Must-Visit Places in Hanoi You Can't Miss

Must-Visit Places in Hanoi You Can't Miss

Hoan Kiem Lake (Ho Guom)

When asked "What tourist attractions does Hanoi have?" you'll certainly think of Hoan Kiem Lake (Ho Guom), the symbol of the capital. It's a peaceful, gentle sight with the moss-covered Turtle Tower (Tháp Rùa), weeping willows lining the shore, and the curved The Huc Bridge leading to the ancient Ngoc Son Temple. Strolling along the lake early in the morning, you'll easily spot locals exercising, jogging, playing chess, or badminton, creating a beloved and utterly simple scene. There are many luxurious restaurants and cafes around the lake for snapping beautiful photos, or you can try the unique Hanoi experience of street iced tea (trà đá vỉa hè). Especially on weekends, the area hosts the Walking Street – a brand-new tourist attraction in Hanoi eagerly awaited by both visitors and locals.

Hoan Kiem Lake is absolutely beautiful in autumn.

Hanoi Old Quarter (Phố Cổ)

The Old Quarter is an unmissable destination for a Hanoi autumn trip. It features rows of small, tightly packed ancient houses, specialty shops lining each street, and is further adorned by bustling street vendors weaving through the winding lanes. The houses here are typically built in a tube-like shape, with 3-5 consecutive sections per floor, stretching from the storefront to the living room, utility areas, and kitchen/storage. Small courtyards and skylights are positioned between the sections to grow ornamental plants and draw in light, also serving as a place to rest, drink water, and gaze at the moon. Old structures primarily use wood for sophisticatedly carved furniture and decoration. In the gentle, cool Hanoi weather of September in autumn, what could be more enjoyable than riding a cyclo or walking to explore the 36 Old Streets and Guilds (36 phố phường)?

Characteristic street vendors in Hanoi's Old Quarter.

West Lake (Hồ Tây)

West Lake is a relaxing spot for locals and one of the best places to visit in Hanoi. It is the oldest and largest natural lake in the inner city, covering over 500 hectares with a total perimeter of about 15km, bordered by the airy and poetic streets of Thanh Niên, Nguyễn Đình Thi, Quảng Bá, Xuân Diệu, and Yên Hoa. The beauty of West Lake is a unique blend of ancient and famous temples and pagodas, luxurious European-style restaurants, opulent villas, high-end Hanoi hotels, and breathtaking scenery.

It is no exaggeration to call West Lake one of the most beautiful Hanoi autumn tourist spots, as its streets are fragrant with milk flowers (hoa sữa), cooled by gentle breezes, and host romantic sunsets that captivate anyone who visits.

Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu Quốc Tử Giám)

As Vietnam’s first national university, the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy (Văn Miếu Quốc Tử Giám) is a premier stop on Hanoi tours for both domestic and international tourists. The architectural complex of this must-visit destination in Hanoi includes several areas: Lake of Literature (Hồ Văn), Van Mieu Gate (Văn Miếu môn), Đại Trung Gate, Khue Van Cac Pavilion (Constellation of Literature), Thien Quang Well (giếng Thiên Quang), the stone stelae of Doctors, Dai Thanh Gate, and the Thái Học Hall, all of which have been meticulously restored and preserved. The Temple of Literature not only preserves the beauty of intellect in Hanoi and our country through the ages, but visiting it also allows you to stroll, chat with locals, and enjoy the quiet, sacred atmosphere.

Furthermore, the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy is now used to host poetry festivals, ceremonies honoring outstanding students, and is a gathering place for locals to "ask for calligraphy" (xin chữ) for good luck during the traditional Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday or for students facing important exams.

Tran Quoc Pagoda (Chùa Trấn Quốc)

If you're looking for a spiritual tourism site in Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda—located on the peaceful Thanh Niên road, on the south side of West Lake—is the ideal destination. Initially named Khai Quoc to mark its birth as the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, it was later renamed Tran Quoc, with the hope that it would help the people ward off natural disasters and bring a peaceful, prosperous life. As it was the center of Buddhist worship for the Thăng Long citadel throughout many feudal dynasties, it was built and renovated on a grand scale, with a total area of over 3,000m² including the Stupa Garden, Ancestral House, Main Sanctuary, and surrounded by lush greenery. The pagoda is famous not only for its beautiful Northern Zen Buddhist architecture but also for housing many Buddhist treasures, such as the gilded statue of Shakyamuni Buddha entering Nirvana, the Nine-story Lotus Platform (cửu phẩm liên hoa) carved from precious stone, and the indispensable Bodhi tree (a branch taken from the original Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, where the Buddha attained enlightenment over 25 centuries ago). Taking a walk around West Lake on an autumn day and visiting the tranquil, solemn Tran Quoc Pagoda is truly refreshing and relaxing for the soul.

The most ancient and sacred pagoda in the capital.

Thang Long Imperial Citadel (Hoàng thành Thăng Long)

Recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel historical site is a massive architectural complex, representative of Vietnam’s former feudal dynasties. It was built over many periods, from the Dinh – Early Le dynasties to the Ly, Tran, Le, and Nguyen dynasties.

The Thang Long Imperial Citadel complex now covers an area of over 18,000 hectares in Ba Đình district, including many invaluable archaeological sites, notably the Hanoi Flag Tower (Cột cờ Hà Nội), Kinh Thien Palace (Điện Kính Thiên), House D67, and the Northern Gate (Cửa Bắc). Don't forget to visit this important site during your autumn trip to Hanoi to feel the historical ups and downs marked on the architecture and to understand more about the capital's thousand years of civilization.

Long Bien Bridge (Cầu Long Biên)

Your Hanoi trip won't be complete without crossing the historic Long Bien Bridge—a nostalgic and solemn landmark amidst the clear blue autumn days. Built during the French colonial era, Long Bien was the first steel bridge to span the Red River, witnessing countless changes in the capital over the years. Everyone who loves Hanoi has memories and beautiful photos with Long Bien Bridge—watching the sunset on an autumn evening, taking pictures in the endless white Miscanthus grass fields, visiting the suburban fruit gardens, or simply enjoying iced tea while watching life flow by.

The solemn and unique Long Bien Bridge.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – Ba Dinh Square (Lăng Bác - quảng trường Ba Đình)

More than just a recommended place to go in Hanoi, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a place you absolutely must visit when you set foot in this thousand-year-old land. It is not only the final resting place of the beloved leader of the Vietnamese nation, but the entire landscape of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum area is a convergence of architectural and cultural excellence of the capital. According to regulations, the Mausoleum is closed every Monday and Friday, so you should plan your visit accordingly!

In front of the Mausoleum is the historic Ba Dinh Square, where the Declaration of Independence was read, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, and witnessing the nation's many ups and downs. Today, the square is the venue for national parades and celebrations of major events, and a place for locals to relax, stroll, and sightsee. Hanoi travel experience, especially when visiting the Mausoleum, suggests you should visit at 6:00 AM or 9:00 PM to witness the solemn flag raising/lowering ceremony while the National Anthem plays proudly.

The Golden Leaf Streets

A special autumn feature in the capital that encourages tourists to book flights to Hanoi is the rows of trees turning streets golden, with the pavement covered in fallen yellow leaves, captivating countless souls. Streets like Phan Đình Phùng, Hoàng Diệu, Trần Phú, Thanh Niên, and Hoàng Hoa Thám are already peaceful and shaded, but in autumn, they become many times more romantic. Try once wearing a flowing áo dài (traditional dress) on the street, walking on a leaf-strewn path, admiring the cityscape, or looking up as the sunlight streams through the leaves—you will fully experience what a Hanoi that "cannot be rushed" is truly like.

Streets covered in golden leaves are an autumn specialty in Hanoi.

Red River Rock Beach (Bãi đá sông Hồng)

With its fresh, vast natural space, the Red River Rock Beach Flower Garden (Vườn hoa bãi đá sông Hồng), bursting with colorful flowers in autumn, is the best place to visit in Hanoi to fully enjoy the autumn scenery and take spectacular photos. More than just a flower garden, it hosts several famous gardens spanning several hectares, growing seasonal flowers such as Daisy (cúc họa mi), purple Aster (thạch thảo tím), roses, and cosmos, swaying gently in the sun. The Miscanthus grass field here is also a hot photography spot that is highly sought after by young people every autumn.