Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is an ancient city with a modern flavor. Nestled on the banks of the Red River, Hanoi is a cultural melting pot of ancient Buddhist pagodas, glittering skyscrapers, and well-preserved colonial architecture.
Exploring Hanoi on foot or by bicycle is a wonderful experience, with its Vietnamese-inspired cuisine, lively markets, and lots of fun things to do. These four attractions are well worth a visit when in Hanoi.
The Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature in Hanoi was built by the Vietnamese emperor, Ly Sheng Trung, in 1070 A.D. to honor Confucius of China. This ancient complex once housed Vietnam's first formal university and is one of the best-preserved representatives of Vietnam's ancient architecture.
The Temple of Literature is likewise a great place to enjoy tranquility. For many locals and tourists, the Temple of Literature is a place of prayer and contemplation.
Vietnam Ethnology Museum
The Vietnam Ethnology Museum is a great place to go if you are interested in Vietnam's history and culture. Visiting the Vietnam Ethnology Museum may take a whole day.
Vietnam has 54 official ethnic groups. The Ethnology Museum is mainly dedicated to the lifestyle and culture of these ethnic groups. It also includes exhibitions of artifacts, costumes, and inventions of each ethnic group, such as Vietnamese conical hats and unique Vietnamese housing structures.
Returning Sword Lake
Returning Sword Lake is located in Hanoi's Old Quarter. The lake is serene and beautiful and locals tend to gather here for lunch, a walk or a stroll with their families. It's a great place for the amazons to square dance and a great place to watch the pedestrians (wear a mask).
There is a temple near here called Yushan Shrine, an ancient temple that sits on a small island near the lake, accessible via a beautiful bridge, and well worth a visit.
Hanoi's Old Quarter
In the Old Quarter, you can feel the spirit of Hanoi's city, eat Vietnamese food and buy some local souvenirs to take home. Often, it's a good idea to walk through the Old Quarter on foot to experience the chaos and bustle of the place and get a sense of Hanoi at its most authentic.