10 fascinating destinations of Hanoi through the eyes of foreign tourists

9. West Lake

Located not far from the city center, West Lake is the largest lake in Hanoi and a beloved relaxation spot not only for locals but also for many tourists. The best time to visit West Lake is at sunset, where you can engage in various activities such as boating, cycling, shopping, etc. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda - one of the most ancient and sacred temples in Hanoi.

8. Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

When it comes to Hanoi tourism, one of the must-visit destinations for many domestic and international tourists is the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, located near Hoan Kiem Lake. Water puppetry performances take place on the water surface and are controlled by artisans behind the bamboo screen. The stories depicted in water puppetry vividly showcase the life and culture of the Vietnamese people, particularly cherished by foreign visitors.

7. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the final resting place of the great leader of the Vietnamese nation. The mausoleum was officially inaugurated on September 2, 1973, at the location of the old pedestal in Ba Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh once read the Declaration of Independence. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is open five days a week, in the mornings of Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Visitors are required to adhere to certain regulations such as dressing appropriately, not bringing electronic recording devices, and maintaining order within the mausoleum.

6. Presidential Palace Historical Site

Behind the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum lies a modest stilt house, where President Ho Chi Minh resided during the 1960s. The stilt house resembles a traditional rural house, complete with a lush garden and a pond filled with carp. Within this complex is also the Presidential Palace, built for the French Governor during the colonial period in the early 1900s. Today, this building is used to host important international delegations and is not open to the public for visits.

5. Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison, located on Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, was built by the French colonialists in 1896, covering a total area of over 12,000 m². The prison was constructed for the purpose of detaining prisoners, including political prisoners. It was one of the largest and most solidly built prisons in Indochina at that time. Today, only a small corner of Hoa Lo remains open to tourists. This prison is also listed among the top 10 most notorious prisons in the world.

4. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Visitors are welcomed here to explore and study ethnology, ranging from religious events to symbolic rituals of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. The museum currently consists of three main areas: one area includes exhibition halls, offices, and research facilities, libraries... The second area is an outdoor exhibition space, and the third area aims to introduce the cultures of foreign ethnic groups, mainly those from Southeast Asia.

3. Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is dedicated to Confucius, houses the Stelae of Doctors, and is also Vietnam's first university. It served as a place for talent competitions from across the country to select the best individuals for the nation. Within the Temple of Literature, there are also teaching areas and stelae on stone turtles inscribed with the names of outstanding scholars and doctors throughout ancient feudal dynasties. Today, the Temple of Literature has become a popular destination for tourists in Hanoi, especially students who often visit here before exams for good luck.

2. Hanoi Old Quarter

The highlight of Hanoi tourism is the 36 ancient streets of the Old Quarter, with old houses and streets retaining their appearance from the 19th century. You can wander around the old streets all day, exploring the peaceful and simple places that Hanoi has to offer. It's only when you come here that you can truly feel the beauty of the people of Hanoi, warm and familiar.

1. Hoan Kiem Lake

A special feature of Hanoi's geography is the numerous lakes within the city and the large rivers surrounding it. Hoan Kiem Lake, located right in the city center, is where Hanoi residents often come to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital. Moreover, adjacent to Hoan Kiem Lake are impressive architectural landmarks and valuable heritage sites such as the Pen Tower, the Ink Slab, the Huc Bridge, and the Ngoc Son Temple.

Source: Traveltimes.vn

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide