Hanoi Self-Guided Walking Tour: Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Imperial Citadel, & more | Vietnam Purple Travel Guide

Today is our last full day in Hanoi. We will visit the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum; the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural, and if you have time, the Tran Quoc Pagoda, and the Lotte Tower Observation Deck.

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.

Temple Of Literature - Vietnam’s First University and a Symbol of Intellectual Heritage

(map, reviews)

Escape the city's lively chaos by stepping into the serene courtyards of the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu), a thousand-year-old monument that was home to Vietnam's first national university. This peaceful complex, built to honor Confucius, is an architectural masterwork featuring five meticulously designed courtyards, ancient banyan trees, and the iconic Khue Van Cac Pavilion (a symbol of Hanoi). Spend a moment wandering among the 82 stone stelae resting on the backs of giant stone turtles—an incredible UNESCO-recognized archive listing the names of successful scholars from centuries past, and feel the deep, enduring Vietnamese reverence for education. Ready for a detailed cultural immersion? Click here for our full guide to the Temple of Literature.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - A Monument to Vietnam’s Founding Father

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Experience a profound moment of Vietnamese history and national reverence at the colossal granite Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, located within the solemn and historic Ba Đình Square. This imposing structure is the final resting place of Vietnam's most revered leader, 'Uncle Ho', and stands as a powerful symbol of independence and unity. To walk through the complex, past the disciplined honor guard, is to witness the deep, quiet respect the Vietnamese people hold for the man who shaped their country's destiny. Ready for the full cultural experience? Click here for our detailed guide to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - A Timeless Seat of Power in Hanoi

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Step into the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long, the beating political heart of Vietnam for over 13 continuous centuries and a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers an interesting journey through layers of history, from the magnificent foundations and dragon-carved steps of the Imperial Palace to the secret, chilling D67 Bunker that served as a command center during the Vietnam War. Discover ancient wells, priceless archaeological finds, and the iconic Hanoi Flag Tower that has proudly witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties — a must-see for anyone wanting to truly understand the nation's resilience. Ready to explore the layers of imperial history? Click here for our detailed guide to the Citadel of Thang Long.

Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural - A 4-Mile Masterpiece of Public Art

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Stretching for nearly 2.5 miles (4 km) along the Red River dike, the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural is a colossal, Guinness World Record-holding masterpiece and the ultimate showcase of Vietnamese art and history. This vibrant tapestry, created to celebrate Hanoi's 1,000th anniversary, transforms a dull city wall into a dazzling, continuous museum. As you walk or drive by, you will be treated to a visual narrative spanning millennia—look for the majestic Ly Dynasty dragons, the colorful patterns of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups, iconic folk paintings, and even modern, abstract artworks contributed by international artists. The mural is an immersive, free, open-air gallery that invites you to discover the vivid soul of Hanoi, one tiny, handcrafted ceramic tile at a time. Please see our guide to the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural.

Trấn Quốc Pagoda – Hanoi’s Serenity & Spiritual Heritage

(map, reviews)

Step off the mainland and onto the picturesque Golden Fish Islet to discover Trấn Quốc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in all of Hanoi, with a history spanning over 1,500 years. This site is a living gallery of Vietnamese faith, featuring an iconic 11-story lotus stupa that soars dramatically over the glassy surface of West Lake. A visit here offers a rare moment of serene beauty, complete with a sacred Bodhi tree grown from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. This peaceful island gem, dedicated to the 'Guardian of the Nation', is worth a visit if you have time. Click here for a detailed guide of Trấn Quốc Pagoda

Lotte Tower Observation Deck – Elevate Your Hanoi Experience

(map, reviews)

For a breathtaking contrast to the ancient Old Quarter, make your way to the towering Lotte Center Hanoi and ascend to the 65th-floor Sky Walk. From 892 ft (272 m) up, you are rewarded with a stunning, 360-degree panorama of the entire capital—an essential view that helps contextualize Hanoi's sheer size, from the winding Red River to the serene West Lake. Dare to step onto the transparent glass-floor skywalks for a heart-pounding sensation of floating high above the ant-sized traffic below, providing an incredible photo opportunity and an unbeatable perspective of this dynamic city. Click here for an in-depth guide to Lotte Tower Observation Deck.

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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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