5 of the Best Things to Do in Hanoi – A Charming Vietnamese City

There is no doubt that the intriguing Imperial Citadel of Thang Long has the status of being an important relic of the history of Vietnam. Confirming its cultural and historical significance, it has also been identified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The flag tower here which can be seen in a central location stands 40 m in height and is considered to be the Citadel's most striking feature; it is frequently made use of as a symbol of the city. The Imperial Citadel was the focal point of Hanoi in ancient times and functioned as the political hub over eight centuries.

Water puppetry is an ancient form of art that has been associated with Hanoi for a long period. You will find several theatres in the city where you can experience this distinctively Vietnamese version of the puppetry traditions of Asia. However, the original venue – and often considered to be the finest – would be the Thang Long Puppet Theatre. In the shows staged here, you will see the puppets slide and dance fluently across the stage, manipulated by an entire team of puppet masters hidden behind a concealed panel.

A not-to-be-missed attraction in Hanoi would be the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which houses the remains of Vietnam's most esteemed leader. You will find that Ho Chi Minh's body has been preserved and placed within a case of glass. The architecture of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum has been inspired by the mausoleum of Lenin in Moscow. This site in Hanoi is a popular attraction but you must be respectfully dressed to enter it. An accommodation choice to consider from which to easily visit the above mausoleum would be PentStudio West Lake Hanoi where you can avail yourself of a pleasingly located serviced apartment for rent in Hanoi.

You will find that Hoan Kiem Lake or Turtle Lake happens to be a centrally positioned feature of the city where both tourists and locals like to hang out. The Ngoc Son Temple is positioned on an islet at the lake's centre and may be reached via a bridge. At sunrise as well as sunset, the area by the lake is frequented by numerous joggers, couples relaxing amidst the scenic lakeside views and elderly people engaging in line dancing or Tai Chi.

If you appreciate religious attractions, you should undoubtedly take the opportunity to visit the engrossing Perfume Pagoda about 60 km from Hanoi. This sightseeing attraction consists of an eye-catching temple compound that is considered to initially have been constructed during the 15th century. You will see that this complex of Buddhist shrines has been built within a range of mountains; visitors will encounter a labyrinth of passageways that have been wrought into rock, surrounded by verdant forest and surging streams. The journey to the Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi will also be an interesting experience, as you will have to first undertake a bus or car trip followed by a boat ride to the base of the mountain range.