The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Ba Dinh Square, the largest square in Vietnam, are both located on Hung Vuong street. In the square, President Ho Chi Minh on September 2, 1945, proclaimed the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. (Photo: Nguyen Nhung - Thuy Dung)

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, both as a political utility and in its symbolic role, has been directly associated with dynasties and numerous important cultural and historical events. (Photo: Vietnamtourism)

The Temple of Literature is considered to be the first university in Vietnam. Originally built as a university in 1070 dedicated to Confucius, and other scholars and sages, the building is extremely well preserved and is a superb example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. (Photo: Nguyen Trang - Nguyen Lai)

Hoan Kiem Lake (Returned Sword Lake) in the center of Hanoi. The lake is connected with many famous attractions including the Turtle Tower, Ngoc Son Temple, and The Huc bridge. (Photo: Ha Thanh)

The West Lake is the biggest natural lake in Hanoi. Covering an area of 500ha, it’s seen as “a green lung” of the capital city. (Photo: My Tra)

The Vietnam National Museum of History houses over 200,000 objects and materials which are relics of Vietnamese history flowing from pre-history to the present. Among these, many are Vietnamese antiquities and 18 are recognized as Vietnamese national treasures. (Photo: VOV5)

The impressive Long Bien Bridge has stood the test of time to be a witness of two national resistance wars against French and American aggressors. Considered one of the most stunning bridges in the world when it opened in 1903, the cantilever bridge originally was designed by Gustav Eiffel, the engineer best known for his landmark work Eiffel Tower in Paris. (Photo: Ha Thanh)

Hoa Lo Prison is named one of five scariest places Southeast Asia or “hell on earth”. Constructed by French colonists in 1896 on an area of 12.9 sq.m, Hoa Lo Prison was one of the largest and most fortified prions in Indochina at that time. (Duc Anh /VOV5)

Duong Lam ancient village in Son Tay commune, on the outskirts of Hanoi, attracts tourists for its tranquil atmosphere and ancient houses of architectural interest.

Tien Sa lake inside Ba Vi National Park is an ideal place for picnicing in nature. The 200.000m2 lake is surrounded by lush hills and enjoys a temperate climate all year round. (Photo: Ba Vi Tourism web portal)