Places to go

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a fascinating blend of East and West, with Chinese influence from centuries of dominance, and French design from its colonial past.

Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake

Meaning 'Temple of the Jade Mountain', Hanoi's most visited temple sits on a small island in the northern part of Hoan Kiem Lake, connected to the lakeshore by an elegant scarlet bridge, constructed in classical Vietnamese style. The temple is dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao (who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century), La To (patron saint of physicians) and the scholar Van Xuong. Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/vietnam/hanoi/sights/religious/ngoc-son-temple#ixzz46MJ47nvZ

Temple of Literature

Founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, the Temple of Literature is dedicated to Confucius (Khong Tu). Inside you'll find a pond known as the 'Well of Heavenly Clarity', a low-slung pagoda and statues of Confucius and his disciples. A rare example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture, the complex honours Vietnam’s finest scholars and men of literary accomplishment... Read more: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/vietnam/hanoi/sights/religious/temple-literature

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

This fabulous collection relating to Vietnam's ethnic minorities features well-presented tribal art, artefacts and everyday objects gathered from across the nation, and examples of traditional village houses. Displays are well labelled in Vietnamese, French and English... Read more: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/vietnam/hanoi/sights/museums-galleries/vietnam-museum-ethnology

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

This thought-provoking site is all that remains of the former Hoa Lo Prison, ironically nicknamed the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ by US POWs during the American War. Most exhibits relate to the prison’s use up to the mid-1950s, focusing on the Vietnamese struggle for independence from France. A gruesome relic is the ominous French guillotine, used to behead Vietnamese revolutionaries. There are also displays focusing on the American pilots who were incarcerated at Hoa Lo during the American War. Read more: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/vietnam/hanoi/sights/architecture/hoa-lo-prison-museum

Bach Ma Temple

In the heart of the Old Quarter, the small Bach Ma Temple is said to be the oldest temple in the city, though much of the current structure dates from the 18th century and a shrine to Confucius was added in 1839... Read more: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/vietnam/hanoi/sights/religious/bach-ma-temple

Tam Dao Hill Station

Nestling below soaring forest-clad peaks, Tam Dao is a former French hill station in a spectacular setting northwest of Hanoi. Today it’s a popular summer resort – a favoured weekend escape for Hanoians, who come here to revel in the temperate climate and make merry in the extensive selection of restaurants and bars. Founded in 1907 by the French, most of its colonial villas were destroyed during the Franco–Viet Minh War, only to be replaced with brutalist concrete architecture. Tam Dao is a useful base for hiking, but the town itself is an unattractive sprawl of hotel blocks... Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/vietnam/hanoi/tam-dao-hill-station/introduction#ixzz46MjUClEn

Ba Vi National Park

Formerly a French hill station, the triple-peaked Ba Vi Mountain (Nui Ba Vi) has been attracting visitors for decades and remains a popular weekend escape for Hanoians. The limestone mountain is now part of the Ba Vi National Park, which has several rare and endangered plants in its protected forest, as well as mammals, including two species of rare ‘flying’ squirrel and bountiful bird life. Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/vietnam/hanoi/ba-vi-national-park/introduction#ixzz46MMuhBkH

Handicraft Villages

Numerous villages surrounding Hanoi specialize in cottage industries. Visiting these settlements can make a rewarding day trip, though having a good guide helps make the journey really worthwhile. Most Hanoi tour operators offer departures to these villages. Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/vietnam/handicraft-villages/introduction#ixzz46MlrpHNm

Thay & Tay Phuong Pagodas

Stunning limestone outcrops loom up from the emerald-green paddy fields, and clinging to the cliffs are the Thay and Tay Phuong pagodas, about 20 minutes apart from each other by road. The pagodas are about 30km west of Hanoi in Ha Tay province. Hanoi travel agents and tour operators offer day trips that take in both pagodas, from US$45 per person. Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/vietnam/hanoi/thay-and-tay-phuong-pagodas/introduction#ixzz46MmUbuDs

Co Loa Citadel

Dating from the 3rd century BC, Co Loa Citadel was the first fortified citadel in Vietnamese history and became the national capital during the reign of Ngo Quyen (AD 939–44). Only vestiges of the ancient ramparts, which enclosed an area of about 5 sq km, remain. In the centre of the citadel are temples dedicated to the rule of King An Duong Vuong (257–208 BC), who founded the legendary Thuc dynasty, and his daughter My Nuong (Mi Chau). Legend tells that My Nuong showed her father’s magic crossbow trigger (which made him invincible in battle) to her husband, the son of a Chinese general. He stole it and gave it to his father. With this not-so-secret weapon, the Chinese defeated An Duong Vuong, beginning 1000 years of Chinese occupation... Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/vietnam/co-loa-citadel/introduction#ixzz46MmvCQFH