Discovering Hanoi: Tourist Attractions in Hanoi

Published On : 03 Sep 2024

Hanoi is also the capital of Vietnam and the second most populous city in the country. The city boasts a blend of French colonial structures, ancient temples, vibrant markets, and vibrant roads, which make finding things to do and see, taste, and hear almost impossible in Hanoi. Here are some of the top attractions to see in Hanoi

The Old Quarter
Hanoi’s main city center, which forms a cultural hotspot of the country, resides in the Old Quarter of the city, close to Hoan Kiem Lake. The driving area commonly known as the Old Quarter comprises small streets that accommodate shops, cafes, and restaurants. Originally, each street was dedicated to selling only certain kinds of items like silk or silver but now you can find all sorts of great things. Walking through the Old Quarter you will find out how the local sellers work, exotic fruits, colorful stalls, and other vendors, atmosphere and mood of this active part of Hanoi. There is a wide variety of wonderful attractions you should not miss and great markets like Dong Xuan and Hang Da markets where one may shop for souvenirs.

Tran Hung Dao Temple and Quan Thanh Temple
Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the vital attractions in Hanoi. Known as “The Lake of the Returned Sword,” it is believed that a golden turtle comes out of the lake to recover a sword that Emperor Le Loi had used to fight the Chinese Ming dynasty. Located on an island in the middle of the lake, there is a s colorful red collapsible bridge leading to the Ngoc Son Temple. This is a beautiful temple erected to commemorate the efforts of General Tran Hung Dao who vanquished the Mongol sea fleet in the 13th century. It is also possible to wake up early in the morning and join the people practicing tai chi by the lake.

The Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature a wonderful island of peace in the middle of a busy city – Hanoi. This temple was constructed by the Ly dynasty in 1070 and is one of several marvelous sites in Vietnam. Once, it was the part of Vietnam’s first university Construction started in 1437 and the current structures include more elegant courtyards and pavilions devoted to Confucius and several Vietnamese scholars. Another carved structure includes the stone turtles on which the steles with the names of the graduates of the Imperial periods are chiseled.

Historical Site Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex
A visit to Hanoi is incomplete without paying a visit to this icon: Ho Chi Minh, though Vietnamese-born, was Chinese by descent, was the leader of the Vietnam independence movement, and became the President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam until he died in 1969. This is evident in his granite mausoleum imitating that of Lenin in Moscow where hundreds line to pay their respects to his preserved remains. Sightseeing nearby includes the presidential house and the park, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Museum of Ethnology specializing in Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups.

The Hanoi Hilton
The Hanoi Hilton alludes to the prison that was established by the French colonizers and the North Vietnam regime which was used to imprison political prisoners. Many relate it to the American prisoners of war who were shot during the bombing patrols including John McCain, the future senator. The prison is indeed in ruins, but people can still walk through it and observe how prisoners had to live in the dark and cold. They depict French colonial rule and Vietnam War pilots and have been listed with the National Register of Historic Places.

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is situated in Hanoi and is known as one of the largest and most complex royal palace complexes in Asia.
Visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, which showcases the history of imperial dynasties from the 11th to 20th centuries and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. For more than a millennium, from the 10th century to early in the 20th century, the Imperial City was the political and cultural capital of North Vietnam. Roam around ancient palaces, gates and parts of the Hanoi preserved defenses that contain remnants of the 18th century Co Loa Citadel, which was constructed to fend off the Chinese from the north.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, a fine museum, is located in the western part of the city and aims to enlighten travelers and tourists about the fifty-four ethnic groups of Vietnam. This is one of the best museums in Hanoi with a large number of displaying items inclusive of tribal costumes, musical instruments, spiritual items, artwork, toys, and duplicates of tribal houses. Do not forget to watch the live performance of the traditional Vietnamese water puppet shows as well!

Shopping in Hanoi’s Markets
Both the traditional markets as well as the modern shopping centers can be found in Hanoi. A typical market like Old Quarter’s Hang Da has a narrow covered passage where spices, handicrafts, clothing materials, and souvenirs are sold. Vietnamese people call Dong Xuan Market as ‘Ha Noi’s stomach’ because virtually everything can be bought at this market. This three-storied market where established in the early eighteen seventies where you can trade for silk, Vietnamese hats, clothes, home equipment, food, and other interesting souvenirs. Oh and do not forget the Night Markets on the weekend also!

It is a great idea to take visitors to food tours or wine tours or to give them a cooking lesson.
Vietnamese cuisine is mouthwatering and different foods to relish in Hanoi are beyond your imagination. Food tours should be taken where you get a chance to savor delicious meals such as pho noodle soup, banh mi sandwiches, strong coffee, and fruits from markets within the Hanoi neighborhoods. Learning how to cook in Vietnam makes you learn how to cook good Vietnamese meals that you can easily prepare at home. From the hawker stalls to the luxurious restaurants, Hanoi serves mouth-watering delicious foods to the visitors.

The following points are the main attractions the visitors would have an interest in, discovering in Hanoi: From the historical places of interest and the modern sites, the narrow street of the Old Quarter, famous landmarks, colorful markets, and delicious food, tourists find much to capture in Hanoi.

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