10 best things to do in Hanoi

Do you have Hanoi on your list of places of interest on your tourist visit?  Then you are going on a trip that will give you the excitement that can last you for a lifetime if you know how to explore this city to its full limits.

This city is more than 1000 years and has cultures jealously preserved by the people which will excite any visiting tourist to this city that has a lot for the world in terms of places of worship; historical war museums and several others that are scattered across the city.

The following tips highlight 10 of the best things that you can do when you are in Hanoi.

1. The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

This is where you will get everything that relates to this city gathered in one place. This is the soul of the city and if you did not come here to see for yourself, you will not appreciate this city to the fullest.

Today, recognition has been given to this city by UNESCO as it is now recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the imperial political center of the nation for eight centuries. It strategically located to many tourist attractions.

2. The Water Puppet Theater

This yet another gift of a thriller to the world from Hanoi. This water puppet theater show is very popular and the dancing puppets are controlled by a troupe of puppet masters who hid behind a screen.

There are several theaters around that air these shows; time out in any of the shows will definitely give you a measure of entertainment that you will live to cherish for a long time to come.

3. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh is the soul of Vietnam. This is one leader that gave his life for the freedom of his people. He is looked up to and revered by every citizen of the country.

Popularly called Uncle Ho’ by the locals; every tourist that hears about his exploits during his lifetime will desire to meet him one on one.

This opportunity is presented through the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum located in Ba Dinh where his preserved body lay. A visit to this revered site will excite any tourist.

4. The Perfume Pagoda

This is one temple complex that you must visit. Hidden among the hills, it will provide the enabling environment for those who want to seek for one favor or the other from the spirit world.

If you are the prayerful and religious tourist; coming here will give you the opportunity to connect with the spirit world and offer prayers that will lift up your spiritual life.

The hour’s journey by road and traveling by boat to the foot of the mountains will take you closer to think of the spirit that is highly revered.

5. Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son

This is a center of attraction where tourists get to interact with the locals in an environment far from the ordinary. You have to experience something in the center of a lake where this tourist haven sits on.

It is assessed through a bridge and you will get the best benefits of a photo shoot. The place takes an exciting dimension for the best by sunrise and sunset; tourists’ troupe in during this time of the day.

6. Dong Xuan Market

This is the largest market in town and it qualifies as one of the centers of attraction that you should visit before you leave town. This four-story Soviet-style building gives every tourist a wide range of choices through the items on display.

Going back home with gift items for your loved ones, friends and acquaintances is never a bad idea and you will get the best deals available at this market.

7. Hanoi Old Quarter

Are you a lover of the architecture of the past that defines the present? You have been yearning to see the technology of yesterday which are no longer available in today’s market; then the place you should go to is Hanoi Old Quarter. There you will meet jealous preservation of the inventions of yesterday that are parked along the street.

8. Ba Vi National Park

Give it to the people and the government of Vietnam, they have a way of preserving things that have gone into extinction from other climes. If you are in this city; then you must as a matter of priority visit park which represents nature preservation at its peak.

There is the peaked mountain here; a range of jungle plants and animals. You will get to see natural hot springs on the forest floor and many more wonders of nature.

9. Hanoi Opera House

This is one of the most elegant buildings in the whole of Hanoi. If you are a lover of music and the movies; a perfect setting for relaxation, then you must visit this opera house.

10. Temple of Literature

This is located in the city center and was originally designed to be a center of learning. Many buildings have grown up around this temple and today it is not lacking in abundance of ornate pavilions, shrines, and a rich garden that will interest tourist that takes it upon himself to give priority to this temple.

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