Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is located in the northern part of the country on the western bank of the Red River. Amidst the city’s busyness, nothing is short-changed. Historical sites in Hanoi, formerly part of Thang Long, coexist with modernisation and the still-retained French colonial architecture (COLOMBO, SRI LANKA WHAT TO DO).
Though Vietnam’s weather is generally tropical, Hanoi in the north experiences four seasons. That’s why mornings from September to November can be breezy and chilly, due to its proximity to mountainous regions like Sapa.
Things To do in Hanoi, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh
Mausoleum
Touring Hanoi
usually begins at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, followed by nearby attractions
that form a loop and wrap up the day. It starts early in the morning, with long
queues that often spill over beyond the square.
While waiting,
reminders are clear: cameras, phones, and any equipment for photos, videos, or
communication, even holding hands are strictly not allowed inside.
The Ho Chi Minh
Mausoleum, located in Ba Dinh Square, is the final resting place of Ho Chi
Minh, the revolutionary leader and former President of Vietnam. Completed in
1975, four years after his passing in 1969, it was built to honour his role in
Vietnam’s independence and unity.
The structure
stands tall, made of grey granite, and is visible from a distance as one of
Vietnam’s most iconic landmarks. Entry is in small groups, with handbags
scanned at the entrance before walking in single file. Guards are stationed
throughout, safeguarding the site and Ho Chi Minh’s preserved body at the
center.
One quiet round is taken, a brief glimpse at him, and it’s over. Yet it leaves a lasting impression, a memory that stays long after leaving Hanoi.
Ho Chi Minh
Presidential Palace
After leaving
the mausoleum, a walking path leads to the Ho Chi Minh Presidential Palace,
part of the larger Ho Chi Minh Complex. This building was built in 1906 during
the French colonial period and once served as the residence of the
Governor-General of Indochina. Its design shows French style with some
Vietnamese touches.
Although the
palace looks grand, Ho Chi Minh chose not to live there. Instead, he stayed in
House No. 54, a modest building nearby, and later moved to a simple stilt house
built in 1958. These homes reflect his preference for a quiet and humble
lifestyle.
Inside the
complex, several sections are open to visitors. Displays include personal
artifacts such as his cars, books, and furnishings. The complex covers over 14
hectares and includes more than 20 relic sites and thousands of items connected
to him.
From the palace, the path continues into a wide, quiet garden. It is well-kept, with tall trees, lotus ponds, and clean walkways. The space reflects Ho Chi Minh’s connection to nature and simple living.
One-Pillar
Pagoda
Within a small
space in the Ho Chi Minh Complex, crowded with locals and tourists, stands one
of the oldest religious sites in Hanoi - the One-Pillar Pagoda.
Built in 1049,
it is one of Hanoi’s top attractions. The pagoda was designed to look like a
lotus flower, a symbol of purity in Buddhism. It stands on a single stone
pillar in the middle of a square pond.
A short stop in One-Pillar Pagoda includes climbing a steep staircase to reach the altar. Dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy and reflecting Buddhist tradition and devotion, saying a prayer or paying homage in One-Pillar Pagoda makes the visit spiritually meaningful.
Temple of
Literature
Founded in
1070, the Temple of Literature is one of Hanoi’s most respected landmarks and
the site of Vietnam’s first national university. Originally built to honour
Confucius, it later became a place where scholars studied and prepared for
royal examinations. The complex includes five courtyards, each with its own
role. Gardens, study halls, altars, and shrines.
Inside the grounds, stone tablets known as the Stelae of Doctors rest on the backs of stone turtles. These record the names of top graduates from royal exams held centuries ago. Statues of Confucius and other scholars are placed in the main hall. At the far end of the temple, an altar stands for silence and quiet moments.
Hoan Kiem Lake
& Ngoc Son Temple
At the center
of Hanoi, surrounded by busy streets, is a lake and a temple. The red bridge
and the lake are among the city’s most recognized landmarks.
Ngoc Son Temple
is located on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake, reached by the bright red Huc
Bridge. The temple honours General Tran Hung Dao and other respected figures. A
legend tells of a Turtle God living in the lake, linked to the story of a sword
returned by an emperor.
The path around the lake is shaded and quiet. Locals use it for walking, jogging, or sitting by the water. The bridge stands out and connects the temple to the rest of the city.
Rickshaw Ride
in Hanoi
A ride through
Hanoi’s Old Quarter in a rickshaw is unlike anything else. The traffic moves in
all directions, yet somehow the rider finds a way through. The route passes
street stalls, wet markets, colonial buildings, and landmarks tied to Ho Chi
Minh. Narrow lanes and busy intersections offer a close-up view of the city’s
daily life.
The mix of old
and new is everywhere. Modern cafés and branded shops sit beside traditional
vendors and small family businesses. The rider steers calmly through it all,
weaving between motorbikes and pedestrians with practiced ease.
At the end of the ride, even when payment has been settled earlier, some riders ask for tips. Not in local currency, but in US dollars. It’s not something to discuss about, but in good faith, as part of appreciating the locals and the experience of travelling in Vietnam? The tip is given.
