10 best things to do at Ba Dinh District, Hanoi (part 2)

6. Vietnam Military History Museum

The Vietnam Military History Museum attracts history buffs looking to know more about Vietnam’s turbulent history, housing authentic war relics, weapons, and detailed accounts by former soldiers. Notable attractions include the wreckage of an American B-52 bomber, an M107 self-propelled gun, and a military tank that had plowed through the gates of Saigon’s Presidential Palace, thus ending the war, in 1975. Located along Dien Bien Phu, you can also find exhibitions of artifacts dating back to the Hong Bang Dynasty (2879 BC).

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Thursday, Saturday & Sunday 08:00 - 11:30 & 13:30 - 16:30

Address: 28A Dien Bien Phu, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

7. Quan Thanh temple Hanoi

Quan Thanh Temple Hanoi is an ornate Taoist temple in Ba Dinh District, where you can see local devotees praying for good fortune and health just about any time of the year. Built in the 11th century, it houses a tranquil courtyard and worship hall with a massive black bronze statue of Taoist deity Tran Vu, Vinh Tri II’s style, and intricate carvings of animals and weapons. As one of the Four Sacred Temples of the capital, it gets especially lively during annual festivities such as Tet (Lunar New Year). Quan Thanh Temple is adjacent to the iconic West Lake and is less than 10 minutes away from Ba Dinh Square on foot

Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 17:00

Address: Crossroads of Thanh Nien Street and Quan Thanh Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

8. Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

Vietnam Fine Arts Museum showcases both traditional and modern masterpieces by celebrated artists across the country. The museum occupies two buildings in Ba Dinh District, one of which is a former Catholic boarding school, where you can spend several hours marveling at its many displays of fine arts from various time periods. Popular exhibits include ancient Champa stone carvings, unique statues of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, and lacquered effigies of Buddhist monks dating back to the Tay Son dynasty.

Opening Hours: Daily 08:30 – 17:00

Address: 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

9. Hanoi Flag Tower

Hanoi Flag Tower is one of the few historic structures in the city that has managed to survive Vietnam’s many years of French colonialism. Part of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the brick tower was constructed during the Nguyen Dynasty in 1812, standing at 40 meters in height atop a three-story pedestal. Located on Dien Bien Phu Street, visitors climbing to the top of the Hanoi Flag Tower can enjoy expansive views of Ba Dinh Square and Hanoi City Centre.

Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 08:00 – 17:00

Adress: 9 Hoang Dieu, Dien Bien Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

10. Cua Bac Church

Cua Bac Church, formerly called the Church of Martyrs, has been serving Hanoi’s Roman Catholic community since its establishment in 1932. Designed by French architect Ernest Hebrard, this religious site combines both art deco and traditional Vietnamese architectural elements, making it one of the unique churches in Vietnam. Located at the intersection of Phan Dinh Phung and Nguyen Bieu Street, Cua Bac Church is within a 10-minute walk from several landmarks such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, and Quan Thanh Temple.