Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake, meaning “Lake of the Restored Sword,” is the literal and emotional center of Hanoi and a defining highlight of Hanoi tourism. This small willow-lined lake sits in the heart of the city. The red Huc Bridge connects the lakeside to Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island. According to legend, this site marks where a magical sword was returned to a golden turtle in the 15th century. Wrapping around the northern edge of the lake is the Old Quarter, a dense medieval maze of 36 streets, each historically dedicated to a specific trade. Streets like Hang Bac for silver, Hang Gai for silk, and Hang Ma for paper still retain many of their traditional commercial identities today. Exploring this area is one of the most popular things to do in Hanoi, as it blends history, commerce, and daily life in a very authentic way. On Friday to Sunday evenings, several streets near the lake close to traffic and transform into the Hanoi Night Market, featuring street food stalls, local shopping, and live performances. This lively atmosphere is a major part of modern Hanoi tourism, offering visitors a vibrant contrast to the city’s daytime rhythm.

The Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) is Hanoi’s most important Confucian temple and a major landmark. Founded in 1070, it also served as Vietnam’s first university, making it a thousand-year-old academy where the country’s mandarin civil service was trained for nearly 800 years. The complex is designed as five successive walled courtyards aligned on a north to south axis. It begins at the Great Portico and leads through the Well of Heavenly Clarity, which is lined with 82 stone stelae mounted on tortoises. Each stele is engraved with the names of doctorate graduates from 1442 to 1779, preserving centuries of academic history. The layout continues into the inner sanctum dedicated to Confucius and his disciples, offering a quiet and reflective atmosphere. This site is also one of the most meaningful places to visit in Hanoi, especially for those interested in culture and heritage. The Temple of Literature is featured on the 100,000 VND banknote and remains an important pilgrimage site for Vietnamese students before national exams.