Province / City

Capital City

Province Name

Hanoi

Population (2024)

8.718 million

English
Tiếng Việt

Overview

Hanoi – The Capital of Vietnam and a City for Peace, is the leading political, economic, cultural, and scientific center of Vietnam. Each year, Hanoi attracts millions of domestic and international tourists, captivated by its blend of ancient charm and modern beauty, alongside its distinctive national cultural characteristics and historical narratives. The city boasts more than 5,900 cultural and historical monuments, nearly 2,400 of which are officially recognized (including 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site, 21 National Special Monuments, and nearly 1,800 intangible cultural heritage sites). Having weathered many historical changes, Hanoi continues to assert its place on the international tourism map with a diverse array of scenic spots, historical and cultural landmarks, and a rich, sophisticated culinary scene. Hanoi proudly stands as a must-visit destination for international travelers, offering a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, providing unique travel experiences steeped in Vietnamese cultural identity. The city’s subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons, offers ideal conditions for outdoor tourism activities. Over recent years, reputable organizations, experts, and travel publications have consistently regarded Hanoi as a top tourism destination. Notably, Hanoi has been honored by the World Travel Awards with titles such as: Asia’s Leading City Destination, Asia’s Leading Break Destination, Asia’s Leading City Tourist Board, and Vietnam’s Leading Cultural Destination.

Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism
Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism
Photo Credit: Long Bien Golf Course
Photo Credit: Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club
Photo Credit: Kings island Golf Resort
Photo Credit: Legend Hill Country Club
Photo Credit: Hanoi Golf Club

Must-Visit Destinations

The Old Quarter

Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter occupies one square kilometer consisting of 36 unique streets.

The Old Quarter was formed in the early 15th century. During the Le Dynasty and the early 16th century, people from all over flocked to Hanoi (then known as “Thang Long”) to trade, gradually forming the Old Quarter. Under the Le Dynasty, Thang Long had 36 wards, which later evolved to include hundreds of wards, villages, and camps during the Nguyen Dynasty.

Artisans in the Old Quarter focus on boutique handicrafts and trades, forming unique traditional craft streets.

The Old Quarter is characteristic of the thousand-year-old cultural heritage of Hanoi. Along with Hoi An’s Old Quarter, Hanoi’s Old Quarter is widely regarded as a “museum of ancient urban lifestyle” in Vietnam.

Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism
Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism
Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism
Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism

Craft Villages

As the birthplace of a hundred trades, Hanoi proudly preserves 47 out of 52 of the national traditional craft categories in Vietnam, with 1,350 different craft villages. Notable among them is Bat Trang Pottery Village, a symbol of Vietnam’s ceramic art with a history spanning over 700 years. Each product is a work of art, reflecting the creativity, skill, and sophistication of the artisans. Many pieces are regarded as pinnacles of Vietnamese ceramic craftsmanship, earning international recognition. Visitors can also explore Van Phuc Silk Village, which has a history of over 1,000 years and is known for producing soft, glossy silk. The village’s silk was once used for royal garments and praised by the French as the finest product of Indochina. Today, it still remains at the forefront of the Vietnamese textile industry, not only for its traditional beauty but also for its durability and delicacy, making the village a favorite destination for both domestic and international tourists visiting Hanoi. Other notable craft villages include Dong Ho Painting Village – known for its expressive folk paintings, Ngu Xa Village – famous for its exquisite bronze casting, Phu Vinh Bamboo and Rattan Village, and Ha Thai Lacquer Craft Village, among others. These craft villages not only serve as attractive tourist destinations but also play a vital role in preserving and promoting traditional cultural values. Visitors to Hanoi not only have the opportunity to explore its culture and history but also gain deeper insight into the people and soul of this thousand-year-old land.

Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism
Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism
Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism
Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism
Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting plance of President Ho Chi Minh, officially commenced construction on September 2nd, 1973 at the former site of the stage in the middle of Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh presided over large rallies and read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

Inaugurated on August 29th, 1975, the mausoleum consists of 3 layers at an impressive 21.6 meters in height. The mausoleum is square, with each side measuring 30 meters and the door facing east. The south and north sides feature two 65-meter long stages for guests on major holidays. In front of the mausoleum is Ba Dinh Square with a road for parades, military demonstrations, and a 380-meter lawn. On the west side of the square is the Ho Chi Minh memorial area, including the Ho Chi Minh Museum and Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Water Puppet Theater

Dating back to the 11th century, water puppet performances are ideal for light entertainment and insight into Vietnamese folklore. Wading around in waist-deep water holding bamboo poles, puppeteers operate lacquered wooden characters from behind a screen, reenacting scenes from rural village life.

Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism
Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake (also known as Sword Lake), located in the center of Hanoi, is one of the iconic cultural symbols of the Capital. The lake is about 1,800m long, surrounded by ancient trees, willow rows, historical temples, and mossy old towers alongside new high-rise buildings.

Hoan Kiem Lake literally means “the lake of returning the sword.” Legend says that in the 15th century, a magical sword was found in the water by local fishermen, and in the hands of King Ly Thai To, it helped defeat the invading Ming army. After the victory, Ly Thai To visited the lake on a dragon boat to return the sword to a turtle, who dove down to return the sword to the legendary Long Quan.

Ngoc Son Temple is located on Ngoc Island in Hoan Kiem Lake, a cultural and religious relic with a long history. Connecting Ngoc Island and the East bank of Hoan Kiem Lake is the arced red Huc Bridge.

Ngoc Son Temple and other relics around the lake such as Nghien Dai, But Tower, Hoa Phong Tower, and Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square have long been considered the pride of Hanoi and Vietnam in general.

Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism
Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism
Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism

Temple of Literature

Established by King Ly Thanh Tong under the Ly Dynasty, the Temple of Literature was built in 1070 and in 1076 became the first university of Vietnam, Quoc Tu Giam. Khue Van Cac at the Temple of Literature was selected as the symbol of the capital Hanoi, and 82 Doctorate steles at the Temple of Literature have been recognized by UNESCO as documentary heritage artifacts and recorded in the global “Memory of the World” list.

The architectural complex includes: Van Lake, the Temple of Literature, and Giam garden with the main architectural highlight being the Temple of Literature, a place of worship for Confucius, and Quoc Tu Giam.

With over 700 years of operation and having training thousands of scholars for the country, continuing to today the Temple of Literature remains a must-visit destination for domestic and foreign tourists as well as a place to honor excellent students and organize cultural and scientific exchange activities.

Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism
Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism
Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism
Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism
Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism

Saint Joseph's Cathedral

Beginning construction in early 1884 and completed 3 years later, Saint Joseph’s Cathedral features bold Gothic architecture and is commonly referred to as the “Great Church.”

Saint Joseph’s is one of the first works built by the French in Hanoi and one of the oldest colonial works remaining today.

With its magnificent architectural beauty and profound religious significance, the Cathedral has become a cultural symbol and a prominent destination in the heart of Hanoi, not to be missed by those who seek to explore and understand more about the beauty of the thousand-year-old capital.

Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism
Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology was inaugurated on November 12th, 1997, featuring two main exhibition areas. An indoor area displays cultural costumes, handicrafts, videos, and artifacts, while an outdoor space displays impressive models of ethnic architecture at 1:1 scale.

Additionally, the museum features an exhibition section of the Southeast Asia Museum, introducing foreign cultures in an impressive kite-shaped building.

Each ethnic group has its own rich cultural nuances, both preserving traditions and engaging in mutual exchanges within the country as well as with external influences. At the museum, visitors will gain insight into the diverse yet unified ethnic groups of Vietnam.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Photo Credit: Shutterstock

West Lake

West Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Hanoi. The lake is located about 5 km from the Old Quarter, with convenient access from the city center. With an impressive area of ​​about 500 hectares, West Lake offers a tranquil space with a 17 km shore surrounded by high-class residential areas, luxurious cafes, ancient pagodas, and green parks.

Surrounding West Lake is a complex of historical and cultural relics, including many famous locations such as Tran Quoc Pagoda, Tay Ho Palace, Tao Sach Pagoda, and Van Nien Pagoda.

Located on an island to the east of West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda is considered one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam at over 1,500 years old. Tran Quoc Pagoda is famous not only for its ancient beauty but also for its cool, green space, bringing together impressive architecture, cultural history, and nature.

Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism
Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism
Photo Credit: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism & Hanoi Department of Tourism

Must-Try Specialties

Pho

Pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup made with rice noodles, beef or chicken clear broth, and eclectic herbs and spices. For the most savory flavor broth, beef or chicken will simmer in a noodle soup for many hours along with dried spices such as cinnamon, star anise, cloves, cardamom, and coriander. Then, slices of beef or chicken, lime wedges, and fresh herbs, including cilantro, basil, and mint, will frequently be added to the bowl of pho.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Bun Cha

Grilled pork patties and slices of pork belly, served in a sweet and tangy dipping sauce, accompanied by rice vermicelli and fresh herbs. This dish gained global fame after former U.S. President Barack Obama shared a meal with the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain at Bun Cha Huong Lien in 2016.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Banh Mi

Paté and margarine are spread swiftly across the soft, chewy interior of a baguette before loading the sandwich with pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, pork belly, pork floss, and cucumber.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Nem Ran

In different regions in Vietnam, fried spring rolls have different names: chả giò in the South, and nem rán in the North. The flavor is deliciously crispy. The main characteristic of these tasty rolls is the pork and shrimp filling, wrapped in delicate rice paper. Inside is often stuffed with vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, glass noodles, and bean sprouts. The rolls are then fried to a crispy golden brown.

Photo Credit: Freepik
Photo Credit: Freepik

Nem Cuon

Fresh spring rolls wrapped in soaked rice paper with various ingredients. The most common combinations include meat or seafood, usually beef, pork, shrimp, or crab meat, followed by fresh and aromatic herbs and vegetables such as mint, cilantro, and cucumbers. These rolls are best enjoyed dipped in fish sauce, peanut sauce, or hoisin sauce.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

GNGCD Awards