Dong Xuan Market is one of the oldest and biggest markets in the old quarter of Hanoi. It is a symbol, a traditional feature and a pride of all Hanoians. For those who want to explore cultural values and discover local daily life, Dong Xuan Market is a must-visit destination when you are in Hanoi. Built in 1889 as French administration then renovated several times, Dong Xuan Market has been covered market selling everything from souvenirs, clothes, household goods to foodstuffs.

Phung Hung Street, located at the heart of Vietnam’s capital, has been revived with beautiful mural paintings, depicting the older times and making it seem as though the past is walking with the present. The murals on Phung Hung street highlight fine traditional and cultural values of thousand-year-old Hanoi, narrating tales of local vendors, women carrying flowers, tinkling trams with passengers, and more.

The only surviving city gate of ancient Hanoi, O Quan Chuong, also known as the Old City Gate or Old East Gate, was named after a chief of the army to remember him and other Nguyen soldiers who fought against the French. It has a typical architecture of a watch-tower from the Nguyen dynasty and till today, acts as a proof of the struggle. Quan Chuong, better known as the old east gate of the city of Hanoi, is the very last of the 16 city gates standing today. It was once the entry point to the ancient walled city that had been secured at the eastern end by this gate. Hanoi has expanded over the years and is no longer a medieval town that had to be protected on all sides during foreign invasions.

In the heart of the Old Quarter, the small Bach Ma Temple (literally 'White Horse 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. It was originally built by Emperor Ly Thai To in the 11th century to honour a white horse that guided him to this site, where he chose to construct his city walls. Pass through the wonderful old wooden doors of the pagoda to see a statue of the legendary white horse, as well as a beautiful red-lacquered funeral palanquin.

Located in Hanoi's Old Quarter area, Ma May Street is unique as it is home to many of the city’s oldest houses. The house is one of 14 ancient houses in Hanoi built in the late 19th century that still retains its original features and becomes a familiar address for those who want to learn about the daily life of Hanoians in the old time

The Vietnam National Museum of History is one of Hanoi’s major institutions housed within an elegant French colonial building. A harmonious blend of early 20th century European and eastern architecture, the building has many interesting design features to admire while viewing the exhibits. The Museum of History is home to rich and diverse collections of historical relics and thematic exhibitions on Vietnamese culture and history. The museum gives visitors a broad overview of the development of Vietnam from the prehistoric period through the national formation period, a very thorough and comprehensive historical outlook that other museums can't offer.

Hanoi Opera House proudly stands at the heart of central Hanoi as one of its most famous architectural and cultural symbol. It is without doubt one of the most famous cultural and architectural monuments of Hanoi.