Destinations Vietnam Inspiration Culture

Hanoi: All You Need to Know About Vietnam’s Capital

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a place associated with many historical events and represents the diverse culture of this beautiful country. Hanoi has both the ancient features of a city with more than a thousand years of history and the modern image of one of the largest cities in Vietnam. This is a must-visit destination you cannot miss when traveling to Vietnam. Let’s explore what is special about Hanoi with Lua Viet Tours!

Hanoi has an ancient beauty mixed with modernity. (Image Source: Internet)

Top Attractions in Hanoi

Hanoi has many attractions associated with culture and history that are hundreds of years old. Below are some attractions in Hanoi you cannot miss.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Here lays tribute to the Vietnamese Communist revolutionary leader – dearly anointed the great “Uncle Ho” of the country. It is also where you will have a better grasp of Vietnam’s complex political history and the beginning of the current government mindset.

Location: Number 1, Hung Vuong, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh

The solemn atmosphere at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. (Image Source: Internet)

Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is the heart of Hanoi, a maze of narrow lanes crammed with boutiques, art spaces, coffee shops. The focal point is Hoan Kiem Lake, where the locals get around together mostly during the early morning and leisurely attractions by night.

Location: Northwest of Hoan Kiem District.

Daily life in Hanoi Old Quarter. (Image Source: Internet)

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is among the top attractions in Hanoi. Its’ name is tied to the legend of King Le Thai To who was given a holy sword by the Sea God to defeat invaders and later asked to return it to the depths of the lake (“Hoan Kiem” means “Returned Sword”).

Visitors often enjoy leisurely activities like walking around the lake, taking in the Turtle Tower or snapping photos of the scenic area.

Tourists stroll around Ho Guom Lake. (Image Source: Internet)

The Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature, located in the heart of Hanoi, is a cultural and historical icon of Vietnam and a captivating destination for tourists. Built in the 11th century, the Temple of Literature was the country’s first university, dedicated to honoring Confucius and eminent scholars.

Visitors can explore stone steles inscribed with the names of outstanding scholars from the Le and Nguyen dynasties, alongside other significant historical and cultural relics.

Location: 58 Van Mieu Town, Dong Da District.

Visitors learn about prominent scholars in history at the Temple of Literature. (Image Source: Internet)

Ngoc Son Temple

Built in the 19th century, this temple honors two important figures: Van Xuong De Quan, a Taoist deity, and General Tran Hung Dao, a Vietnamese military hero. Coming to Ngoc Son Temple, you will feel the peaceful, quiet breath in the middle of the bustling, noisy urban area and admire the ancient architectural masterpiece of the capital. In addition, many people visit this temple to pray and seek blessings.

Location: Hoan Kiem Lake.

Ngoc Son Temple is a place to honor people with merit in Vietnamese history. (Image Source: Internet)

Hoa Lo Prison

Originally built by the French in the late 19th century, Hoa Lo prison was designed to incarcerate those who opposed French colonial rule, later housing war prisoners. Today, a portion of the prison has been transformed into a museum, exhibiting artifacts and depicting the harsh living conditions and resilient spirit of the prisoners. Visitors here witness an important part of Vietnam’s history, recounted through emotional stories and vivid exhibits.

Location: 1 Hoa Lo Town, Tran Hung Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District.

Hoa Lo Museum is a place that preserves historical memories. (Image Source: Internet)

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Watching a water puppet show, a charming tradition dating back to the 11th century, is a great way to learn more about Vietnamese folk culture. Coming to Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, You will have the chance to enjoy skilled puppeteers manipulating wooden characters behind a screen, creating a delightful and entertaining performance.

Location: 57b Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem District.

Tourists are enjoying a water puppet show – a traditional art form of Vietnam. (Image Source: Internet)

Best Foods in Hanoi

Hanoi is one of the places with the most diverse cuisine in Vietnam. There are many delicious dishes waiting for you to enjoy. Let’s explore the best foods in Hanoi with Lua Viet Tour!

Hanoi Pho

Pho, a quintessential Vietnamese dish, is a must-try food in Hanoi. This beloved noodle soup is a culinary masterpiece, boasting a rich broth infused with fragrant spices and herbs, tender slices of beef or chicken, and silky rice noodles. Hanoi, known as the birthplace of Pho, offers an authentic and unparalleled dining experience for Pho enthusiasts. From its humble origins as a street food staple to its status as a global culinary sensation, Pho embodies the essence of Vietnamese cuisine and culture.

Hanoi Pho offers the most original flavor of this dish. (Image Source: Internet)

Bun Cha (Kebab Rice Noodles)

Bun cha is one of the best foods in Hanoi and enticing international travelers with its tantalizing flavors. This traditional Vietnamese dish features grilled pork served with fresh herbs, vermicelli noodles, and a savory dipping sauce. As visitors indulge in this aromatic and flavorful dish, they not only satisfy their taste buds but also immerse themselves in the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam.

Former US President Obama used to enjoy bun cha when he visited Vietnam in 2016. (Image Source: Internet)

Bun Dau Mam Tom ( Noodles with Tofu, Shrimp Sauce)

Bun dau mam tom is a must-try food in Hanoi. It is a combination of boiled pork, fried tofu, fried fish cakes, and intestine sausages. Fresh raw vegetables and soft cubes of rice noodles are served to freshen your palette. The “must-have” ingredient of the whole main dish is shrimp paste, which is what makes bun dau mam tom so unique.

All the ingredients combine to create a delicious dish. (Image Source: Internet)

Banh Cuon Thanh Tri (Steamed Rice Roll)

Banh cuon (steamed rice roll) is a traditional Vietnamese dish that features steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, and shallots, served with crispy fried shallots and a side of dipping sauce. Found in the bustling streets of Thanh Tri district, local vendors skillfully prepare and serve this delectable dish, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

Savoring the lightness and freshness of Banh Cuon Thanh Tri, you will embark on a flavorful journey through Vietnam’s culinary heritage. (Image Source: Internet)

Cha Ca La Vong (Fish Cake)

Fish cake is a dish that has been passed down for many generations in the Northern region. Especially in Hanoi, people prepare this dish quite meticulously and elaborately. The fish is fried on a small oil pan, and each dining table will have a small charcoal stove with a fish pan placed above. Typically, you will roll the grilled fish in rice paper, tangy vermicelli, along with roasted peanuts, coriander, basil, dill, chopped fresh onions and dipped in shrimp paste.

Cha ca la vong is served everywhere in Hanoi, from households to fine-dining restaurants with different variations. (Image Source: Internet)

Best Time to Visit Hanoi

You can travel to Hanoi at any time in the year. However, fall (around September to November) and spring (March and April) are considered the two best seasons to visit Hanoi. Then the weather is pleasant with milder temperatures. Each season, Hanoi has its own beauty and interesting activities, so do a little research in advance to have the best Hanoi travel experience.

Romantic scenery of Hanoi in autumn. (Image Source: Internet)

With its’ rich history, culture, and diverse cuisine, Hanoi offers an unforgettable experience for any visitor. Contact Lua Viet Tours to plan the most authentic, interesting, and fulfilling trip to Hanoi.

Want to know more about Vietnam? Follow Lua Viet Tours on Facebook to get the latest information about Vietnam’s destinations, culture, and cuisine!

Table of contents