Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and a city of great cultural and historical significance. This place has a lot to offer to the tourists coming here. Scroll down to find a list of things to do in Hanoi so that you can plan your trip accordingly.
Best 7 Attractions in Hanoi
Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is an ideal place to visit while you are in Hanoi. This place has a serene environment, and its beautiful views help you relax your mind. Vietnamese people have said that the water of the lake has mystical powers and hence it attracts a large number of people from around the world to visit this place. The mystical powers of the water of the Hoan Kiem lake are associated with a Vietnamese legend hero who is a mythical turtle that lives in this lake. If you are a tourist here, you’ll learn that the locals believe that the turtle swims in Hoan Kiem lake up to this day.
While you are visiting this place, you may not see the legendary turtle, but you will definitely see many other turtles enjoying the beautiful waters of the lake. This place also has many panoramic views that also account for all the tourists coming here.
TourTeller’s Pick – Best Activities in Hanoi
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Bach Ma Temple
You can get to Bach Ma Temple in the Hoan Kiem District of Hanoi, also known as the Old Quarter. It is among one of the most magnificent temples one can find in Hanoi. Bach Ma Temple, though it isn’t in its original state from the time it was built, still reflects its marvelous ancient architectural style and gives out the vibes of its authenticity. The renovation work that took place in this temple dates back to the 18th century. So one can imagine how many changes this place had to endure. Moreover, Bach Ma Temple is known to have been built in the 11th century when Emperor Ly Thai To was ruling over Vietnam. This temple is said to have been created in the memory of a white horse that led Emperor Ly Thai To to this very place where the temple was then built. Here, you can also find a Confucius statue that was erected in the year 1839.
Long Bien Bridge
Long Bien Bridge was designed by architects that came to Vietnam from Paris. And it’s constructed during the years 1899 to 1902. This place has immense historical importance. Also, It is known to have played a role of great significance from a strategical point of view during the time of the Vietnam War. If you want to visit this place, you should come here after the sunset. Because then you could enjoy the beautiful bridge with lights and stunning views. Furthermore, the pedestrian path on this bridge allows you to take strolls. Plus, enjoy delicious local foods from the food vendors here!
Museum of Ethnology
Vietnam is home to a number of different museums, but the Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi is one of its kind and displays rich sources of knowledge in its galleries. This museum is to the history of ethnic minorities that have lived or live in Vietnam. Among all the other pieces on display here are various artifacts, handicrafts, and tribal art which show the great taste in art and craft of the ethnic minorities. Here, you can also see stunning representations of traditional houses of the villages. The displayed information on various items is represented through signs in a number of languages. Thus, you can learn about the historical and cultural significance of ethnic minorities without any confusion.
Hoa Lo Prison
Hoa Lo Prison, also known as Hanoi Hilton, is one of those places in Vietnam. When you visit here, it might have a considerable impact on a person and stir up a lot of emotions. This place used to be an ancient confinement establishment but now tells the story of its past to all the people who come here. Hoa Lo Prison was initially to lock up the war prisoners of the USA when the Vietnam War was going on. Now, this place is an excellent source for people to learn about past happenings until the year 1950s. In addition, this place has a French guillotine that colonialists used to execute Vietnamese activists. Hoa Lo Prison also has memorabilia to show the American pilots who were imprisoned during the Vietnam War. So, if you are planning to visit this place, embrace yourself for an utterly moving experience.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Enjoying the water puppet performance is one of the best things to do in Hanoi. Thang Long Theatre has a water pool that is waist high and in this pool of water, stands the puppeteers. When they work the puppets by using long bamboo sticks, it looks as if puppets are performing while standing on the surface of the pool water. Besides, this performance creates a magical effect and draws a higher number of tourists every other year.
These puppet performances tell the audience of the farming stories of the Vietnamese people, local legends, and various other myths associated with the history of Vietnam. The events which initiated these performances were those where the rice fields would flood during the monsoon, and the local people of rural Vietnam would dance along with their puppets as a fun activity. If you want to visit this place, book your ticket online by clicking on the link.
Vietnamese Women’s Museum
As the name suggests, this museum has various stories of various women and how they impacted society. This is one of the best things to do in Hanoi, and one should not miss visiting this place for the world. Vietnamese Women’s museum educates you on the topic of Vietnamese women and the rich historical and cultural significance associated with these women. Also, this museum takes you to the time of the Vietnam War. And it tells you of the roles women played during this time in the Vietnamese struggle for independence. Here, you can find various pieces on display that include handicrafts, costumes, woven fabrics, and other such items.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave comments below. Thanks!
Written by Dy & Jay
