Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi Historical Tour

Flickr: David McKelvey

This is a 5 mile run around some of the more important historical sites of Hanoi, highlighting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Tomb, Botanical Gardens, and Presidential Palace. A good place to start is the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist Temple originally erected in 1049. Head north to Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence from France and his body now lies. There’s a large plaza/meadow that can be explored on foot (recommended to be respectful and walk here…).  Next, you’ll do a ~1-1.5 km tour of the park, first passing the impressive circa 1900s Presidential Palace and then a loop around the small Fish Pond and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, and making your way over to the Botanical Garden (admission might be required).

Head out of the park, passing the Ministry of Agriculture and taking Ngọc Hà to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, and War Museum. Head EAST (left) on Đội Cấn, rejoining Ngọc Hà toward the popular Hang Day Stadium and Bich Cau Temple. Enjoy an 0.5 km loop around the bucolic paths of the Hồ Giám (pond), and then head up the grounds of the Quoc Tu Giam Park, where there are numerous temples, places of worship, and historical sites. The final section of the run passes the Fine Arts Museum, Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum, Lenin Park, and then the notable Điện Biên Phủ, returning to the start.

Add-Ons: This is an 8 km loop. For more, additional loops around the park. West Lake is just north of the HCM Complex and is one of our favorite runs in Hanoi. Or, head 2 km further south to Union Park, or 1 km east to Hoam-Kiem Park. Or, head 1.5 km west of the Stadium to Giang Vo Lake, which has a ~1 mile trail…not quite around the perimeter.

 

 

Essentials
  • 8 km (5 mile) loop
  • Flat
  • One Pillar Pagoda
  • Good bus access

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Essentials
  • 8 km (5 mile) loop
  • Flat
  • One Pillar Pagoda
  • Good bus access