Sightseeing in Hanoi is one of the things to put on your bucket list. A beautiful city located in northern Vietnam, Hanoi is easily one of the best cities in Asia with its rich culture, magnificent architecture, scenic landscapes, and bustling urban life. There are many places to visit in Hanoi, and it will take you more than a day to see them all. This is where this guide comes in handy.
Get acquainted with the culture.
The first thing to do once you arrive in Hanoi is to learn about the rich culture of the city. As a capital city, Hanoi is also the second most populous city in Vietnam. It has a long history (the first inhabitants are known to have settled around 3000 BC) and was the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1954. A quick way to immerse yourself in the culture is to visit any of the many museums from Hanoi including the National Museum of Vietnam History, Vietnam Women’s Museum, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts, and Ho Chi Minh Museum to name a few. If museums are not your thing, you can also visit the Hanoi Opera House, if not to see an opera, but to admire the architectural beauty of the structure.
Visit Parks and Gardens.
Apart from the many museums, Hanoi also has several nature parks and gardens that the whole family can enjoy. Cuc Phuong National Park, about 100 km south of the city, is the most important national park in the country. Endangered species, ancient trees and various species of flora and fauna are found within the park, along with caves and hot springs. There are also walking and biking trails for the adventurous. Another park, but with a different theme, is the Thanh Cuong Viet Palace. There is the Botanical Garden located in the city. Offering a pleasant escape from the noise of the city, the Botanical Garden boasts of century-old trees, sculptures, and open spaces ideal for walking or picnicking.
Take a walk near the lakes.
Hanoi is a city built between two rivers, so it is no wonder that the city also boasts several picturesque lakes. One of its famous lakes is Hoan Kiem Lake, or Lake of the Returned Sword. It has a Turtle Tower in the center due to its association with the legend of a turtle that grabbed the emperor’s sword and then disappeared. Another famous lake is West Lake, which is also the largest lake in Hanoi. Around West Lake you can find various gardens, restaurants and hotels, and other entertainment venues.
Eat, eat, buy, buy!
Vietnamese cuisine has seen an increase in popularity as the years have passed, and there is no better place to sample delicious local and fusion dishes than in Hanoi. From the smallest restaurants to the largest, you are sure to find meals that will delight your palate. A famous restaurant in Hanoi’s Old Quarter that should not be missed is Cha Ca La Vong Restaurant, which has been in operation for over a century. Of course, after eating, shopping is done. You can buy just about anything from small trinkets to expensive and exotic decorations at one of Hanoi’s many markets. Dong Xuan Market in the Old Town is a popular shopping stop for tourists. You can visit Van Phuc Silk Village, where the centuries-old art of weaving silk with silkworms is practiced.
Take a walk, then kick back and relax.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back activity, all you need to do is walk the less crowded streets of Hanoi, visit a temple, or observe the bustling city from the confines of a laid-back restaurant. After a long day enjoying these activities in Hanoi, you can simply relax in your cozy hotel in Hanoi, like the Serenade Hotel, and maybe try that spa and get a well-deserved massage.
Try any, if not all, of the Hanoi tourist activities listed above, and we guarantee you will have a blast.
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