Ho Chi Minh is regarded as the father of Vietnam who helped lead the country to independence; as a result, his legacy remains in Vietnam’s capital. His mausoleum opened in 1975 and was modeled on Lenin's in Moscow. In the mausoleum, Ho's body is housed in a glass case, and it is sent to Russia for continued preservation on a yearly basis. The mausoleum receives a great number of visitors each day, so make sure to not miss this incredible historical site. As with Vietnamese religious sites, respectful attire and conduct are required.

The narrow streets of Hanoi are a fascinating paradise for curious explorers. Undoubtedly, Hanoi's most famous merchants are those who prepare and sell food. In Hanoi's Old Quarter, many locals eat breakfast on their way to work and dinner on their way home. If you happen to see an especially busy stall, you can be certain that the food is fresh and delicious – be sure to give it a try! And, if you truly want to experience an authentic slice of daily life in Hanoi, make sure to check out the traditional shop-houses. These buildings function as both homes and storefronts where shopkeepers sell textiles, shoes, vegetables, snacks, and much more.

One of Vietnam's most attractive tourist sites is Hanoi's Temple of Literature, originally Vietnam's first university. Today, this Confucian temple immortalizes Vietnam's most celebrated scholars by carving their names in stone. This exceptionally well-preserved complex is an enchanting example of Vietnamese architecture, and its interior teems with rich hues of gold and crimson. The exterior is equally gorgeous and includes picturesque courtyards, pavilions, and passageways that were once used by royalty.

Amid the hustle and bustle of city life in Hanoi, there is a tranquil oasis that locals and tourists enjoy: Hoan Kiem Lake. Numerous visitors flock here to take a stroll, or to sit and relax as they absorb the placid beauty of their surroundings. Hoan Kiem Lake is also known as 'The Lake of the Returned Sword.' According to legend, an emperor was given a sword to repel Chinese Ming dynasty invaders. Upon successfully completing this quest, the emperor returned the blade to the lake. In addition, Hoan Kiem Lake is home to Ngoc Son Temple (Tortoise Pagoda).

Hanoi is teeming with delicious street food, and this world-famous cuisine can be found in charming food stalls, diners, and cafes. Some vendors specialize in one particular dish, which they prepare each day to pure perfection. In Hanoi, some of the most popular types of street food include: pho, a delicious noodle soup; xoi, sticky rice; banh mi, a French-style baguette sandwich, and banh cuon, translucent rice crepes filled with aromatic meat, seafood, and vegetables. The tantalizing aromas of these freshly- cooked dishes permeate through the entire city, making your mouth water!

Hanoi's 36 Streets are a must-see for any visitor to Vietnam. Here, you can find a treasure trove of shops that specialize in everything from textiles and clothing, to dazzling jewelry, to delicious Vietnamese food. The number '36' corresponds with the different types of craft and merchant guilds that developed in this district over time. As a result, individual streets are often named for the types of goods that they typically sell.

This pagoda, nestled in a lotus pond, is one of Hanoi's most iconic symbols. Legend has it that Vietnam's One Pillar Pagoda was built after the childless Emperor Ly Thai Tong had a dream that the bodhisattva Quan Am (Avalokiteshvara) would give him a son. The emperor eventually did receive a son and heir, and in thanksgiving, he built this lotus-shaped pagoda. This structure is seated on a single pillar, situated amid lily pads and a grove of lush trees. In addition, a Bo tree is located behind the pagoda, and it is said to be related to the famous tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.