in detail the history and role of women in Vietnamese society.
Secret locations (or those that are almost unknown on the Internet and in guidebooks):
1. Thay Pagoda and Cave Complex
The Thay Pagoda (Chua Thay) is located in the middle of a lake near a mountain. In the mountain there is a giant cave, which, according to legend, is the entrance to the afterlife. The pagoda has several legends: a master of water puppets lived here, and several centuries before that, a battle took place between the greatest white and black magicians, who were repeatedly reincarnated as different people and even members of the imperial family, fighting for power over Vietnam.
Location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/i5NLFu1CxAyXXn5XA
2. Tram Pagoda: Ho Chi Minh Cave, Voice of Vietnam Base
This cave contains the ancient Tram Pagoda (Chua Tram). This place is also notable for the fact that it was the location of a secret base where Ho Chi Minh lived and broadcast radio calls to rise up for a liberation war. The guerrilla team that broadcast radio later grew into the country's largest media company, "Voice of Vietnam".
Location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tpQThht93HtQEU3X9
3. Co Loa, the oldest citadel in Hanoi
2300-year-old citadel and legendary capital of the ancient Vietnamese kingdom of Au Lac. The oldest settlement on the territory of Hanoi founded during the reign of the legendary king An Duong Vuong.
Location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oa7K6wbPDG7Yu8iU6
4. Vietnamese Venice - Grandworld
A landmark in the new district of Hanoi. A modern European-style district, notable for its canal system, along which you can take a boat ride like in Venice.
Location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/u417kwDqdu9hutQz5
5. Temple of the Trung Sisters - Empresses of the Largest Female Empire in History
The Trung Sisters are national heroines who fought against Chinese rule in Vietnam in the 1st century AD. The Temple of the Trung Sisters is located in the suburbs of Hanoi - the city of Me Linh. During the reign of the sisters, the capital was located here. Now the largest flower fair is located here.
Location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4UoDGqSJJJ1PQtFM7
Main attractions of Hanoi
1. Sword Lake
Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem, “lake of the returned sword”, “lake of green water”) is a legendary lake in the center of Hanoi. According to legend, a magical turtle living in the lake gave a magical sword to King Le Loi, with which he was able to defeat the Chinese army. After the victory, the sword was returned to the turtle and rests at the bottom of the lake.
2. Ngoc Son Temple
The lake surrounds the Ngoc Son Temple. The temple, also known as the Jade Mountain Pagoda, is located on Hoan Kiem Lake. The temple was built in the 18th century in honor of General Tran Hung Dao (who defeated the Mongols), La To (the patron saint of doctors) and the revered intellectual Van Xuong.
The Cau Huc (Red Bridge) leads to the Temple. Cau The Huc, or Red Bridge, is a beautiful wooden bridge connecting the shore of Hoan Kiem Lake with the Ngoc Son Temple in the middle of the lake. The magnificent red color of the bridge creates a stunning contrast with the green water of the lake. At night, the bridge is beautifully illuminated.
3. West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda
The oldest pagoda in Hanoi, Tran Quoc, was built in the 6th century during the Ly Nam De Dynasty. It is located on a small island (called Goldfish Island) on the West Lake (Tay).
4. Thang Long Imperial Citadel
I mentioned the Dragon Citadel and the Forbidden City above.
5. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square
The mausoleum, located in Ba Dinh Square, is the final resting place of Vietnam's most popular leader, Ho Chi Minh, known to his people as Uncle Ho. It was opened to the public in 1975.
The square in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a historical site where the Declaration of Independence of Vietnam was read in 1945.
6. One Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot) and Park
One of the most iconic temples in Vietnam, the One Pillar Pagoda is a single pillar elegantly constructed in the shape of a lotus flower, which is a Buddhist symbol of enlightenment. The temple inside the pagoda is dedicated to the Vietnamese Buddhist deity Quan Am. It was built around 1050 during the Ly Dynasty. There is a picturesque park next to the pagoda.
7. Temple of Literature
Van Mieu is a pagoda complex with a park, the first university in Vietnam. It is located south of the Citadel in Hanoi. The Temple of Literature is an 11th-century Vietnamese temple dedicated to Confucius. It was built in 1070 by Emperor Ly.
8. Quan Thanh Temple (Guardian of the Northern Gate of Hanoi)
A Taoist temple built in honor of the god of the North, Tran Vo. Situated near Truch Bach Lake, it is one of the most significant temples in Vietnam.
9. St. Joseph Cathedral
The cathedral is located in Hanoi's Old Quarter and was built in 1886 by French colonialists in the neo-Gothic style.
10. Old Quarter
Hanoi's Old Quarter, also known as Hoan Kiem District (or simply 36 streets), is one of the oldest areas of Hanoi. It is home to Hanoi's most popular hotels, historical sites, tourist street shops and cafes.
This lake is notable for the wreckage of a B-52 bomber shot down during air raids on the Vietnamese capital. Here you can drink coffee of the same name while admiring the wreckage, which was decided to be left in the lake as a monument
Museums in Hanoi
1. Museums in Hanoi
I have included this museum in my personal TOP.
2. Hoa Lo Prison Museum (Hanoi Hilton)
The Hoa Lo Museum was created on the site of the Hanoi Hilton prison, which was used during the colonial period and the Vietnam War. It is located in the Hoan Kiem district.
3. National History Museum
The National Museum of Vietnamese History, located in the Hoan Kiem district of Hanoi, displays artifacts from prehistoric times (about 400,000 years ago) to the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
4. Vietnam Ethnographic Museum
I have already mentioned this museum in my personal TOP.
5. Hanoi History Museum
The museum was opened in the 80s of the last century. It introduces its visitors to the history of the city from ancient times to the present day.
6. B-52 Museum
The museum in Hanoi was created as a memorial to the 1972 Hanoi-Dien Bien Phu Air Campaign, when Vietnamese air defense forces shot down 81 aircraft and forced the US to withdraw from Vietnam.
7. Vietnam Fine Arts Museum
The museum houses a large collection of local art from ancient times to the present day.
8. Hanoi Military History Museum (Army Museum) and Flag Tower
Part of the Vietnam Military History Museum, the Flag Tower is one of Vietnam’s iconic architectural structures. The view from the top of the 33-meter-tall tower is breathtaking.
The Vietnam Military History Museum, also known as the Army Museum, houses authentic exhibits, a collection of weapons used during the Vietnam War.
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9. Ho Chi Minh's House on Stilts
Ho Chi Minh's modest home is surrounded by a pond with carp. It features his personal typewriter and chair.
10. Presidential Palace
The Presidential Palace in Hanoi is located in Hanoi's Ba Dinh district on Hung Vuong and Hoang Van Tu streets. The palace was built in 1900.
11. Ancient House in Hanoi
The Ancient House in Hanoi, also known as the Heritage House, is located in Hanoi's Old Quarter and offers a brief overview of traditional Vietnamese lifestyles.
12. Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution
The museum's halls feature numerous exhibits dedicated to the revolutionary struggle of Vietnam.
13. Vietnam Air Force Museum
The museum tells the history of the Vietnam People's Air Force from its establishment in 1954 to the present day. It displays the history through documents, biographies, photographs, uniforms, weapons and many other exhibits. Outside the museum are jet fighters, helicopters, tanks and other equipment.
14. Ho Chi Minh Museum
This museum was opened in 1990 on the anniversary of Ho Chi Minh's birth. The museum presents the history of Vietnam and the biography of Ho Chi Minh.
15. Hanoi Police Museum
The Hanoi Police Museum displays interesting exhibits such as uniforms, weapons, motorcycles, station dioramas and many photographs and documents introducing visitors to the history of the police.
Top attractions in the suburbs of Hanoi:
1. Bat Trang Pottery Village (Bat Trang)
Bat Trang Pottery Village (Bat Trang), commonly known as the "Ceramic Village", is a concentration of local artisans who work in traditional and modern styles. The main attraction of Bat Trang is the ceramics museum.
2. Van Phuc Silk Village
The Hanoi Silk Village was introduced to the world at the International Silk Exhibition in Marseille, France in the 1930s. This traditional Vietnamese village instantly became a hit in the international market due to the quality of its silk.
3. Incense Village
Quang Phu Cau (Incense Village) - is a settlement of artisans who produce bright red traditional incense. At all stages of the process, you will see a riot of colors and smell a fantastic aroma.
4. Fragrant Pagoda
Chua Chong is one of the two most important and revered temples in Hanoi. An extensive complex of Buddhist temples and sanctuaries built in the limestone mountains of Huong Tich.
The center of the complex is the Inner Temple ("Thuach Chong"), located in the Huong Tich cave.
5. Tam Truc Pagoda
6. Long Tien
Ho Chi Minh's Secret Cave and Underground Partisan Base
7. Duong Lam Ancient Village
The village will take you on a unique journey through the ancient culture and traditions of Vietnam. Tourists can admire mossy houses with shiny architecture that is 400 years old and even interact with locals.
8. Ba Vi National Park
Ba Vi National Park, located in the center of three mountain peaks, is about 63 km from Hanoi. It is one of the most popular places for recreation for Hanoi residents. There are observation decks, an abandoned church, pagodas, hotels, popular dairy farms.
Parks, theaters, zoos, aquariums in Hanoi:
1. Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is the best place to see the art form of the same name, an integral part of the country. Vietnam's tradition of water puppets dates back to the 11th century, when rice fields were flooded and villagers entertained themselves by standing in the water with puppets.
2. Bao Son Paradise Park
Hanoi’s largest entertainment and tourism complex, Bao Son Paradise Park consists of four main areas. The park offers a wide range of entertainment for the whole family.
3. Hanoi Opera House
Located near Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, the Hanoi Opera House was built in 1911 by the French and imitates the Paris Opera House in its structure and interiors.
4. Ho Thay Water Park
Ho Thay Water Park, located in West Lake Park.
5. Hanoi Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden, also known as Bach Tao Park, is a green area located in Ba Dinh District. It was built during the colonial era.
6. Hanoi Zoo
Commonly known as Thu Le Zoo, it is a beautiful garden decorated with flowers and trees. The zoo is home to over 600 animals of 100 different species, including lions, tigers, mudskippers, elephants, and hippos.
7. Tuong National Theatre
Tuong is a genre of Vietnamese theatre that combines dance, song, poetry, and modern folk music. The Vietnam National Tuong Theatre was founded in 1959.
8. Thang Long Ca Tru Theatre
Ca Tru is an ancient genre of Vietnamese chamber music that features female vocalists.
9. Thong Nhat Park
The park covers an area of 50 hectares, with a large lake, multiple paths for running or walking, benches for reading, badminton courts, and several rides for children. The park is also called Reunification Park, as it was created in 1960 with the hope of reunification when the country was divided.
Located near the Venice Complex
An artificial beach in the new modern area of Hanoi. Open only in summer.
Other attractions in Hanoi:
This bridge is a symbol of the courage and resilience of the Vietnamese people. The strategically important Long Bien Bridge is located on the Red River. During the American-Vietnamese War, it was the only link between the port of Haiphong and Hanoi, linking the two banks of the Red River. Despite the fact that it was repeatedly bombed by American aircraft, it continued to play its role until the end of the war.
2. Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural
The world's largest mosaic mural, built of ceramics and stretching for 6.5 km. The decorative patterns on the wall, designed by Vietnamese artist Nguyen Thu Thuy, are a visual narrative of the country's history at different periods.
The best observation deck in the city (Lotte), located on the 65th floor of Lotte Centre. It offers stunning panoramic views of Hanoi.
4. Ta Hien Street
Ha Noi's Ta Hien Street, widely known as the "International Crossroads", is where Western culture meets Eastern culture. It is often visited by foreigners and tourists.
5. Dong Xuan Market
Dong Xuan Market is the oldest market in Hanoi, located in the Old Quarter and more than three stories high. A typical Southeast Asian market, the ground floor is dedicated to selling fresh seafood, vegetables and flowers. The upper floors are where all the other goods are sold.
6. Bach Ma Temple
Located in the center of the Old Quarter, the temple is a beautiful 11th century Buddhist temple in Hanoi. It is dedicated to Bach Ma or the “White Horse,” a legendary horse that is said to have led Emperor Ly Thai to the best location to build the temple.
7. Night Market
Hanoi Night Market, located in Hanoi Old Quarter, is a bustling street market. Here you can buy clothes, handicrafts, accessories and souvenirs or enjoy delicious Vietnamese food.
8. Bia Hoi Corner
Bia Hoi is considered the best nightlife spot in Hanoi. This place is especially interesting for beer lovers (the name Bia Hoi itself translates as “fresh beer”), it is popular among tourists and locals of Hanoi due to the wide variety of alcohol and affordable prices.
9. French Quarter
The French Quarter in the old part of Hanoi is an upscale area of the city. It is located southeast of Hoan Kiem Lake. There are many business centers and government buildings here. Many buildings show architectural influence of the French.
10. Quang Ba Flower Market
A picturesque wholesale flower market in Hanoi. Every night, trucks from Dalat bring a variety of colorful flowers such as sunflowers, roses, tulips, orchids, lilies and many more.
11. Thap Rua Tower
Also known as the Turtle Tower, one of the most iconic landmarks in Hanoi, it was built in memory of Le Loi, who liberated Vietnam from the Chinese in 1425.
12. Phu Tay Ho
A temple dedicated to the mother goddesses and the Jade Emperor.
13. Truc Bach Lake
One of the many lakes in Hanoi, it is an ideal place for those looking for a beautiful landscape with many historical relics and unique architecture. Around the lake, you can visit the ancient pagoda and the statue of Amida, Quan Thanh Temple to worship Saint Tran Vu or Chau Long Pagoda. There are many shops and cafes nearby.
14. Kim Lien Temple
With a quiet and secluded atmosphere, Hanoi’s Kim Lien Pagoda is an ancient temple founded in the 12th century by the Ly Dynasty. The pagoda has a very intricate and elegant architecture with three curved pavilions. It houses a statue of Buddha, Princess Tu Hoa, and Lord Trinh Giang among others.
15. But Thap Pagoda
Built in the 13th century during the Tran Dynasty, the pagoda is known for its unique architecture that combines Vietnamese and Chinese cultures.
16. Keangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower Skyscraper
Also known as Sky 72 Observatory, it is the tallest skyscraper in Vietnam at 350 meters. The top floor of the building is a deck that offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Hanoi.
17. Nhat Tan Bridge over the Red River
The first multi-span cable-stayed bridge in Vietnam. It connects downtown Hanoi with Noi Bai International Airport, reducing travel time between the two. The bridge has a unique architectural design with five pylons and cables.
18. Martyrs' Monument
The Martyrs' Monument is a majestic monument erected in memory of those who died fighting for Vietnam's independence.
19. Thanh Chuong Viet Palace
Thanh Chuong Viet Palace is home to thousands of cultural and historical artifacts that reveal Vietnamese culture.
20. Old East Gate
The only remaining city gate of ancient Hanoi. O Quan Chuong, also known as the Old City Gate or Old East Gate.
21. Hai Ba Trung Temple
Located near Hoan Kiem Lake, Hai Ba Trung is a 12th-century temple with ornate carvings and statues of the Trung sisters. The sisters are national heroines who fought against Chinese rule in Vietnam in the 1st century AD.
22. Tay Ho Pagoda
Located on the northern peninsula in West Lake, the pagoda is dedicated to the mother goddess Thanh Mau.
23. Voi Phuc Temple
Commonly known as the Temple of the Kneeling Elephants, this temple is dedicated to HRH Linh Lang, the son of King Ly Thanh Tong. Every year, locals hold a festival from February 9 to 11 of the lunar calendar to celebrate Linh Lang’s virtue.
24. Lenin Statue
Located on Nguyen Thai Hoc Avenue in Hanoi, the Lenin statue is a legacy of the communist leader’s influence on Vietnamese culture and politics.
25. Vo Vi Temple
A small temple on a cliff with stunning views of the surrounding area.
26. Temple of the Chess King
The spirit of the Chess King lives here. In the Temple, they play chess with living people, and according to legend, you can sometimes meet the spirit of the king himself in the form of an old man or a little boy.
Where to go from Hanoi for 1 day
Many tourists visiting Hanoi for the first time want to cover as many sights of Northern Vietnam as possible, but cannot allocate time for multi-day excursions. For such cases, I have compiled a list of attractions located relatively close to Hanoi, which allows you to visit them in one day.
1. Ninh Binh Landscape Reserve
Ninh Binh is one of the most beautiful provinces of northern Vietnam. It is famous for its natural attractions. There are many rivers and high cliffs, caves and grottoes.
Trang An, Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh Pagoda (1 day)
- Trang An Landscape Complex
- Halong Bay - the most picturesque bay in the world
- Magnificent Bai Dinh Pagoda
- The ancient capital of Hoa Lu
2. Yen Tu Mountain
Yen Tu is a picturesque natural and historical complex with a centuries-old history. Yen Tu is one of the highest points of the Dong Trieu mountain range in the northeastern part of Vietnam. This place is associated with the great king Tran Nhan Tong. Numerous historical relics have been preserved here, and this place is also known as the “cradle of Zen Buddhism in Vietnam”.
3. Halong Bay
Cruise in Ha Long Bay from Hanoi
The name “Halong” is translated as “where the dragon descended into the sea”. The bay ranks first in many ratings of the most beautiful bays in the world. The bay includes more than 3,000 islands, as well as small rocks, cliffs and caves. Both the land and underwater worlds are characterized by high biodiversity. The bay is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.