Hanoi tour: 7 spots you cannot miss this autumn

According to the locals, Hanoi is the prettiest at night after putting on a new dress with a touch of amazing autumn wind. Not just that, its beauty can be sensed through the appealing aroma of milk flowers blended with the sparkling lights of the night.

Hanoi at night is more beautiful and romantic

Let us inspired you with some tranquil perfect sweet spot where you can immerse yourself in the autumn of Hanoi:

1. Hanoi’s old quarter

Hanoi’s old quarter is the name for an area in the east of Thang Long Imperial Citadel, centered mostly on Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. This area is made up from many small shops and handicraftsmen living by the Red River. They gathered, settled down and traded, making up the very busy old quarter.

Through times, old quarter gradually became one of the most beautiful tourist spots in Hanoi that any tourist would to come visit. Having always been a part of the old imperial city Thang Long and now the capital Hanoi, the old quarter is still always hectic with people despite all the changes with time.

Old Quarter Hanoi is the "heart and soul" of the capital city

Walking and discovering the old quarter maze is truly a joy for tourists. Coming to this place, you will get to find out about life, culture and people of Hanoi from the old times until now. Moreover, you can learn and enjoy the uniqueness of the cuisine in Hanoi.

2. Hanoi Imperial Citadel

Hanoi Imperial Citadel is a complex of historic buildings connected with the history of Thang Long – Hanoi, beginning from before Thang Long era. This is a grandiose architectural piece of work, constructed under the reign of multiple dynasties in different eras and has become a highly important relic among all vestiges in Vietnam. Hanoi Imperial Citadel has been chosen as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

3. Van Mieu - The Temple of Literature

About 2km to the west of Hoan Kiem Lake, the Royal College (Văn Miếu Quốc Tử Giám) was the first college in Vietnam. This is a diverse complex of historic buildings. When visiting the Royal College, you can discover many interesting things about the culture, arts and architecture of ancient Vietnam. Many tourists who came here have highly praised the architecture in this place. All the buildings originate from architectural designs of early Nguyen era.

First established by King Ly Thanh Tong in 1070, Van Mieu worships Confucius and the most excellent in education in the past. Then the first college in Vietnam was also established here in 1076.

When visiting Van Mieu, you can find out more about the history, documents on all dynasties in Vietnam. It is a famous tourist spot right in the middle of ancient and solemn Hanoi.

The Temple of Literature, one of Hanoi's most peaceful and picturesque sights

4. Hanoi Opera House

Located at the Square of August Revolution, crossroad between Trang Tien – Phan Chu Trinh – Ly Thai To – Le Thanh Tong, near Hoan Kiem Lake and National Museum of Vietnamese History, the building is a smaller version of Palais Garnier, constructed in 1901-1911. This is one of the cultural centers of Capital Hanoi, where cultural activities, art performances, concerts, exchanges usually take place.

 Hanoi Opera House

5. St. Joseph's Cathedral

St. Joseph's Cathedral was opened right on Christmas Eve December 24th 1887. St. Joseph's Cathedral follows Gothic architecture of medieval Europe. This is a very prevalent architecture in the 12th century, during Europe Renaissance time.

With a unique architecture and its solemn appearance, St. Joseph's Cathedral always has an odd attraction to tourists when visiting Hanoi. Coming here, visitors not only can gaze at the wonderful architectural work but also learn about the activities of Catholic followers.

St. Joseph's Cathedral lies in the Old Quarter of Hanoi

6. Hoan Kiem Lake (Ho Guom)

Hoan Kiem Lake is poetic with willows leaning over the lakeside and the ancient Turtle Tower in the middle. Strolling around the lake in early morning, you can easily come across residents exercising, walking, playing chess, badminton, a very ordinary and natural scene of life.

Belonging in the complex of Hoan Kiem Lake, there exists Ngoc Son Temple, the temple lies on a small green “island” inisde the lake. To get to the temple, you need to go over The Huc Bridge, the bridge bends like a shrimp, covered with brilliant red, shining over the water.

Around the lake are many coffee shops you can stop by, slowly slip your drinks and look over the lake’s view. Or walk to the old quarter to enjoy many special cuisine of Hanoi whether at road side stalls or luxurious restaurants.

Hoan Kiem Lake

7. West Lake

West Lake is a natural lake with the biggest area within Hanoi, being 500ha big and 18km around. The lake is located to the North West of the capital. Since long ago, West Lake is considered to be a scenic tourist spot in Hanoi.

With so many pagodas and temples, Hanoi residents and tourists still all come to Quan Thanh temple, Tran Quoc pagoda, Tay Ho Temple to both admire the beauty of the architecture of the ancient buildings and pray for good luck. You can also visit two famous sites while going around West Lake, which are Tay Ho Temple and Tran Quoc Pagoda.

Not only famous for its scenery in Hanoi, West Lake streets also attract visitors with special Hanoi cuisine. Tourists may need to spend a whole day to check out all the good food places around West Lake.

 West Lake Hanoi