Skip to Content

Why This Cultural Asian City Is Soaring In Popularity Right Now 

Share The Article

Last Updated


Traveling to immerse yourself in another culture is emerging as the latest travel trend for regular travelers.  

Tropical beaches all look very similar to each other if you visit enough of them, but cultural attractions are always exciting and unique.  

Why This Cultural Asian City Is Soaring In Popularity Right Now

Some cultural destinations are attracting more visitors than others, and one that is soaring in popularity right now is Hanoi.  

Hanoi has already welcomed 22.6 million visitors in 2023, and these numbers are forecasted to grow again in 2024.  

Here’s why this cultural Asian city is soaring in popularity right now:  

Incredible Culture  

Hanoi has so many cultural, historical, and architectural landmarks that it is famous for its rich tapestry of experiences.

The street next to the train line is a famous place for Hanoi tourists

That’s why Hanoi is called the cultural capital of Vietnam.  

Some of the most famous cultural landmarks in the city include Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene oasis steeped in legend, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which stands in Ba Dinh Square as a revered symbol.

But there are many more lesser-known landmarks too.  

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum changing of the guards in Hanoi.

Some of the lesser-known hidden gems that you shouldn't miss include the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural, the iconic (to those in the know) Binh Minh Jazz Club, and the bustling Long Bien Market.

Hanoi is enhancing its cultural offerings further too. The city has worked hard to diversify the experiences it offers to tourists to ensure that cultural and community tourism is at its heart.  

Nighttime Attractions 

Hanoi is a beautiful city during the daytime, but it is also a city that really comes alive at night.  

Aerial view of Hanoi skyline with Thanh Nien street at West Lake.

To enhance the nighttime experience of tourists in the city the tourist board has launched 15-night tourism products under the heading ‘Hanoi Night – Touching Point of Emotions’. This includes a series of light art experiences that look fantastic and make for great photo opportunities.  

Once you’ve got your Insta snaps, there’s so much to see and do in this rich and vibrant city. And plenty to eat too!  

Walk around the 16 streets of the Old Quarter, which is a popular place for locals and tourists alike to hang out at night.  

Old Quarter Hanoi Vietnam

This is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture, do a little shopping, and really get to know the city while eating the delicious street food that this part of the city is known for.  

The Old Quarter and the Hoan Kiem Lake and its surrounding areas have all been promoted as city-level tourist areas and this has worked to bring in more and more visitors this year.  

Urban Beauty

Hanoi combines history with modernity. This unique balance explains why as well as being listed as the most cultural city in Vietnam, Hanoi is also listed as the most beautiful.  

Woman looking at building in Hanoi, Vietnam

Tourists are attracted to Hanoi’s east meets west feel and this is reflected in the architecture of its buildings. Many of its landmarks have French influences mixed with Vietnamese motifs, leading to the city being dubbed the ‘Paris of the East’.  

Some of the French-inspired buildings worth exploring during your time in Vietnam include Long Bien Bridge, the Hanoi Opera House, and the National History Museum.  

Like most cities, Hanoi has its own collection of incredible world-class museums and galleries. Many of these museums are easy to reach from the Old Quarter.  

Vietnam Hanoi opera house

The elegant Fine Arts Museum is home to the best fine art collection in Vietnam, including ancient Cham artifacts and impressionist pieces. If you have a passion for contemporary art, you should head for Manzi or the Vietnam Art Gallery.   

The city is home to 15 unique museums in total.  

Hanoi is a city of lakes and parks, of tree-lined streets. Whether you want to sit in a café or soak up the atmosphere in a bustling street market, it has something to offer every kind of tourist.  

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!


SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.