Being a historical capital for 1000 years, Hanoi is undoubtedly the cultural venue of Vietnam where a lot of ancient vestiges have been surviving against the ravage of wars and the harshness of the time. Once arriving at Hanoi, travelers may be confused by the diversity of the city’s monuments and may wonder “what are the most famous sites I should visit in this city”? The following suggested itinerary will help you to answer that challenging question.

The first and indispensable monument ones should visit is Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, located in the Centre of Ba Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence on 2/9/1945, giving birth to Vietnam. The massive building was built between 1973 and 1975, inspired by Lenin’s mausoleum in Moscow, but cleverly designed with Vietnamese architecture which is a combination of hero worship and modern art.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a massive complex with the total area of 14ha. Coming there, ones can not only pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh, but also have chance to visit a various famous monuments at once: Ho Chi Minh Stilt House, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Museum, One-Pillar Pagoda and Dien Huu Pagoda.

Visitors should notice that the mausoleum doesn’t open on Monday and Friday and only opens in the morning, from 8am. Also, guests are requested to wear formal clothes and not allowed to bring cameras inside the mausoleum.

It may take you 2 hours to enjoy everything here so you may still have enough time to visit another famous destination in Hanoi: Van Mieu (Temple of Literature).

You only have to spend no more than 20 minutes walking to witness the most ancient monument of Hanoi and the first university of Vietnam. Van Mieu’s Architecture is the best representative of Vietnamese traditional architecture offering a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past.

Afterward, you should have lunch at some most quintessential Hanoi restaurants like Cha Ca Thang Long, Quan Ngon or Sen.

In the evening, it would be a mistake if ones forget to travel on cyclo around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. This unique type of transportation would give you the best view to take some photos while watching Hanoian life. Also, it’s would be flexible if you want to stop by and try out Hanoi’s street-foods or buy souvenirs in the Old Quarter. Visitors should also go in Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake to explore the legend about the preternatural Turtle who helped Le Loi King won against Chinese invaders.

For diners, keep exploring the diversity of Hanoi and Vietnamese foods at recommended restaurants.

Type of tour: everyone/limited time budget