Vietnam's most underrated city. Why you should visit Hanoi?

- Vietnam -

Every year Vietnam attracts more and more tourists, and the reasons for this aren't just the country's low prices, but also its natural and architectural diversity. Many people surely travel to Vietnam purely for the sea and a relaxing beach holiday, to Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City, for instance, bypassing the capital, Hanoi. And that's a real shame, because Vietnam's capital is rich in colonial architecture, ancient temples, and authentic coffee shops.

French heritage

The first thing that catches your eye upon arriving in Hanoi is the huge amount of old architecture, somewhat reminiscent of classic Italian villas. For almost a hundred years, Hanoi was the administrative center of French Indochina, and as a result, the city is full of colonial-era architecture, shuttered villas and narrow streets where motorbikes and pedestrians barely fit. And that's the second thing that will surprise you about Hanoi — the place is absolutely swarming with motorbikes! It's the main way locals get around.
The entire old city center, the Old Quarter, is essentially a remnant of French colonial architecture. Just look at this Uniqlo building! Definitely the most beautiful store in the whole chain. But there are other landmark buildings in this district too.

St. Joseph's Cathedral

The main landmark of the Old Quarter. A striking example of dark, brutal neo-Gothic style. The cathedral was built by the government of French Indochina in 1886, clearly inspired by Notre-Dame de Paris. The interior sharply contrasts with the exterior: it's bright, light, and spacious. Services are still held here several times a day, including in French.

Hanoi Opera House

Another taste of Paris — the Hanoi Opera House, built in 1911 and modeled after the Palais Garnier in Paris, though the building is smaller and more modest than the original. You can get inside either on a guided tour or by attending a performance.
The Opera House building is also the departure point for tour buses heading to neighboring provinces. If you're planning a day trip, chances are you'll be leaving from here.

Temple of Literature

One of the oldest temples in Hanoi, dedicated to Confucius and built around 1070. The grounds consist of five interconnected courtyards. You enter the first courtyard through the main gate. The second courtyard holds the Khue Van Pavilion. In the third courtyard is the Thien Quang Well, which actually looks more like a pond. The fourth courtyard is occupied by altars to Confucius and his disciples. The fifth and final courtyard is the grounds of the Imperial Academy, home to the altar of Chu Van An, the Academy's rector.
Admission to the temple grounds costs 70,000 VND (about $2.80).

Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum is housed in a former Catholic boarding school for French girls. The three-story building holds a huge collection of exhibits, ranging from terracotta figurines to contemporary art.

The museum is rarely crowded, so you can take your time admiring the artwork. Admission costs 40,000 VND (about $1.60). Right next to the museum is the very cozy "Cafe Hanoi Moment." I recommend stopping by for a cup of coffee after taking in all that beauty.

Hanoi Train Street

A street that's gone viral on social media — the main hangout spot for tourists. As the name suggests, railway tracks run right through the street, and several times a day an actual train passes through. Cafes and restaurants line the tracks so closely that the train will pass by literally a meter from you. Just please don't get too close to an approaching train — there have already been plenty of incidents on this street, which is why authorities keep threatening to shut it down. That said, it doesn't seem to stop overly curious tourists and content creators.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

This place is clearly not for pretty photos, but for getting a closer look at the country's history. The mausoleum houses the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, the first president of North Vietnam. Interestingly, the building was designed by Soviet architect Garold Isakovich. Admission is free, but the mausoleum is only open a few hours a day, usually from 7:30 to 10 a.m. It's closed on Mondays and Fridays.
If you're walking near the building, keep an eye out for young couples taking photos in front of the mausoleum. It's a tradition among newlyweds: the man is always dressed in a military uniform, and the woman in a traditional Ao Dai.
Next to the mausoleum is the Presidential Palace — another piece of French colonial heritage.

The expat district

And what would an Asian city be without an expat district? In Hanoi, it's located on the northern side of West Lake (Ho Tay). You're unlikely to run into many Vietnamese people here, but you'll find plenty of Europeans, Americans, and people from the former Soviet Union, along with an equally diverse range of restaurants.
I'd like to recommend the Vietnamese restaurant Chào Bạn, featured in the Michelin guide (though that doesn't mean it's expensive). The atmosphere and interior are very cozy, and the staff speak good English.

The area around West Lake is new and quite calm compared to the rest of Hanoi. In the evenings, people love gathering along the waterfront to watch the city center glowing in the distance. That's Hanoi-style romance!

Hanoi combines a European spirit with South Asian flavor in a remarkable way, in that sense, it reminds me of Guangzhou. Unlike other Asian megacities, there are almost no skyscrapers here, no wide avenues, and traffic is fairly chaotic, but there's no shortage of coffee shops, lakes, and beautiful old architecture. Don't underestimate Hanoi!