Hanoi, located in northern Vietnam on the banks of the Red River, is a stunning city with a rich historical and cultural heritage.  The city’s history spans centuries. Discover the Top 14 Things To Do in Hanoi!

Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake) at night in Hanoi, Vietnam

14 Best Things To Do in Hanoi, Vietnam

The city is home to quite a few impressive historical buildings, landmarks, and museums. The Old Quarter of Hanoi retains many architectural examples of old Hanoi.

During the French Colonial times, the French built many structures in Hanoi, including government building, hotels, mansions, palaces, churches, and schools. Some of the most notable French colonial style buildings include Grand Opera House, the Presidential Palace, and St. Joseph Cathedral.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi is also famous for its spectacular lakes, including West Lake, Hoàn Kiếm Lake (Sword Lake), and Bảy Mẫu Lake.

Turtle Tower on Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake) in Hanoi, Vietnam

1. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the resting place of Vietnamese Revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh in Hanoi. The building is located in the center of Ba Dinh Square.  Ho Chi Minh read the Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam on September 2, 1945, in this square.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

2. Ho Chi Minh Museum

Ho Chi Minh Museum is dedicated to Vietnamese Revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh. The museum includes exhibits depicting the life of Ho Chi Minh, including his upbringing, youth, his travels through the world, and his political life.

Ho Chi Minh Museum in Hanoi, Vietnam

3. St. Joseph’s Cathedral

St. Joseph’s Cathedral is a stunning Roman Catholic church within the Old Quarter of Hanoi. It is located on Nha Tho Street, in the Hoàn Kiếm District, in Hanoi, Vietnam. There are numerous restaurants and shops in the immediate vicinity of the church.

The church was built in 1886 by the French colonial government and features a Neo-Gothic architectural style. It is the oldest church in Hanoi.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi, Vietnam

St. Joseph’s Cathedral at night in Hanoi, Vietnam

4. Hanoi Opera House

Hanoi Opera House (also known as the Grand Opera House) was built in the early 1900’s by the French colonial government. The opera house features Neoclassical architectural style.

Hanoi Opera House

5. Old Quarter

The Old Quarter is one of the most popular parts of Hanoi.  This area is home to many historical landmarks, such as temples, pagodas, and old houses with slanted tile roofs.

The Old Quarter is also known for its many examples of typical French Indochina architecture.  St. Joseph’s Cathedral built by the French colonists is located in the Old Quarter.

6. Presidential Palace

Presidential Palace is located in the Ba Đình District, Hanoi, Vietnam. It was built in the early 1900’s for the Governor-General of French Indochina.

The building was built by Auguste Henri Vildieu, the French architectural adjutant in Hanoi. He also constructed several other buildings for the colonial government in Hanoi, including the Tonkin Palace (Vietnam’s State Guest House).

Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam

7. Hoàn Kiếm Lake

Hoàn Kiếm Lake is a freshwater lake in the historical center of Hanoi. Hoàn Kiếm Lake is often called the Sword Lake (translated from Vietnamese). It’s a popular spot in Hanoi, with lots of people strolling along the lake. The Turtle Tower is located in the middle of the lake on a small island.

Hoan Kiem Lake – Sword Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam

8. Turtle Tower

The Turtle Tower was built on the small island in the middle of Hoàn Kiếm Lake (Sword Lake) in the historical center of Hanoi, Vietnam. The island where the tower was built is called the Turtle islet, and the islet used to be the fishing site of King Le Thanh Tong.

Turtle Tower on Hoan Kiem Lake – Sword Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam

9. Hoa Lo Prison Memorial

Hoa Lo Prison was used both by the French colonists during the French Indochina period and by North Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The prison was also called the Hanoi Hilton.

The prison was built by the French in the late 19th – early 20th century. That’s why you can see the French name “Maison Centrale” (Central House) above the prison gate.

Hoa Lo Prison Memorial in Hanoi, Vietnam

Hoa Lo Prison Memorial in Hanoi, Vietnam

10. Lenin Park

Lenin Park is a small park in Hanoi with the Statue of Lenin. The park is located on Dien Bien Phu Street, a busy multi-lane road on the way to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

It’s a popular park among the locals, with people strolling, exercising, and enjoying their day, away from the city noise. The park is a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy nature and quiet time.

Lenin Park in Hanoi, Vietnam

11. Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square

Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square is a popular gathering place in Hanoi, Vietnam. There are numerous restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops in this lovely and busy square overlooking the lake. This square is often busy with people enjoying their day, strolling with kids, enjoying their day, or eating at the restaurants.

Highlands Coffee at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square in Hanoi, Vietnam

12. Quan Thanh Temple

Quan Thanh Temple is a Taoist temple, dating back to the 11th century. The temple is located near West Lake in Hanoi.

Quan Thanh Temple in Hanoi, Vietnam

13. Trang Tien Plaza

Trang Tien Plaza is a popular and vast shopping plaza in Hanoi, Vietnam. The plaza opened in 2001 and its total retail floor area is about 20,000 square meters  (220,000 square feet).  The plaza houses grocery stores, apparel retailers, household equipment stores, restaurants, and offices.

Trang Tien Plaza in Hanoi, Vietnam

14. Cuisine in Hanoi

Hanoi is known for its delicious cuisine. It is believed that phở, one of Vietnam’s most famous dishes, originated in Hanoi.  Phở is a Vietnamese soup made with broth, rice noodles, and meat. It is usually eaten as breakfast. When in Hanoi, be sure to try Phở Bò (rice noodle soup with beef) and Phở Gà (rice noodle soup with chicken).

Where To Stay in Hanoi

The Apricot Hotel is strategically located on Hang Trong Street in the Old Quarter of Hanoi.  Hoàn Kiếm Lake (Sword Lake) is in the front of the hotel.   The hotel is beautifully designed in Neo-Classical style and showcases spectacular artwork by Asian artists within the hotel premises. The staff is great: friendly, professional, and very helpful.

And, you can’t beat the location.  The hotel is a walking distance to many great restaurants and bars in the Old Quarter, and one of the most spectacular lakes in Hanoi, Hoàn Kiếm Lake, is right in front of the hotel.

Apricot Hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam

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Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon) is the most visited city in Vietnam. Located in southeast Vietnam, Saigon is famous for its many landmarks, including Ho Chi Minh City Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, Independence Palace, and Ben Thanh Market.  Discover the 10 Best Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh City!

Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee

10 Best Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

1. Ho Chi Minh City Hall

Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee (also known as Ho Chi Minh City Hall) is an impressive French Colonial style building in Saigon. It was built in the early 20th century. The building is not open to the public, but it’s spectacular on the outside.   It’s located close to other famous landmarks in the city, including the Municipal Theatre, the Caravelle Hotel, The Rex Hotel, and the Hotel Majestic.  The building looks stunning at night.

Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee

2. Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon was completed in 1880 by French colonists. The cathedral has a distinctive design with two tall bell towers.  The building is located in the downtown area of Saigon, close to the Saigon Central Post Office.

Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

3. Saigon Central Post Office

Saigon Central Post Office is another example of colonial architecture in Saigon.   The building is located in the downtown area of Saigon, close to the  Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon.   The construction of the post office was completed in 1891 when Vietnam was part of French Indochina.  The architectural design features the Renaissance, French, and Gothic elements.

Saigon Central Post Office

4. Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City

Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City (also called Saigon Municipal Opera House) was built in 1897 in the French Colonial style by French architect Eugène Ferret.

5. Independence Palace

Independence Palace or Reunification Palace is a historical building in Saigon, Vietnam.   In 1873, the Norodom Palace was built on this site, and the palace became the seat of the French colonial government in Cochinchina from 1871 to 1887.  From 1887 to 1945, the Norodom Palace became the seat and the residence of Governors-General of French Indochina.  In 1962, the building was bombed and partially destroyed.  It was demolished following the bombing, and a new palace was built.

6. Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi tunnels are the vast network of tunnels in the Củ Chi District.  Viet Cong soldiers used the tunnels extensively during their resistance to the American forces. The tunnels were used as hiding spots during bombings, living quarters, supply routes, etc.

A booby trap – Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

7. War Remnants Museum

War Remnants Museum is a popular museum in Ho Chi Minh City. The museum features exhibits about the French colonial period and the Vietnam War. The exhibits include photographs, aircraft collection, warplanes and tanks, artillery and armor collection, guillotine used by the French, etc.

8. Ho Chi Minh City Museum

Ho Chi Minh City Museum is a great place to learn about the city’s history, including the French colonial times and the Vietnam war. The museum is housed in a spectacular Gia Long Palace. The palace was designed by French architect Alfred Foulhoux and the construction was completed in 1890. The building was the residence of the Governor of Cochinchina between 1850 – 1898. Currently, the museum hosts a variety of exhibitions, including archeological exhibits, artifacts, ceramics, history exhibits about the French colonial times and the Vietnam war, and more.

9. Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is a great place for tourists to get local souvenirs and handmade items, as well as try some local food. The market dates back to 1859 when it was established by the French colonial forces. In 1870 the fire destroyed the market, and the market was subsequently rebuilt.

10. Tan Dinh Church

Tan Dinh Church is a Roman Catholic church in Ho Chi Minh City and is the second largest church after Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon. The church was built in the 1870’s during the French Colonial times. It features a beautiful Roman style facade.

Historical hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

There are several impressive historic hotels in Ho Chi Minh City. Many of them date back to the French colonial times.

Hotel Majestic

Hotel Majestic was built in 1925 by one of the richest men in Vietnam, the Chinese businessman Hui Bon Hoa. The hotel is one of the city’s most impressive architectural landmarks, featuring a distinctive French Colonial design.

Majestic Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Rex Hotel

The Rex hotel was built in 1927 during the French Colonial times. The hotel was used by the American military command during the Vietnam War. The hotel’s rooftop bar was a popular spot for American military officers.

Rex Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Caravelle Hotel

Caravelle Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Hotel Continental

The Hotel Continental was built in 1880.

Hotel Continental, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

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Hotel Majestic in Saigon is a historic hotel dating back to the French Colonial times. This spectacular luxury hotel overlooks the Saigon River and is strategically located close to many major landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City.

Lobby at Hotel Majestic, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

About Hotel Majestic

• Hotel Majestic was built in 1925 by one of the richest men in Vietnam, the Chinese businessman Hui Bon Hoa.
• The hotel originally had 44 bedrooms. Currently, there are 175 rooms and suites in the hotel.
• The hotel is one of the city’s most impressive architectural landmarks, featuring a distinctive French Colonial design.
• The hotel’s address: 1 Đồng Khởi, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam.

Lobby at Hotel Majestic, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Location

• Hotel Majestic is strategically located close to many landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City, including the Independence Palace, the War Remnants Museum, the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, and Ben Thanh Market.
• The hotel offers spectacular views of the Saigon River.
• There are many restaurants and bars in the immediate vicinity of the hotel.
• Hotel Majestic is a walking distance to several other historic hotels, including the Rex Hotel, the Hotel Continental, and the Caravelle Hotel.

Lobby at Hotel Majestic, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

French Colonial Architecture

As you enter the hotel, you are immediately impressed by a beautiful lobby designed in a classic French Colonial style, reminiscent of a time long ago.   The hotel still has its charm from back in the day.  The staff is amazing: attentive, friendly, and highly professional.

Lobby at Hotel Majestic, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

This well-preserved historic hotel will impress you with its elaborate French colonial style staircase.

Staircase at Hotel Majestic, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Breakfast

Breakfast is served on a terrace overlooking the Saigon River.  There is a great variety of options, including Vietnamese and Western cuisine.

Rooms

The rooms feature beautiful wooden floors and are decorated with old style furniture and authentic details.  The rooms are spacious, with a comfortable, large bed.

Room at Hotel Majestic, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Room at Hotel Majestic, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Room at Hotel Majestic, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Bedroom at Hotel Majestic, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Bed at Hotel Majestic, Saigon, Vietnam

Why stay at Hotel Majestic

• Hotel Majestic is a historic hotel featuring spectacular French Colonial design.  You will feel transported back in time.
• The service is impeccable. The staff is attentive, friendly, and helpful.
• The hotel is strategically located close to several important sights in Ho Chi Minh City, including the Municipal Theater, the Independence Palace, the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, and the War Remnants Museum.
• Hotel Majestic is a walking distance to many great restaurants and bars, as well as several other historic hotels, including the Rex Hotel, the Hotel Continental, and the Caravelle Hotel.

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Vinpearl Resort is located on a spectacular Bai Dai Beach in Phu Quoc.   It’s one of the best resorts on the Phu Quoc island.   A perfect place to get away from the city noise!

Beach at Vinpearl Resort, Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

About Phu Quoc

• Phu Quoc is an island in Vietnam.  It’s located south of the Cambodian coast, in the Gulf of Thailand.
• The island is about 50 km (31 miles) long from north to south.  It’s the largest island in Vietnam.
• Historically, fishing has been the main industry in Phu Quoc.   These days, a big emphasis is placed on the development of the tourism industry.   The island is famous for its stunning beaches with beautiful, soft sand.
• Phu Quoc is known for its fish sauce and black pepper.  It’s considered that the best fish sauce in Vietnam is from Phu Quoc.

Beach at Vinpearl Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam

About Vinpearl Resort

Phu Quoc is famous for its serene beaches and beautiful sunsets.  Vinpearl Resort in Phu Quoc is a perfect place to get away from the crowds, enjoy the beach and the ocean views, and be pampered with excellent service.

The hotel features beautiful rooms equipped with everything you need.   Rooms are spacious, with stunning views.

There is a beautiful swimming pool on the property.   The hotel grounds and general facilities of the resort are beautifully designed, well-maintained and immaculately clean.  The beach is spectacular, with beautiful soft sand.  The resort also has several restaurants on the property.  The breakfast and dinner are delicious!  The buffet offers a lot of variety/food choices.

Vinpearl Resort, Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

A perfect place to get away from city noise

Once you arrive at Vinpearl Resort you just want to stay on the property without leaving.   The atmosphere at the resort is relaxing, and you are provided with everything you need for a comfortable stay.  Vinpearl Resort in Phu Quoc is a perfect place to get away from city noise.   You are here to enjoy the beach, ocean views, and serene atmosphere.  The staff is attentive, helpful, and friendly.

• You don’t have to leave the hotel to have breakfast or dinner.  The resort has several restaurants with a great variety of food choices.
• The property has a huge swimming pool set in a beautiful landscape.
• The beach is vast, beautifully maintained, and there is an outdoor bar where you can order drinks and snacks.  The hotel is air-conditioned and every detail is thought through.  This is the perfect resort if you want to stay in one lovely spot and be completely rejuvenated.

Vinpearl Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Vinpearl Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Common areas

The hotel grounds and the general facilities of the resort are fabulous and immaculately clean.  The resort is beautifully designed.

Interior at Vinpearl Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Interior at Vinpearl Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Swimming pool

The swimming pool is huge and well-maintained.

Swimming Pool at Vinpearl Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Beach

The property has a fabulous beach.  Clean, with soft sand and enough space for everyone.  It’s an excellent beach to walk along any time of day.   Beautiful sunbeds and umbrellas are provided.  The ocean water is nice and calm, easy for swimming.

Beach at the Vinpearl Resort on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

Breakfast and dinner

Buffet breakfast and dinner offer a great variety of food choices.

Seaview Cafe

Seaview cafe is a relaxing spot for enjoying drinks and snacks.   And, while you do that, you can also observe beautiful views. 

Vinpearl Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Vinpearl Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Sim Bar

Sim bar is located outside near the beach and the swimming pool.  The bar is designed in a beach-hut style.  It’s a perfect and convenient spot to enjoy drinks and snacks without leaving the beach.  Sim bar is a lovely place to watch the sunset.

Vinpearl Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Rooms

Rooms are spacious, with comfortable beds.  Beds have beautiful linens.   The pillows are soft and comfy.   The views from the room are great!

The bathrooms are also quite spacious.  All types of toiletries are provided.  The housekeeping does an excellent job keeping the rooms and the bathrooms immaculately clean.

Bedroom at Vinpearl Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Staff at Vinpearl

The staff at Vinpearl Resort is very friendly, helpful and attentive.  Friendly faces, smiles, attentive service – everything was great!  The rooms, the hotel, the grounds – everything is kept immaculately clean.

Interior at Vinpearl Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Beautiful landscape

The grounds of the hotel are beautifully maintained, and there is a stunning landscape everywhere you look.  Also, the resort property is quite spacious, with a lot of room for everyone.

Vinpearl Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Vinpearl Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Vinpearl Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Vinpearl Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Vinpearl Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Vinpearl Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam

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