Hanoi, the bustling and ancient capital of Vietnam situated along the expansive Red River, is a city with a rich cultural heritage blended with modernity and known for its cuisine. Visitors will be charmed by the city’s preserved colonial buildings, narrow alleys within the Old Quarter, ancient pagodas, serene lakes and parks, and delicious street food.
Hanoi’s history spans over a millennium. Its origins date back to 1010 when Emperor Ly Thai To established it as the capital of Vietnam under the name Thang Long, which means “Ascending Dragon.” Over the centuries, Hanoi evolved as a political, cultural, and economic center, witnessing the rise and fall of various dynasties, each contributing to its architectural and cultural heritage. During the Tran and Le dynasties, the city became a hub for Vietnamese arts and literature, establishing itself as a beacon of civilization in Southeast Asia.
The city’s strategic location made it a popular focal point for various colonial powers, most notably the French, who occupied Vietnam (then called French Indochina) in the mid-19th century. Under French rule, Hanoi expanded rapidly with the construction of grand colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards, and infrastructure that still influences its landscape today. Despite the colonial dominance, Hanoi remained a center for nationalist movements and played a crucial role in Vietnam’s fight for independence. In 1945, following Japan’s surrender in World War II, Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence in Hanoi, setting the stage for the country’s future. Through the Vietnam War and the reunification of North and South Vietnam in 1976, Hanoi emerged as the capital of a unified nation. Today, the city has nearly 9 million people and is a vibrant and eclectic blend of ancient traditions and modern progress.
More recently, Hanoi’s charm, history, and food scene has attracted tons of visitors, including famous celebrities and politicians such as Anthony Bourdain, former President Obama, Bill Gates, Gordon Ramsay and Mark Zuckerburg. A few years ago, I explored Vietnam, including Hanoi, as part of a Southeast Asia tour through Gate 1 Travel Agency. At that time, the city was growing fast, but hadn’t yet succumbed to massive redevelopment as had already occurred in Ho Chi Minh City, with its dozens of new gleaming glass skyscrapers. Hanoi still retained much of historic and colonial feel within its older neighborhoods. Unfortunately, as Hanoi’s economy continues to soar, so does its skyline, and not necessarily for the better. Hopefully the historic fabric will be preserved.
Two days in this beautiful city will allow enough time for visiting its most famous attractions as described here.
Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
A good place to start any visit to Hanoi is Hoan Kiem Lake, often referred to as the heart of the city. It’s a peaceful oasis surrounded by busy and somewhat chaotic streets. The green colored lake is a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy a leisurely stroll, stop for coffee or an ice cream while looking over the lake, or sit on a bench and people watch. It’s also popular with joggers, tai chi enthusiasts, especially in the morning when it is more quiet.
At the lake’s center is Ngoc Son Temple, accessible by a charming red bridge. The temple is dedicated to the national hero Tran Hung Dao, is a tranquil place to learn about Vietnamese history and admire the beautiful architecture.
The Old Quarter
Hanoi’s cultural soul is within the Old Quarter, generally located north and west of Hoan Kiem Lake. Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, adjacent Hoan Kiem Lake, is a gateway to the Old Quarter, and is a lively pedestrian gathering area, especially at night.
We ventured into the heart of the Old Quarter, exploring its maize of narrow streets fronted by skinny old shop houses, taking in the variety of sights and smells. At one time, each of the 36 streets within the quarter specialized in a different trade or craft, however, that is less the case today. Still, visitors can buy a myriad of items, including silk and jewelry, clothing, shoes, souvenirs, and antiques. Along Hàng Bac (Silver Street) once known for its silversmiths, there are dozens of jewelry stores and money changers. Hàng Gai specializes in farbrics and custom made suits and dresses. Vietnamese street food abounds throughout the Old Quarter. Visitors can savor delectable Vietnamese dishes such as Bún chả which is a bowl of rice noodles with grilled pork and meatballs. You can grab a bowl at Bún Chả Hương Liên where President Obama dined. Cozy cafes throughout the quarter sell a unique egg coffee (called ca phe throng), which is made with a whipped egg yolk custard stirred into the coffee.
One of Hanoi’s most unique streets is located along the western edge of the Old Quarter. Known as “Train Street”, it is a narrow alley with train tracks built right down the middle. Trains travel throughout the day while people go about their daily lives, working or playing next to the tracks. Stop at any of the small cafes and watch the trains pass only a few feet from the building walls.
Within the Old Quarter is the small Bach Ma Temple (meaning White Horse Temple), the oldest temple in Hanoi, and one of four guarding temples to protect Thang Long (ancient Hanoi). It was originally built by Emperor Ly Thai To in the 11th century to honor a white horse that guided him to the site, where he chose to construct the city walls. Additions to the temple were added in the 18th century, and a shrine to Confucius was added in 1839.
Also within the Old Quarter (to the west Hoan Kiem Lake) is St. Joseph Cathedral, built in 1886 during the French colonial era. The granite neo-Gothic style cathedral serves as the headquarters for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hanoi. It has two towers that rise over 100 feet, each fitted with five bells. The architects sought to emulate the design of Notre Dame in Paris. The interior contains stained glass windows that were produced in France before being shipped to Vietnam.
The French Quarter
To the east of Hoan Kiem Lake is the French Quarter, which offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s colonial past. The French Quarter was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and is known for its elegant European style of architecture, government buildings, luxury hotels, opulent villas and broad tree lined boulevards. The area is also home to numerous embassies, high-end shops, and quaint cafes that serve as reminders of the French influence on Hanoi’s culture and lifestyle.
The iconic Hanoi Opera House was modeled after the Palais Garnier in Paris.This beautiful French colonial building hosts a variety of performances, including classical music, ballet, and traditional Vietnamese shows. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about its history and the role it plays in Hanoi’s cultural life.
West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda
West Lake, the largest lake in Hanoi, offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the older parts of the city. The two-square mile lake is located to the north of the Old Quarter. The area is a popular place for recreation, and is surrounded by gardens, luxury hotels, stylish cafes, and upscale restaurants. A notable attraction within the middle of the lake is Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, dating to the 6th century. The pagoda is an iconic symbol of Buddhism in Vietnam and offers stunning views of the lake as well as numerous shrines. Nearby is Quán Thánh Temple, one of the four sacred temples of ancient Hanoi. The temple dates to the 11th century and the name means Place of the Gods. It is dedicated to the Deity of the North, and contains the powerful animal symbols of the serpent and turtle.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Grounds
A visit to Hanoi would not be complete without visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and grounds, located at Ba Dinh Square just south of West Lake. Ho Chi Minh, known as the founding father of modern Vietnam, was the Chairman of the Workers’ Party of Vietnam from 1951 until his death in 1969. This grand structure is the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of modern Vietnam. The large square gray granite building adorned with marble columns was inspired by Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow, but contains unique Vietnamese architectural elements such as a sloping roof. The mausoleum’s central hall holds the embalmed body of President Ho Chi Minh within a glass case. The mausoleum is surrounded by gardens containing 250 different species of plants and flowers from throughout Vietnam.
Within the complex are other interesting places to visit. The yellow colored Presidential Palace contains over 30 rooms and was originally built for the French Indochina Governor. When Ho Chi Minh took power, he refused to dwell in the palace claiming it would be inappropriate to live in such a luxurious building. Instead it was used for meeting important delegations. Ho Chi Minh instead lived in a simple wooden Stilt house located nearby. The house was built to resemble stilt dwellings in the mountainous north, and to remind him of the days that he spent preparing for the revolution.
The Ho Chi Minh Museum includes 2,000 historical artifacts that depict his career and Vietnam’s revolutionary stages. The One Pillar Pagoda, located within the center of a lotus lake, represents a lotus emerging from a pond. The current pagoda was built in 1955, as the original (built in 1049) was destroyed by French soldiers.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
To the east of the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum is the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a vast complex of historic buildings and structures that are an important part of the history of Vietnam. The citadel is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally built in 1011 by the Ly Viet Dynasty on the remains of a Chinese fortress dating from the 7th century. It was the center of regional political power for nearly 13 centuries. The archaeological remains tell the story of Hanoi’s evolution through various dynasties. Within the complex are imperial gates, remains of ancient palaces, pagodas and pavilions.
Temple of Literature
South of the Citadel is the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. The temple is a stunning example of traditional Vietnamese architecture and was Vietnam’s first university. The beautiful courtyards, gardens, and pavilions provide a glimpse into the country’s scholarly past. Within the temple’s second courtyard is the Khue Van Pavilion, constructed in 1805 and a memorial to Confucius and Confucianism. The pavilion is also a symbol of Hanoi because of its connection to the Vietnamese tradition of learning and education. It is characterized by a red-painted wooded top level, and double layered tile roof supported by wooden beams, and intricate carvings on brick columns, and surrounded by gardens and ponds. The pavilion’s round windows depict the shining star, symbolizing intelligence and knowledge.
Museums in Hanoi
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – We visited the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to get an insight into Vietnam’s many diverse ethnic groups, as well as cultures abroad. Located on the city’s western outskirts, the museum’s many exhibits and artifacts showcase the cultural heritage of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities. The indoor displays feature traditional clothing, tools, household items, paintings, musical instruments, interactive exhibits and educational programs. The outdoor grounds surrounding the building, called Architectural Garden, feature full-scale replicas of ethnic minority homes and communal structures from across the country, such as traditional stilt houses.
Vietnam National Museum of History – The Vietnam National Museum of History in Hanoi is a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits that span the vast timeline of Vietnam’s rich history. Housed in a beautiful colonial-era building that was once the École Française d’Extrême-Orient, the museum showcases over 200,000 items that cover prehistoric times, the dynastic periods, and the struggles for independence. The vast collection includes ancient ceramics, bronze drums, and intricate sculptures. It also includes displays on the Dong Son civilization, which is renowned for its sophisticated bronze work, and the Champa kingdom, known for its distinctive Hindu-influenced art and architecture. Vietnam’s more recent history is also exhibited, including the struggles against colonialism and the Vietnam War.
Hoa Lo Prison Museum – The Hoa Lo Prison Museum, also nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton, , offers a sobering glimpse into Vietnam’s tumultuous past. It’s most notable as the prison of former US Senator John McCain during the Vietnam War. The prison is located southwest of Hoan Kiem Lake. The prison was originally built by French colonialists in the late 19th century, used to detain Vietnamese political prisoners who fought for independence. We walked through the corridors revisiting the dark history and harsh conditions within the cells that held Vietnamese revolutionaries, and later American prisoners of War. The museum provides insight into the prisoners’ experiences through photographs, artifacts, and personal accounts. The museum also highlights stories of resilience and defiance, making it a worthwhile destination for those looking to understand the complex historical narratives of Vietnam.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
As part of our tour, we were lucky to experience a traditional water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater located in the Old Quarter. These unique shows offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Water puppetry originated from the rural villages of the Red River Delta over a thousand years ago. The shows involve the use of wooden puppets that perform on a water stage. The puppeteers use long bamboo rods to control the puppets, creating lively performances that depict scenes of rural life, folklore, and historical legends. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi is renowned for its vibrant shows, where puppets dance and glide across the water to the accompaniment of traditional Vietnamese music played by a live orchestra.
Getting There and Around
To and From the Airport – Hanoi is served by Noi Bai International Airport, about 17 miles to the north of the central city. Getting to or from the center of Hanoi can be done by taxi cab (located at taxi stands outside the arrival area). There are several bus lines that traverse between the airport and city. Bus Route 86 is the most popular route, which l goes to the Hanoi Railway Station, leaving every 30 minutes.
Getting around in Hanoi is fairly easy since many of its attractions, hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas are located near each other. Most visitors tend to stay within the districts of Hoan Kiem (which includes the Old Quarter and the French Quarter), Ba Dinh, Tay Ho (West Lake), and Hai Ba Trung. The city’s local population travels mostly on motorbikes while motorcycle taxi cabs, buses, and private automobiles are available for when you want to visit other districts within the metropolitan area.
Walking – Within the most popular tourist areas, walking is generally an easy option. Like most of Vietnam, visitors may be daunted by the frenzy of traffic. Large numbers of people ride motorcycles. It feels as if there are no rules of the road, and you’ll see that people drive and park their motorbikes on sidewalks. Cars often weave from lane to lane, and no one seems to stop or slow down when driving through an intersection. It’s best to just go with the flow, follow the locals, and act determined when walking or crossing. Drivers will know to avoid you.
Motorcycle Taxi Cabs – Motorcycle taxi cabs are a a quick and inexpensive way of getting around in Hanoi. These vehicles aren’t fitted with meters, so make sure to bargain and settle on the price. A helmet will be provided. Since many drivers speak limited English, it is helpful to write down the address of your destination and show it the driver beforehand.
Taxi Cab – Taxi cabs can be found on most streets, or they can be request at hotels. Given the traffic in Hanoi, they can be slower, especially for short journeys. Taxi cabs are fitted with meters, and the prices per kilometer are reasonable. You can tip the driver by rounding up the meter at your destination.
Cyclo – A cycle is a small cab fitted onto the front of a bicycle, and they seat one to two passengers. First time users may find them daunting, as they are surrounded by much faster cars, buses and motorcycles. They are a good option on more narrow streets, such as within the historic Old Quarter.
Bus – Hanoi is served by local buses (decked out in red, white, and yellow) covering regular routes within the city. Most stop near and in front of famous attractions such as Hoan Kiem Lake, The Old Quarter, Hanoi Train Station, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and The Literature Temple. Tickets are generally less expensive than taxi cabs or motorcycle taxis, but are payable in cash only.
Hop On Hop Off Bus – A good way to get a lay of the land, and see many of the city’s sights is by riding a Hop On Hop Off bus. There is one route that has 13 stops that serve the French Quarter, Old Quarter and West Lake. Tickets can be purchased for one or two day periods.