Experience the vibrant rhythm of life in Hanoi, from the dreamy early morning to the lively evenings. Amidst its famous historical landmarks, including over 600 temples and pagodas, lies a distinct cultural identity waiting to be explored. Mytour presents the essential tourist destinations in Hanoi that you shouldn't miss if you have the opportunity to visit this place.
1. Temple of Literature
Temple of Literature - Vietnam's First University

Temple of Literature - Vietnam's First University. @HTV
2. One Pillar Pagoda
It would be a missed opportunity if you visit Hanoi's tourist spots without pausing at the One Pillar Pagoda. This remarkably unique ancient architectural marvel still sparks debate among historians regarding its precise year of construction. The pagoda, crafted from wood, encompasses a square-shaped Lotus Pond Pavilion erected on a 4-meter-high pillar. The Lotus Pond Pavilion boasts a tiled roof, curved at all four corners, with a Twin Dragons embracing the crescent moon atop. Since antiquity, the Dragon has symbolized sacredness, embodying authority and power, encapsulating numerous humanistic values and aspirations.

One Pillar Pagoda - A Thousand-Year-Old Lotus Blossom in the Heart of the Capital. @panoramio.com
3. Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda at Dusk. @chathanoi.com
4. St. Joseph's Cathedral Hanoi
St. Joseph's Cathedral was constructed by the French in the early 19th century, following the medieval European Gothic architectural style. The cathedral was built based on the prototype of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, with wide vaulted ceilings arching towards the sky. It measures 20.5m wide and 64.5m long, with two bell towers soaring 31.5m high.
You can explore hotels in Hanoi for convenience during your sightseeing.

St. Joseph's Cathedral Hanoi showcases Gothic-style architecture from the medieval era. @vietket.net
With its spacious landscape adorned with lush greenery, St. Joseph's Cathedral Hanoi is one of the tourist attractions in Hanoi that appeals to the younger crowd. In the morning, you can sit and enjoy characteristic sidewalk coffee and savor the cool Hanoi air. Come evening, gather with friends over glasses of lemon tea to chat and unwind.
5. Times City Aquarium
The Times City Aquarium is the only aquarium in Hanoi covering nearly 4,000 m², equivalent to 3 million liters of seawater, and is also the first aquarium with a 180-degree tunnel. Times City comprises 4 main areas for exploration: freshwater zone, reptile cave, saltwater zone, and specimen exhibition area. Here, there are over 30,000 specimens from the 'five continents, four oceans,' such as penguins, giant spider crabs...

Photo: Aquarium Times City
Apart from exploring the vibrant aquarium, you can also enjoy various exciting performances such as flash mobs, shows featuring sharks, stingrays, Koi carp,... dine, admire the lively performances of mermaids in the tank, and then take photos with the mermaids and sea princes.
6. Hanoi Old Quarter
One of the must-visit tourist spots in Hanoi is the Old Quarter. The Old Quarter comprises houses, streets, and corners imbued with French architecture from the 19th century. Despite the ups and downs of history and time, this place still retains its original architectural charm.

A peaceful corner of Hanoi's Old Quarter. @2.bp.blogspot.com
It can be affirmed that the Old Quarter is the soul, the characteristic feature of Hanoi itself. Here, you will feel the elegant beauty in the souls of the Hanoians.
7. Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Sword Lake, lies right in the heart of Hanoi's capital. Regarded as the symbol of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake holds deep cultural and historical significance, adding to the beauty of the thousand-year-old capital.

Hoan Kiem Lake with The Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son Temple. @vifep
Beyond its significant historical value, Hoan Kiem Lake is also a recreational hub for the city's residents and tourists amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Within the vicinity of Hoan Kiem Lake are impressive tourist spots in Hanoi that always attract visitors, such as the Tortoise Tower, Pen Tower, The Huc Bridge, and Ngoc Son Temple.
8. Ba Dinh Square - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
One of Hanoi's unmissable tourist attractions is Ba Dinh Square, a historic site where Uncle Ho proclaimed the independence of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. At the heart of the square lies the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, housing the preserved body of President Ho Chi Minh. This is a place every Vietnamese wishes to visit at least once in their lifetime to express their profound reverence for the beloved father of the nation. The Mausoleum is open to visitors on 5 mornings a week: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Visitors must adhere to certain requirements such as dressing modestly, refraining from using recording devices, and maintaining order inside the Mausoleum.

Historic Ba Dinh Square and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. @24h.com.vn
9. West Lake

A corner of West Lake at night. @scland.vn
