Hanoi, Capital Of Vietnam

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Hanoi: Find out all about the Capital of Vietnam

Vietnam Capital, steeped in history, pulsating with life, bubbling with commerce, modern day’s buzzing with motorbikes and rich in exotic scents. Hanoi is a captivating capital city and that Vietnamese are proud of its past and present.

Hanoi has become one of the most beguiling cities in all Asia. A city with lovely landscape of lakes, shaded boulevards, verdant public parks, colonial French houses plus astounding modern skyscrapers raising up one after another.

Unlike past, which Vietnam had separate capital for for south and north. Hanoi personifies the spirit of historic Vietnam in the temples, monuments and pockets of ancient culture along the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, yet perfectly reflects the rapid changes sweeping the country as Hanoian yuppies sip cappuccinos in roadside cafes and compare business ideas.

Hanoi, Vietnam’s cultural capital, offers a wealth of wonderful sights and experiences. What better way to include them on, one of our Vietnam Private Tours

Orientation & Geography of Hanoi, Vietnam's Capital

Hanoi Capital of Vietnam:

Area: Over 913 square km

Population of Hanoi in 2024: 8.5 million (5.6 million in the inner part and 2.9 million in the suburbs of the city)

Hanoi was capital of Vietnam from 1010 to 1802, and again, has been since 1945, replacing Hue which was the capital during the last imperial dynasty in Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. Hanoi city sprawls along the Red River (Song Hong), which is spanned by three bridges. The oldest is the 1682m (5500ft) Long Bien Bridge, built in 1902. Though bombed repeatedly by the US, the bridge supported rail and other traffic continuously throughout the war; today it serves pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles only.

Other bridges include the newer Chuong Duong Bridge, and the other one north of the city, the Nhật Tân bridge connecting city’s traffic to the airport. Thang Long previously served the same function. Most of Hanoi’s street are prefixed with pho, while larger roads & boulevards are called Duong.

The capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi, is divided into seven central districts (Quan), surrounded by outlying neighborhoods. Can’t-miss quan include the Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi’s attractive city center, and the elegant Ba Dinh district, also known as the French Quarter, which is home to Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum.

The weather & best time to go

The weather in Hanoi experiences four distinct seasons. Spring is mild and humid, while summer becomes hot and rainy fromMay to late September. Autumn brings cooler, pleasant weather with windy days, and winter turns cold with occasional drizzles.

The best time to visit Hanoi falls between autumn (September to November) and spring (March to April). During these months, the weather stays pleasant, with cool breezes, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures. Check out best time of the year to visit Vietnam

Responsive Table

Hanoi Weather Chart
Month	Min Temp °C	Max Temp °C	Rainfall mm
Jan	15	19	21
Feb	15	20	28
Mar	18	23	46
Apr	21	26	92
May	24	33	185
Jun	25	35	230
Jul	25	35	240
Aug	26	32	280
Sep	25	31	255
Oct	22	28	140
Nov	19	24	45
Dec	15	23	15

Points of Interest & Landmarks in Hanoi, Vietnam's Capital

There are countless list of places of interests and what to see while visiting the capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi. Here is our list of noteworthy Hanoi attractions landmarks, from the must-see tourist landmarks to the top local attractions.

Hanoi Old Quarter

The Old Quarter is the cultural heart of Hanoi where the pulse of life has constantly beat for nearly 2,000 years. Daily routine starts early and builds to a friendly bustle. Streets have distinct character and are named after the crafts once made there – silver, ladder, silk, paper.

Hanoi Old Quarter is a triangular area of approximately 36 streets centered next to Lake Ho Hoan Kiem. Areas by the lake itself are more touristy and expensive, head into its heart to find true local gems.

Take time to sample the spirit, atmosphere and shopping on offer here – nothing says Hanoi capital like its Old Quarter.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

At this mausoleum the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh, founder of unified Vietnam and the country’s liberator from Western colonialism, lies in a glass case for public viewing.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex was built with assistance from the USSR and the austere and impressive architecture is recognizably Soviet/Communist in design. Around the building lie 240 ordered squares of manicured grass cut with concrete walkways.

This dedication to ‘Uncle Ho,’ as he is affectionately known, is unsurprisingly one of the nation’s most revered sites and as such this is a moving, and eerie, experience. Nearby is the popular Ho Chi Minh Museum dedicated to his life and work.

This is a very popular site in the heart of Hanoi, Vietnam Capital, expect busy queues. Full respectful attire and attitude is essential.

Hanoi Flag Tower

Hanoi Flag Tower, stands as a significant historical structure in Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi. It is the most majestic feature of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel complex. More than just an iconic landmark, the flag tower symbolizes the resilience and heroic resistance of Hanoians during the Indochina War, serving as a well-preserved site of history and martyrdom. It is a must-visit destination when exploring Hanoi.

Built in the early 19th century on the old Tam Mon Citadel of the Le Dynasty, Hanoi Flag Tower marks the starting point for tours of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. From here, visitors follow the “fishing path” through Doan Mon and arrive at Kinh Thien Palace, the citadel’s most important site.

Hoang Dieu Archaeological Site

Located in the same complex as the Imperial Citadel, the archaeological site on 18 Hoang Dieu Street sits in the center of Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi. Expanded archaeological discoveries in late 2002 uncovered significant evidence of well-known monuments, many dating back to the early 11th century. Visitors can explore the site to gain deeper insights into Hanoi’s history during the feudal era.

D67 Revolutionary House

House D67, located in Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi, served as a vital meeting chamber for the Communist Party’s Executive Committee, the Politburo, the Central Military Commission, and high-ranking officials during the American War. This house holds profound historical significance for the Vietnamese people.

In 1967, leaders constructed a special building behind the “Dragon House,” which housed the Politburo, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Central Military Commission. Designed to ensure safety during meetings amidst intense U.S. bombing in the North, House D67 was built between April and July 1967. This one-story structure features a solid concrete foundation, thick walls, and a reinforced roof. Its outer walls are 0.6 meters thick, interior walls 0.28 meters thick, and the roof has three layers, including a sand cushion 0.7–1.15 meters thick, ensuring durability and protection.

Hoan Kiem Lake (The Sword Lake)

A city’s heart and soul, the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, also called Sword Lake, is a must-visit for a leisurely walk in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi. This iconic lake, spanning 12 hectares, shines as a cultural and historical gem, deeply tied to the lives of Hanoi’s residents for generations. Both locals and international travelers gather here to enjoy its charm.

On weekends, the area around Hoan Kiem Lake transforms into a vibrant walking street filled with street music, folk games, and an array of street food. It’s an ideal spot to immerse yourself in Hanoi’s lively atmosphere. During weekdays, the lake remains easily accessible by motorcycle, taxi, or a leisurely stroll from the Old Quarter, making it a perfect place to explore Hanoi’s vibrant culture and history.

Hanoi Opera House

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, features the famous Hanoi Opera House, a vibrant hub for theatrical performances, opera, and musical events. Originally, French officials and wealthy Vietnamese figures exclusively attended this grand venue. Modeled after the Paris Opera House, it showcases stunning French neoclassical architecture, making it an iconic cultural landmark.

The historic St. Joseph’s Cathedral

In the capital de Vietnam, Hanoi, St. Joseph’s Cathedral stands as a prominent example of French architecture. Inspired by the Notre-Dame in Paris, the cathedral impresses visitors with its gorgeous neo-Gothic design, both inside and out.

Van Mieu (The Temple of Literature)

Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, offers a peaceful escape from Hanoi’s streets. This Vietnamese capital landmark showcases traditional architecture and introduces Confucianism. Five courtyards symbolize nature’s elements, with a central path representing the Confucian Middle Path.

Each courtyard requires completing a task to enter, from dismounting your horse to proving virtue and talent for the second courtyard. After mastering literary expression, visit the Constellation of Literature Pavilion, a city symbol. The third courtyard, the Garden of the Stelae, features stone turtles inscribed with graduates’ names. The fourth Courtyard of the Sages honors Confucius, while the fifth housed the university’s dormitories, mostly destroyed by French shelling in 1947.

Hanoi Women’s Museum

What is the capital of Vietnam? Hanoi is home to the Museum of Women, a popular destination since its opening on Women’s Day, October 20, 1995. The museum offers an insightful look at women’s roles in Vietnam, highlighting women soldiers’ contributions to the nation’s liberation and exploring themes of social equality, development, and peace.

The exhibits cover four main themes: Vietnam’s mothers, female historical figures, women’s unions, and the diverse ethnic groups in Vietnam. Visitors can explore recreations of a typical rural kitchen, underground meeting rooms, and 54 national costumes. A guided tour is included with the ticket.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, is home to the Museum of Ethnology, where visitors can explore the history and culture of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The museum includes both indoor and outdoor exhibition areas. Inside, artifacts and images showcase the traditions and customs of these groups, while the outdoor area displays local houses from various regions of Vietnam.

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The culture aspect of Vietnam's capital, Hanoi

With more than a thousand years of history, Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, boasts an extraordinarily rich culture visible in art, architecture, traditions, and daily life, reflecting deep historical and cultural diversity.

Hanoi traditional craft villages

The Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, is home to 1,350 craft villages, making up one-third of the country’s traditional villages. Many of these, such as Van Phuc Silk Village, Bat Trang Pottery Village, Ngu Xa Bronze Casting Village, Chuong Conical Hat Village, and Dinh Cong Jewelry Village, are renowned nationwide.

Hanoi’s craft villages, home to the finest artisans in the country, consistently produce high-quality goods. These products, such as Bat Trang pottery and Van Phuc silk, not only sell in Hanoi’s markets but also attract significant international interest. Unlike in other regions, where some craft villages struggle to survive, Hanoi’s traditional craft villages thrive, remain well-preserved, and continue to develop.

Festivals in Vietnam's Capital

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, boasts thousands of years of civilization and a rich array of traditional festivals, in addition to the major national holidays like Tet, Mid-Autumn, and Vu Lan Festivals. These festivals serve various purposes.

For instance, the Huong Pagoda and Thay Pagoda Festivals celebrate Buddhist traditions, while the Co Loa Temple, Dong Da Mound, and Hai Ba Trung Temple Festivals honor national heroes and heroines. Other festivals, such as the Bat Trang Pottery Village Festival, recognize the enduring craftsmanship of the region’s craft villages.

Cuisine of Hanoi

Hanoi has long been transformed itself from a culinary klutz to an epicurean entrepreneur. Sophisticated restaurants from locality to the top western ones, beautiful bars and chic cafes have begun to emerge around the city with increasingly international offerings. You can’t go past the Vietnamese staple though, a steaming bowl of pho ; no traveller should leave without sampling this tasty soup or the other delicious street food.

Eating in Hanoi should be an experience that will not leave you disappointed, especially if it is your first time in Southeast Asia or even in Vietnam. Witnessing how the local chef prepare food and seeing them scrubing pots on the sidewalk can be daunting, but that suspicion fades with the first bite: all the pieces fit together and suddenly you know that there will be a better place to enjoy a pho noodle soup than that plastic stool at end of a dark alley.

Along with noodle, there are some other famous dishes that I advice you to try if you’d like to get a glimpse into food and cuisine of the Vietnam’s Capital. Try, Bun Dau Mam Tom, Phở Cuốn, Sticky rice, Bun Cha and many others.

Vietnam capital in modern days

Modern day Hanoi is a blends of tradition with modernity. Skyscrapers, luxury buildings, and shopping malls now define the city’s skyline, while a vibrant food scene and high-end restaurants add to its appeal. Vietnam declared liberation on April 30 1975 in Ho Chi Minh City [Saigon] bloody war years has ended and country got its reunion, means the south and north has become one independent country. Hanoi, the classic and oriental Capital of Vietnam its been well-known as a happy and peaceful city for many years.

Capital of Vietnam is located in northern part of country, the city of Hanoi is one of those great cities in Southeast Asia that hooks you up as soon as you touch down to its soil. Capital city is merged from its past with the modernity which together it makes a huge difference from part to part of the city while you visit. Hanoi is a city that cant be missed on any travel itinerary around the country. Capital of Vietnam is a paradise for foodies, adventurers, history buffs, culture seekers and even those looking for nighttime fun. There are so many things to do in Hanoi and so many photogenic corners.

Recommended books: Hanoi “Capital of Vietnam”

Hanoi: Past and Present, by Nguyen Vinh Phuc, is an excellent reference book for Hanoi’s long history and cultural attractions. A coffee-table book filled with vivid photos, Huu Ngoc’s Sketches for a Portrait of Hanoi makes an interesting read and great souvenir.

A Drago Apparent is the classic travelogue of author Norman Lewis’ fascinating journeys through Vietnam and specially the capital of Vietnam as well as further reading on Laos and Cambodia in the ’50s.

Sparring with Charlie: Motorbiking down the Ho Chi Minh Trail, by Chrisotpher Hunt, is a light-hearted travelogue about modern Vietnam and the life in the capital of Vietnam after war.

Tim Page boasts ’12 months worth of photos taken 10 years after the war’ in Ten Years After; he returned to Vietnam to write Derailed in Uncle Ho’s Victory Garden.

Karen Miller’s Hitchhiking in Vietnam is a travelogue falling this woman’s tumultuous seven-month journey.

Vietnam: Politics, Economics and Society, by Melanie Beresford, gives a good overview of post-reunification Vietnam. The Vietnamese Gulag, by Doan Van Toai, tells of one man’s experiences in the post-reunification re-education camps.

The Birth of Vietnam, by Keith Weller Taylor, tackles the country’s early history, while Stanley Karnow’s Vietnam: A History cover’s the country’s past from prehistoric times until reunification.

A number of biographies about Ho Chi Minh have been written, including Jean Lacouture’s Ho Chi Minh: A Political Biography and Ho, by David Halberstam.

An excellent reference work is Vietnam’s Famous Ancient Pagodas (Viet Nam Danh Lam Co Tu); you should be able to find a copy in Hanoi.

Worthwhile books covering the Franco-Viet Minh war include Peter M Dunn’s The First Vietnam War and two works by Bernard B Fall: Street of the Vietnam’s Capital without Joy: Indochina at War 1946-54 and Hell in a Very Small Place: The Seige of Dien Bien Phu. Graham Green’s novel The Quiet American is probably the most famous piece of western fiction set in Vietnam.

The earliest days of US involvement in Indochina are recounted in Why Vietnam?, a riveting work by Archimedes L. Patti, former head of the OSS (precursor to the CIA) team in Vietnam. Three of the finest essays about the war are collected in Jonathan Schell’s The Real War.

Autobiographies covering the war from different perspectives include: When Heaven and Earth Changed Places by Le Ly Hayslip, a Vietnamese woman caught in the crossfire; One Crowded Hour by Australian film journalist Neil Davis; Chained Eagle, by US POW Everett Alvarez Jr; and Viet Cong Memoir, by Truong Nhu Tang, a Viet Cong cadre who later became disenchanted with postwar Vietnam.

Two of the best books about the war are Neil Sheehan’s A Bright Shining Lie and The Sorrow of War by Bao Ninh.

FAQ: Vietnam Capital, Hanoi

Is Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh capital of Vietnam?

Hanoi, sit on northern Vietnam, is the second largest and the capital city of Vietnam with the population of over 8.5 million in 2025. Hanoi’s international airport serves several flights within the country as well as the big number of flight connecting Vietnam to Europe and USA. Ho Chi Minh City is a major southern city (biggest in Vietnam), and the former capital of Vietnam.

What are the two capitals of Vietnam?

Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam. However, together with Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) have rivaled each other since the French colonial period, lasting almost a hundred years until 1954. At various times, each served as the capital of French Indochina. After the French departure in 1954-56, the country split into two, with Hanoi serving the north and Saigon the south.

What is better, Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi?

Both are big and modern cities, however, for travelers seeking a blend of new and old experiences, both Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City offers unique contrasts. Hanoi features ancient landmarks, charming streets, and a budget-friendly atmosphere, providing a rich historical experience. In contrast, Ho Chi Minh City offers a dynamic, modern vibe with diverse dining options and vibrant nightlife, appealing to those looking for a lively, contemporary setting.

Why is Hanoi famous?

Why is Hanoi famous? Hanoi is renowned for its rich cultural, historical, and architectural landmarks. Notable sites include Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene oasis full of legend, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a revered symbol located in Ba Dinh Square.

Hanoi city blends modernity with Vietnamese tradition, which can be seen all over its architecture and houses that line the streets.

History of Hanoi, Vietnam

Human habitation of Northern Vietnam including what is now capital of Vietnam, the Hanoi city, goes back about 500,000 years according to archaeological evidence. The site of present-day Hanoi has been populated for at least 10,000 years. These first inhabitants formed a feudally organized society that first relied on hunting, fishing and gathering, later developing animal husbandry and agriculture. These tribes developed in relative isolation until about 2000 years ago. The Han Chinese set up a military garrison near present-day Hanoi in 214 BC, using it as a base of operations that would eventually control most of modern Vietnam. The next thousand years of Chinese rule introduced important technological innovations to the Vietnamese, including plows and irrigation systems. But rebellion simmered in every town, and the millenium was punctuated by revolution and resistance. This tradition of rebellion shaped Vietnam’s national character.

Vietnamese rebels saw their chance when China’s Tang dynasty collapsed. In 938, revolutionary leader Ngo Quyen gave the Chinese a sound whipping and established an independent Vietnamese state, but after his death the region fell into anarchy. In 980, Vietnam became a semi-independent client state of China, stabilising the situation all for the cost of a biannual tribute. For the next 400 years, the site of present-day Hanoi served as the administrative seat for all of Vietnam. The Grand Royal enclosure, now the city’s Old Quarter, was constructed and the nation’s first university, the Temple of Literature, was founded during the first century of home rule. Attacks by the Khmers, Chinese and even Kublai Khan were repelled by national forces. All this was done with little Chinese interference.

The Chinese never forgot their plum province, however, and in 1400 they captured Hanoi again. National hero Le Loi’s guerrilla tactics and peasant support eventually reclaimed Vietnamese Independence. A period of nationalism and renewed interest in Confucianism followed, a reaction to increased discontent with Europeans, their values and their missionaries. The missionaries didn’t take the hint, however, and in 1858 several were killed. The French had an excuse to invade, and by 1867 south Vietnam was a French colony. Hanoi was captured in 1874. The impotent imperial court was allowed to remain, indulging itself in various coups and capers, but the French controlled the nation.

As it had under Chinese rule, Vietnamese nationalism simmered quietly throughout the country, waiting for an opportunity. Young Nguyen Tat Thanh, better known by his alias Ho Chi Minh, thought that the end of WWI was a good opening, so he tried to present a plan for an independent Vietnam to US president Woodrow Wilson at the 1919 Versailles Peace Conference. Evidently, self-determination was for Europeans alone. When France fell to Nazi Germany in 1940, the Vichy government allowed the Japanese to put troops in Vietnam. The United States knew enough not to count on any French resistance, instead opting to pump arms and funding into the communist-dominated Viet Minh forces. Their leader, Ho Chi Minh, graciously accepted and began harassing the Japanese mercilessly.

After the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Ho Chi Minh, called for a general uprising known as the August Revolution, and on September 2 1945, Ho and his National Liberation Committee (with US officials at his side) declared the Democratic Republic of Vietnam independent at a rally in Ba Dinh Square. The French were not pleased, and fought the Viet Minh tooth and nail for eight years, despite a massive military aid package from the USA and formal recognition by both China and the USSR. On May 7, 1954, the French threw in the towel and surrendered North Vietnam to the Viet Minh. Fiercely anti-communist leader Ngo Dinh Diem was elected (more or less; a lot of dead people voted in that election) president of South Vietnam. Soon afterward, the USA closed its consulate in Hanoi.

In 1959, Southern cadres asked that the North Vietnamese join them in ‘armed struggle’ against the Diem regime. Hanoi responded by agreeing to help the National Liberation Front (NLF), also known as the Viet Cong, who were mainly communist South Vietnamese resisters with little training. Without French troops, however, the South Vietnamese army was incredibly weak, and the Western world looked on nervously as Diem began losing control of the situation. The USA sent 2000 ‘military advisers’ to South Vietnam in 1961, the number swelling to 23,000 by 1964. By then, Hanoi was no longer helping the NLF out with guns and training; they were sending trained North Vietnamese troops across the border. Despite small victories, Hanoi’s war didn’t seem winnable until the 1968 Tet Offensive, when Hanoi gained the upper hand.

The USA continued to throw warm bodies – to the tune of 3.14 million men and women – at the increasingly bloody conflict until the 1973 cease-fire. The USA evacuated almost all troops out of Vietnam in return for Hanoi’s commitment to keep communism above the 17th Parallel. They also cut off most financial and other aid to South Vietnam. By 1975, the southern half of the country was running on fumes. North Vietnam launched a massive attack on the South on January 1975; Saigon surrendered in April. No one, least of all the leadership in Hanoi, was prepared for reunification. At least 2 million Vietnamese had died in the conflict and scars ran deep; the environment and economy were a shambles. The violence wasn’t over, either: In 1979, answering for Vietnam’s 1978 invasion of Cambodia, China attacked Hanoi. The Chinese were repelled within 17 brutal days.

The 1980s witnessed a devastating famine that left Hanoi with rice shortages and strict rations, a continuing guerrilla war with the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia and the opening of European communism. Surprisingly, Vietnam finished the decade in much better shape than it started. In February 1990, the government called for more ‘openness and criticism’, but was unprepared for the seething discontent behind the floodgates. Hanoi backtracked, but began allowing more economic openness while keeping government structure (and media access) in a lockbox. In 1992 Vietnam signed a peace treaty with Cambodia, and in 1994, the USA lifted economic sanctions on the country. The two former enemies now maintain diplomatic relations.

As the economy continues to open to foreign investment and private ownership, Hanoi’s leadership remains in the hands of hard-line communists. The economy’s command structure insulated Vietnam from the worst of the Asian economic crisis (though its currency was devalued twice); the crisis actually increased confidence in the communist party. The growing private business sector in the city makes it obvious, however, that capitalism is making sturdy inroads into Vietnam. While the government is eyeing Most Favoured Nation status with the US and, eventually, membership of the WTO, its human rights record is bound to be a stumbling block.