Stopping in the bustling city of Hanoi for a quick transit before embarking on your next big adventure? Don’t fret, there’s still plenty that you can see and do even if you only have one day in Hanoi. Here, we recommend some iconic sites that you simply must visit. The best part? They’re all located in the heart of the city, so you won’t have to travel far to get to see the best that Hanoi has to offer!
Breakfast and Shopping at Dong Xuan Market
Hanoi’s largest indoor market is housed within a distinct Soviet-style building located at the edge of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Experience everyday life like the locals by walking through the wet markets and observing how they make their purchases amidst the hustle and bustle of the busy morning. The shops towards the back of the market specialise in selling pets and flowers, while the upper levels are where you’ll find your quintessential Vietnamese souvenirs. Conical hats, anyone? Dong Xuan Market also has a huge dining area filled with stalls selling local delights where you can grab a hearty breakfast or a quick snack to take a break from your morning shopping trip.
Address: 15 Cầu Đông, Đồng Xuân, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 6am - 6pm
Explore the Presidential Palace
Conveniently situated in downtown Hanoi, there are multiple historical attractions for you to visit while you’re on the Presidential Palace grounds. The Presidential Palace was built in 1900 by French architects for the French Indochina Governor. Up till today, political gatherings are still held in the Palace, so you’ll only be able to visit the well-maintained gardens and fruit groves.
Though the Presidential Palace was intended to be Ho Chi Minh’s residence, he had refused to live in the European-style palace and instead had constructed his stilt house, which you can also find nearby the Palace.
Address: Số 2 Hùng Vương, Ngọc Hồ, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 118708
Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday: 7am - 4pm
Admission: VND 25,000
Pay Your Respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Modeled after Lenin’s mausoleum in Russia, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is just a one-minute walk away from the Presidential Palace, and is the final resting place for Ho Chi Minh, or Uncle Ho, as the locals fondly call him. Here you’ll be able to find his body preserved and enshrined in a glass case, though this arrangement was very much against his wishes.
You should take note that taking pictures inside the mausoleum is not allowed, but we’re sure that the significance of this monument is something that will surely stick with you anyway! As Uncle Ho’s body is sent to Russia yearly for maintenance reasons, the mausoleum is usually closed from October, so make sure to check your dates before making the trip down.
Address: 2 Hùng Vương, Điện Bàn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000
Opening Hours:
Tuesday - Thursday: 7:30am - 10:30am
Saturday & Sunday: 7:30am - 11am
Admire the One Pillar Pagoda
After you’ve exited the mausoleum, head over to the One Pillar Pagoda, which is only 2 minutes away on foot. Widely regarded as one of the most iconic and important temples in Vietnam, this pagoda was built around the early to mid 11th century, during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai Tong. As the temple sits atop a single pillar rising out from a lotus pond, it is said to make it resemble a lotus flower in bloom. Sit by the pond and take a quick break from all the walking around, or head in to see and pay respects to the effigy of the Goddess of Mercy.
Address: Chùa Một Cột Chùa Một Cột, Đội Cấn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 7am - 6pm
Take a Stroll through Thăng Long Imperial Citadel
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated 10 minutes away from the One Pillar Pagoda. The Citadel was the capital of Vietnam for eight centuries, and was the centre of political power for a significant period of time in Vietnam’s pre-colonial history.
While you’re there, make sure to visit the Flag Tower of Hanoi, which stands at over 30 metres tall, and is one of the few structures that remained undamaged after years of French colonialism, and the Vietnam War. There is also an on-site museum that showcases the extensive findings of numerous archaeological digs conducted here, with bronze coins, pottery, ceramics, and other artifacts from all around Asia on display.
Address: 19C Hoàng Diệu, Điện Bàn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000
Opening Hours:
Tuesday - Sunday: 8am - 5pm
Admission:
Adult: VND 30,000
Children under 15: Free
Make Your Way to St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Take a slow 20-minute stroll, or a brief rickshaw ride to St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Vietnam. It was first opened in 1888, built on the grounds of the sacred Bao Thien Pagoda, and is now the Headquarters of the Archdiocese of Vietnam, which serves the 6 million or so Catholics in the country.
The church is rich in history, and has stood still amidst the many changes that had occurred in Vietnam’s eventful past. Despite its name, it’s still affectionately referred to in Vietnam as the ‘Big Cathedral’ - its name in Vietnamese - due to its sheer size and presence. Some of the cathedral’s most eye-catching features are its stained glass windows and the twin bell towers, which were inspired by their counterparts at the Notre Dame de Paris.
Address: 40 Nhà Chung, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000
Admire the Sunset by Hoan Kiem Lake
Literally translating to “Lake of the Restored Sword,” Hoan Kiem Lake is surrounded by a famous local tale. Legend has it that in the 15th century, the forces in Heaven had bestowed a sword upon Emperor Ly Thai, which he then used to defeat the Chinese and force them out of Vietnam. After this feat, a giant golden turtle claimed the sword and dived into the lake to return this sword to the deities, its rightful owner.
This lake is a popular hangout spot for many locals - from morning tai chi sessions at 6am to romantic dates at sunset, it’s a perfect place for you to wind down and get some rest or simply people-watch. Thap Rua, or Turtle Island, is located on one of the small islets found on the Lake, so keep your eyes peeled for it even as you take a break from the city.
Grab a Bite and Some Drinks at Hanoi’s Old Quarter
End your day with a bang by heading to the Old Quarter! Stop by the night market, which runs from Hang Dao Street all the way to the entrance of Dong Xuan Market. All in all, it’s a whopping 3km stretch filled with at least 4000 souvenir shops, food stalls and so much more! There’s no need to sit down for a meal, just feast your way through the night market until you’re all full, and stock up on various dried goods and unique local trinkets.
After you’re done, venture to Ta Hien Beer Street to quench your thirst with some really wallet-friendly beers! You’ll find local beer, beer on tap and even craft beer for your choosing. From loud bars that make you rave to chill places you can simply lounge in, a visit to this street is one of the best ways to end your day in Hanoi!
While it’s always better to have more time in any city, there’s still loads to do in Hanoi even if you’re just here for 24 hours. If you’re running on a tighter schedule, try embarking on a half-day tour - you’ll still get to see all that the vibrant city has to show you. Otherwise, you can also find yourself a full-day tour with transport provided for the most fuss-free travelling experience!
