Hanoi is the political, economic and cultural heart of Vietnam, and is located in the Red River Delta in the centre of North Vietnam. It was founded in 1010 during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai To and still preserves many ancient architectural works including the Old Quarter and over 600 pagodas. A charming city, much of its beauty stems from the picturesque lakes that sit beside the French-made tree-lined boulevards. The finest examples are Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake and Truc Bach Lake which offer a tranquillity that attracts locals and visitors alike. Hanoi is also famous for traditional handicrafts such as bronze moulding, silver carving, lacquer, and embroidery and you will see these on offer in the maze of streets that make up the Old Quarter. The city’s other notable sites include Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda (built in 1042), the Temple of Literature (built in 1070), the Tay Phuong Pagoda, famous for its collection of statues, and Lenin Park.

Hanoi has much to offer as a short break destination in its own right and we have outlined a number of key sightseeing options, in and around the city below:

10 things to do in Hanoi

  1. Wander around the maze of streets that make up the Old Quarter
  2. Take in a performance of the water puppet show
  3. Browse through the city’s private art galleries
  4. File past Ho Chi Minh as he lies in state
  5. Enjoy some traditional noodles at Pho Thin
  6. Watch the world go by beside Hoan Kiem Lake
  7. Marvel at the ancient Temple of Literature
  8. Bargain hunt in Dong Xuan Market
  9. Visit the magnificent Opera House
  10. Make a trip to Halong Bay

Experiences to Inspire in Hanoi

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