Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Sights
Vietnam's main political monument
architecture
7/10
entertainments
6/10
nature
5/10
restaurants
8/10
tourist popularity
9/10
Hanoi is the ancient capital of Vietnam, where history and modernity intertwine in every neighborhood. Here you can see ancient pagodas and temples, colonial mansions from the French era, and the bustling narrow streets of the Old Quarter. The city enchants with its rhythm: morning tai chi by Hoan Kiem Lake gives way to lively markets and the aroma of street food. Hanoi has preserved its unique atmosphere — calm yet dynamic at the same time, where the past harmoniously coexists with the present. This guide will help you discover the main attractions, learn the history, and feel the spirit of the Vietnamese capital.
Hanoi Citadel
Sights
Cultural complex on the site of a 14th-century fortress
Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can see ancient gates, archaeological finds, and learn about the dynasties that ruled the country. The site is great for photos and you may encounter Vietnamese schoolchildren.
Temple of Literature
Parks and reserves
Picturesque complex with gardens, ponds, and pavilions
While walking around the site, you enter five wonderful courtyards, each symbolizing one of the elements: fire, water, earth, wood, and metal. We recommend visiting this place to enjoy the harmony of trees and water.
Vietnamese Hustle
In Vietnam, you quickly get used to the streets crowded with motorbikes. The constant hum of engines blends with honks, and exhaust fumes fill the air. Everyone is rushing to their own business. Crossing the street becomes a challenge. But in reality, Vietnamese people are very patient and calm, so feel free to cross the road — they will go around you.
Quan Thanh Temple
Sights
Ancient Taoist temple
A very picturesque place in Hanoi with beautifully decorated gates. We were amazed by the many citrus trees with large fruits on the site.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
Sights
The oldest pagoda in Hanoi
The pagoda is among the ten most beautiful Buddhist shrines in the world. The pagoda itself has 11 floors and is located on the shore of the large Tay Lake. If you walk to the pagoda, you can stroll along the shore and take beautiful photos of it. We visited Hanoi during a light haze, and everything looked as if in a mist.
Evening Hanoi
Life in Hanoi buzzes both day and night. In the evening, locals enjoy walking around the city center, drinking tea, and breathing in the cool air. The streets are full of tourists, but in our observations, by 11 PM everyone disperses. Locals wake up early and try to go to bed early.
St. Joseph's Cathedral
Sights
Hanoi Notre-Dame Cathedral
Vietnam inherited Catholic churches from the French colonizers, which are easily recognizable in Europe. In the evening, the lighting is turned on, and many tourists and locals gather around.
Train Street in Hanoi
Insta places
The city’s main Instagram attraction
A real train passes literally a meter away here — something possible only in Vietnam. This street has a railway along which trains run to the north of the country.
We didn’t know the exact train schedule and just checked approximate times on Google Maps. Then we came to the street in the evening and waited for the right moment. Access to the street isn’t allowed freely — a guide will meet you and take you to the restaurant.
We recommend buying local beer and placing the bottle caps on the tracks — it will leave wonderful memories of your visit.
Opera House
Sights
A symbol of French architecture in Hanoi
Another beautiful building left from the French colonizers. It is still functioning today. At the theater, you can watch ballet performances and listen to musical concerts.
Police Station Building
Insta places
Beautiful building in French architectural style
We were drawn to this building during evening walks. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Currently, it houses an active police station.
Ngoc Son Temple
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Temple located on a lake in the heart of Hanoi
Ngoc Son Temple is located on a picturesque islet in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake and is connected to the shore by a red bridge. It is one of the most popular spots for walks and relaxation in central Hanoi. We recommend strolling around the lake in the evening and enjoying the temple’s illumination.
Lenin Monument
Sights
Communist landmark
Vietnam is governed by the Communist Party, so we were not surprised to see a Lenin monument in central Hanoi. It was unveiled on the 110th anniversary of the political leader's birth. In the evenings, many Vietnamese with children riding tricycles gather around the monument.
Hanoi Shopfronts
In the past, Vietnam had a special tax on the width of house facades: the wider the facade, the more you had to pay. An active facade allowed people to run a business and make a living. That’s why houses in Hanoi are narrow, and each tries to attract the attention of tourists. As a result, the shopfronts are incredibly beautiful.
VIET Restaurant Hanoi
Restaurant
The best Vietnamese cuisine restaurant
We found a wonderful place to try unusual Vietnamese dishes on the top floor of one of the high-rises. Prices in Vietnam are quite low, so this luxurious lunch for two cost us about $50. It was definitely worth it. We were taught to make spring rolls ourselves. Then they brought rice cooked in a bamboo tube and set it on fire — the wow effect was guaranteed.
Tea House in the City Center
Restaurant
Street tea house on a pedestrian street in central Hanoi
Vietnam is famous for its tea production. We decided to try several types of tea in one of the many tea houses in the city center. We loved the special brewing, the aroma, and the pleasant taste. We tried classic green tea as well as a very unusual peach tea.
We especially recommend the exotic and very aromatic kopi luwak coffee, which is produced from the excrement of Asian civets. Worldwide, this coffee is very expensive, so don’t miss the chance to try it for just a couple of dollars. During our time in Vietnam, we literally fell in love with this coffee.
Papa's Dessert & Cafe
Restaurant
Beautiful dessert cafe in the embassy area
Hanoi has many interesting cafes and dessert places, but unfortunately not all are worth visiting. We liked this dessert cafe the most, with a cozy green courtyard and delicious beautiful desserts. Highly recommended.
Modern Vietnam
On the city streets, we saw a huge number of cars of the local brand. They are very affordable and, credit where it’s due, look quite modern. We also liked the Vietnamese buses of this brand — they operate all over Vietnam.
Venice Grand World
Insta places
Venice on the outskirts of Hanoi
Real gondolas navigate the canals of this area. The town feels more like a children’s amusement park. We didn’t like the limited choice of eateries — we couldn’t find a good restaurant or café for a snack. Nevertheless, the town is worth visiting for taking beautiful photos.
Ocean City
Insta places
The city of the future in Hanoi
Vietnam is rapidly developing across the country. In Hanoi, a huge modern district has been built in the style of European quarters: low-rise buildings with pleasant architecture, beautiful green areas, and a square with a small park and a column in the center. A modern water park is being built nearby. There are many electric charging stations on the streets. When we were there, the district was almost empty, but we hope thousands of people will live here soon.
In our opinion, 2–3 days are enough to visit Hanoi. After Hanoi, it’s best to head to nearby cities or resort areas. In any case, Hanoi will not disappoint you. If you have the chance for a long layover here, be sure to take advantage of it.
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First of all, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. It houses the main monuments of statehood. The mausoleum displays the body of Ho Chi Minh, who is considered the father of modern Vietnam's independence. Visitors must follow a dress code — revealing clothing is not allowed.