Discover the most beautiful must see places in Hanoi,Vietnam in this itinerary!

In Hanoi, the aroma of pho (noodle soup) and toasted cinnamon wafts through the narrow streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Mopeds buzz like a swarm of insects, their horns blaring in a chaotic and rhythmic symphony. French colonial facades loom overhead, their yellow walls weathered by time, while down the street, a vendor with a basket heaped with banh mi, delicious Vietnamese sandwiches, dances gracefully through the crowd. This is Hanoi: a city where age-old traditions collide with modern energy, where every corner tells a story—from imperial splendor to revolutionary history. Discover Hanoi, Vietnam in this itinerary.

Discover the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Presidential Palace

Our discovery of Hanoi begins at one of the country's most symbolic sites: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex . This place embodies the spirit of Vietnam and the struggle for independence. The imposing marble mausoleum of "Uncle Ho"—as the Vietnamese call their beloved leader—exudes a sober majesty and is reminiscent of a Soviet monument. Unfortunately, it is closed today: Ho Chi Minh is temporarily "traveling" to Moscow for maintenance. Like Lenin, he was embalmed after his death in 1969 and is normally laid to rest in a glass sarcophagus.

Under a scorching sun, we continue our stroll through the botanical gardens of the Presidential Palace , where banyan trees and tropical plants form a green dome over the paths. Here, we also visit the simple wooden house on stilts where Ho Chi Minh lived. Inside, you'll find nothing more than a bed, a desk, and a few books – but that very simplicity reflects his dedication to the Vietnamese people.

Tip: Don't forget to wear appropriate clothing when visiting the Mausoleum; you must cover your shoulders and knees.

Visit the most beloved temple: One Pillar Pagoda

A few minutes' walk from the mausoleum is one of Hanoi's oldest and most beloved temples: the One Pillar Pagoda . Built in 1049, this small but remarkable pagoda stands on a stone column in the middle of a pond. It is one of Hanoi's most visited attractions. It resembles a lotus flower rising from the water—a powerful symbol of purity and enlightenment in Buddhism.

Here, time seems to stand still. The soft sound of prayer bells and the rhythm of humming monks create an atmosphere of tranquility that provides a beautiful contrast to the bustle of the city.

Explore the Temple of Literature: the birthplace of knowledge

The next stop is an absolute must-see: the Temple of Literature , Vietnam's first university, founded in the 11th century. The temple is a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture, with red walls, courtyards, and ornate gates. Through the "Gate of the Eighth Heaven," you walk to a place where the imperial examinations were once held.

Striking are the stone steles engraved with the names of graduates – a tribute to the value of knowledge that is still palpable today. A fun detail: this temple is featured on the 100,000 dong banknote, a daily reminder of the deep intertwining of history and culture in Vietnamese life.

It is lovely to walk in the park around the temple, don't forget a water bottle, head covering and sunscreen.

Stroll through the 36 streets in the Old Quarter

No visit to Hanoi is complete without a stroll through the Old Quarter , a maze of 36 streets, each with its own specialty. In Hang Bac, silver shops glitter, while Hang Ma is bathed in color with countless lanterns and offerings.

The narrow alleys stimulate all your senses: the aroma of roasted peanuts and fresh herbs, the calls of street vendors, and the irresistible scent of cà phê trứng – egg coffee, a local specialty made from condensed milk and beaten egg yolk.

Settle down on a terrace in Train Street, one of the top sights in Hanoi, Vietnam. A must on your itinerary

Right in the heart of this district you'll find one of Hanoi's most fascinating and photogenic spots: Train Street . Here, a train track literally runs right through a residential neighborhood. Just inches from the houses, a steel monster roars past while residents calmly hang out their laundry or water their plants.

Sitting on a small plastic chair, a steaming cup of egg coffee in hand, you feel the tension rising. First, you hear a whistle, then a booming sound that grows ever closer. Within seconds, hundreds of tons of steel thunder past, so close you almost hold your breath. As soon as the train has disappeared, the street returns to its normal rhythm: chairs are replaced, coffee is served, and life goes on as if nothing had happened.

Tip: Check the train timetable in advance, as the street is sometimes temporarily closed to tourists.

Street Name	Days	Time
Le Duan	Monday - Sunday	06:10 AM, 11:40 AM 03:30 PM, 06:00 PM, 07:10 PM, 07:50 PM, 09:00 PM
Phung Hung	Monday - Friday	08:30 AM, 09:30 AM, 11:50 AM 03:15 PM, 07:50 PM, 09:15 PM, 09:30 PM, 10:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday	6:00 AM, 7:15 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:50 AM 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM, 7:30 PM, 7:50 PM, 9:15 PM, 9:30 PM, 10:00 PM

Note : Train schedules may change without prior notice. It's recommended to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled train time or ask the café owner for specific details.

Enjoy Hanoi at night at Long Bien Market

As evening falls, we head to Long Bien Market , located beneath the iconic Long Bien Bridge . This bridge, built by the French (then known as the Paul-Doumer Bridge), is a symbol of resilience: despite countless bombings during the war, it still stands proudly over the Red River.

Under the arches of this metal giant, the city comes alive. Women spread their rugs with vegetables, fish, and flowers, cyclists weave between the stalls, and the air is filled with the aroma of fresh herbs. It's an authentic and colorful spectacle that, not for nothing, was named one of the "7 Most Attractive Markets in the World" by Time Magazine .

Where to stay? The Ann Hanoi Hotel & Spa

During our time in Hanoi, we stayed at the comfortable The Ann Hanoi Hotel & Spa , an ideal base for exploring the city. The hotel is within walking distance of the main attractions and offers spacious rooms, a generous breakfast buffet, and a relaxing spa – just what you need after a day full of sightseeing. The cozy bar by the rooftop pool is also highly recommended!

Practical tips for your visit to Hanoi

• Best time to travel: October to April – the climate is pleasant and dry.

• Ideal duration: 2 to 3 days to explore the highlights at a relaxed pace.

• Photo tip: Visit Train Street in the afternoon for the best light and liveliest atmosphere.

• Don't miss: Try cà phê trứng and pho at one of the local food stalls for an authentic taste of Hanoi. And don't forget to try the deliciously sweet egg coffee!