Places to Visit in Hanoi – Top 15 Tourist Spots

Hanoi is one of the most important cities in Vietnam with its tourist spots. This beautiful city, which is very energetic, hosts millions of foreign tourists a year. Hanoi, which is also the capital of Vietnam, is a very rich city with its history, culture, people, and food. So if you have not traveled to Hanoi yet, you should go there and check the list of the best places to visit in Hanoi on this travel guide.

Best places to visit in Hanoi – Tourist spots

Also if you are going to plan a trip to Vietnam, which is one of the Southeast Asian countries, I suggest you read those articles below.

• Places to Visit in Vietnam
• Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Places to Visit in Hanoi & Travel Guide

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city where you can see the effects of the communist regime. However, it is possible to see the traces of the West culture. Because the city was under the French colonial.

The city is more authentic than Ho Chi Minh City, one of the most popular cities in the country. Because you can observe Vietnamese culture here better. Therefore, if you are on a Vietnam tour, it is one of the cities that you should definitely visit.

Information About Hanoi

Hanoi was previously the capital of the North Vietnamese division. Because the country was divided into two as South and North. North and South Vietnam was reunited when the North conquered South Vietnam, which was American-backed and centered in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, with a population of 8 million, is the country’s second populous city. You feel as if there are more motorcycles than people while walking around the city. That makes it impossible to cross the street.

There could be purse snatchers with motorcycles at night. I suggest you pay attention to it.

Best things to do in Hanoi – Vietnam travel guide blog

What is the currency of Vietnam? The country’s currency is the Vietnamese Dong. You can exchange currency at good rates at airports or downtown.

What language does Vietnamese speak? Does anyone speak English a lot? The official language of the country is Vietnamese. Although the people do not speak much English, you can still communicate with local people in tourist attractions.

Places to Visit in Hanoi, Capital of Vietnam

Actually, there are not many places to see in the city. But it is still a nice city to explore. Especially the Old Quarter District is at the top of the points that reflect the city’s culture and history.

There are also many places to hang out for Hanoi nightlife in the Old Quarter area. So, you can both travel and have fun.

You can see modern buildings at the same time in the capital, which has traces of the colonial period of France. A beautiful holiday tour awaits you in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, which is among the communist-ruled countries.

1- Old Quarter

Old Quarter, as the name implies, is one of the oldest settlements in the city. According to some people, it is the most beautiful spot in the city. Here you can find some tourist places, historic buildings, green areas in this region.

Old Quarter – Beautiful places to visit in Hanoi

The Old Quarter, which reflects the Vietnamese culture in the best way, is located in the heart of the city. Hanoi night markets, street food, bars, pubs, nightclubs are also located in this region. So this is one of the places where nightlife is vibrant.

Also, if you are wondering what to buy from Vietnam, I recommend that you turn your route to the Old Quarter area. You can find nice products such as souvenirs, local products, coffee, clothes, and sneakers in street markets.

2- Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the points you should visit while on a city tour of Hanoi. Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can take beautiful photos for Instagram, actually has a very interesting story.

According to the story, One of the turtles took the King’s sword and carried it to the depths of the water while the King was kayaking in his boat. The Vietnamese believe that this sword is still in the water. The meaning of Hoan Kiem, which they named the lake, is the return of the sword.

Hoan Kiem Lake – Tourist attractions

In the middle of the lake, there is a temple called Ngoc Son Temple. The temple is located on Jade Island. In addition, the Red Bridge, one of the symbols of the city, is also located in Hoan Kiem Lake.

Apart from foreign travelers, locals also come here to relieve the stress of the city. They find peace in the greenery and take a walk in this park, which has a beautiful atmosphere.

3- Bach Ma Temple

Bach Ma Temple is located in the Old Quarter district. One of the oldest temples in the city. Therefore, I would say add here to the list of places to visit in Hanoi.

The interior design and decorations of the temple attract attention. The temple was built in the 11th century during the time of Emperor Ly Thai To. So here is a really unique tourist destination.

Bach Ma Temple

4- Train Street

It is one of the best places to visit not only in Hanoi but also in Vietnam. It has become more popular, especially thanks to Instagram influencers.

Actually, there is no street called Train Street. It started to be called like this because there are houses very close to the rails.

Cafes put their stools on this narrow train line. And also children play around here. But when the train comes, everyone runs away. Tourists are also starting to take pictures to immortalize this moment.

Train Street – Places to visit in Hanoi – Capital of Vietnam

5- Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is one of the most popular places to visit in Hanoi, which is among the Vietnam holiday destinations. The temple, also known as the Confucius Temple, was built in 1070.

The building is also home to the country’s first university. The temple with classrooms, sculptures, gazebo, and gardens covers a total of 6 hectares.

The most interesting of the temple, which has 5 courtyards, is the third one. Here, the names of the students who graduated from the school in 1484-1780 with a degree are written on the giant stone turtle statues.

Temple of Literature – Travel Blog

6- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Who is Ho Chi Minh? Ho Chi Minh is an important person who saved the country from the American occupation and organized the people. It even fought against the Japanese occupation and the French colonization.

This place is generally crowded. So that is better if you come here early in the morning.

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – Things to do in Hanoi

7- Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison is located in the heart of the city on the list of places to visit in Hanoi. France built this prison in colonial times. They captured the opposing Vietnamese who opposed them here.

Later, during the civil war, Americans were also captured here. Hoa Lo Prison is now open to the public as a museum. If you are interested in topics such as the Vietnam War, I would definitely say come and see here.

Hoa Lo Prison – Historical places to visit in Hanoi

8- Opera House

The Opera House, which has traces of French architecture, is located in the French quarter. Its construction started in 1901 and finished in 1911.

The building, which is more than 100 years old, has survived very well preserved. Here is one of the must-see places in Hanoi. So if you are wondering what Hanoi is like, add this structure to your holiday route.

9- St. Joseph’s Cathedral

St. Joseph’s Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in the city since 1886. It was built by the French. This structure slightly resembles the Paris Notre Dame Cathedral.

Another feature of the cathedral is that it is the first cathedral built on the Indochina Peninsula. Therefore, the building where Catholics, who make up about 7% of the population, worship should definitely be among the places to see.

St Joseph’s Cathedral

10- Chua Tran Quoc

The temple, also known as the Tran Quoc Pagoda, is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the city. The 1500-year-old temple is still open to worship. When you enter, you can see monks and clergymen.

Where is Chua Tran Quoc on the list of places to visit in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam? The temple is located on West Lake. The island on which it is located is connected to the mainland by a passage. In addition to the cultural tour, you can capture beautiful shots by taking lots of pictures here.

Chua Tran Quac – Vietnam

11- One Pillar Pagoda

One Pillar Pagoda, which is located right next to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, means One Pillar Pagoda. One Pillar Pagoda, whose history dates back to 1000 years ago, is one of the most iconic buildings in the city with its unique architecture.

The pagoda is built on a 125 cm diameter wooden column. There is no entrance fee for the structure, whose shape resembles a lotus flower.

One Pillar Pagoda – Places to visit in Hanoi

12- Long Bien Bridge

Among the places to visit in Vietnam’s capital Hanoi, the Long Bien Bridge is a very touristic spot. In the most beautiful scenery of the city, this iron bridge connects both sides of the Red River.

The bridge, which has a history of more than 100 years, also played a strategic role during the Vietnam War. Therefore, it is necessary to see this bridge.

While you’re here, you can take a canoe tour on the Red River. In the evening, the bridge looks more beautiful with the lighting.

Long Bien Bridge – Vietnam

13- Vietnam Women’s Museum

You see visit this museum to learn about the history, culture, and characteristics of Vietnamese women. You will know the role of women living in rural villages better here.

It is nice to witness the sewing and embroidery techniques used by women in the Women’s Museum. This is how you can observe how women living in the country follow fashion. There is also a cafe where you can dine in the inspiring museum. It takes only a few hours to see everything here.

14- Lotte Observation Deck

Lotte Observation Deck is one of the most modern spots you can see during your Hanoi tour. The observation deck on the 65th floor of the Lotte Center building brings the whole city under your feet.

The observation terrace, which is one of the places for Instagram, is among the places where travelers are in demand. There is also a rooftop bar where you can eat or drink. Therefore, you can choose here for Vietnam Hanoi nightlife.

15- Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is actually about 150 kilometers away from Hanoi. However, you can explore Ha Long Bay, one of the 7 wonders of the world, with tours you can take through travel agencies in the city.

You can take a day trip to Ha Long Bay, which offers an extraordinary view to its visitors, as well as 2-3 nights accommodation. Accommodation on Cruise ships is of course a bit salty. You can search the GetYourGuide site for current price information or the Hanoi Ha Long Bay tour.

Ha Long Bay Tour – Best places to visit in Hanoi

Hanoi Nightlife – Places to Visit in Hanoi

The city offers its visitors a lot of fun at night. You can find quality bars and crazy clubs in this city. However, Bia Hoi Junction should be the first point you should go to in the city where the nightlife is lively.

People sit on stools in the street and drink their drinks at Boi Hoi Crossroad, which is very crowded at night. Everything is very cheap in this region, where you can also taste Vietnamese street food. It’s also a great spot to socialize.

Hanoi nightlife – Hero Club

There are also many massage parlors in the area. Therefore, you can relieve the tiredness of the day by having a massage.

If you want to hang out in bars or nightclubs, I can recommend the following places: Legend Beer, Dragonfly Lounge Bar, Hero Club, Lotte Hotel Rooftop Bar.

Where to Stay?

One of the most important topics of the Hanoi travel guide article is where to stay and hotels. Because there are so many options for that.

My suggestion is to stay near the Old Quarter area. Because it is a very tourist area, it is safer and cheaper.

You can browse through the list of Hanoi hotels to book online.

In addition, you can rent a house or apartment for daily rent on the Airbnb application to experience the comfort of home during your travel. For free accommodation, you can try the Couchsurfing application.

Vietnamese Food

Another subject that I want to mention in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi travel guide blog post is food. Because Vietnamese cuisine is quite different. And some foods are really very good.

Vietnamese street food and culture are very exotic. Because it’s very normal for Vietnamese to eat things like dog meat or snake meat.

Some popular Vietnamese foods are Pho, Bun Cha, Spring Rolls, Com Tam, Banh Mi. You can taste other foods also especially at night markets.

Vietnamese food – Pho noodle soup

Also definitely try tropical fruits like durian, mango, mangosteen, chompu, pineapple, star fruit, etc.

What about drinks? Vietnam is one of the largest coffee producers in the world. Therefore, you can try different types of coffee. I especially recommend you try ‘egg coffee’

When it comes to alcohol, the country’s local beers are beer called Saigon. It is sold very cheaply in the markets. So you can buy it for around 10000 VD. In addition, if there are special cocktails in the places you will go, I would say sip them as well.