9 Must-Visit Places in Hanoi

Hanoi is a city brimming with both ancient and modern wonders. The bustling Old Quarter offers a unique glimpse into Vietnam’s rich culture. The serene Tran Quoc Pagoda gives insight into the country’s history. Make sure to add these must-visit places to your travel itinerary for an unforgettable trip!

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Hanoi Train Street

Location: Ngõ 224 Lê Duẩn, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Tips:

• Arrive early to secure a good spot to watch the trains pass.
• Enjoy coffee at one of the local cafés lining the tracks.
  Price: Free (except for drinks at cafés).
  Why visit? Witness a unique spectacle. Trains pass inches away from buildings and people. This showcases Hanoi’s harmonious mix of daily life and bustling urban activity.

The New Museum of Vietnam’s Military

Location: Tây Mỗ, Nam Từ Liêm, Hà Nội.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Ticket Price: 60,000 VND for adults. It is 30,000 VND for students.
Why visit?
Spanning 386,000 sq.m, this impressive museum houses over 150,000 wartime artifacts, including tanks, aircraft, and military memorabilia. Indoor and outdoor galleries vividly depict Vietnam’s storied military history.

The Old Quarter

Location: Hoàn Kiếm District, Hà Nội

Tips:

• Wander through the narrow streets and explore the themed shops (e.g., Silk Street, Coffee Street).
• Sample street food like pho, banh mi, and egg coffee.
  Price: Free to explore (street food starts at 30,000 VND).
  Why visit?
  The beating heart of Hanoi is the Old Quarter. It is a labyrinth of bustling streets filled with history, culture, and local charm.

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Location: Thanh Niên, Yên Phụ, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Price: Free
Why visit?
Tran Quoc Pagoda, dating back to the 6th century, is Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple. It is an iconic site set on a small island in West Lake. Its serene atmosphere is perfect for quiet reflection and stunning photographs.

Saint Joseph Cathedral

Location: 40 Nhà Chung, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Price: Free
Why visit?
This 19th-century Gothic Revival cathedral is reminiscent of Paris’s Notre Dame. Its French colonial architecture and peaceful courtyard make it a must-visit for history buffs and photographers.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square

Location: 2 Hùng Vương, Điện Bàn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM (closed Mondays and Fridays)
Price: Free
Why visit?
Similar to Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow, this landmark houses the embalmed body of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader. Combined with Ba Dinh Square, it’s a poignant reminder of Vietnam’s fight for independence.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Location: Hoàn Kiếm District, Hà Nội

Tips:

• Visit Ngoc Son Temple on the lake’s islet.
• Walk around the lake at night to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
  Price: Free (Ngoc Son Temple: 30,000 VND).
  Why visit?
  A symbol of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake offers a tranquil escape amid the city’s hustle and bustle. Don’t miss the magical red bridge connecting the lake to Ngoc Son Temple.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Location: 19C Hoàng Diệu, Điện Bàn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ticket Price: 30,000 VND (Adults) / 15,000 VND (Students)
Why visit?
This UNESCO World Heritage site showcases Hanoi’s royal past. Ancient relics, palaces, and underground bunkers paint a vivid picture of Vietnam’s dynastic history.

Temple of Literature

Location: 58 Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa, Hà Nội
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Ticket Price: 30,000 VND (Adults) / 15,000 VND (Students)
Why visit?
Built in 1070, this ancient temple honors Confucius and Vietnam’s scholars. It is home to the country’s first university and is a serene spot filled with history and beautiful gardens.

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