Whether you’re traveling across Vietnam or just exploring Hanoi, the top tourist attractions and street food stand out. The food scene is a treat for the palate, especially the affordable street eats. Street shopping is popular too, alongside international brand stores, a mix that makes Hanoi a must-visit on any Vietnam travel journey.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Visiting the Ho
Chi Minh Mausoleum, one of Hanoi’s most significant landmarks, is about paying
respect to Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of modern Vietnam. Located in Ba
Dinh Square, your visit begins by joining the long queue early in the morning.
From December to February, expect cold winds blowing in all directions and
grey, overcast skies (WAT THMEY KILLING FIELDS CAMBODIA).
Once the line begins to move, you’ll be reminded that photography is strictly prohibited inside. All personal belongings are scanned, and guards stand silently at corners as you proceed in a single file. The experience is brief, a walk in silence without stopping, while taking a look at Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body, which looks almost unreal. Within minutes, it’s over.
Just a walk from the mausoleum is the Ho Chi Minh Presidential Palace, a French colonial-era building that once served as his official residence. Its French-style architecture, combined with Vietnamese details, stands in contrast to the nearby simple stilt house where Ho Chi Minh actually chose to live.
Inside the palace grounds, visitors walk through several sections displaying personal artifacts, such as his car, books, and furnishings. From there, the path leads to a spacious garden, surrounded his everyday life (BANGKOK THAILAND THINGS TO DO).
Built in 1049, the One-Pillar Pagoda is one of the oldest religious sites in Hanoi, located within the grounds of the Ho Chi Minh Complex. Though small in size, it is a worthy stop for visitors during their Vietnam travel. The pagoda was designed to look like a lotus flower, a symbol of purity in Buddhism, standing on a single stone pillar in the middle of a square pond. It is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy (Quan Âm) and reflects Vietnamese Buddhist architecture.
Despite its size, the pagoda draws both locals and tourists. Over the years, it has been damaged, destroyed, and restored, especially during the French colonial period. Today, visitors walk up a steep staircase to the small altar space, often placing incense or offerings as part of Vietnamese spiritual heritage.
Founded in 1070, the Temple of Literature is one of Hanoi’s most important landmarks and the site of Vietnam’s first national university. It was originally built to honour Confucius and became a place where scholars studied and trained for royal exams. The complex features five courtyards, each with its own purpose - including study areas, gardens, and places of worship.
As you walk through the site, you will see ancient stone tablets, known as Stelae of Doctors, placed on the backs of stone turtles. These record the names of top graduates from royal exams held hundreds of years ago. Statues of Confucius and other scholars are placed in the main hall, and at the end of the complex, visitors stop at the altar to pay respect.
Hoan Kiem Lake, in the heart of Hanoi, is one of the city’s top landmarks for both locals and tourists. Surrounded by shaded paths and gardens, it’s a scenic spot for morning walks, photos, and a boat ride. From the lake, a walk leads you to Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island and reached via the bright red Huc Bridge. The temple honours General Tran Hung Dao and the scholar Liu Hiu, with a legendary tale of the Turtle God said to live in the lake.
The bridge itself is a popular photo spot and part of what makes this area a must-see during your Vietnam travel. Even if you don't believe in myths, the peaceful vibe of the lake and the temple's historical significance offer a memorable stop in Hanoi.
A rickshaw ride is a must-do when visiting Hanoi, especially for getting a feel of the city’s daily life. Riding through the narrow, bustling streets of the Old Quarter, you’ll pass street stalls, wet markets, Ho Chi Minh landmarks, and French colonial-era buildings. It’s where the past meets the present, from modern cafés and branded boutiques to old-fashioned shops and local vendors. This ride offers a close-up view of Vietnam’s capital, capturing the mix of tradition and progress at every turn.
Your rickshaw rider expertly maneuvers through tight lanes and busy roads, making you wonder how they manage it. It’s quite an experience, full of unexpected sights and sounds. Once the ride ends, tipping the driver is almost expected, they often ask for it, on top of what you’ve paid. Still, it’s worth it for a front-row seat to Hanoi city, without having to walk.
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