Vietnam's capital Hanoi has survived and resurrected itself from the decades of war and destruction and finally opened its doors to the outside world in the 1990’s. The busy street corners and markets are thriving throughout the year and the influence of the French colonization can be seen in the food, architecture and culture of Hanoi to this day. There are an interesting variety of tourist places to visit in and around Hanoi. The Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple are thriving with tourists and locals around the year. The Ba Vi National Park outside of Hanoi is the best place to go to catch a break from the madness of the city. In short, there is something to satisfy every sort of tourist in Hanoi.

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is an enthralling artefact of Vietnam’s past, representing its historic and artistic significance. It is now also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fixed 40 metres tall, the chief flag stronghold is revered and serves as Imperial Citadel and is often referred to as the official icon of Hanoi. This centre served as the political stronghold of Hanoi for centuries. This is one of the best places to visit.

The forgotten art of water puppetry has an extensive connection with Hanoi and there are numerous auditoriums where visitors can enjoy the Vietnamese take on the same. The Thang Long Puppet Theatre is said to be the most famous in Vietnam. Many displays include the popular folk tales of old, which can be intriguing for historians or people curious about Vietnamese culture. For families and young kids alike, this is one of the best places to visit.

The Perfume Pagoda is a theatrical shrine supposedly constructed way back in the 15th century. This sequence of Buddhist shrines has been erected along mountain passages engraved into rock with lush forestland and rivers flowing through. 60 km away from Hanoi in the Son Mountains, this is one place that is not to be missed. It is usually a 2 hour car journey followed by a brief boat ride to the foot of the mountains.

The historic leader Ho Chi Minh left a permanent mark on Vietnam and is famed as the country's most significant leader ever. His body has been conserved and placed in a glass case in the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The structure draws inspiration from a similar mausoleum constructed in Moscow for Lenin. This is a living piece of history and provides invaluable insights into the complicated past of Vietnam. This place is highly recommended for historians and academics. 

A highly loved hangout spot for both tourists and locals alike, these two locations are not to be missed. The temple is located in the center of the lake and makes for an incredible backdrop for photos, especially during sunrise and sunset. Locals come to practice the ancient art of Tai Chi early every morning and visitors can participate in the same if desired.

Formed in 1889, this is a Soviet-style four floor structure that is Hanoi's largest indoor marketplace. Visitors and locals frequent this place to find everything from handicrafts to clothes to electronics to fresh produce. The market continues past sunset and sometimes the evening time is when the area really comes to life and lit up with laterns throughout. Visitors can indulge in shopping and exploring the local culture of Hanoi and enjoy some of the delicacies on offer in the wet market area. 

A gorgeous natural sanctuary about 48 km away from Hanoi, one of the most notable things about Ba Vi National Park is the massive three-peak range of mountains that stretches across. The backdrop is stunning and consists of dense jungle land and rivers running through. The drive is about 2 hours from the main city of Hanoi and for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts this is a must visit place. It was originally formed to be a hill-station during the French colonization of Vietnam.