46 places to discover
Bach Ma Temple is a historic temple located at 76 Hang Buom Street in the Old Quarter of Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Dedicated to Long Do, a deity represented by a white horse, it is one of the Four Guardian Temples of ancient Thang Long. Founded in the 9th century and rebuilt several times, it is notable for its traditional Vietnamese architecture, wooden carvings, and long-standing spiritual role in the capital.
Bat Trang Ceramic Village is a historic craft village in Bat Trang Commune, Gia Lam District, on the Red River about 13 km southeast of central Hanoi. Established over 700 years ago, it is Vietnam's most famous ceramics center, renowned for traditional pottery and porcelain. The village features family workshops, ancient kilns, showrooms, the Bat Trang Museum and a large ceramic market, preserving centuries-old techniques while serving as a major cultural and tourist destination near Hanoi.
Ba Vi National Park is a protected nature reserve located in Ba Vi District, about 60 km west of central Hanoi. Established in 1991, it covers over 10,800 hectares centered on the Ba Vi mountain range with three main peaks. The park is notable for its diverse subtropical forest, French colonial ruins, temples dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh and the Mountain God Tan Vien, and cool mountain climate.
Chuong Conical Hat Village is a traditional craft village in Phuong Trung Commune, Thanh Oai District, about 30 km southwest of central Hanoi. Renowned for more than 300 years of conical hat (non la) making, it is one of Hanoi's most famous handicraft villages. Households and small workshops throughout the village produce palm-leaf hats using traditional techniques, preserving a distinctive rural craft heritage closely associated with Vietnamese culture.
Co Loa Citadel is an ancient fortified settlement located in Co Loa Commune, Dong Anh District, about 17 km north of central Hanoi. Built in the 3rd century BC as the capital of the Au Lac Kingdom under King An Duong Vuong, it is Vietnam's oldest and largest ancient citadel. Notable for its distinctive spiral-shaped triple earthen ramparts, the site includes temples, archaeological remains, and an exhibition house displaying Bronze Age artifacts.
Dong Xuan Market is the largest covered market in Hanoi, located in Dong Xuan Ward of Hoan Kiem District within the Old Quarter. Originally built by the French in 1889, it is a major wholesale and retail center for clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and local produce. Housed in a large multi-storey building with a distinctive facade, it is notable as a historic commercial hub and a busy shopping destination for both locals and visitors exploring northern Hanoi.
Duong Lam Ancient Village is a preserved traditional village located in Duong Lam, Son Tay town, about 44 km west of central Hanoi. Dating back over 1,200 years, it is notable as the birthplace of two Vietnamese kings, Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen, and for its well-preserved laterite and wooden houses, communal houses, pagodas and temples. Recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic, it offers an authentic example of northern Vietnamese rural architecture and village life.
Hanoi Night Market is a weekend pedestrian market stretching about 3 kilometers through the Hanoi Old Quarter in Hoan Kiem District, centered on Hang Dao Street. Operating on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, it runs from Hang Dao to Dong Xuan Market. Established in 2003, it is known for affordable clothing, souvenirs, handicrafts and street food, along with cultural performances, attracting both locals and tourists to the historic Old Quarter area.
Hanoi Old Quarter is a historic urban district in central Hanoi, centered in Hoan Kiem District around Hang Dao ward. Established as a craft and commercial quarter dating to the Ly-Tran dynasties, it is known for its network of 36 old streets historically named after the guilds and goods traded there. The area preserves tube houses, temples, colonial architecture, traditional markets and street food culture, and remains a major cultural and tourism hub near Hoan Kiem Lake.
The Hanoi Opera House is a historic French colonial theatre located at 1 Trang Tien Street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Built between 1901 and 1911 and modeled after the Palais Garnier in Paris, it is one of Hanoi's most recognizable landmarks. The building features neoclassical architecture with Gothic and Baroque elements, a grand auditorium seating about 600, and hosts opera, ballet, concerts and cultural events near Hoan Kiem Lake.
Hanoi Train Street is a narrow residential alley in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, where an active railway track runs between tightly packed houses and cafes. Located near Phung Hung and Tran Phu streets, it was formed along the French-built railway from 1902. It is notable for trains passing just centimeters from buildings, offering a distinctive urban scene and cafe culture that has become a well-known visitor photography spot.
Hoa Lo Prison Museum is a historic museum located at 1 Hoa Lo Street in Tran Hung Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District, central Hanoi. Housed in a preserved section of the former Hoa Lo Prison built by the French colonial administration in 1896, it displays prison cells, artifacts, and exhibitions documenting its use through the colonial period. The site is notable for its French architecture, preserved guillotine, and central location near Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Hoan Kiem Lake is a central freshwater lake in Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Known as the Lake of the Returned Sword, it is a historic and cultural symbol of the capital. The lake features Turtle Tower on a small island, Ngoc Son Temple on Jade Island connected by the red Huc Bridge, tree-lined walking paths, and is surrounded by the Old Quarter and French Quarter.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a large granite memorial in Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi, housing the preserved body of revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh. Located in the Ba Dinh political complex, the monumental structure was built between 1973 and 1975 and inaugurated in 1975. Inspired by Lenin's Mausoleum, it features a grey granite exterior, central hall with glass sarcophagus, and surrounding gardens, serving as a major national landmark and ceremonial site.
The Ho Chi Minh Museum in Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, is a major museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Ho Chi Minh. Located at 19 Ngoc Ha Street near Ba Dinh Square and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, it was inaugurated in 1990. The museum houses artifacts, photographs, documents and thematic exhibitions illustrating Vietnamese history from the late 19th century onward and attracts domestic and international visitors.
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in central Ba Dinh District, Hanoi. Built in 1010 under the Ly Dynasty and expanded through successive dynasties, it served as the political centre of Vietnam for over 13 centuries. The complex includes ancient gates, archaeological remains, the Flag Tower, and exhibition halls displaying artifacts from multiple historical periods.
Le Mat Snake Village is a traditional craft and culinary village located in Viet Hung Ward, Long Bien District, about 7 km northeast of central Hanoi. Known for centuries for snake breeding and snake-based cuisine, the village is centered around family-run snake farms and restaurants serving snake meat and snake wine. It is notable for its long-standing legend linked to the Ly Dynasty and its annual village festival, attracting visitors interested in local food culture and rural heritage near Hanoi.
Long Bien Bridge is a historic steel cantilever bridge spanning the Red River in Hanoi, connecting Hoan Kiem District with Long Bien District near Ngoc Lam. Built between 1899 and 1902 during the French colonial period and originally named Paul Doumer Bridge, it was designed by Daydé & Pillé. At 2.29 km long, it was among the longest bridges in Asia at completion and remains an iconic landmark for its weathered steel structure and river views.
Ngoc Son Temple is a historic temple located on Jade Island in Hoan Kiem Lake in central Hanoi, Vietnam. Connected to the lakeshore by the iconic red Huc Bridge, it is one of Hanoi's most visited cultural landmarks. Originally built in the 19th century, the temple honors national hero Tran Hung Dao, scholar Van Xuong, and patron saint La To, reflecting Confucian and Taoist traditions and Vietnamese heritage.
One Pillar Pagoda is a historic Buddhist temple located on Chua Mot Cot Street in Doi Can Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, within the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. Built in 1049 during the Ly Dynasty, the small wooden pagoda stands on a single stone pillar in the middle of a lotus pond, designed to resemble a lotus blossom. It is an iconic symbol of Hanoi and Vietnam, revered for its unique architecture and spiritual significance.
The Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong) is a vast complex of Buddhist temples and shrines built into the limestone Huong Tich mountains in Huong Son Commune, My Duc District, about 60 km southwest of central Hanoi. Centered on the sacred Huong Tich Cave, the site is one of Vietnam's most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. Visitors reach it by scenic rowboat along the Yen Stream, then by foot or cable car through forested karst landscape dotted with pagodas.
Phung Hung Mural Street is an open-air art installation along Phung Hung Street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, beneath the historic Long Bien railway viaduct. Opened in February 2018, it features 19 large murals painted on the viaduct's arches depicting Hanoi's history, Old Quarter life and iconic landmarks. Created through a Vietnam-Republic of Korea cultural exchange project, the approximately 200-meter pedestrian street transforms a former under-viaduct space into a cultural attraction near the Old Quarter and Long Bien Bridge.
Phu Vinh Bamboo Village is a traditional rattan and bamboo weaving craft village located in Phu Nghia Commune, Chuong My District, about 30 km southwest of central Hanoi. Established over 400 years ago, it is one of Hanoi's most famous craft villages, known for skilled artisans producing baskets, furniture, decorative items and souvenirs from bamboo and rattan. The village preserves traditional techniques and offers visitors insight into rural Vietnamese handicraft heritage.
The Presidential Palace in Ba Dinh, Hanoi is a French colonial palace built between 1900 and 1906 as the Palace of the Governor-General of Indochina. Located at 1 Hung Vuong Street in Ngoc Ha Ward, the bright yellow three-storey building was designed by architect Auguste Henri Vildieu. Although it serves as an official state venue, its interior is not open to the public and visitors view the exterior and gardens as part of the Presidential Palace Historical Site.
Quang Ba Flower Market is Hanoi's largest wholesale flower market located on Au Co Street in Quang An Ward, Tay Ho District, near West Lake. Operating in the early morning hours, it serves as the city's main distribution point for fresh flowers sourced from surrounding villages and other provinces. Known for its bustling night-time atmosphere, wide variety of seasonal blooms, and importance before Tet, it offers visitors an authentic glimpse into Hanoi's flower trade culture.
Quang Phu Cau Incense Village is a traditional craft village in Quang Phu Cau Commune, Ung Hoa District, about 35 km south of central Hanoi. Known for more than a century of incense making, the village is notable for large outdoor yards where thousands of bright red, pink and yellow incense sticks are fanned out to dry. It remains an active production center supplying incense for religious and cultural use across northern Vietnam and a popular photography destination.
Quan Thanh Temple is a historic Taoist temple located at 190 Quan Thanh Street near West Lake in Ba Dinh District, Hanoi. Founded during the reign of Ly Thai To (1010-1028), it is one of the Four Guardian Temples of ancient Thang Long. Dedicated to Huyen Thien Tran Vu, it is renowned for its massive 17th-century black bronze statue and well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture.
Quat Dong Embroidery Village is a traditional handicraft village located in Quat Dong Commune, Thuong Tin District, about 30 km south of central Hanoi. Established in the 17th century, it is renowned as the birthplace of Vietnamese embroidery. The village is notable for preserving centuries-old hand-embroidery techniques used to create detailed pictures, ao dai, and ceremonial costumes, and remains an active craft community.
Soc Temple is a historic temple complex dedicated to Saint Giong (Phu Dong Thien Vuong) located on Soc Mountain in Phu Linh Commune, Soc Son District, about 30 km north of central Hanoi. The complex includes Ha Temple, Trung Temple, Thuong Temple and a large bronze statue of Saint Giong on the summit. Associated with the legend of the hero who defeated invaders, it is a National Special Relic and major pilgrimage site, especially during its annual spring festival.
St. Joseph's Cathedral is a Neo-Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral located at 1 Nha Tho Street in Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District, central Hanoi. Built between 1884 and 1886 during the French colonial period and modeled after Notre-Dame de Paris, it serves as the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hanoi. Notable for its twin bell towers, pointed arches and stained-glass windows, it is one of Hanoi's most recognizable landmarks near Hoan Kiem Lake.
Ta Hien Beer Street is a short, bustling street in the Hang Buom area of Hanoi's Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District. Known internationally as Bia Hoi Corner, it is famous for its dense concentration of bia hoi (fresh draft beer) stalls, bars and street-food vendors. Lined with low plastic stools and French-colonial shophouses, the street is a central hub for Hanoi's nightlife and a popular gathering place for both locals and visitors.
Tay Ho Temple (Phu Tay Ho) is a historic temple complex on a peninsula of West Lake in Quang An Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi. Dedicated to Princess Lieu Hanh, one of the Four Immortals in Vietnamese folk belief, it is a major center of Mother Goddess worship. Established in the 17th century and restored several times, the temple features traditional Vietnamese architecture, ornate altars, and lake views, attracting pilgrims and visitors year-round.
Tay Phuong Pagoda is a historic Buddhist pagoda located on Cau Lau Mountain in Thach Xa Commune, Thach That District, about 30 km west of central Hanoi. Originally built in the 8th century and extensively rebuilt in 1794 during the Tay Son dynasty, it is renowned as a Special National Relic. The pagoda is famous for its distinctive three-section architecture and its collection of 18th-century wooden Arhat statues, recognized as National Treasures of Vietnam.
The Temple of Literature in Van Mieu Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi, is a historic Confucian temple complex founded in 1070 and home to the Imperial Academy, Vietnam's first national university established in 1076. Dedicated to Confucius and scholars, it is noted for traditional Vietnamese architecture, five landscaped courtyards, 82 stone stelae of doctoral laureates, and the iconic Khue Van Cac pavilion. It remains a symbol of Hanoi's educational heritage and a major cultural attraction.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is a renowned cultural theatre located at 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street beside Hoan Kiem Lake in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Established in 1969, it is dedicated to preserving Vietnamese water puppetry, an art form originating in the Red River Delta. The theatre stages daily performances on a water stage with wooden puppets, live traditional music and storytelling depicting rural life, legends and festivals.
Thay Pagoda (Chua Thay) is an ancient Buddhist pagoda complex at the foot of Sai Son Mountain in Sai Son Commune, Quoc Oai District, about 30 km southwest of central Hanoi. Founded in the 11th century during the Ly Dynasty and dedicated to Zen master Tu Dao Hanh, it is noted for its historic architecture, scenic Long Chieu Lake with two curved bridges, mountain caves, and its status as a Special National Relic and center of traditional water puppetry.
Tram Gian Pagoda, also known as Quang Nghiem Pagoda, is a historic Buddhist temple located on a low hill in Tien Phuong Commune, Chuong My District, about 25 km southwest of central Hanoi. Founded in 1185 during the Ly Dynasty, it is famous for its unique architecture with 100 compartments, rooms and corridors. Recognized as a Special National Relic, it preserves ancient statues, wooden structures and cultural relics.
Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest Buddhist pagoda in Hanoi, located on a small island on the eastern shore of West Lake in Yen Phu, Tay Ho District. Originally built in the 6th century during the reign of Ly Nam De as Khai Quoc Pagoda and relocated to its current site in 1615, it is renowned for its 11-storey lotus-shaped stupa, historic Buddhist statues, and sacred Bodhi tree, serving as a major spiritual and cultural landmark.
Truc Bach Lake is a small freshwater urban lake in Truc Bach Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, separated from West Lake by Thanh Nien Road. Formed in the 17th century when Co Ngu Dyke was built to divide it from West Lake, it is known for its calm waters, tree-lined promenade and central location. Surrounded by cafes, pagodas and residential streets, it offers a peaceful setting for walking, photography and sightseeing.
Van Phuc Silk Village is a traditional craft village in Van Phuc Ward, Ha Dong District, Hanoi, about 10 km southwest of the Old Quarter. With over 1,000 years of silk weaving history, it is renowned for high-quality silk, brocade and traditional patterns. The village features narrow streets lined with silk shops, family-run workshops with wooden looms, and a communal house, offering visitors insight into Hanoi's preserved textile heritage and craft culture.
The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum in Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, is the country's principal art museum dedicated to Vietnamese fine arts. Located at 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street near the Temple of Literature, it occupies a historic building originally constructed in the 1930s. The museum displays a comprehensive collection spanning prehistoric artifacts to contemporary works, including lacquer paintings, oil paintings, sculptures, and folk arts, illustrating the development of Vietnamese artistic traditions.
The Vietnam Military History Museum is a national museum located at Km 6+500 Thang Long Boulevard in Tay Mo, Nam Tu Liem, Ha Noi. Opened at its new modern site on November 1, 2024, it replaces the former museum at 28A Dien Bien Phu. The museum preserves and displays over 150,000 artifacts documenting Vietnam's military history, with extensive indoor galleries and a large outdoor exhibition of aircraft, tanks and artillery.
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is a major cultural museum in Nghia Do, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, dedicated to the 54 officially recognized ethnic groups of Vietnam. Located on Nguyen Van Huyen Street about 8 km from central Hanoi, it opened to the public in 1997. The museum is notable for its indoor exhibitions of artifacts, textiles and audiovisual displays and an open-air area featuring full-scale traditional houses.
The Vietnam Women's Museum is a cultural and history museum located at 36 Ly Thuong Kiet Street in Hoan Kiem District, central Ha Noi. Operated by the Vietnam Women's Union, it is dedicated to the role and contributions of Vietnamese women throughout history. The museum is notable for its three permanent thematic exhibitions on women in family, history and fashion, extensive collection of artifacts, and modern interactive displays.
Viet Phu Thanh Chuong is a private cultural complex and open-air museum in Hien Ninh Commune, Soc Son District, Hanoi, created by artist Thanh Chuong. Spread over a hillside near Dong Do Lake, it recreates traditional northern Vietnamese architecture with ancient houses, communal halls, and art displays. Notable for its collection of historic wooden structures relocated from across Vietnam, it preserves folk art, ceramics, and cultural artifacts in a landscaped setting.
West Lake (Ho Tay) is the largest natural freshwater lake in Hanoi, located in Tay Ho District northwest of the Old Quarter. Covering about 500 hectares with a 17 km shoreline, it is a central recreational and cultural landmark. The lake is notable for its scenic waterfront, historic pagodas and temples along its shores, and its role in Hanoi's legends and daily life, offering walking, cycling and sunset views.