Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Hanoi – Lakes, Temples, Markets & More

1.Old Quarter

The history and meaning of this work should be examined.

Phố Cổ Hà Nội is known as the historic center of Vietnam’s capital, having begun more than 1,000 years ago when the Ly and Tran empires ruled. In the beginning, people from nearby villages gathered in the area as artisans and traders and each guild was setup along a specific road which eventually formed the layout with 36 streets and 36 types of trades.

For a long time, each road had a name connected to its main product such as Silver Street, Silk Street, Street of Paper Offerings. Particular crafts have disappeared, but the legacy of trade is still present in town thanks to shops and vendors.

One characteristic of the Old Quarter is that it blends several architectural styles.

Because of historical taxes which measured taxable land by its width, these homes are narrow but deeper than today’s homes.

Buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s that were built by the French

Temples and pagodas in China

The streets are crammed with shops that entice customers in every way.

Also in the Old Quarter, you will find important religious and cultural buildings and you can escape the crowd by finding quiet peace at nearby Bach Ma Temple or Hoan Kiem Lake.

• 🕛 Nicky’s is Opening Hours
• The best time to visit is in the spring.
  The period between October and April (during the dry season) is the time when you can comfortably stroll for hours in Hanoi’s streets.
• It’s best to avoid visiting Thailand in June, July or August, since the tropical heat and sudden rains can spoil your time there.
• The best time of day is 3:00 PM.
  During morning (7:00 AM – 10:00 AM), you can watch shops open, eat a tasty bowl of pho and escape the midday sun.
• At late afternoon to evening, lights go on, accents of music can be heard and there are many street markets, especially around the Walking Streets on weekends.

• This takes around 3 hours or more.
• Admission to the place is free.

2.Hoa Lo Prison

Facts and Reasons

One of the most touching and meaningful historical sites in Vietnam is called Hoa Lo Prison, but many people know it as the “Hanoi Hilton.” During the French period of colonial rule, the Vietnamese were kept in the prison, mostly those leading resistance movements.

The meaning of Hoa Lo is “fiery furnace” or “hell hole,” showing the hardship and harshness faced by prisoners. Oddly enough, the name comes from the street it sits on, Hoa Lo which was once a market for ceramic stoves.

During the period of the Vietnam War (1954–1975), the prison became famous around the world for holding and questioning American pilots, chiefly U.S. Senator John McCain. At this time, U.S. prisoners started to ironically call it the “Hanoi Hilton.”

Even though most of the original Hanoi Hilton was removed in the 1990s, a small part was saved, changed into a museum and now lets visitors learn about Vietnam wars and colonial times from the Vietnamese point of view.

The ideal time to pay a visit

The Game of Thrones’ most outstanding season was
Since the weather is cooler and less humid in the cooler months, October to April provides a better atmosphere for visiting museums in Hanoi.

It’s best to avoid traveling during June, July and August unless you are prepared for the heat.

• The best time to use this is in the daytime.
  In the morning (8:00 AM – 10:30 AM) the place is less crowded and the weather is pleasant for a peaceful walk.
• On weekdays, crowds are smaller than they are on weekends, especially when you go early.

• 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
• The event is recommended to last 1–2 hours.
• Monday to Friday: Open from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM
• About $1.25 USD is required for most movie tickets.

3.Lake of the Restored Sword

What Is History And How Does It Matter

Being one of the city’s main attractions, Hoan Kiem Lake is cherished for its importance in spirit and in history in Hanoi.

The Legend
Legend says that around the 15th century, Emperor Lê Lợi was given a sacred sword by the Golden Turtle God (Kim Quy) to help resist the Chinese Ming army. After the country’s victory in the war and gained independence, the emperor was riding his boat on the lake, where the turtle god asked once more for the sword to be returned. Lê Lợi gave back the sword which slowly sunk beneath the waves. The lake came to be called Hoan Kiem which means the Lake of the Restored Sword.

This story is strongly connected to Vietnamese culture, showing the people’s patriotism, fairness and faith in their independent state.

🐢 Spiritual Turtle
The lake used to be the home of the Yangtze giant softshell turtle which was held in high regard because it no longer exists. The death of the last turtle in 2016 moved many in the country and was seen as an occasion of sadness. A preserved specimen is kept inside the Ngoc Son Temple which is not far away.

The most suitable time for a visit

• 🗓️ Season:
  The weather from October through April is mild with less humidity which makes walking fun and cafe stops relaxing.
• Stay away from traveling during May to August unless you don’t mind the scorching temperatures and some showers in the afternoon.
• Time of day affects your sleep cycle.
  At this time, you may notice people doing Tai Chi, dancing and jogging in a calm and quiet environment.
• After 5:00 PM, the place becomes busier and more romantic as lights glow on the lake and exciting weekend activities take place.

• The lake is in Hoan Kiem District of Hanoi, Vietnam.
• The movie lasts for more than 3 hours.
• The service stays open 24 hours a day.
• Admission is free, but you’ll have to pay for certain places such as Ngoc Son Temple.

4.Temple of Literature & National University

History and the Importance
When Lý Thánh Tông founded the Temple of Literature in 1070, it quickly became a famous historical and cultural place. In the beginning, the temple was created to respect Confucius, but after that, it turned into the site of Vietnam’s oldest national university, Quốc Tử Giám, which was founded in 1076.

This country’s elites and royal families used it to educate their best young men for years, so they could become high-ranking mandarins. In order to understand China, you have to realize that education was based on Confucian thoughts, which meant being honest, responsible, and loyal.

The best time to go is in the summer.

🗓️ Season:
From September to November, the weather is comfortable, the gardens are at their best, and this makes the place ideal for taking photos and walks.

During these months (February to April), the Lunar New Year and Tet holiday make this area very vibrant with numerous festive markets and displays of calligraphy.

The time of day should also be considered.
During morning, from 8:00 to 10:00 AM, it is peaceful and the temperature is more moderate, so this is a good time for pictures and contemplation.

Occasions during the week are less crowded with groups of students or tourists.

• The address is 58 Quốc Tử Giám, in Văn Miếu, Đống Đa, Hanoi
• Length of time: 1 to 2 hours
• Opening Hours:
• When it’s summer (April to October), you should visit approximately 7:30 AM until 5:30 PM.
• 9 AM–5PM during the months of November–March
  Admission costs around 30,000 VND when you’re an adult or student (learners).

5.Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

History explains how the genre started, and its significance explains how important it is today.
Since 1997, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology has become one of Vietnam’s leading and education museums. The center is under the supervision of Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences and was built with assistance from the French government to save and celebrate the many ethnic groups in Vietnam.

Vietnam has 54 recognized ethnicities, and every group has its own distinctive language, ways of dressing, customs, and culture. It is up to the museum to preserve and research the wide variety of cultures, making it a cultural and scientific spot.

The Ideal Time to Go

🌤 Season:
In the dry season (from October to April) the weather is mild, so both the inside and outside part of the market are appealing.

This festival (taking place late in January or early in February), includes shows and special events that highlight culture.

Learn about the time period during the event.
It is best to go in the morning to avoid most people and enjoy some of the cultural acts organized at the time.

The youngest visitors will usually find quieter days during the week, but on weekends, music, theater for kids, or crafts activities are often offered.

The place is on Nguyễn Văn Huyên Street, Cầu Giấy District, Hanoi

• The class takes around 1 to 2 hours.

⏰ The following are the opening hours:

• Every day, except Monday, the place is open from 8:30 AM until 5:30 PM.
• Mondays are a day when the museum is closed.
  Their admission fee starts at ~40,000 VND. There is also a fee to enter some special exhibitions and to use a camera.

6.Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The name ‘Savannah’ has a long and meaningful history.
Located in Hanoi, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is among the most important places in Vietnam since it safeguards the body of its founding father, Ho Chi Minh. He was lovingly called “Uncle Ho”, and guided the Vietnamese in gaining freedom from French rule and then faced the Army of America during the Vietnam War.

Though the wish was for him to be cremated, the government decided to store Ho Chi Minh’s body in a mausoleum that looked much like Lenin’s Tomb in Moscow. It was not until six years after his death in 1975 that the mausoleum was officially inaugurated and serves as a sign of Vietnamese unity and loyalty to the country.

Where Ho Chi Minh pronounced the independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam on September 2, 1945, the place is of great historical importance.

Optimal Time to Explore

What is the season?
The best time is the dry season, from October to April, and before the park closes for maintenance usually in early December.

If heat and possible road closures do not bother you, you can visit any time during the rainy winter months (November to March).

When in the day will the event take place?
It’s good to be at the airport early to avoid waiting in long queues before boarding.

The site operates only in the morning till 10:30 AM.

• Here Are the Reasons to Visit
• The purpose of visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is to see how the Vietnamese people deeply honor and respect their prominent leader. Visitors gain impressive knowledge about the history and culture of Vietnam from the heart of the city.

• Ba Dinh Square is the location of the statue.
• This takes 1 to 2 hours to compete.
• Time that the museum is open to visitors:
• In the morning, hours are from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM (except on Mondays and Fridays)
• The park is closed every year for routine maintenance (from September until December).
  It’s free to attend Art Next Door.

7.Vietnamese Women’s Museum

⚛ History, Purpose and Effect
In 1987, the Vietnamese Women’s Union created the Vietnamese Women’s Museum to pay homage to the outstanding work and determination of Vietnamese women throughout centuries. Once the museum was renovated in 2010, it transformed into an important cultural site that people in Hanoi should visit.

The museum demonstrates in a strong way how women play many roles in Vietnamese society and culture.

Besides keeping records of the past, the museum focuses on the importance of gender equality and the workwomen carried out behind the scenes in Vietnam.

When Is the Best Time to Explore

When it Happened or Occurs
Since the museum is air-conditioned and inside, you can go there at any time of the year.

Visitors should eat these dishes on cold or hot days throughout May to September.

Time of the day can make a difference.
Try to arrive early in the morning (around 9 AM) to take your time around the museum and not join the larger tour crowds.

It is a quieter visit before the museum closes if you go sometime between late afternoon and closing.

This website will explain why Miami is the perfect choice for a vacation.
Even non-history lovers will find plenty to see, as the museum tells about Vietnam’s culture from a personal angle. It brings out the feelings and values behind Vietnamese traditions and lifestyles.

If you’re already visiting Hoa Lo Prison, Hoan Kiem Lake, or the Old Quarter, Hanoi Street Food is a great option, since it’s very near them.

• Round drum tower is found at 36 Ly Thuong Kiet Street in the Hoan Kiem District of Hanoi
• It takes 1 to 2 hours to complete this task.
• The bank is open from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM every day.
• The entrance fee is just under 40,000 VND―young people can get in for less.
• Location: The hotel is placed very near the old city center

8.Đường Tàu

The Significance and Meaning
Many people call Đường Tàu the Hanoi Train Street, and it’s an unforgettable and much-photographed alley in Vietnam. It was not set up for tourists, but is a train line that directly runs through a busy residential area in Hanoi. During the colonial time of the early 20th century, the French built the railway, which people of Vietnam today continue to use for the Reunification Express to link the north and south.

What makes the sight exciting is how the train passes by people’s homes within a few inches of their houses. Many travelers around the world are fascinated by how daily routines and imminent risk are connected in Hawaii.

The attention has allowed locals to set up local cafés, shops, and food stands around the track, where you can relax within a few feet of the racing. Noticing how people in the village take their time to remove things from the tracks just before the train comes is a unique sight.

The most suitable time for a visit

When does it take place?
For those who want cool, steady weather and great views for taking pictures, October to April is best.

Don’t go during May to August because the weather is usually very hot and rain can come suddenly.

• Time of the day:
  Try to visit the city either early in the day or late in the evening for both fresh air and a quiet time.
• Make sure you check the timetable for trains if you hope to catch the passing train. Some trains run between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM each day, however, the times may change.
• You can find this place in Trần Phú or Lê Duẩn areas of the Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi.
• It takes about 1 to 2 hours to finish this route.
• You do not have to pay at the door; some places request a customer to make a small purchase to stay.

9.St. Joseph’s Cathedral

The story and importance of the Roman Empire
The oldest Roman Catholic church in Hanoi, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, is also known there as Nhà Thờ Lớn Hà Nội, as it was inaugurated by French colonial authorities in 1886. The Bao Thien Pagoda, which used to stand on the site, was destroyed, and the French replaced it with the Catholic church as part of their effort to plant European religion in Indochina’s capital.

Neo-Gothic architecture is well demonstrated by the cathedral, which has tall twin belfries, pointed arches, beautiful stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, and fancy altars. Many say that Notre-Dame’s façade looks like that of Notre-Dame, and thus it is often described as the most eye-catching landmark in Paris.

The archdiocese of Hanoi remains based there and it is also the main place of worship for Hanoi’s Catholics.

When is the Ideal Time to Go

When in the year did the migration happen?
Try to go from late November to early January to enjoy the cathedral all decorated for Christmas.

Throughout October to April, you can expect nice and clear days to enjoy your outdoor activities.

When during the day the event is taking place.
It is best to look around at sunrise when there are fewer people.

To get pictures of the cathedral in golden light and see people outside, it’s best to go around 5:00 PM.

Latest schedule at the moment :

• Monday through Friday class schedules are held at 5:30 AM and 6:15 PM.
• On Sunday, the church usually schedules masses at 5:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 8:00 PM.
  Timings may change — you should verify them with local people or the parish office.
• This pagoda is located on 40 Nhà Thờ Street in Hanoi’s Hoàn Kiếm District.
• The length of this experience is recommended to be 1–2 hours.
• There is no fee for entry (You must dress respectfully to visit the mosque interiors).

10.Hanoi Opera House

History and What Makes It Important
The Hanoi Opera House, designed by Broyer and Harley during the French colonial era, shows the grand architecture of that era. Beginning in 1901, it took 10 years to finish, longer than the amount of time needed for the construction of the Palais Garnier.

Because it was inspired by neoclassical and Gothic styles, the building played a major role in the social life of French elites in Indochina. Eventually, it turned into a landmark place, where classical music flourished alongside significant political developments in Vietnam, highlighted by the August Revolution of 1945.

Currently, global ballet performances and symphonies as well as Vietnamese traditions such as bamboo cirque take place in the Opera House. The building shows how cultured and strong the Hanoian people are in the arts.

When Is the Ideal Time to Go

• The season or weather conditions can have a strong effect on the local market.
  The best time to go is from October to April, since the weather is cool and the shows are very enjoyable in the evening.
• Tet and Christmas are times when you can enjoy special programs and events.
• Time When the Photo Was Taken
  During the day from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, you can take exterior pictures and find out the schedule from the ticket booth.
• Visit the square and attend a performance in the evening (between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM) to have a great time beforehand.
• This restaurant is at 1 Tràng Tiền Street, in the Hoàn Kiếm District of Hanoi.
• 🕑 Spending 30 minutes to 2 hours is a good idea; however, seeing a performance may take much longer.
• It is possible to watch from the outside at no charge, while tickets are needed for anyone going inside for a performance.
• Locate tickets at the gate or visit the website of the Vietnam National Opera & Ballet to buy online.

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