Places To Visit In Hanoi

Here are the top 5 Hanoi points of interest to visit:

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum  

Ho Chi Minh was an extremely important figure in Vietnam’s history as he was the leading revolutionary during the Vietnam War. He is a highly venerated figure in Vietnam, and his body is preserved at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum so that members of the common public can come and pay their respects to him. Ho Chi Minh Museum is one of the major places to visit in Hanoi. For a history buff, this is a lovely place. However, it must be mentioned that since he is such an important figure in the country, there are a set of rules and regulations to be adhered to while visiting the mausoleum, else the person stands the risk of getting a punishment. To avoid that embarrassment, one must follow the stipulated dress code and conduct oneself according to the military instructions imparted. Be silent and do not cut queues.

Hoàn Kiem Lake

In English, the name of the lake may be translated as “Lake of the Returning Sword”. It is a historically important lake and is one of the most picturesque locations for sightseeing in the city of Hanoi. A main attraction of the lake used to be the sighting of softshell turtles in it. However, their numbers have drastically decreased of late. Temples (Temple of the Jade Mountain), bridges (The Huc Bridge) and islands (Jade Island) can be found adjoined to the lake, and they are also tourist attractions in Hanoi. The best time to visit the lake is considered to be dusk because the whole lake is lit up and it makes for some stunning photographs.

Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is a temple dedicated to the famous philosopher Confucius. Vietnam is rife with temples dedicated to Confucius and his associated sages and disciples, but The Temple of Literature is the best and most famous among them. The temple is also featured on the back of the official 100,000 Vietnamese (currency note). Since the temple is built as a tribute to Confucius, its layout is similar to his birthplace, that is, the temple at Qufu, Shandong. While this is one of the major Hanoi points of interest, it is open 24/7. Therefore, tourists can visit it anytime they please.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is also known as the Hanoi Citadel. It was built during the time of the Lý Dynasty and was expanded by subsequent dynasties. It is a vast complex which gives us a look at the royal architectural style of the dynasties of that period. Much of it is in ruin now due to historical conquests and normal wear and tear over the centuries, but the citadel is still worth visiting once. The UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site in 2010. One thing to keep in mind while visiting this Hanoi Vietnam attraction is that the timings are very rigid and strict. It stays open in two shifts: the first from 8-11:30 AM and the second from 1:30-5 PM.

One Pillar Pagoda

Hanoi sightseeing tour is incomplete without visiting a Buddhist site, and the One Pillar Pagoda is the perfect site to visit. The pillar on which the temple is constructed is breathtaking. It is built on a single wood pillar which is 1.25m in diameter. The temple has been designed to resemble a lotus blossom, which is considered a symbol of purity in Buddhism because a lotus is inherently so pure that it manages to blossom even in a muddy pond. It was built by Ly Thai Tong who got it made because he was grateful for having a son. It has been renovated a couple of times due to being attacked by other emperors.