Spend a Day in Hanoi

Hanoi might not be as cosmopolitan as Vietnam’s capital city of Ho Chi Minh City, but it offers a much more authentic appeal than it’s larger sister. The French-colonial architecture, ornate Buddhist temples and traditional culture come together to showcase the city’s 1,000-year-old history in one stunning tapestry.

Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam © Tan Kian Yong | Dreamstime

The Old Quarter

Your first stop in Hanoi should be the Old Quarter. This merchant area combines French colonial with ancient Vietnamese architecture for an old-world feel. The area was once a main selling and trading area of the city, so you’ll notice each street begins with the name “Hang,” which translates loosely to sell

Red Bridge on Hoan Kiem Lake © Jajaladdawan | Dreamstime

Hoan Kiem Lake

Once you’re done with some morning shopping, head a short way to Hoan Kiem Lake, which houses the ancient Turtle Tower. The tower was erected to commemorate the “Lake of the Returned Sword,” a myth claiming a sword here was claimed by one of the turtles in the lake. The area is a great place for a break from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi.

You can even grab lunch nearby with each street selling a specific type of food. Try the BBQ chicken and some egg coffee, one of Vietnam’s best exports.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum © Luciano Mortula | Dreamstime 21826452

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

It’s important to get a sense of a city’s history when visiting, so spend the afternoon exploring the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The mausoleum actually houses the embalmed body of former leader Ho Chi Minh. It’s a tad morbid, to be sure, but you can pick up some great facts along the way.

Dong Xuan Market

Visiting a traditional Vietnamese market is always one of the highlights when touring the country, and the best one in Hanoi is easily the Dong Xuan Market. Since locals aren’t as worried about appealing to locals here, you’ll find more authentic goods and foods for sale. Be warned, it’s insanely busy, so you’ll need to be able to handle a crowd.