Vietnam is one of the destinations that’s making a buzz in the tourist scene lately. Many globetrotters flock to it for its diverse scenery and affordability. It is one of the cheapest places to visit in South Asia, but the experiences it offers are priceless! Take Hanoi, for example. The capital city of Vietnam feels like poetry in motion. It is bustling yet charmingly serene – a contrast quite indescribable.
Packed with old heritage buildings, temples, churches, a quaint lake, and admirable French facades, Hanoi is a place which, once experienced, will compel you to retell its stories again and again. Love to know more about it? Take a look at this list of Hanoi tourist attractions to get an insight into this city.
Best Places to Discover Historic and Cultural Sights in Hanoi
Hanoi Train Street
In the heart of Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter lies Hanoi Train Street – a narrow alley that is actually a rail track that locals have turned into an impressive tourist spectacle. Here, colourful houses lean in close to the tracks, and locals have turned them into picturesque, cosy cafes serving steaming cups of Vietnamese coffee and fresh Pho. It isn’t a dormant track that the French laid in the early 1900s and then left behind.
Several times throughout the day, a train hurtles past, mere inches from the cafe tables where locals and wanderers alike remain seated, thrilled but nervous as they sip their piping-hot coffee and chat under strung lanterns in the cosy cafes. It is one of the most thrilling and intriguing places to see in Hanoi.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
Take a detour to the West Lake side of Hanoi, and you will be greeted with a waft of incense mingling with the scent of lotus flowers from Hoan Kiem Lake. As you arrive at this attraction, you marvel at the 11-storey, red-brick pagoda, piercing the blue sky, yet towering quietly amidst the city bustle. Tran Quoc Pagoda is quite old and has seen the ravages of time, yet its worn structure spreads a sense of calm in your soul.
Inside the walls, amid the olden structures, a radiant Buddha shrine gleams in the soft glow of lanterns amid the swirling misty haze of thousands of lit incense. Here, say a silent prayer, light an incense, and listen closely to the old stories retold through its wall paintings and antiques. Stay back for the sunset when the sun aligns behind the tower, offering the perfect photo opportunity to capture an impressive scene.
It is one of the best places to visit in Hanoi to seek reflection and enjoy the serenity amid a chaotic city.
Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature, located in the Dong Da District, 3 kilometres away from the city centre, may look weathered and old, but it has defied time and is enriched in history, which envelopes you as you stand admiring one of the most significant tourist places in Hanoi. Step in and discover the spots where the first scholars of Vietnam strolled and gained their knowledge.
Built in 1070, it is also the country’s first university, making it the oldest one in the nation. Wander through its quiet, verdant courtyards and along the lotus ponds. View the stone steles, perched on tortoises, to learn all about the destination’s academic history and dedication to Confucius. Inside, you will find a fascinating art collection in galleries and even a Buddhist temple adorned in red and gold for some peaceful moments.
Thang Long Imperial Citadel
Amid the chaos of the city, a fortress of time-worn stone still stands guard with its remnant soul, watching over the city of Hanoi. Visiting the historic complex of Thang Long Imperial Citadel feels like stepping into the ancient chapters of Vietnamese history. Built between 1010 and 1011, the citadel’s walls, weathered by centuries, retell stories of the Ly and Nguyen dynasties.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you marvel at the intricate dragon motifs as you walk through the Doan Mon Gate. Its maze of courtyards and archaeological sites, with remnants of Lê and Đông palaces, is wonderfully preserved. Set along with the Hanoi Flag Tower, it is one of the places in Hanoi that takes you back to the timeline when emperors and dynasties were in power and ruled over Vietnam.
French Quarter
Apart from the various dynasties that changed hands as rulers of Vietnam, the early 19th century saw Vietnam fall into the reigns of the French, leading to the colonial era. This had a significant impact on how Hanoi shaped up, and today, there is a lingering reminiscence quite prominently visible in the city, especially at the French Quarter.
The faded elegance of the French Quarter, nestled to the south east of Hoan Kiem Lake, brims with colonial structures, some of which have been turned into significant political buildings. Walking through the shaded, verdant boulevards whispers tales of the French power in Vietnam, which lasted 60 years. Stroll through this sleepy neighbourhood, which is so different from the chaotic Old Quarters, to experience a seamless blend of European flair and Vietnamese simplicity.
St Joseph’s Cathedral
One of the most eye-catching places to see in Hanoi that will definitely make you pause and marvel at its beauty is St Joseph’s Cathedral. Set on the west side of Hoan Kiem Lake, dominating the junction of Nha Chung, Nha Tho, and Ly Quoc Su streets with its intricate grey-hued facade, it may look muted against the bright skies and vibrant streets, but it catches your attention for this particular reason. Its hues and Gothic architecture stand in stark contrast to the other structures surrounding it.
However, the interiors are quite vibrant, with pointed arches and stained-glass windows filtering the sun’s rays into colourful hues, and imbuing an air of tranquillity to whisper a few silent prayers at the altar where a statue of Saint Joseph holds baby Jesus Christ. It is one of Hanoi sightseeing places that instantly makes you realise the medley of history brimming in such a small city. The church is one of the oldest and largest European structures you will witness in Hanoi.
Best Places to Enjoy Nature in Hanoi
Hoan Kiem Lake
At Hoan Kiem Lake, the city’s noise, though passing just beside it, hushes down – right from the vendors’ calls, temple bells, and the vroom of the motorbikes. The lake sits still as a verdant oasis amid Hanoi’s pulsing city. The emerald water, fringed by banyan trees, willows, and other dense varieties, offers a perfect shaded haven. This is where passers-by, locals, and tourists alike can sit down and enjoy some serene moments watching the lake glimmer in the sun.
Keep this serene spot for the end of your day’s schedule so that you can enjoy a peaceful stroll during the golden hour and even watch the sun go down. The lakeside looks marvellous when it glistens in the soft glow of lights at night. Visit the Temple of the Jade Mountain, which is set in the middle of the lake, and immerse yourself in its tranquil ambience.
Banana Island
On your city visit, take a detour from the usual activities in Hanoi, like cafe hopping and a walking tour of the city and head to the Long Bien Bridge on a breezy morning. Just as you reach the middle, look for a narrow staircase that descends to a small, vastly verdant island brimming with a banana plantation set right in the Red River, known simply as ‘Banana Island’.
There isn’t much to do here but admire the refreshing green hues conjured up by banana groves that stretch under a blue sky as far as the eye can see. Banana Island is a plantation island with narrow paths winding through it – a perfect, idyllic spot to reconnect with a slice of nature away from the humdrum of daily life in Hanoi. A small community continues to live their daily life here, making ends meet with dairy farming and agriculture. Their lives showcase yet another version of the simple life that the people of Hanoi have. If you are a photo enthusiast, then your camera has plenty of candid moments to capture.
Ha Long Bay
Don’t forget to add a day trip to your Hanoi trip. The journey from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay is a road trip you will never forget – a three-hour drive through Vietnam’s untouched countryside where rice paddies stretch like green expanses, interrupted by occasional water brooks. Though it would take you an entire day to visit and return to Hanoi, it would be worth your time and the pennies spent.
In Ha Long Bay, there is a myriad of experiences to explore. Sail through thousands of fascinating limestone-karst-dotted emerald waters on a boat passing along Incense Burner Islet, Fighting Cock Islet, and other interesting rock formations. Visit the nearby charming villages at your own pace. Don’t feel like walking? Hop on a bike or rent a bicycle and wander away. If you feel a day isn’t enough to take in all these breathtaking sceneries, we suggest you extend it into a stay after exploring Hanoi’s attractions.
Best Spots to Enjoy Vietnamese Traditions
Lotus Water Puppet Theatre
Among the fascinating activities in Hanoi, a water puppet show is a must-see experience. With roots dug deep in Vietnamese culture, water puppetry is an old traditional art and has been a form of joyful entertainment for a long time. Thought to have originated in the 11th century, Vietnamese water puppet shows were a source of entertainment when rice paddies would flood during the rains. Gradually, it became a traditional folklore entertainment performed during village festivals.
Now it lures locals and tourists to watch a fascinating tale told by wooden puppets on an aquatic stage. In fact, it is one of the best things to do in Hanoi with family. The Lotus Water Puppet Theatre is the most popular spot to witness this ancient entertainment, tucked beside Hoan Kiem Lake at 16 Le Thai To Street. Here, you can watch a group of colourful puppets led by a funny chap called Teu glide, act, and dance on a waist-deep water pool to the tunes of a wooden bell, drum, and horn, all controlled by unseen hands.
The theatre, steeped in French-Vietnamese architecture, can entertain 250 guests at a time for a show that lasts over an hour. The venue hosts four shows daily, and you can catch a stellar performance at 2:45 pm, 4:00 pm, 5:15 pm, and 6:30 pm.
Bat Trang Pottery Village
A short ride from Hanoi’s clamour, Bat Trang Pottery Village sits on the Red River’s edge. This village is a must-visit for those who love to appreciate exquisite craftsmanship.
A visit to the Bat Trang Pottery Museum, a colossal, terracotta-hued structure located inside the village, gives an in-depth glimpse into Vietnam’s ceramic history. It also showcases some of the finest collections of this art preserved across its six levels.
Head to the pottery market to find some cool, hand-crafted souvenirs to take home. While you are visiting this art village, don’t miss the chance to tuck into some traditional dishes native to this land, such as dried squid, bamboo soup and stuffed rice rolls steamed to perfection.
Best Dining, Lounging, and Coffee Spots to Visit
Diamond Sky Bar
For a light dinner with a view or to spend some time sharing laughs over drinks with friends, there’s no place better than Diamond Sky Bar. Climb the spiral stairs to reach the rooftop floor of Le Mejor Hotel and Sky Bar on Ta Hien Street, where you will find locals and tourists mingling under the stars, having a merry time. Along with your favourite drink, munch on quick bites from fried chicken to grilled octopus tentacles!
More than food, you should check out this place to take in the unrivalled panoramas of Hanoi City from a bird’s-eye view. From here, you can view the beauty of the sparkling Hoan Kiem Lake in the moonlight, the bridges on the Red River, and even spot the Ba Vi Mountain range on a clear, cloudless sky.
The bar’s ambience, with its soft jazz music, evokes a quiet solitude amid the crowd, making it perfect for catching up on conversation while admiring the beautiful, illuminated Hanoi Town below.
Cong Caphe
In Hanoi, you will always start your day with a coffee, even if you aren’t a coffee drinker by habit. But with an array of cafes lining the streets, which ones can you trust for that perfect cup to refresh your day?
Go with one of the oldest coffee chains in Hanoi – Cong Caphe, whose bold signboard you must have likely passed by plenty of times while strolling around Hanoi. Step into any of the cafe’s outlets, and you will be greeted by the thick, fragrant coffee aroma in the air. Inside this dimly-lit, green-hued cafe, help yourself to some of the best concoctions of hot brewed coffees, including the quintessential Vietnamese coffee and coconut cream coffee.
Quan An Ngon
A Michelin-star restaurant, Quan An Ngon is a vibrant mosaic of Hanoi’s traditional culinary heritage. This restaurant is set inside a colossal, rustic French villa set in Hanoi’s French Quarter, where the menu is a medley of Vietnam’s most popular flavours. Take a seat at the sprawling alfresco courtyard that feels like an open-air food court, lined with small stalls each preparing over 100 varieties of Vietnamese food.
Get introduced to the traditional tastes of the land as you tuck into delicious servings of Bun cha, Goi cuon spring rolls, Banh mi, and the ever-favourite steaming bowl of Pho. The aesthetic is rustic yet refined, the menu is extensive, but all the items are reasonably priced, and the hospitality warms your heart while the bustling ambience makes it an apt setting to enjoy a lively, sumptuous meal.
Hanoi Night Markets
The pulsating city does not ebb away after dusk, but rather turns a notch up, especially at the Hanoi Night Markets. Wander around this chaotic labyrinth of small stalls and alleys, offering everything from Vietnamese silk and handicrafts to ceramic and porcelain souvenirs. The Vietnamese night markets are the best spot to hang out after a day of sightseeing in Hanoi.
Here, you can even satiate your hunger as the local vendors in conical hats run stalls serving hot pho, their smiles as inviting as the steaming bowls they serve. Some of the best night markets to check out are the Old Quarter Night Market, Linh Nam-Hoang Mai Night Market, and Nha Xanh-Cau Giay Night Market, to name a few. Brush up on some haggling skills, which will come in handy to snag some amazing merchandise at a steal!
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Visiting Hanoi feels magical. The destination, draped in a fusion of colonial charm and oriental mystique, leaves a lasting impression on its visitors. So, if Hanoi is where you are going for your next holiday, search for Hanoi tour packages or, better yet, custom-make your own to include your preferred attractions in the city to have an experience you will surely retell tales of.
