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Where to go when visiting Hanoi?

Not only is Hanoi the thousand-year-old capital adorned with numerous valuable historical relics, but it also carries within it a unique beauty that you can only find in this land.

When talking about Hanoi, many people think of the ancient charm of the Old Quarter and the historical sites spanning many feudal dynasties. However, it doesn’t stop there; Hanoi also pulsates with the dynamic rhythm of a city evolving every day. The cultural charm, combined with youthful vibrancy, contributes to creating a multicolored Hanoi that is compelling enough to attract visitors from afar.

Thang Long Imperial Citadel

The Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 1300 years of history, is located at 19C Hoang Dieu, Dien Ban, Ba Dinh. It houses numerous relics and artifacts that testify to the history of Thang Long – Hanoi and the Vietnamese nation. The site includes various archaeological sites and architectural works such as Doan Mon, Hau Lau, and the foundation of Kinh Thien Palace.

Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam

The Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, built in 1070 under King Ly Thanh Tong, became Vietnam’s first university. Located at 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da, it preserves 82 doctoral steles recognized by UNESCO as “World Documentary Heritage.” The complex includes various areas like Ho Van, Khue Van Pavilion, and the temples dedicated to Confucius.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the final resting place of President Ho Chi Minh, situated at Ba Dinh Square. Visitors come to pay their respects and participate in the flag-raising ceremony in the morning and the flag-lowering ceremony at 9 PM daily. The mausoleum area also includes the Ho Chi Minh Museum and the Ho Chi Minh Stilt House.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral

St. Joseph’s Cathedral, located at the intersection of Nha Tho Street, Nha Chung Street, and Ly Quoc Su Street, features Gothic architecture with Indochinese romantic touches. It is a popular check-in spot for young people. The cathedral boasts a beautiful interior and regularly holds significant religious ceremonies for the Catholic community.

Hanoi Opera House

The Hanoi Opera House, at 1 Trang Tien, was built based on the model of the Opera Garnier (Paris). It serves as a cultural and artistic hub of the capital, offering tours and special performances. The opera house hosts concerts, operas, and ballets.

West Lake

West Lake is a must-visit spot with traditional villages and craft villages around it, such as Nghi Tam, Nhat Tan, and Ke Buoi. Visitors can enjoy boating, watching the beautiful sunset, or savoring cuisine at lakeside restaurants.

Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street

Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street operates from 7 PM to midnight from Friday to Sunday, stretching across several streets around Hoan Kiem Lake. This area is bustling with traditional games and various art performances. Tourists can engage in activities like playing “ô ăn quan,” jumping rope, and tug-of-war.

Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi Old Quarter, an ancient urban area with distinctive architecture and a unique rhythm of life, lies east of Thang Long Imperial Citadel. The quarter is famous for its 36 streets, each named after traditional crafts such as Hang Bac, Hang Dao, and Hang Ma. Visitors can shop for unique handicrafts and enjoy specialty foods like pho, bun cha, and banh cuon.

Phan Dinh Phung Street

Phan Dinh Phung Street is known as the most beautiful street in Hanoi, lined with old trees and popular tourist spots like Hanoi Northern Gate and Cua Bac Church. The wide, tree-shaded streets are especially beautiful in autumn with golden leaves. This is an ideal place for street photography enthusiasts.

Duong Lam Ancient Village

Duong Lam Ancient Village, located about 50 km from central Hanoi, is one of the rare villages that still retains its ancient architecture and traditional lifestyle. The village is famous for its village gate, banyan tree, water wharf, communal house courtyard, and old houses made of laterite. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes and participate in activities like cycling around the village.

Bat Trang Pottery Village

Bat Trang Pottery Village, located about 10 km from central Hanoi, is famous for its pottery making. Visitors can experience making pottery themselves and buy high-quality ceramic products. The village has many shops selling a wide range of ceramic items.

Ba Vi National Park

Ba Vi National Park, 30 km from central Hanoi, is a vast forest area surrounding the Ba Vi mountain range, ideal for nature and mountain exploration. The park has many attractions such as Ba Vi Peak, Thuong Temple, and Khoang Xanh – Suoi Tien tourist area.

When is the best time to visit Hanoi?

Hanoi falls within a tropical monsoon climate zone, characterized by two distinct seasons: hot and humid with abundant rainfall in the summer, and dry and cold in the winter. If you’re wondering when to visit Hanoi, here are the best times:

Spring in Hanoi (February – April)

Spring in Hanoi (February – April) is an opportunity to experience the vibrant spring atmosphere of the capital. The streets are adorned with red national flags, and the weather is mild and pleasant, although occasional drizzle might be inconvenient for sightseeing.

Summer in Hanoi (May – August)

Summer in Hanoi (May – August) is characterized by intense heat and humidity, with occasional heavy but brief showers. This season is suitable for activities like visiting water parks or going on excursions to the suburbs if you don’t mind the scorching sun.

Autumn in Hanoi (September – November)

Autumn in Hanoi (September – November) is considered the best time to visit. The weather is cool and dry, with less rain, and the streets are often adorned with golden leaves. This is an excellent time to visit famous attractions like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, West Lake, and Hoan Kiem Lake.

Winter in Hanoi (December – January)

Winter in Hanoi (December – January) is exceptionally cold, perfect for those wanting to experience the biting cold. Make sure to pack warm clothes, as temperatures can drop below 10 degrees Celsius.

Hanoi not only attracts visitors with its historical sites and ancient architecture but also with the blend of tradition and modernity, creating a vibrant and captivating city for all tourists.