Top things to do in Hanoi - From temples, lakes, shopping to coffee!

This lake is a charming place that is a cultural and social centre for the locals here. Many photoshoots of newly married couples are taken here, as the backdrop is very beautiful. On top of that, you can find many people getting in their early morning workout around the lake. This is a must-visit place, and a stroll around the lake will leave you completely at peace.

You might wonder what the Temple of Literature is all about. Well, this is a temple that is almost 1000 years old and was dedicated to education. Therefore, this makes it Vietnam's oldest University. The temple took a hit during the war and was almost destroyed. However, the renovations that happened afterwards gave the temple back its glorious days. Besides, if you're looking for Hanoi serviced apartments for accommodation, you can check out properties like Somerset West Lake Hanoi for a good stay.

For the shopaholics or even individuals who would like to grab some gifts and souvenirs, the Old Quarters in Hanoi is the best place to do so. There are many shops that sell very affordable items that you can grab. In addition to that, the place also showcases Vietnamese cuisine at its best. This place is structured to take the shape of a triangle, and the streets here are named after the products that are sold in the street.

"Hoa Lo" is translated into meaning 'stove'. This prison or jail was established by the French back in 1880 which was maintained until the war. This place was sarcastically titled 'Hanoi Hilton' by the American POWs. This is also the place where the famous Senator John McCain was kept after he was taken as a captive. Having said that, most of the prison was destroyed back in the 1990s, but some of its section is still kept preserved. On top of that, visitors can see some of the artefacts and exhibits that tell one of the sufferings of the prisoners here.

The Imperial Citadel is situated over eighteen hectares of land. Back in the 19th century, the French decided to destroy the Citadel in order to make room for their constructions and structures. Today, the Citadel is utilised as a government building of the Ministry of defence. Having said that, you still can see parts of the building that is open for the public.

Everyone loves a freshly brewed cup of coffee. When in Vietnam, it is a must to taste this delightful beverage. The coffee culture of Vietnam was primarily influenced by the French. The Vietnamese have a special drip filter called the phin. The result is a strong hot and sweet coffee which is a much-needed fuel to explore most parts of Vietnam.