Hanoi City Jeep Tour: City Landmarks & Banana Island

**St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Hanoi)** — Built in 1886, this is one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in Hanoi. With its neo-Gothic architecture inspired by Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, it features tall towers, stained glass windows, and a peaceful atmosphere. Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, it’s a popular spot for both worship and photography, especially in the evening when the church is beautifully lit.

**Hanoi Old Quarter** is the historic heart of the city, famous for its narrow streets, traditional houses, and vibrant local life. Each street once specialized in a particular trade, creating a unique charm that blends culture, cuisine, and history. Today, it’s a lively area where visitors can explore local markets, taste authentic Vietnamese food, and experience the true spirit of Hanoi.

**Train Street** in Hanoi is a unique and lively spot where a working railway runs just inches away from local homes and cafés. Visitors can enjoy watching the train pass by while sipping coffee, experiencing the charm of local life up close.

The area around **Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum** is one of Hanoi’s most important political and historical centers. Here you can see several iconic landmarks: the **Presidential Palace**, a beautiful French colonial building; the **Ministry of Foreign Affairs**, known for its classic yellow architecture; the modern **National Assembly Building**; and, of course, the solemn **Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum**, where the beloved leader’s body is preserved. This area reflects both Vietnam’s history and its government’s central institutions.

The **John McCain Monument** in Hanoi marks the site where U.S. Senator John McCain’s plane was shot down during the Vietnam War in 1967. Located near **Trúc Bạch Lake**, the monument features an inscription in Vietnamese describing the event. Today, it stands as a historical landmark symbolizing reconciliation and the enduring relationship between Vietnam and the United States.

BaI Giua (Red River Island) is a peaceful green oasis in the middle of the Red River in Hanoi. It’s known for its banana farms, vegetable gardens, and small local communities living close to nature. Visitors can explore this hidden spot to experience a different side of Hanoi — quiet, rural, and full of local charm, just minutes away from the bustling Old Quarter.

**Tao Sach Pagoda** is a peaceful ancient temple located near West Lake in Hanoi. It’s known for its tranquil atmosphere, traditional Vietnamese architecture, and beautiful setting surrounded by trees and water. The pagoda is a serene place for both locals and visitors to pray, meditate, and experience the spiritual side of Hanoi’s culture.

**B52 Lake** (also known as **Huu Tiep Lake**) is a small lake located in Ngoc Ha Village, Hanoi. It’s famous for the wreckage of an American B-52 bomber that was shot down during the Vietnam War in 1972, still visible in the water today. The site serves as a powerful reminder of Hanoi’s history and resilience, attracting visitors interested in the city’s wartime past.

**Bun Cha Ta** is a popular local restaurant in Hanoi, **Michelin Selected**, famous for serving **bún chả** — grilled pork with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce. The restaurant is well-loved for its authentic flavors, cozy atmosphere, and friendly service, offering travelers a true taste of Hanoi’s traditional cuisine.