Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, Hanoi
A comprehensive list of what to do in hanoi, Vietnam. Includes all the major sights and activities in and around Hanoi. One day in Hanoi isn’t nearly enough, but with nearby attractions like the Perfume Pagoda, the Red River Delta and the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay to explore, and many visitors heading south to Hoi An or Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant capital is often relegated to a day tour. Teeming with historic sites, colonial architecture and glitzy shopping malls, the capital can be overwhelming for first time visitors and while it’s cheap and easy to get around on your own, booking a sightseeing tour of Hanoi will save time and take the hassle out of your trip.
Make an early start and head straight for Hanoi’s top attractions, like the Temple of Literature, a magnificent complex built in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong on the site of Vietnam’s first university and renowned as a prime example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. From here, walk north past the Museum of Fine Arts, temple of literature, Ngoc Ha village and the One-Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot) to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you can view the body of the much-revered former president at the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum. Also on site is his former stilt house, the grand Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh Museum, where you can learn about his role as a revolutionary leader.
Just north of the Ho Chi Minh Complex, Hanoi’s West Lake offers an idyllic backdrop for lunch and the most atmospheric place to eat is at one of the floating restaurants. Pay a visit to the lakeside Quan Thanh Temple, the city’s oldest temple, and the Tran Quoc Pagoda before spending the afternoon exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter. A traditional Cyclo tour is a fun way to get around the Old Quarter, but it’s also possible to take in the highlights on foot, strolling along the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake, visiting Ngoc Son Temple or browsing the exhibitions at the fascinating Museum of History.
As the sun begins to set, make a beeline for the famous Dong Xuan Market, which comes alive in the evening hours. As well as shopping for clothing, handicrafts and unique souvenirs, this is one of the best places in the city to sample Vietnam’s legendary street food, so be sure to visit with an empty stomach. Finish off your day with another quintessential Hanoi experience – watching a water puppet show at the historic Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre or Bong Sen Theatre.
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