Must see attractions IN HANOI

OVERVIEW

Must see attractions in Hanoi is surely Hanoi itself. Known as the capital of Vietnam with a thousand years of civilization, Hanoi contains many long-standing cultural and historical values associated with the process of formation and development. Besides, this is also one of the most popular destinations for tourists when it comes to Vietnam tourism (4 million international visitors to Hanoi in 2023). Recently, Hanoi was also honored at the 3rd position in the top 2023 best culinary destinations in the world voted by TripAdvisor users.

Besides its nostalgic beauty, Hanoi today is also a city of integration and development. Therefore, visitors can absolutely find unique cultural interference here. From beautiful old quarters, to modern entertainment activities, Hanoi always has something to offer you. Let’s explore this thousand-year-old capital with Sakima Travel

  • Area: 3,360 square km
  • Population: 8,500,000 people
  • Region: Red River Delta
  • Weather: Winter (February – April); Summer/rainy season (May – July); Fall/best season (August – October); Winter (November – January)
  • Tourist Destinations: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum; Hanoi Old Quarter; Hoan Kiem Lake; Temple of Literature; Thang Long Imperial City; Hoa Lo Prison; Long Bien Bridge, etc.

tourist destinations

Hanoi Old Quarter & Hoan Kiem Lake

Hanoi Old Quarter & Hoan Kiem Lake are two of the most popular tourist destinations in the capital. Locals consider Hanoi Old Quarter the heart of the city, with rows of ancient houses from the 18th–19th centuries lining 36 winding streets. Right next to it, Hoan Kiem Lake is a natural freshwater lake of about 12 hectares, home to many historical relics such as Turtle Tower, Ngoc Son Temple and The Huc Bridge. Together, these two landmarks have become iconic symbols of tourism in Hanoi.

Hanoi Old Quarter
Ho Chi Minh President Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh (1890–1969) ranks among the most famous places in the capital Hanoi. Here visitors can pay their respects to President Ho Chi Minh, a greatly admired leader of Vietnam, whose body rests inside the mausoleum. Construction of the mausoleum began on September 2, 1973 at Ba Dinh Square, the site of many important historical events of the Vietnamese people.

Hoa Lo Prison Relic

Hoa Lo Prison is an important historical site in the capital. The French colonial administration built it in 1896 and used it to detain thousands of patriotic Vietnamese soldiers during the resistance against imperialism and colonialism. A visit to Hoa Lo allows guests to experience the atmosphere of the former prison and to learn about the resilient and indomitable spirit of Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers.

Hoa Lo Prison - One of the most attractive relics in Hanoi
Temple of Literature - The first university of Vietnam established by Ly Dynasty

Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070 during the Ly Dynasty. With nearly 1,000 years of history, the Temple of Literature now forms one of the country’s most significant historical and cultural complexes. In 2023, the site welcomed more than 773,000 visitors.

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

UNESCO recognized Thang Long Imperial Citadel as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2009. Construction began in the 7th century, and through many historical periods the citadel served as the capital of several Vietnamese feudal dynasties. When visiting Thang Long, guests admire unique architectural works and learn more about Vietnamese history and culture.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - UNESCO World Heritage

Hanoi Old Quarter & Hoan Kiem Lake

Hanoi Old Quarter & Hoan Kiem Lake are two of the most popular tourist destinations in the capital. Locals consider Hanoi Old Quarter the heart of the city, with rows of ancient houses from the 18th–19th centuries lining 36 winding streets. Right next to it, Hoan Kiem Lake is a natural freshwater lake of about 12 hectares, home to many historical relics such as Turtle Tower, Ngoc Son Temple and The Huc Bridge. Together, these two landmarks have become iconic symbols of tourism in Hanoi.

Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi Old Quarter

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh (1890–1969) ranks among the most famous places in the capital Hanoi. Here visitors can pay their respects to President Ho Chi Minh, a greatly admired leader of Vietnam, whose body rests inside the mausoleum. It is for sure one of the must-see attractions in Hanoi. Construction of the mausoleum began on September 2, 1973 at Ba Dinh Square, where many important historical events of the Vietnamese people took place.

Ho Chi Minh President Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh President Mausoleum

Hoa Lo Prison Relic

Hoa Lo Prison is an important historical site in the capital. The French colonial administration built it in 1896 and used it to detain thousands of patriotic Vietnamese soldiers during the resistance against imperialism and colonialism. A visit to Hoa Lo allows guests to experience the atmosphere of the former prison and to learn about the resilient and indomitable spirit of Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers.

Hoa Lo Prison - One of the most attractive relics in Hanoi

Hoa Lo Prison

Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and one of the must-see attractions in Hanoi, was founded in 1070 during the Ly Dynasty. With nearly 1,000 years of history, the Temple of Literature now forms one of the country’s most significant historical and cultural complexes. In 2023, the site welcomed more than 773,000 visitors.

Temple of Literature - The first university of Vietnam established by Ly Dynasty

Temple of Literature

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

UNESCO recognized Thang Long Imperial Citadel as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2009. Construction began in the 7th century, and through many historical periods the citadel served as the capital of several Vietnamese feudal dynasties. When visiting Thang Long, guests admire unique architectural works and learn more about Vietnamese history and culture.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - UNESCO World Heritage

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Spring (February – April): Many travellers consider this an ideal time to visit the must-see attractions in Hanoi, thanks to the cool weather. At the same time, many traditional Vietnamese festivals take place, such as Lunar New Year, the Perfume Pagoda Festival and craft village festivals.
Summer (May – July): During summer, Hanoi’s temperature is relatively high, with occasional sudden rains. However, the city also hosts many vibrant cultural and entertainment activities.
Autumn (August – October): Many people call autumn the most beautiful season of the year in Hanoi. The weather stays cool and pleasant, usually between 20 – 28 degrees Celsius.
Winter (November – January): In winter, temperatures in Hanoi can drop to around 10 degrees Celsius. Visiting at this time, you will experience the city with a very different and charming beauty.

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