The post contains the links to Google Maps of the different attractions in the map. If you want to download the map as PDF, the link is also found here.
My Northern Vietnam journey did not unfold in a perfect way. Yet starting in Hanoi made the whole trip feel complete from the very beginning.
Wandering around and sightseeing is an experience all on its own. I love how you can see the city’s character at every turn.
I was very lucky that the day I spent in Hanoi fell on a weekend when Hanoi Walking Street takes place. (Check out the photos and videos of Hanoi Walking Street here)
The event felt like a celebration of Hanoi’s culture and heritage. There were lively concerts, fun games, and awesome performances. It was an energizing experience that I would love to have again!
Click the images below to enlarge
Read the full story of my visit to Hanoi by clicking here.
Having decided to go back to Hanoi, I made a map of the city showing all the main spots to check out. I’ll be using it on my next trip to explore the city. Feel free to use it for your own trip.
Tip: The Old Quarter is a small part of Hanoi, yet it’s packed with interesting discoveries. Check them out by taking a closer look at my Map of the Old Quarter. Even better, I’ve included a walking route so you can explore the historic center without missing a step.
Hi reader! It’s Eljon, and before we continue, I want to welcome you to my blog, Explore to Thrive. Here, I share my experiences with traveling, reflections on spirituality, personal growth and insights on building an online business, all to make a difference. But my mission goes beyond that. You can learn more about what I do by visiting my homepage.
Hanoi Travel Map Details (Sample Itinerary)
Below are the details of the map. I put them together in a table that can also serve as an itinerary for a multi-day trip to Hanoi. I thought it might come in handy if we end up rushing to plan our trip.
Day 1 — Old Quarter and French Quarter
| Map Legend | Attraction | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Old Quarter | Famous for its energetic streets packed with local shops, food stalls, and historic charm, the Old Quarter is the lively heart of Hanoi. Visiting it lets you explore authentic daily life and enjoy some of the city’s best street food. View on Google Maps |
| 2 | St. Joseph Cathedral | Known for its tall Gothic towers and elegant facade, St. Joseph Cathedral stands out as one of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks. It is worth visiting for its peaceful atmosphere and the cozy cafes that surround it. View on Google Maps |
| 3 | Hoan Hiem Lake & Hanoi Walking Street | Loved for its calm waters and surrounding walking area, Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Walking Street offer a refreshing break in the center of the city. Come here to enjoy slow strolls, cultural performances, and a friendly local vibe. View on Google Maps |
| 4 | Ngoc Son Temple | Recognized for its unique placement on a small island connected by the charming red bridge, Ngoc Son Temple is a cultural gem in the city. A visit here lets you appreciate traditional architecture and enjoy a moment of calm. View on Google Maps |
| 5 | Thang Long Water Puppet Theater | Celebrated for its traditional puppet performances done on water, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater offers something truly unique. Watching a show here lets you enjoy lively storytelling accompanied by traditional music. View on Google Maps |
| 6 | Hanoi Opera House | Admired for its grand French colonial architecture, the Hanoi Opera House adds elegance and history to the cityscape. You should visit to take memorable photos and possibly catch a performance for a rich cultural experience. View on Google Maps |
| 7 | Ceramic mosaic mural road | Known for being one of the longest ceramic mosaic murals in the world, the Ceramic mosaic mural road adds a burst of color and creativity to Hanoi. A walk along it allows you to enjoy art that beautifully reflects Vietnamese culture and history. View on Google Maps |
Day 2 — Ba Ðình District
| Map Legend | Attraction | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Train Street | Famous for its narrow railway track running right beside local homes and cafes, Train Street offers a uniquely close view of passing trains. Visiting lets you experience an exciting slice of everyday city life and capture memorable photos. View on Google Maps |
| 9 | Statue of Lenin | Known for its symbolic presence honoring a historic leader, the Statue of Lenin stands in a peaceful public park. It is worth stopping by to relax, people-watch, and feel the blend of history and daily life around it. View on Google Maps |
| 10 | Hanoi Flag Tower | Recognized for its tall structure once used as a military watchtower, the Hanoi Flag Tower is a proud historic landmark. You should visit to appreciate its historical significance and enjoy its commanding view of the surrounding area. View on Google Maps |
| 11 | Imperial Citadel of Thang Long | Celebrated for being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long holds centuries of political and cultural history. Exploring it allows you to walk through ancient grounds and understand more about Vietnam’s past. View on Google Maps |
| 12 | Kinh Thien Palace | Admired as an important historical building within the citadel complex, Kinh Thien Palace once served as a ceremonial center of Vietnamese kings. Visiting it gives you a deeper connection to the nation’s royal heritage and architectural traditions. View on Google Maps |
| 13 | Presidential Palace | Famous for its grand French colonial architecture, the Presidential Palace stands as a symbol of political history and elegance. Visiting lets you admire its impressive exterior and understand its role in Vietnam’s leadership story. View on Google Maps |
| 14 | Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum | Known for being the final resting place of Vietnam’s beloved leader, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum draws many visitors with deep respect. You should visit to witness a significant part of the nation’s history and experience the solemn atmosphere. View on Google Maps |
| 15 | One Pillar Pagoda | Recognized for its unique design standing on a single stone pillar, the One Pillar Pagoda is one of Hanoi’s most iconic religious sites. Stopping by allows you to enjoy its peaceful surroundings and appreciate the symbolism behind its structure. View on Google Maps |
| 16 | Ho Chi Minh’s Museum | Celebrated for showcasing the life and legacy of Ho Chi Minh through thoughtful exhibits, the Ho Chi Minh Museum is both informative and artistic. A visit gives you a deeper understanding of his influence and Vietnam’s modern history. View on Google Maps |
| 17 | Temple of Literature | Admired as Vietnam’s first national university, the Temple of Literature is dedicated to Confucius and scholars of the past. Exploring it lets you enjoy beautiful courtyards, ancient architecture, and a tranquil atmosphere. View on Google Maps |
| 18 | Tran Quoc Pagoda | Famous for being one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda sits gracefully by the lakeside. You should visit to admire its peaceful beauty and take in the calming waterfront views. View on Google Maps |
Day 3 — Museum (History and Culture)
| Map Legend | Attraction | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 19 | Vietnam National Museum | Famous for its extensive collection of artifacts and historical displays, the Vietnam National Museum offers a broad look into the country’s past. Visiting allows you to understand Vietnam’s long and diverse history in a clear and engaging way. View on Google Maps |
| 20 | Vietnamese Women’s Museum | Known for highlighting the role and stories of women throughout Vietnam’s history, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum is both insightful and inspiring. You should visit to appreciate the strength, traditions, and contributions of Vietnamese women across time. View on Google Maps |
| 21 | Hoa Lo Prison | Recognized for its dark history during the colonial era, Hoa Lo Prison is a place that tells powerful stories of struggle and resilience. Exploring it gives you a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s fight for independence and the experiences of those who lived through it. View on Google Maps |
| 22 | Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum | Celebrated for its collection of traditional and modern artworks, the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum showcases the creativity of Vietnamese artists. Visiting lets you see how art has evolved over the years and how it reflects the country’s culture. View on Google Maps |
| 23 | Vietnam Museum of Ethnology | Famous for its immersive displays of ethnic groups and their traditions, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology provides a colorful cultural journey. A visit allows you to learn about the many cultures within Vietnam and appreciate their unique customs and lifestyles. View on Google Maps |
Hi! Eljon here. I’m the owner of this blog, a place on the internet where I share my work, like this map and guide, to make a difference. Aside from travel, I also share insights on online business and spirituality. These are all part of a bigger mission, which you can find here.
Hanoi Travel Tips and More
With this map and itinerary, you can enjoy Hanoi without wondering what to do next. Still, don’t leave without my essential tips!
First of all, did you know that Hanoi has a special coffee, called Egg Coffee?
It is a rich and creamy drink made from whipped egg yolk, sugar, and strong Vietnamese coffee. The mixture creates a sweet, velvety foam on top, offering a unique coffee experience. You can find this coffee almost everywhere in Hanoi, especially in the Old Quarter.
But if you want to make the most of your trip, try the Coffee Club Restaurant in Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square. From there, you can enjoy your coffee with a panoramic view of Hoan Kiem Lake.
There are other coffee shops in the square you can try as alternatives. If the Coffee Club Restaurant is full, it’s easy to switch to another.
After exploring Hanoi, the big question is where to go next?
Ha Long Bay is the top recommended destination by almost every traveler I know. What are its most striking features? The thousands of limestone karsts and islets, rising from the emerald waters. It’s stunning.
A downside of visiting Ha Long Bay is that it can sometimes be very touristy.
If you, like us, want to escape the crowds but still see spectacular landscapes, try Ninh Binh. My friend and I chose it for that exact reason and a few more.
Apart from Ninh Binh, I also suggest the mountain destinations in Northern Vietnam.
Not only does a breathtaking panorama of the Tonkinese Alps await you there. But, also, some of the indigenous tribes of Vietnam live there as well. This offers 100% off the beaten path experiences. Imagine the adventures!
Among the towns and attractions in this region, my friend and I chose to visit Sapa. We had a few reasons.
- First, it’s the most accessible.
- Second, it is home to Fansipan.
- Third, Sapa has hotels featuring infinity pools with panoramic views of the mountains. They were perfect for the relaxing mountain getaway my friend and I were planning.
To learn more about Sapa, here is my post. It gives you an overview of why it is worth visiting and includes tips for your trip.
Alright! For now, that is all. Have fun in Hanoi!
Planning to Explore Hanoi?
Here is my Old Quarter Map to guide you explore and travel planning resources that can help you organize your trip.
Using my Old Quarter Map, you won’t miss any of Hanoi’s historic district highlights. It even includes a walking route for an easy exploration.
Find the best hotel deals, top experiences, and breathtaking day trips from Hanoi using trusted travel companies with my travel planning resources. Everything you need for your trip is there including SIM cards, car rentals, flights, and more.
Let’s Go Explore Northern Vietnam!
Hanoi makes it easy to explore Northern Vietnam without having to hurry. We managed a day trip to Ninh Binh and a two-day stay in Sapa during our visit. Have a look at our four-day itinerary by clicking the button below.
Thank you for reading
I hope my trip and experiences spark ideas for your travels and help you plan your next trip. But before you go, if you haven’t checked it out yet, drop by my homepage so I can give myself a proper introduction. Catch you there!
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