If you're a culture vulture Hanoi has so much to offer. With a 1,000-year history and many well-preserved buildings along with lush and verdant parks as well as a well-appointed zoo, Hanoi will quite simply keep you busy for days on end.

One of the loveliest features to this French-colonial city is its many lakes and these provide many beautiful locations to rest in between venturing out in the capital's streets.

Hanoi Landmarks

One Pillar Pagoda

First constructed in 1049 and built on a single stone pillar just over a metre in diameter, this wooden structure was

destroyed by the French after their defeat in 1954 and rebuilt by the new government.

Temple of Literature

Dating back to 1070, and considered one of the best preserved and typical examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture, this was the site of Vietnam's first national university, before it was moved to Hue in 1802.

Hoan Kiem Lake

This large lake is located in the centre of the city, with a small pagoda in the middle. It is enjoyed by residents and tourists alike as a place for relaxation and recreation.

Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum

This is the final resting place of the great leader, enclosed in a glass sarcophagus. A fascinating place to ponder his life, as well as observe the reactions of the local people to his embalmed body. It was actually Ho Chi Minh's express wish to be cremated so this presents an extra frisson to the place. Very strict rules on dress and behavior apply and photography is forbidden. The mausoleum is closed for three months of the year, normally from September onwards.

Museum of Ho Chi Minh

Built in 1990 to commemorate his 100th birthday, the museum is dedicated to Ho Chi Minh's life and legacy. Exhibits are not always easy to understand, and a tour with a competent guide is recommended.

History Museum

Houses articles dating from prehistoric periods up to 1945. The Imperial days of the Nguyen Dynasty are particularly well represented.

Art Museum

A compact collection of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and hill tribe articles. Military Museum Displays and memorabilia of the wars against France and the USA. There is an interesting model of the President's house at the time of the fall of Saigon. Adequate explanations in English.

Maison Centrale

Built by the French in 1896 and once the site of a huge prison nicknamed the 'Hanoi Hilton' by US POWs, the remaining small museum contains numerous objects reflecting the anti-French movement, including torture instruments and a guillotine.

Revolutionary Museum

Documents the wars against French and American forces. Small, but with many original and interesting exhibits.

Water Puppet Theatre

Authentic renditions of traditional performances held in Vietnamese villages since the tenth century. The puppets dive and swim in water, accompanied by music & songs with stories based on folk tales. Very entertaining. Puppets are small, so it's better to buy first-class tickets to get up close (same price), but you also have to go to the theatre to reserve your seat. Book Water Puppet Show here...

The Old Quarter

A giant maze of narrow streets, and bustling centre of individual shops and traders, selling anything and everything. If you like soaking up local atmosphere this is the ideal place and it will keep you busy for days.

Hanoi Opera House

Recently renovated, this splendid 900-seat structure was built in 1911, and features regular performances. St. Joseph's Cathedral Imposing neo-Gothic building dating back to 1886, with superb stained glass windows and an elaborate altar.

Hanoi Zoo

In addition to the animals, it is also a relaxing lakeside park, with ponds, verdant grassy stretches, and cool shaded areas.

The Tran Quoc Pagoda

This attractive pagoda is one of the oldest in Vietnam and sits on an island in the West Lake. King Ly Nam De commissioned the construction of this pagoda on the river bank 1,400 years ago. During the reign of King Le Kinh Tong (1600-1618), the pagoda was moved to its current location. Next to the pagoda there are some bars and restaurants. There is a walkway affording access.