Top 12 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Sword Lake, is one of the iconic landmarks in Hanoi, representing a thousand years of cultural history. It's often referred to by international visitors as the 'Flower Basket in the City.' Beyond being a refreshing spot with a variety of flowers, plants, a tower, and turtles, it is intertwined with the daily life activities of the Hanoi people.

This freshwater lake is situated in the heart of Hanoi, covering an area of about 12 hectares. Surrounding the lake are streets such as Le Thai To to the West, Dinh Tien Hoang to the East, Hang Khay to the South, and landmarks like the statue of King Le Thai To, The Huc Bridge, the Pen Tower, Ngoc Son Temple, and the famous Turtle Island. Hoan Kiem Lake is an invaluable heritage associated with ancient legends and profound cultural history.

Approximately six centuries ago, the lake was named Luc Thuy Lake. However, in the 15th century, it was renamed Hoan Kiem Lake, closely tied to the legend of King Le Loi returning the sacred sword. This tale dates back to the time when Vietnam was under the Ming aggression. King Le Loi led the resistance and received a magical sword from the Golden Turtle. After defeating the enemy, he ascended to the throne as Le Thai To, moving the capital to Thang Long. During a stroll on Luc Thuy Lake, the Golden Turtle emerged, requesting the king to return the precious sword. Since then, the lake has been renamed Hoan Kiem Lake. When visiting Hoan Kiem Lake, tourists can admire the two islands: Ngoc (Jade) Island and Rua (Turtle) Island. Ngoc Island has the Huc Bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple, while Rua Island, located at the center of the lake, features the Turtle Tower.

Surrounded by various flowers and plants, Hoan Kiem Lake provides a refreshing atmosphere in close connection with nature. It's not just a resting place after long journeys; it's an opportunity to experience the daily life of the Hanoi people. Every year during the Tet festival, locals and tourists gather around the lake to celebrate the Lunar New Year. During this time, the lake becomes a meeting place for couples, a location for wedding photoshoots, and a refreshing destination under the shade of lush trees. Tourists will be captivated by the beauty of vibrant purple Lagerstroemia flowers and flaming red phoenix flowers.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum was inaugurated on August 29, 1975. The mausoleum consists of 3 layers with a height of 21.6 meters, the bottom layer is in the shape of a three-tiered terrace, the middle layer is the central structure of the mausoleum with the embalming room and corridors, staircases. Surrounding all four sides are square columns made of granite, and the top layer is the three-tiered roof of the mausoleum. On the main facade is the inscription: 'President Ho Chi Minh' in ripe purple stone.

In his will, Ho Chi Minh wanted to be cremated and his ashes placed in three regions of the country. However, at the 3rd Central Committee Politburo meeting, based on the wishes and sentiments of the people, it was decided to preserve Ho Chi Minh's remains for a long time so that people nationwide, especially those in the South, could come to pay their respects later.

The mausoleum is designed for high sustainability, able to withstand bombs, bullets, and earthquakes of intensity 7 on the Richter scale. Additionally, there is a special protective structure against flooding in case Hanoi's dykes break. The glass of the coffin must withstand significant mechanical impact. The mausoleum is also designed with a 'special chamber' to keep the remains in place in case of war.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a large cultural and artistic work. It was built on the old foundation of the podium in Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh presided over large rallies and read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The mausoleum was officially inaugurated on September 2, 1973.

Construction materials were brought from various regions across the country. Sand was taken from Kim Boi stream, Hoa Binh province by the Muong ethnic people. Granite was extracted from streams in Son Duong, Chiem Hoa, and Ngoi Thia. Selective stone for the mausoleum was sourced from various places: Nhoi stone in Thanh Hoa, Hoa stone (Thay Pagoda), red mountain stone from Non Nuoc... Crushed stone was brought from Hoang Thi stone mine (Thac Ba, Yen Bai), and sand was also taken from Thanh Xuyen (Thai Nguyen). People along the Truong Son range also sent 16 types of precious wood. Various types of trees from all regions were brought here, including chò nâu wood from Den Hung, ban flowers from Dien Bien-Lai Chau, and bamboo from Cao Bang... Young people also organized labor participation to grind stones, weed, and plant trees. The lighting system, mausoleum design, and preservation of Ho Chi Minh's remains were handled by Soviet experts. The Soviet Union also sent 20,000 pieces of polished granite and jasper to decorate the Mausoleum.

Ba Dinh Square is one of the beautiful tourist spots in Hanoi. Besides that, Ba Dinh Square is also a historical site recording the significant changes of the nation. Ba Dinh Square was built by the French in the early 20th century under the name Puginier – the name of a French priest. The original area of the square was just a small flower garden with vacant land, surrounded by some villas of the old government. The name Ba Dinh began to replace it from 1945. An interesting fact is that the person who named the square is Dr. Tran Van Lai - the mayor of Hanoi of the government of Tran Trong Kim, not Ho Chi Minh as many people still think.

The name Ba Dinh also appeared before September 2, 1945. According to records, Ba Dinh Square, formerly known as Puginier Square, was named by Dr. Tran Van Lai around the period from July 20 to August 19, 1945. Regarding the significance of the name Ba Dinh, it was inspired by the uprising against the French in Ba Dinh, Thanh Hoa in 1886 – 1887.

Ba Dinh Square has undergone two name changes (Independence Square and Hong Bang Square) before being named as it is today. Later, there were many opinions about renaming Ba Dinh Square to Independence Square or September 2 Square, but President Ho Chi Minh insisted on keeping the old name Ba Dinh.

Ba Dinh Square is not only a historical witness but also a must-visit destination in Hanoi tours. Ba Dinh Square is a unique architectural complex. Over time, with the ups and downs of history, Ba Dinh Square has the current spatial architectural structure.

• Next to the central area of the square are architectural constructions such as:
• Ba Dinh Hall – completed in 1963
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – completed in 1975 at the location where he stood to read the Declaration of Independence in 1945
• Ho Chi Minh Museum – completed in 1990
• Monument to the Heroes who sacrificed for the Fatherland – built in 1994

Right near Ba Dinh Square is the Presidential Palace area, the One Pillar Pagoda from the Ly dynasty, and Hoang Thanh Thang Long. All are unique works with historical and humanitarian significance. Therefore, Ba Dinh Square can be said to be an extremely interesting tourist attraction in the capital Hanoi.

West Lake, also known as Misty Lake (Dam Dam Lake), Golden Buffalo Lake (Kim Ngưu Lake), or Corpse Collector Pond. Each name holds a legend about the origin of the mythical West Lake. West Lake is the most romantic corner in the colorful picture of Hanoi; it is a world of fresh winds, freedom, and rich poetry. West Lake is beautiful not only because of its vast blue water surface, not just the purple of water lilies, the red phoenix flowers every summer, the melancholy of space, the willow branches swaying in the winter afternoons, or the shimmering of pure morning dew... but West Lake is also beautiful as a heart embracing within itself the joys and sorrows of countless people.

Every dreamy morning, hundreds of people, both old and young, come here to breathe fresh air and exercise. The slope of Thanh Nien Street is the gateway for bikes full of flowers, simple food stalls 'flowing' into the heart of Hanoi. West Lake becomes a meeting point, a place where people come like a habit. Thanh Nien Street or formerly known as Co Ngư Street was beautiful, in the past, it was the boundary between West Lake and Truc Bach Lake, with a lot of people passing by after the twilight time. Some find a spot by the lake to enjoy the breeze, sip a cup of coffee at a roadside cafe, savor the famous shrimp cake, eat an ice cream; in luxury restaurants located on the lake's edge, in the middle of the lake, or on boats...

There are more than 20 temples, shrines around the lake, rated with many famous relics with many valuable artifacts such as over 100 stone steles, 165 couplets, 140 horizontal lacquers, nearly 20 ancient bells, 60 sacred seals, over 300 bronze, wood, and stone statues. Many temples and shrines are like that, but perhaps Hanoi people, tourists still come to Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Tay Ho Palace. People come here not only to enjoy the beautiful architecture of ancient temples but also to pray for luck, blessings... especially on full moon days, the first day of the lunar month, and holidays, Tet.

In the West of West Lake, there are still many villages. Each village here is more or less associated with a landmark, a historical relic. Nghi Tam Village, the hometown of the poet 'Mrs. Huyen Thanh Quan' with Kim Lien Pagoda with unique architecture. Xuan Tao Village with Soc Temple worshiping Saint Giong. Trich Sai Village has Thien Nien Pagoda worshiping the mother of the weaving profession. Thuy Khe Village has Ba Danh Pagoda. Nhat Tan Village with the famous cherry blossoms. Then the paper village, bronze casting ward, etc...

Although the ancient features of the villages have put on a new appearance in the process of urbanization with tall buildings, hotels, villas emerging, many villages still retain the village features with village gates, communal houses, hundred-year-old houses perhaps... West Lake is a place for relaxation for Hanoi people and is also an ideal residence for foreigners living and working in the capital, with hundreds of villas to the West. More than fifty years ago, people only went to the West of West Lake to enter flower villages, peach blossom villages, to go to temples, Tay Ho Palace... in recent years, every house has opened a restaurant, many gradually turning into culinary areas with rustic scenery for those who want to 'change the wind' after long working hours.

Considered one of Hanoi's iconic landmarks, St. Joseph's Cathedral Hanoi is a must-visit in the capital for many travelers. Especially, attending a solemn ceremony at St. Joseph's Cathedral Hanoi provides an unforgettable experience. Officially named St. Joseph's Cathedral, it serves as the main cathedral of the Hanoi Archdiocese and is also the seat of the Archbishop. St. Joseph's Cathedral Hanoi is recognized as the oldest church in the capital Hanoi. Beyond being a venue for regular religious activities of the Hanoi Archdiocese's followers, St. Joseph's Cathedral Hanoi is also a famous Hanoi tourist attraction, drawing a large number of domestic and international tourists for visits.

St. Joseph's Cathedral Hanoi was constructed in 1884 with a total budget of around 200,000 French francs at that time. The construction funds were raised through two lottery rounds in 1883 and 1886, and the cathedral was inaugurated on Christmas Day in 1887. The reason why it is named St. Joseph's Cathedral is that in 1678, Pope Innocent XI canonized St. Joseph - the foster father of Jesus - as the patron saint of the Indochinese countries. Therefore, the largest church in Hanoi is honored as the “Cathedral Church dedicated to St. Joseph.”

The architecture of St. Joseph's Cathedral Hanoi is designed in the style of medieval European Gothic architecture. This style was prevalent during the Renaissance. St. Joseph's Cathedral Hanoi features a large arched vault reaching towards the sky. The cathedral is 64.5 meters long and 20.5 meters wide, with two bell towers reaching a height of 31.5 meters. At the top, there is a stone crucifix. In front of the church is a spacious square. At the center of the square stands a metal statue of the Virgin Mary.

The main construction material for the cathedral is fired clay bricks. The wall surfaces are plastered with mulberry paper. The entrance doors and windows are decorated with colorful stained glass paintings of saints, creating a dazzling effect. The sacred area is adorned with traditional folk art using wood as the primary material, featuring intricate carvings, gold leaf, and lacquer.

St. Joseph's Cathedral Hanoi houses a set of 5 West bells hanging in the two bell towers, including 4 small bells and 1 large bell. The front of the church has a large clock. The clock has a striking and hourly chime system linked directly to the 5 bells. Besides attending religious services, visitors can explore St. Joseph's Cathedral Hanoi. This place is considered one of Hanoi's beautiful tourist attractions with a unique and impressive architecture.

The Temple of Literature and National University is an unmissable destination when introducing Hanoi. With a rich and ancient history, this complex attracts visitors from both within and outside the country. The moment you step here, you will feel the scenery and architecture imbued with the ancient charm yet full of the beauty of time.

This architectural and cultural complex stands out and is a source of pride for the residents of the capital. People often mention The Temple of Literature and National University when recalling the thousand-year scholarly tradition of Thang Long – Dong Do – Hanoi. The ancient architecture takes us back to the nostalgic memories of the country. Not stopping there, this place is also considered a symbol of knowledge and Vietnam's education. It is a place of worship for the forefathers, the sages of Confucianism, and the Principal of Quoc Tu Giam, Chu Van An – a representative teacher embodying the high ideals and virtues of Vietnam's education.

Hanoi Old Quarter is situated to the West and North of Hoan Kiem Lake, chosen by many tourists to explore the life, culture, and people of Trang An. It not only helps you understand Hanoi's lifestyle better but is also a fantastic backdrop for vintage-style photos. In general, the narrow streets and alleys make it convenient to travel around the quarter by electric car, motorbike rental, or cyclo.

The Old Quarter is a densely populated area with 36 streets and wards. It was formed by small traders and craftsmen along the Red River. They gathered to create a bustling and vibrant trading area. Each street here mainly focuses on selling a specific type of product. For these reasons, tourists should not miss the Old Quarter – one of the fascinating and attractive tourist destinations in Hanoi.

One Pillar Pagoda is one of the symbols of the capital Hanoi. The pagoda was built in 1049 during the Ly Dynasty. One Pillar Pagoda is a unique architectural work with high aesthetic values, reflected through the art of shaping the water surface, sculpture, painting, etc., reflecting the values of ancient culture as well as the national identity. On the other hand, the One Pillar Pagoda also holds many precious spiritual values.

Until now, this place is still a destination for many people because of its tranquil and peaceful space, making one feel like letting go of all worries when passing through the gate to enter the meditation area. Through the ups and downs of time, One Pillar Pagoda still stands majestically, bringing a peaceful and ancient atmosphere to the bustling heart of Hanoi. Every year, the pagoda attracts a large number of Buddhists, domestic and international tourists who come to offer incense, worship Buddha, and admire the beauty of the pagoda.

The next name that Mytour wants to introduce to you is Tran Quoc Pagoda. This is one of the oldest pagodas in Hanoi and Vietnam. Tran Quoc Pagoda is located on a peninsula south of West Lake, near the end of Thanh Nien Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi. With values in history and architecture, Tran Quoc Pagoda is famous as a sacred Buddhist gateway, attracting many Buddhist followers, visitors, and tourists from both domestic and international destinations.

The pagoda harmoniously combines the solemnity of ancient architecture with the poetic and graceful beauty of the lush green garden and vast lake. Immerse yourself in the silent and contemplative scene of Tran Quoc Pagoda, and tourists also have the opportunity to explore the architectural art on the intricate carvings. Every year, Tran Quoc Pagoda is chosen as the venue for important events related to Buddhism, hosting millions of worshippers and captivating tourists from all corners of the world who yearn to experience the timeless beauty of the ancient pagoda in the streets of Hanoi.

Hanoi Opera House is located at 01 Trang Tien, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem District. This venue proudly hosts cultural and artistic activities to serve important political and social missions. Over more than 100 years of formation and development, the Opera House still astonishes visitors with its unique European architecture in the heart of Asia. From the outside, we can feel the European touch with delicate patterns, classical engravings.

Here, you will have more interesting insights into the history and lifestyle of the ancient colonial society. Especially, not only with excellent architecture, but the Opera House also allows you to immerse yourself in a luxurious and romantic musical space. Visitors can explore Hanoi Opera House with an entrance fee of 400,000 VND per person.

Long Bien Bridge is an indispensable destination when it comes to exploring Hanoi. Built by the French in 1898, it is the first steel bridge spanning the Red River. Alongside the people of Hanoi, the bridge has witnessed two national resistance wars against the French and the Americans, making it a symbol of Hanoi during difficult times. In the hearts of many Hanoians, Long Bien Bridge is an unforgettable part of their memories.

Tourists often check in on the bridge, and you can also admire Long Bien Bridge from nearby cafes. Observing the hustle and bustle on the bridge from a different perspective will bring you many interesting experiences. For over half a century, Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi steadfastly crosses the Red River, not only as a witness to great history but also as a familiar meeting point in the midst of the bustling city.

Alongside the mentioned landmarks, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is also a must-visit spot included in many annual tours. The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a vast architectural complex built by kings in various historical periods, becoming the most important monument in Vietnam's system of historical sites.

The archaeological site Imperial Citadel of Thang Long covers a total area of 18,395 hectares, making it challenging for tourists to explore the entire citadel. Points of interest in the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long include the Archaeological Area at 18 Hoang Dieu, Hanoi Flag Tower, Kinh Thien Palace, Hau Lau, Bac Mon Gate, and D67 House. Visitors can explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long at any time of the year, with autumn being the most favorable choice due to clear skies and mild sunlight.