Having gone through many ups and downs in history, Hanoi has been developing rapidly, becoming one of the most modern cities in Asia while still preserving its traditional “Vietnamese” charm. Therefore, Hanoi travel remains a favorite choice for many domestic and international tourists visiting Vietnam. Today, let’s explore 15 must-visit destinations in Hanoi in 2024 with Hanoi International Hotel.  

Introduction to Hanoi Travel – The Thousand-Year-Old Cultural City

In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) to Dai La Citadel (now Thang Long – Hanoi). Since then, Hanoi, with its favorable geographical location and temperate weather throughout the four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter), has rapidly developed into a famous tourist destination in the region and the world. It is also home to the most relics in Vietnam, with 3,840 relics, including 1,164 national-level relics. When mentioning Hanoi, tourists will immediately think of thousand-year-old historical sites, unique delicious dishes, streets full of eateries, and tree-lined avenues. Hanoi travel is incredibly diverse, from spiritual-historical tourism, cultural tourism to leisure tourism, providing visitors with rich, interesting experiences and strong cultural impressions.  

The Best Time to Visit Hanoi

Hanoi’s weather is distinctly divided into four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season has its own unique charm, making Hanoi attractive at any time of the year. Visitors should even consider visiting Hanoi in different seasons to fully appreciate its beauty.
  • Spring: From February to April, this period is characterized by drizzling rain, known as “spring rain.” The weather is cool yet warm enough for outdoor explorations and enjoying vibrant flowers. A spring trip to traditional flower villages and markets is a perfect choice.
  • Summer: From May to July, Hanoi’s summer is known for its scorching sun. During this time, visitors can visit Hoan Kiem Lake or West Lake to enjoy the cool breeze and traditional street foods, or explore modern bustling shopping malls around the city.
  • Autumn: From August to October, many consider this the most beautiful season in Hanoi, with gentle golden sunlight and cool breezes. This is also the season when Hanoi is fragrant with milk flowers and young green rice.
  • Winter: From November to January, this is the time for cold winds, but also when visitors can enjoy many hot delicious dishes sold on the sidewalks of many streets. Wearing a warm coat and savoring a hot bowl of sweet sticky rice on Hang Gai Street is an experience you must try when visiting Hanoi in winter.
 

15+ Must-Visit Destinations in Hanoi

1. Hoan Kiem Lake – The Symbol of Hanoi Travel

Address: Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Hoan Kiem Lake is located in the city center, surrounded by Hanoi’s 36 ancient streets. Nearby are many famous relics with great spiritual significance to Vietnamese people, such as the Turtle Tower, Ngoc Son Temple, and The Huc Bridge. Besides walking around the lake, visitors can enjoy the above attractions and then explore the ancient streets to taste many long-standing, renowned dishes. Every weekend, Hoan Kiem Lake becomes lively with various cultural, artistic, and sports activities and pedestrian streets.

2. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Address: 8 Hung Vuong Street, Dien Ban Ward, Ba Dinh District The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of Hanoi’s most important historical sites, where President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and where he now rests. Visitors can pay their respects, visit the temple and museum, and witness the flag-raising (6 AM) and lowering ceremonies (9 PM), which are must-see experiences in Hanoi. The site attracts a large number of visitors daily, who all show deep respect when visiting.

3. Hanoi’s 36 Ancient Streets

Address: West and North of Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoan Kiem District This large area encompasses the central streets of ancient Hanoi. Every house and corner here reflects the traditional beauty of the “thousand-year-old cultural” capital, preserving Hanoi’s architecture, culture, and lifestyle. However, the streets are narrow and crowded, which visitors should note when exploring.

4. Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Address: 19C Hoang Dieu Street, Ba Dinh District This complex is a representative relic reflecting Vietnam’s historical progress over 13 centuries (11th – 18th centuries). It features grand and symbolic architectural works like the Hanoi Flag Tower, North Gate, Kinh Thien Palace, and Doan Mon Gate. Besides self-exploration, the management offers a night tour called “Decoding the Thang Long Imperial Citadel,” providing visitors with impressive experiences about Vietnam’s dynasties with modern sound, light, and technology.

5. Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam

Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Van Mieu Ward, Dong Da District This is Vietnam’s first university, built during the Ly dynasty. The site preserves 82 doctoral steles recognized by UNESCO as “World Documentary Heritage.” The complex symbolizes the tradition of valuing education and talent in Vietnam.

6. West Lake

Address: Tay Ho District This natural lake is the largest in the capital, with a total area of 500 hectares and a circumference of about 20 km. Surrounding the lake are many green trees, creating a fresh and cool atmosphere. At West Lake, visitors can enjoy two specialties: shrimp cakes and ice cream, experience SUP paddling or pedal boating around the lake.

7. Tran Quoc Pagoda

Address: 46 Thanh Nien Street, Yen Phu Ward, Tay Ho District At 1,500 years old, Tran Quoc Pagoda is one of Vietnam’s oldest pagodas and once ranked among the world’s top 10 most beautiful Buddhist temples. Built during the Ly dynasty, the pagoda follows the Northern Sect. It houses statues of Amitabha Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha, and Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, along with altars for Quan Binh, Quan Vu, Chu Thuong, Duc Ong, and their attendants.

8. One Pillar Pagoda

Location: Within the Ba Dinh Square complex and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum One Pillar Pagoda is one of the most ancient and uniquely designed pagodas, a spiritual tourist spot not to be missed in Hanoi. The pagoda is designed to resemble a lotus blossom, representing the flower that Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva gave to King Ly Thai Tong in his dream.

9. Hoa Lo Prison Relic

Address: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District Built during the French colonial period, Hoa Lo Prison was one of the three “hells on earth,” where patriotic revolutionaries were detained. The relic vividly and authentically recreates the harsh life of prisoners and the brutal torture methods. Visitors can feel the hardships endured by revolutionaries and understand the sacrifices made for Vietnam’s independence.

10. Long Bien Bridge

Address: Long Bien District Built by the French to connect the two banks of the Red River and facilitate resource extraction from Hanoi and surrounding areas, Long Bien Bridge has witnessed many significant historical events. It was where the last French soldiers left Hanoi after the Geneva Accords and a stronghold against American airstrikes. Today, the bridge is a famous photography spot for its ancient beauty and unique French architecture.

11. Duong Lam Ancient Village

Address: Son Tay Town This rare ancient village retains the basic features of a traditional Vietnamese village, such as communal houses, banyan trees, wells, and pagodas. These elements create unique artistic and historical value. Visitors should walk or cycle to explore without disturbing the village’s inherent tranquility.

12. Bat Trang Pottery Village

Address: Gia Lam District Known for its traditional pottery, Bat Trang Village produces exquisite handcrafted pottery for domestic use and export. Visitors can watch artisans make and paint pottery, try making their own products, and take photos in the village’s uniquely beautiful architecture.

13. Van Phuc Silk Village

Address: Van Phuc Ward, Ha Dong District With over 1,000 years of silk weaving history, Van Phuc Silk Village has been showcased at international fairs since the 1930s, praised by the French for its intricate craftsmanship. Today, about 1,000 looms produce a variety of silk products. Like other traditional craft villages, visitors can watch artisans weave silk products and take photos with colorful silk stalls.

14. Hanoi Opera House

Address: 1A Trang Tien Street, Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District Built and completed by the French in 1911, the Hanoi Opera House is modeled after the Opera Garnier. Its architecture follows French neoclassical style with a black slate tile roof and interior decorations. It is a cultural center hosting major artistic events and a popular photography spot with its elegant European-style design.

15. Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Address: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Bac Ward, Hoan Kiem District A prominent cultural destination, not to be missed by those who love cultural experiences. With performances scheduled 365 days a year, visitors can enjoy traditional Vietnamese water puppetry at any time. Hopefully, these suggestions help you create a comprehensive and detailed itinerary for an unforgettable Hanoi travel experience.

Leave a comment

Recent Posts