Hanois architecture is a curious blend of traditional "tube" houses, French colonial buildings, and modern socialist structures, refecting the tremendous influences and change that the city has witnessed over its 1,000 year history. It is a romantic, moody city, which many people fall in love with, after experiencing the quaint street life up close, which goes on as it has for centuries.

Hanoi considers one of the most charming city in the whole of Asia, where tranquil lakes, colorful markets, the streets of its rambling Old Quarter dating back to the 14th century.... You will be caprivated by its unique blend of oriental lifestyle, French colonial architechture, tree-lined boulevards and especially local lifestyle, where street cafes are favorite gathering places for the city's residents, under the leafy trees, groups gather for early morning exercises, a cup of coffee, or a quiet read.

HANOI ATTRACTIONS

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Soldiers stand guard the entrance of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum.

This commanding construction was built from 1973 to 1975 to house the embalmed body of Vietnam's greatest political leader, Hồ Chí Minh. Visitors and Vietnamese queue for hours every morning to pay their respects to the cadaver, dressed in a khaki wardrobe and encased in a glass sarcophagus.

Hours: 8am - 11am, Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun (December to September) last entry at 10:15am
Address: So 1, Hung Vuong, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh

One Pillar Pagoda

This Buddhist wooden pagoda was built in the middle of a lotus pond on a single stone pillar by the Emperor Ly Thai To in 1049. Archives suggest it was built in honor of the Goddess of Mercy, who answered the Emperor's prayers for a male heir. The structure is designed to resemble a lotus flower blossoming from muddy waters, a symbol of purity in Buddhist philosophy.

Hours: 8am - 11:30am everyday, and 2pm - 4pm, Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun
Address: Chua Mot Cot, Doi Can, Ba Dinh.

The Old Quarter

At the top of Hoan Kiem Lake, Dinh Tien Hoang "roundabout" is a great starting point for exploring the alleys of the Old Quarter.

Hanois historic Old Quarter is a single square kilometre comprised of 36 streets. Since the 15th century, each street has been home to artisans and craftsmen who traded in the specific merchandise for which their street was named. Today, the charm of these streets still remains. Prepare to marvel as you wander from silver street to bamboo street, silk street to decoration street, all within a stones throw of each other.

TIP: At night, head down to bia hơi corner (the intersection between Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen) to sample sensational street food and bargain brews.
Hours: 7am to midnight
Address: North of Hoan Kiem Lake

Hanoi Opera House

The Opera House is at the edge of Hanoi's French Quarter, where a few colonial buildings have been well preserved.

Constructed at the turn of the 20th century, this beautiful colonial building is the largest theater in Vietnam. After nearly 100 years of operation, the Opera House was carefully refurbished in 1997 and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Today the venue attracts renowned performers, productions and musicians.

TIP: We recommend you take tour and afternoon high tea in the Opera house or enjoy scheduled cultural show to deeply explore iconic place.
Hours: Contact us to be assisted
Address: So 01, Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem

Vietnamese Womens Museum

This museum boasts a floor on textiles of ethnic groups, womens crucial role in wartimes and even their practices as mediums of the "Mother Goddess" worship.

The Vietnamese Womens Museum is one of the most modern museums in Vietnam. Housing a series of excellent exhibitions presenting artefacts, costumes, crafts, memoirs,and photographs from the past 100 years, the museum reveals the pivotal role of Vietnamese women in their country's history and society.
Admission: 30,000 VND
Hours: 8am - 5pm, Tue-Sun
Address: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hang Bai Ward, Hoan Kiem

Hoan Kiem Lake

Turtle Tower rests at the centre of "the Lake of the Restored Sword."

Legend says Emperor Ly Thai To was gifted a magical sword by a giant golden turtle who lived in the lake in order to defeat the Ming dynasty. Once victorious, Ly Thai To gave the sword back to the turtle who dove down to return the sword to the gods. Hoan Kiem Lake is admired for its beauty as well as insight into the daily life of Hanoians. Watch locals practicing their daily exercise and Tai Chi routines in the gardens by the water's edge.

Admission: Free to the general public
Hours: Open all day

Ngoc Son Temple

The Ngoc Son Temple or The Temple of the Jade Mountain, is situated on a small tree-sheltered island on the north side of Hoan Kiem Lake. Connected by a stunning scarlet bridge, this classic Vietnamese structure was built in honour of the intellectual scholar Saint Van Xuong, and national hero General Tran Hung Dao. In 1884, the Confucian scholar made a series of renovations to the site, including adding parallel sentences (câu đối) or word puzzles to the walls.

Admission: 20,000 VND
Hours: 7:30am - 5:30pm, every day
Address: Hoan Kiem Lake

Temple of Literature

The main gate of the nations oldest university, be sure to visit during lunch time to avoid crowds.

Built by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong during the Ly dynasty, the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu in Vietnamese) was erected in honour of the philosopher Confucius and his disciples in 1070. In 1076, it became home to Hanoi's first university, Quốc Tử Giam. The site is one of the oldest in Hanoi and a national symbol of Vietnamese education and architecture. Today, the temple houses five court yards, records of Vietnamese scholars, and statues of turtles which are said to bring students good luck in their exams.

Admission: 30,000 VND
Hours: 8am - 5pm, from November until March; 7:30am - 6pm for the rest of the year, Tue-Sun
Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da

Museum of Ethnology

The gardens feature traditional structures, including the communal houses of the Bahnar or Giarai ethnic groups which can reach up to 30 metres high.
This amazing museum examines the everyday life of Vietnams 54 ethnic minorities. Designed by ethnic Tay architect Ha Duc Linh and French architect Veronique Dolfus, the museum hosts three main exhibition areas. Exhibitions display cultural costumes, handicrafts, videos and artefacts; while the outdoor space showcases impressive life-size replicas of ethnic architecture.
Admission: 40,000 VND
Hours: 8:30am - 5:30pm, Tue-Sun
Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Nghia Do, Cau Giay

Saint Joseph's Cathedral

The cafes by the Cathedral are a perfect spot to watch the bustle of Hanoi.

Saint Josephs Cathedral (also known as Hanoi Cathedral), was built on the site of the Bao Thien Tower, which was the most famous landmark in the capital during the Ly Dynasty. The architect was inspired by the Neo-Gothic style of the Notre Dame de Paris. When visiting, expect to see a multicultural crowd of worshippers and plenty of Vietnamese newlyweds having romantic photo shoots.

Admission: Free
Hours: 8am - noon, 2pm - 6pm, every day
Address: 40 Nha Chung, Hoan Kiem