~ Top 10 Places to Visit in Hanoi, Vietnam ~

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Top 10 Places to Visit in Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi is one of the most beautiful treasures of Asia, which offers plenty of irresistible settings for your relaxing vacation, romantic getaway or business trip. Actually, everyone can find his own lovely place in the city capital of Vietnam, because this fabulous city is a unique harmony of a history and eastern culture, as well as an inspiring contemporary outlook. There is everything for everyone's taste and style in Hanoi, for example, the Old Quartier   is best to watch people coming and going with their motorbikes, while the historical constructions and the narrow bustling streets magically represent the typical old charisma of Hanoi. Within the city you can find also an abundance of green parks, blue lakes and recreation sites, whose areas are best for relaxation or maybe for a romantic walk. The natural beauty of Hanoi is everywhere in the town, while the Red River is another captivating accent to the entire ambience. The shops, the restaurants, the modern lifestyle and the food are miracle too,   while you may need much more than a vacation to visit all the interesting landmarks in Hanoi. Thus, take a look at the destinations bellow, which are actually the Top 10 places to visit in Hanoi, Vietnam.


1. One Pillar Pagoda
 


One Pillar Pagoda is built in the beginning of the millennium and is still one of the most impressive and iconic landmarks of Hanoi. The pagoda is a small, but unique Buddhist temple, because it is fulfilled with mysticism and symbolism. The wooden construction of the pagoda stands over a massive stone pillar, from where derives its name. If observed from distance, the pagoda represents a lotus flower and surrounded by water - it is a mark of purity. You can go inside through a steep staircase, but the One Pillar Pagoda is more captivating from outside, especially at sunset.

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2. Hoan Kiem Lake



Hoan Kiem Lake is a beautiful exception from the densely urbanized historical center of Hanoi. This calm lake is bordered by tall green trees, which create a unique impression that you are in the middle of a tropical jungle, but a few tall buildings, which dominate the skyline always remember that you are right in the heart of Hanoi. The whole shoreline of the lake is a place for relaxation, romance, inspiration and captivation, while two small islets create an even more magical atmosphere. Nearby the southern coast of the lake is situated the construction of the Turtle Tower, which rises over a flat green islet. At the opposite, northern side of the lake, is situated a larger island with a temple and, moreover, it is most famous for the scenic Red Bridge that connects the island with the shore. On the bridge you can enjoy numerous stunning vistas, especially at dusk, when the sun's rays are magically mirrored by the calm surface of the lake.

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3. Temple of Literature
 


The Temple of Literature is located nearby the city center and it is another tempting place to enjoy a relaxing trip with numerous historical buildings, temples, gates, water areas, picturesque courtyards and other cultural landmarks. The temple itself is another symbol of Hanoi, which is related to the educational historical legacy of Vietnam. Built in the beginning of the millennium, nowadays the temple is a really captivating place, where you can find a wide array of altars, statues and other art works.

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4. Presidential Palace



During your walk within the fabulous capital city of Vietnam, make sure to enjoy for a while the incredible outlook of the Presidential Palace. You will be captivated by the massive yellow facades of the palace, while the surrounding green scenery is the best recipe for the finest inspiration. Nevertheless, the palace is always a remarkable sight to witness, thanks to its Italian Renaissance architectural style, which is a strange vision for such an Eastern town.

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5. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
 


The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is situated just south of the Presidential Palace and it is another must-visit place during a vacation in Hanoi. This mausoleum is the largest memorial in Vietnam and it is dedicated to Ho Chi Minh, who declared the Independence of Vietnam on Sept. 2, 1945. You can visit this impressive monument once comply with various requirements, as well as learn more about the historical legacy of Vietnam. The whole square around the monument is a beautiful place to enjoy a couple of captivating hours, surrounded by multi-coloured and picturesque gardens, trees and other plantations.

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6. Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre



The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is situated near Hoan Kiem Lake and is one of the most famous entertainment symbols of Hanoi and Vietnam. The unique small puppets are made out of wood and perform a magical show over water. Everything in the theater is about the Vietnamese traditions and culture - from the unique shapes and colours of the puppets, to the iconic songs that are heard in the background. This is an irresistible place for people of all ages, while the nearly one hour show offers an unforgettable family fun. The only thing that you have to keep in mind is to get tickets in advance, just to be sure that you will not miss the spectacle.

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7. Hanoi Opera House   



Right in the heart of Hanoi is located another remarkable landmark to visit - the Hanoi Opera House. It is most famous for its fantastic architectural French design and it was built in the beginning of 20th century. The opera was inspired by the Palais Garnier in Paris and its building is definitely an impressive sight to witness. It is situated alongside a main round square, which also offers plenty of settings to enjoy the bustling environment in Hanoi. Cars, bicycles, motorbikes and people are blended together in a magnificent harmony, which delivers a unique feeling for dynamism and speed. Well, the awesome western facade of the Hanoi Opera House is a truly inspiring accent to the whole this vibrant atmosphere.

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8. Tran Quoc Pagoda



Tran Quoc Pagoda is another interesting place to visit during your vacation in Hanoi. It is situated on a small, but picturesque island in West Lake and it is definitely one of the most remarkable pagodas in the world. Tran Quoc Pagoda was built in the 6th century AD and, thus, it is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi. It was also removed from its original position, then was renamed a couple of times, but nowadays you can take full advantage of this awesome historical landmark. The 11-levels Buddhist temple stands majestically over the island and it is a place, where you can enjoy a number of statues, worship chambers, scenic gardens, majestic gates and other sights. Even the way to get to the pagoda itself is a unique journey, because the island is connected with the land through two scenic bridges, from where the vistas are breathtaking.

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9. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long



The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is located between Hoan Kiem Lake and the Red River, also in the heart of Hanoi, and was served as a main political center in the past. The complex was built in 11th century, but during the next centuries most of the buildings was destroyed. Presently, only the central section of the citadel and the famous Flag Tower are best preserved, but you also can come across numerous ruins and remains of this ancient building. The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is one of the most impressive historical landmarks to visit in central Hanoi.

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10. Hoa Lo Prison



On the opposite side of Hoan Kiem Lake is situated another historical sight that you can't miss - the Hoa Lo Prison. The prison was built by the French in the end of 19th century and was used mostly as a political prison. The name of the prison in that time was "Maison Centrale", which still stands as a sign above the main entrance. Then, during the Vietnam War, the prison was renamed as the "Hanoi Hilton" and was used for the purpose of the North Vietnamese Army to interrogate the American prisoners. The fabulous history of the museum ends in the mid-1990s when most of the constructions were destructed. However, a couple of buildings stand until today to remember the consequences of the past and arguably the best way to enjoy them is by visiting the museum at the Hoa Lo Prison.


The Top 10 places to visit in Hanoi, Vietnam, are ten really captivating and impressive landmarks to include in your travel list. Thus, a whole vacation or only a short impromptu trip - make sure to visit all or at least a few of the places, mentioned in this list, which can provide an unforgettable experience. Don't forget your camera as well, because the old charm and the modern vision of Hanoi are blended together, and will tempt you to take a photo after a photo or even to make a whole album.