Street

A train passing through a narrow alleyway between houses, cafés and crowds of tourists is one of the most famous sights in Hanoi. Hanoi Train Street is a hugely popular tourist attraction, but I really enjoyed it there. I’ve been here several times, both during the day and at night. After dark, the alley has a truly special atmosphere. Everything is lit up and flashing, people are streaming past you, and running through it all is a fully…

Lake, Temple

Hoan Kiem Lake is the heart of Hanoi’s tourist centre and, in my opinion, one of the places you shouldn’t miss when visiting the city. There’s a pleasant tree-lined promenade running alongside the lake, and all around you’ll find cafés, restaurants and modern shops. It’s a very touristy spot, but I still enjoyed it here. I’d recommend coming here for your first stroll around the city and then returning in the evening – the local landmarks are…

Museum, Historic building, Temple

The Temple of Literature is one of the main historical monuments in the wider centre of Hanoi. The complex, also known as Văn Miếu–Quốc Tử Giám, consists of a series of interconnected courtyards, gardens and traditional pavilions. I particularly enjoyed it here because of the pleasant atmosphere and the shade. However, I wasn’t exactly blown away: if you’ve visited the temples in Bangkok or Kyoto, don’t expect the Temple of Literature to offer…

Museum

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum on Ba Dinh Square is one of Hanoi’s most famous landmarks. Inside, you can see the embalmed body of the Vietnamese statesman, but only on selected mornings. My tip for accommodation in Hanoi: WECOZY on Train Street – prices and availability. I stayed here in a large, modern flat with a kitchenette. You can find more tips in the article ‘Where to stay in Hanoi’. What to see and how much time to allow This imposing…

Street

Dong Xuan Food Alley is a narrow alley lined with eateries and stalls right next to Dong Xuan Market. You can also find it on maps under its local name, Ngõ Đồng Xuân. Stretching for about 200 metres, it is packed with small kitchens, low stools and tables where you can sample typical dishes from northern Vietnam. It’s ideal as a stop for lunch or for a few small tastings whilst strolling through the Old Quarter. Would you like to stay near…

Fortress

The central part of the Thang Long Citadel is Hanoi’s only site on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Historically, it is a significant site, but I found the visit a little disappointing. The complex struck me as shabby and, in places, somewhat neglected. 🏨 Hotel near the citadel entrance: Aira Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa – prices and availability – is on Tran Phu Street, from where you can walk to the western entrance. It also has an outdoor…

Street

Beer Street is a famous beer street in the historic centre of Hanoi. You’ll find it on Ta Hien Street; it’s liveliest around the junction with Luong Ngoc Quyen, also known as Bia Hoi Corner. In the evening, low plastic stools and tables are set out here, music plays from the bars, and crowds of people flow between the establishments. It’s very touristy and noisy, but it’s definitely worth a visit to get a taste of the Old Quarter’s evening…

Museum

Hoa Lo Prison, known by the ironic nickname ‘Hanoi Hilton’, offers an insight into a darker chapter of Vietnam’s modern history. I found it an interesting place to visit, and one that you can easily fit into a stroll through the centre of Hanoi. 🏨 Apartment with a swimming pool near the prison: Somerset Grand Hanoi – prices and availability – offers self-catering apartments with an outdoor swimming pool right next to Hoa Lo. You can find…

Historic Bridge

A rusty steel structure, passing trains and the wide Red River stretching out below you. Long Bien is one of Hanoi’s most distinctive landmarks and can easily be included in a walk through the northern part of the Old Quarter. The bridge is still used for everyday transport. A railway line runs down the centre, motorbikes whizz past on either side, and there are narrow footpaths for pedestrians along the outer edges. It is precisely this…

Pagoda, Promenade

Hanoi’s oldest pagoda and, for me, one of the most beautiful places in the city. Tran Quoc stands on a small island on the shores of West Lake, also known as Hồ Tây. I was really looking forward to visiting this place, and I was delighted by the visit. The temple complex itself is small, but I really enjoyed the combination of the pagoda, a stroll along the water’s edge and the evening light. 🏨 Hotel near the pagoda and the lake: Pan Pacific…

Cathedral

In the photos, St Joseph’s Cathedral looked a bit shabby to me. In reality, however, I was surprised by just how monumental it is. The two massive towers and the tall façade really stand out, especially when you find yourself standing right in front of them. The interior is also well worth a visit, and admission is free. Just make sure to plan your visit to avoid the long midday break. 🏨 A hotel just a few steps from the cathedral: Hanoi…

Pagoda

A small wooden shrine standing on a single stone pillar is one of Hanoi’s most famous landmarks. It stands in the middle of a small lake and its shape resembles a blooming lotus. Thanks to its location right next to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, you can easily include it in the same walk. 🏨 Looking for accommodation to explore Hanoi? WECOZY on Train Street – check prices and availability – offers spacious, modern apartments with kitchenettes…

Temple, Historic Bridge

The red bridge, The Huc, leading to the green islet is one of the most famous sights in Hanoi. At its end stands Ngoc Son Temple, also known as the Temple of the Jade Mountain. You’ll find it right in the centre on Hoan Kiem Lake, just next to the Old Quarter. 🏨 Hotel tip by the lake: Hanoi La Selva Hotel – check prices and availability – is on Lo Su Street, about 200 metres from Hoan Kiem Lake and a 5-minute walk from the red bridge, The Huc.…

Temple

Bach Ma, also known as the Temple of the White Horse, is a small shrine nestled amongst the houses in Hanoi’s old quarter. It’s a good place to stop off for a short break whilst strolling through the surrounding streets. Allow about 10 minutes for a visit. 🏨 Accommodation near the temple: Hanoi Allure Hotel – prices and availability – is located on the neighbouring Dao Duy Tu Street, just a few minutes’ walk from Bach Ma. A convenient base…

Temple

Quan Thanh Temple stands on the southern edge of West Lake, not far from Tran Quoc Pagoda. Its main attraction is a bronze statue of the god Tran Vu, standing almost four metres tall. I happened to walk past the temple just as it was closing and couldn’t get inside. If you’d like to visit the interior as well, plan your visit before your early evening stroll along the lake. Accommodation tip between the Old Quarter and the lakes: Le Jardin…

Market

Dong Xuan is a large covered market in the northern part of Old Hanoi. During my visit, it was mainly spices and clothes on offer, but I still enjoyed the atmosphere there. I enjoyed the surrounding streets even more. The shops, stalls and goods on display extend far beyond the building itself, so the whole area feels like one big market. If you’re wandering around Old Hanoi, I’d definitely recommend taking a stroll here. Fancy staying in this…

Square

Vietnam’s most powerful square. Ba Dinh is flanked by the Parliament building, the headquarters of the Communist Party, and the Presidential Palace, which is also nearby. The entire area is dominated by Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum. And to me, it seemed like the biggest square in the world that I’ve ever been to. It certainly isn’t, but the space really is enormous. 🏨 My tip for accommodation in Hanoi: WECOZY on Train Street – prices and…

Museum

The Vietnam Military History Museum is a large museum of military history and technology on the western outskirts of Hanoi. I would recommend a visit particularly to those interested in military history, aeroplanes and tanks. Due to its location, you’ll need to plan a separate trip and allow plenty of time for travel. I’d choose the centre of Hanoi as a base for your stay. I’ve had a good experience with the WECOZY HANOI – Railway Side…

Gateway

Quan Chuong, also known as Ô Quan Chưởng, is the last surviving gate of Hanoi’s former outer fortifications. It stands on the north-eastern edge of the old quarter and is well worth a quick stop whilst strolling through the surrounding streets. Allow about 5–10 minutes to have a look around and take a few photographs. Accommodation nearby: The Hanoi Little Town Hotel, about a 5–10-minute walk from the gate, is a good choice for exploring this…

Pagoda

Quan Su is a small Buddhist complex in the centre of Hanoi, just a short walk from Hoa Lo Prison. Allow about 10–15 minutes for a brief tour of the courtyard and the main shrine. 🏨 Accommodation near the pagoda: Somerset Grand Hanoi – check prices and availability – offers spacious self-catering apartments and an outdoor swimming pool. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from Quan Su. You can find more tips in the article ‘Where to stay in Hanoi’. …

Park

Thong Nhat is a large urban park featuring Bay Mau Lake, situated south of Hanoi’s historic centre. Here you’ll find mature trees, paths running alongside the water and plenty of space for a long walk or a run. I went to have a look and I liked the park. It’s just a bit off the main tourist trail, so it depends on how much time you have in Hanoi. Would you like a park right next to your hotel? The Hôtel du Parc Hanoï is situated on the north…