From Ba Dinh Square to the Temple of Literature, explore how Hanoi's historic sites not only define the city's skyline but also its identity, resonating through generations.
Ba Dinh Square, the Presidential Palace, Turtle Tower, and the Temple of Literature—these are among the landmarks that have and will continue to resonate deeply with the residents of Vietnam's capital. These sites are a source of pride and a dream destination for those who live afar.
Hanoi, the political, economic, and cultural center of Vietnam, is home to many historically and culturally significant landmarks, including the historic Ba Dinh Square. It was here that 79 years ago, President Ho Chi Minh declared the independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.In preserving and enhancing the value of the Presidential Palace complex, the Party and the State of Vietnam decided to construct the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh right at Ba Dinh Square. The construction began on September 2, 1973, and the mausoleum was inaugurated on August 29, 1975, marking the 30th anniversary of the nation's National Day.
The Presidential Palace in Hanoi, where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked for the longest period during his revolutionary life - from December 19, 1954, until September 2, 1969 - was designated as a historic site on May 15, 1975, by the Ministry of Culture and Information. The Prime Minister later included it in the list of 23 special national sites.
Just over a month ago, in celebration of the 79th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, the Presidential Palace was adorned with a new lighting system that maintained the original color but highlighted the architectural details and patterns of the building.
The Hanoi Flag Tower, located at 28A Dien Bien Phu Street in Ba Dinh district within the precincts of the Vietnam Military History Museum, is built on the foundation of the old Tam Mon Fort of the Le dynasty in the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. The flagpole was constructed in 1805 during the Nguyen dynasty and took seven years to complete. Over 200 years later, the Hanoi Flag Tower remains an enduring symbol of the city's historical fluctuations. During the resistance wars against the French and Americans, the Hanoi Flag Tower served as an observation post for the inner and outer city areas. When the August Revolution succeeded in 1945, the Vietnamese national flag, the red flag with a golden star, was hoisted here for the first time. In 1954, after the victory over the French colonists, the flag was once again raised, marking a complete triumph. In 1989, it was recognized as a National Cultural Historical Site.Another noteworthy monument in Ba Dinh district is the Hang Dau Water Tower. Built by the French in 1894, it is located at the intersection of Hang Than, Hang Luoc, Hang Giay, Hang Dau, Quan Thanh, and Phan Dinh Phung streets. The tower is approximately 25 meters high with a pointed roof and has a capacity of 1,250 cubic meters, originally receiving water from the Yen Phu Water Plant to be pushed into the city center distribution system. In 2023, during the Hanoi Creative Design Festival organized by the Hanoi People's Committee and the Vietnam Association of Architects, Hang Dau Water Tower was opened to the public for the first time.Hoan Kiem Lake, in Hoan Kiem district, spans about 12 hectares with a perimeter of approximately 1.7 kilometers. Known in feudal times as Luc Thuy (Green Water) Lake due to its distinctive water color, it was also historically a site for naval reviews by the kings, thus its ancient name Thuy Quan Lake.Turtle Tower, over 150 years old, stands not only as a tourist symbol but also evokes the cultural and historical beauty of the area.
Ngoc Son Temple, a sacred site, was built in the 19th century. During a major renovation in 1865, several important structures were added, including the Trấn Ba pavilion, The Huc Bridge, the Pen Tower, and the Ink Slab. On holidays, Tet, or special days of the year, visitors often come to Ngoc Son Temple to offer sacrifices, seek fortune, and pray for peace and luck.The Huc Bridge was built in 1865 during the reign of Emperor Tu Duc. The name of the bridge means “the place where the light rests,” or “the accumulation of radiance.” The bridge faces east (the direction of the sunrise) to capture the full morning sunlight. The east also symbolizes good fortune, and red, in folklore, represents vitality and joy, which is why the bridge is painted red. Around Hoan Kiem Lake are several long-standing government and state-owned enterprise buildings. One of the most prominent locations is the Hanoi People's Committee headquarters at 79 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District. Built between 1985 and 1987, the building covers over 5,500 square meters, with a total floor area exceeding 16,000 square meters. It serves as the working location for the local government and hosts City Council meetings, official ceremonies, and dealings with public and organizational requests.Less than 100 meters from the People's Committee headquarters is the Hanoi Post Office. This building was part of the French plan for Hanoi's central district from the late 19th century. The post office features four two-story wings, wooden staircases, and a rooftop clock. One side faces Dinh Tien Hoang Street, and the other faces Le Thach Street. In October 2015, the sign reading “Hanoi Post Office” was replaced with “VNPT Hanoi.”
The clock tower on the Hanoi Post Office was built along with the building at 75 Dinh Tien Hoang in 1976, but it became operational in 1978. The clock has four faces, each 4.5 square meters, with the hour hand measuring 1.35 meters and the minute hand 1.65 meters.
At noon on September 2, 1978, the clock played the melody of “Praising President Ho Chi Minh.” It chimes music at 6 a.m., 12 p.m., and 6 p.m., and rings from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. For more than 45 years, this special clock tower has become an icon of Hanoi.
Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square is where five famous streets intersect: Le Thai To, Dinh Tien Hoang, Hang Dao, Hang Gai, and Cau Go. Once a coconut plantation, this area was turned into a central square by the French.
In 1907, patriotic scholars established Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc School here to teach the national language to students. In 1954, the French redesigned the square and built a central fountain, which has evolved into its current appearance.
Bac Bo Phu, now the Government Guest House (12 Ngo Quyen, Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District), is a significant historical and cultural landmark in Hanoi. It marks the site of the August 19, 1945, uprising to seize power in Hanoi. President Ho Chi Minh also lived and worked here after the August Revolution until the National Resistance War began.
For over a century, Bac Bo Phu - Government Guest House has witnessed many key historical events in Hanoi.
August Revolution Square is located in front of the Hanoi Opera House in Hoan Kiem District. In 1945, under the leadership of the Indochinese Communist Party and President Ho Chi Minh, the people of Vietnam rose up for a nationwide uprising to seize power.
St. Joseph's Cathedral (now the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Hanoi) was built during the time of Bishop Puginier (1835–1892). The cathedral was modeled after Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, with a cruciform layout measuring 55 meters long and 33 meters wide. It features two massive bell towers with square bases 17 meters high and arched windows.
This is one of the first French-built structures in Hanoi and among the few remaining colonial-era buildings.
Located at the intersection of Le Thai To, Ba Trieu, Hang Khay, and Trang Thi streets, the Hoan Kiem District Police Headquarters was built in the late 19th century in the French architectural style. The French inscription "Commissariat de Police" (meaning Police Headquarters) is still preserved and can be seen on the entrance gate.Dong Xuan Market is a culturally and historically significant landmark in Hanoi. According to historical records, in 1804, the Nguyen dynasty built a market south of the To Lich River to facilitate trade. In 1889, after the river and Thai Cuc Lake were filled in, the French authorities relocated stalls to an empty plot in Dong Xuan Ward. In 1890, the French built the market covering 6,500 square meters, featuring five arched roofs in a French architectural style.
Tran Quoc Pagoda, with a history spanning over 1,500 years, is one of Vietnam's oldest pagodas and has been honored as one of the world's 10 most beautiful pagodas. It follows the Northern School of Buddhism, and its shrine hall houses statues of Amitabha Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha, and Avalokitesvara. There are also altars for Quan Binh, Quan Vu, Chu Thuong, the Lord of the Land, and attendants.
In 1962, Tran Quoc Pagoda was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Site. It stands as a proud symbol of Vietnam's Buddhist heritage and architectural beauty.
The Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam complex includes Van Lake, the Temple of Literature, and the Giam Garden, with the Temple of Literature being the central structure. Located to the south of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, it houses shrines dedicated to Confucius and Quoc Tu Giam. The Prime Minister has listed it among the 23 special national monuments. During his tenure as the Governor-General of Indochina from 1897 to 1902, Paul Doumer approved the construction of a railway station at the end of Mandarine Street (now Le Duan Street) and Gambetta Street (now Tran Hung Dao Street). Part of the project involved a horse racetrack (now the Vietnam-Soviet Friendship Cultural Palace) and the Tu My village. Construction began in 1899, and the station was inaugurated in 1902 under the name Central Hanoi Station. However, because the name was too long, locals simply called it Hang Co Station, now known as Hanoi Station.
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