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Planning a 48-hour getaway to Hanoi and wondering where to go and what to eat? You're not alone. As the capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi boasts a plethora of captivating landmarks that attract both domestic and international tourists. Choosing which places to explore in just two short days is no easy task. Here are some suggestions to help you plan your itinerary.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- Address: Hung Vuong Street, Hanoi
If you ever get the chance to travel to Hanoi, then the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is definitely a place you cannot miss. The Mausoleum houses the remains of President Ho Chi Minh and was inaugurated on September 2, 1973, in Ba Dinh Square. This is also where Uncle Ho read the Declaration of Independence, marking the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. To enter the mausoleum, you need to line up early in the Ngoc Ha area as the number of visitors here is always high.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (image source)
After visiting the mausoleum, you'll have the chance to explore the stilt house area and Ho Chi Minh's fish pond. This area preserves many artifacts from Uncle Ho's life and work. Notable mentions include the stilt house area restored to its original state in 1969, after Uncle Ho's passing, and the fish pond covering over 3000 square meters. From the stilt house area, if you're interested, you can continue to visit the One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Museum.
Stilt House of Ho Chi Minh (image source)
Temple of Literature
- Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Van Mieu, Dong Da, Hanoi
After visiting the mausoleum, continue your journey with the Temple of Literature. The Temple of Literature is an architectural masterpiece built in 1070 during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong. It is considered Vietnam's first university. From the outside, step through the gates of the Temple of Literature, passing through the Great Gate, the Great Middle Gate, and the Gate of Great Success.
Temple of Literature (image source)
The Temple of Literature stands out with its ancient beauty, exuding a nostalgic charm. Within the Temple of Literature, there are various spaces for you to explore. For instance, the area of stelae. This is where names of those who achieved high academic success in the imperial examinations were engraved, selected to serve the royal court. Or the area of Khue Van Pavilion, featuring an octagonal structure with eight roofs on the upper and lower levels.
Khue Van Pavilion (image source)
To visit the Temple of Literature, you need to purchase a ticket priced from 30,000 Vietnamese dong.
Hoan Kiem Lake – Turtle Tower – Ngoc Son Temple
- Address: Hoan Kiem District Center, Hanoi
It would be a real shame to visit Hanoi and miss out on this important landmark. Hoan Kiem Lake is considered the heart of Hanoi. It's a famous freshwater lake known for its clear water associated with the legend of returning the sword to the sacred turtle.
Hoan Kiem Lake (Image: Collection)
To enter the area of Ngoc Son Temple, you will need to purchase a ticket priced at 30,000 Vietnamese dong. Once inside, the first thing you'll notice is the Pen Tower, followed by crossing the Huc Bridge with its distinctive red color. Inside the temple are shrines dedicated to Van Xuong De Quan and the venerable Saint Tran Hung Dao. You'll be particularly surprised by the image of the sacred turtle enclosed in glass inside the temple.
The Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son Temple (image source)
Besides, don't forget to experience Hoan Kiem walking street. This is an ideal destination chosen by many people for weekend getaways. Here, you will not only experience a cultural space and lively street music but also participate in traditional games such as jumping rope, tug of war, and chess…
Hanoi walking street bustling with activity (image source)
Surrounding attractions near the Old Quarter area
Visiting Hanoi without experiencing a stroll through the 36 ancient streets is truly regrettable. Formerly, each street here used to sell a different item corresponding to its name, such as Hang Chieu selling mats or Hang Ma selling worship items and gold products. Although nowadays, due to changing conditions, the locals no longer sell exactly those items, Hanoi's Old Quarter still retains its beauty. Passing through these ancient streets, there are too many beautiful landmarks that you must visit.
Image of Hanoi Old Quarter (image source)
St. Joseph's Cathedral: St. Joseph's Cathedral is located at 40 Nha Chung Street. The cathedral was built between 1884 and 1888 by the Catholic Church. Anyone visiting Hanoi wants to come here at least once to admire the beauty of this cathedral. The cathedral is built in European Gothic architectural style with a statue of Mother Mary holding Baby Jesus in front of the gate.
St. Joseph's Cathedral Hanoi (image source)
Dong Xuan Market: located on Dong Xuan Street, this is the largest market in the Old Quarter area. Despite being a wholesale market, it is a highly favored tourist destination. Especially in the evening, strolling around the Old Quarter, shopping for souvenirs or street food is definitely an unforgettable experience.
Dong Xuan Market (image source)
Hanoi Opera House: The Hanoi Opera House is located at 1 Trang Tien Street, Hanoi. This architectural work serves artistic performances and is situated on August Revolution Square. The Opera House combines elements of Greek architecture with the architecture of the Paris Opera House, creating a unique allure that is unmatched anywhere else.
Hanoi Opera House (image source)
We hope that with the destinations suggested by Vntrip.vn here, you'll have an enjoyable and exciting 2-day 1-night trip to Hanoi.
