On this land of Thang Long, every brick and every tile carries the stories of past dynasties. Each step through Hoan Kiem Lake or the Temple of Literature feels like walking back in time, where the old rhythm of life blends naturally with the modern.
In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to this place, building the citadel of Thang Long by the Red River and laying the foundation for a thousand years of culture. In the 15th century, the Le dynasty expanded the Imperial Citadel, strengthening the walls and palaces, turning it into the political, academic, and cultural center of the country. And from there, the journey of exploring Hanoi begins with layers of history stacked upon each other.
The Old Quarter – Living History in the Heart of Hanoi
If the Imperial Citadel was the heart of power, then the 36 streets of the Old Quarter were the lungs of daily life. Right in the city center, these streets still reflect a history of trade and craft specialization. Each street is tied to a traditional craft: Hang Bac (silver), Hang Ngang (silk), Hang Dao (textiles), Hang Ma (paper and votive items)… From the 15th to the 19th centuries, this was a bustling commercial hub where artisans and merchants gathered, creating a strong craft network.
A walk through the Old Quarter lets you feel both the ancient charm and the daily life of Hanoians – from small coffee shops to the familiar street vendors. And if you want to understand why Hanoi is called the “land of learning,” your next step should be the Temple of Literature.
Book a Hanoi Old Quarter walking tour here to explore hidden alleys and street food stalls.
In the middle of modern Hanoi, the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam still stands as a solemn reminder of an ancient learning center. Built in 1070 under King Ly Thanh Tong, it was originally dedicated to Confucius and great scholars. In 1076, King Ly Nhan Tong established Quoc Tu Giam – the first university of Vietnam – to train talents for the nation.
Walking through the Khue Van Pavilion, built in the 19th century and now the symbol of Hanoi, visitors enter a quiet space away from the city buzz. Mossy roofs, old brick walls, and tall ancient trees bring back the atmosphere of education a thousand years ago. On the stone steles engraved with the names of doctoral laureates, the marks of time highlight Vietnam’s tradition of respecting learning and teachers.
Today, visitors can try calligraphy, ask for lucky words during Lunar New Year, or simply listen to guided stories about Vietnam’s love for education. During exam season, students still come here to pray for success, keeping the Temple of Literature closely tied to daily life. And stepping out of Khue Van Pavilion, history leads us further to another heritage site – the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.
Skip the line and join a guided Temple of Literature tour with local stories.
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – The Beating Heart of History
Amid the modern city, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long quietly shines as a witness to more than a thousand years. From the Dai La era (7th century), to the capital’s relocation here by King Ly Thai To in 1010, through the Ly, Tran, Le, and Nguyen dynasties – each left its mark, making this the leading political and cultural center of the nation.
Today, walking through the vast site, you will see:
Doan Mon – The Main South Gate of Thang Long Imperial Citadel
Doan Mon is the main south gate of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, built in the style of an ancient fortress with five symmetrical arched entrances, aligned along the spiritual axis leading to Kinh Thien Palace. Constructed of stone and brick in a U-shaped layout, it features a two-story pavilion atop a curved roof, adorned with dragons and clouds, reflecting the architecture of the Le and Nguyen dynasties. Serving as the site of grand royal ceremonies, Doan Mon is not only the gateway into the Imperial Citadel but also a powerful symbol of authority and royal protocol.
Kinh Thiên Palace – The Center of Power in Thang Long Imperial Citadel
Kinh Thiên Palace, built in 1428 under King Lê Thái Tổ and completed during the reign of King Lê Thánh Tông, once served as the supreme center of power in the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Situated on the former foundation of the Càn Nguyên – Thiên An Palace from the Lý – Trần era, Kinh Thiên Palace was not only the venue for grand ceremonies such as coronations and receiving envoys but also a space where power and culture converged.
Although today only the stone foundation and dragon-carved steps remain, these remnants still reflect the scale and grandeur of a flourishing period. Kinh Thiên Palace is not just a historical witness but also a symbol of a golden era in the nation’s history.
Hanoi Flag Tower – Historical Symbol and Panoramic Viewpoint
Hanoi Flag Tower, located within the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, stands as a proud symbol of Vietnam’s independence and resilience. Rising gracefully above the ancient walls, it offers visitors a sweeping view of Hanoi’s skyline, blending the charm of historical architecture with the rhythm of modern city life. From this vantage point, landmarks like Doan Mon and the surrounding citadel unfold below, allowing travelers to feel both the weight of history and the vibrant pulse of the capital. The tower remains a timeless emblem of the city, where past and present meet in quiet grandeur.
Hau Lau – The Princess Tower in Thang Long Imperial Citadel
Hau Lau, built in 1821 under Emperor Minh Mang, is located behind Kinh Thien Palace and once served as the living quarters for the empress, princesses, and royal concubines. This three-story structure with harmoniously curved roof tiles reflects both feng shui principles and spatial balance. Over time, Hau Lau has preserved the architectural style of the Nguyen dynasty and the culture of the royal harem, making it an important site to visit within Thang Long Imperial Citadel.
The Citadel is not only stone walls but also fragments of time: bricks, tiles, ceramics, even ancient wells – all telling the story of a once-glorious capital. On August 1, 2010, UNESCO recognized the site as a World Cultural Heritage, making it a must-visit in Hanoi. And after a journey through history, Hanoi invites you to explore with your taste buds.
Joint a Hanoi Private Photoshoot – Iconic Spots & Hidden Gems
Wondering What to Eat in Hanoi?- Pho: Phở is a traditional Vietnamese soup with a clear, flavorful broth and soft noodles that cradle each strand perfectly. Thin slices of tender beef or pieces of fragrant chicken float on top, garnished with fresh herbs, scallions, and a few slices of chili, creating a warm, aromatic dish that evokes both the taste and imagery of Hanoi’s iconic cuisine.
- Bun Cha: Bún chả is a famous Hanoi dish featuring fragrant grilled pork, cut into bite-sized pieces and cooked over glowing charcoal to preserve its smoky flavor. It’s served with soft, fresh vermicelli, vibrant leafy greens, and a sweet-sour dipping sauce, creating a harmonious combination of color, taste, and texture. Each bite is both rich and light, showcasing the essence of Vietnamese street cuisine.
- Banh Cuon: Bánh Cuốn is delicate, soft steamed rice rolls made from rice flour, filled with minced pork and mushrooms, releasing a gentle, aromatic fragrance that is both light and flavorful. When served, they are often drizzled with seasoned fish sauce, sprinkled with crispy fried shallots, and sometimes accompanied by Vietnamese sausage or fresh herbs, creating a refined and balanced culinary experience that is soft, fragrant, rustic, yet irresistibly charming.
- Nem Ran (Spring Rolls): Nem Rán is crispy fried rolls stuffed with pork or shrimp, golden and crunchy on the outside while tender and flavorful inside. Served hot, often with fresh herbs and a tangy-sweet dipping sauce, each bite offers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors, making it a quintessential taste of Vietnamese street food.
- Bun Thang: Bún thang is a dish with a clear, fragrant broth made from chicken bones and mild seasonings, garnished with a variety of toppings such as shredded egg, Vietnamese pork sausage, dried shrimp, and fresh herbs. Each bite offers a delicate balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors, creating a culinary experience that is both light and richly layered.
- Bun Oc: Bún Ốc is a traditional Vietnamese dish featuring a lightly tangy broth made from fresh tomatoes, perfectly blended with tender field snails and a touch of tamarind or vinegar. Garnished with slices of tomato, water spinach, fresh herbs, and a hint of chili, the dish offers a harmonious balance of sour, sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. Each bite of snail and soft rice noodle soaked in the flavorful broth offers a vivid and satisfying taste experience.
- Com Vong (Young Rice): Cốm Vòng is a traditional Hanoi delicacy made from freshly harvested immature sticky rice in the autumn. The rice grains are lightly roasted and then pounded into small, soft, and chewy kernels with a natural green hue. Often wrapped in lotus or dong leaves, the rice stays fresh and fragrant. This dish can be enjoyed on its own to fully savor the unique flavor of the young rice, or paired with sweet young rice pudding (chè cốm) for a delicate, refreshing taste.
- Egg Coffee: Egg Coffee is a classic Hanoi treat, featuring a rich, velvety layer of whipped egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk gently folded over robust, hot black coffee. Each sip delivers a harmonious contrast of bitter and creamy sweetness, creating a smooth, indulgent experience that is both comforting and distinctly Vietnamese.
- Traditional Sweet Soup (Che): Chè is traditional Vietnamese dessert with vibrant colors, made from various beans, coconut milk, and sugar. Each bowl offers a balanced combination of gentle sweetness, creamy coconut richness, and diverse textures from beans, jellies, or tapioca, creating a refreshing and delightful experience for the palate.
- West Lake Shrimp Cakes: A Hanoi specialty, these are golden, crispy fried shrimp cakes, often flavored with fresh herbs like dill or green onions. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crunch and succulent shrimp, accompanied by the aromatic freshness of the herbs, offering a flavorful taste of local street cuisine.
Food takes you deeper into Hanoi’s everyday life, from small stalls in hidden alleys to breezy lakeside eateries. And when night falls, the city shines in a different light.
Join a Hanoi street food tour to taste Pho, Bun Cha, and Egg Coffee like a local.
Lantern Nights & Local Life
At the Old Quarter Night Market, you’ll find a lively scene: handicrafts, colorful lanterns, and the smell of grilled food in the air. To connect with traditional crafts, visit Bat Trang pottery village, Van Phuc silk village, or Phu Vinh bamboo weaving village and watch the artisans at work.
Sometimes, Hanoi’s charm lies in the simple things: a street vendor near the Temple of Literature, a craftsman carefully working on his art, or children playing on the sidewalk. These little details make the capital warm and human.
Browse authentic handicrafts from Hanoi’s artisans here.
Exploring Hanoi: History, Culture, and Daily Life
Hanoi is more than its Old Quarter – it expands into other charming spaces. A bike ride around West Lake, a stop at Truc Bach Lake, or a stroll through the French Quarter with colonial villas and tree-lined boulevards show a slower pace of life. Don’t miss the St. Joseph’s Cathedral or the historic Long Bien Bridge over the Red River.
In the center, you can visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, and the Hoa Lo Prison, where echoes of struggle remain. For art and architecture, explore the Hanoi Opera House, a French colonial masterpiece, or the Phung Hung mural street, where colorful paintings tell stories of city life.
Hanoi changes with the seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, golden leaves by Hoan Kiem Lake in autumn, chilly mornings with hot pho in winter, and festive Tet celebrations with red calligraphy. For a change of scenery, try a cycling or motorbike trip to the outskirts: Bat Trang, Van Phuc, or the green countryside around the city.
Hanoi – A Starting Point for Cultural Journeys
Hanoi is not only the thousand-year-old capital but also a place where history, daily life, and flavors come together. From the mossy roofs of the Citadel to the busy Dong Xuan Market, or a quiet sunset by West Lake – the city blends tradition and modernity in harmony.
Take a slow walk through the Old Quarter, sip an egg coffee, or join a cycling trip outside the city. Every experience is a piece of the puzzle, and Hanoi itself is the perfect starting point for a cultural journey full of inspiration.
Book your Hanoi adventure: 3-day Ninh Binh tour and Ha Long & Bai Tu Long Bay cruise!
