Duong Lam Ancient Village is only about 45km outside of Hanoi proper but feels a world away. A well preserved village with lovely architecture and very hospitable locals. A great place for street photography. Check out the lake area for some stunning sunset light.
The temple of Literature dates back to 1076 when it was Vietnams first university or Imperial Academy. Lovely grounds and architecture with lots of quiet corners and street style photography opportunities. You will often see children having graduation photos taken here.
The Hanoi Opera House is a beautiful example of French architecture. It was modeled after the Palais Garnier in Paris and built during the French Colonial occupation of Vietnam starting in 1901.
In the heart of West Lake in Hanoi there is a well known lovely temple on an Island. Quanh Thanh Temple cast amazing reflections in the lake and a great source of photographs around sunrise and sunset.
Lenin Park is near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum area and a very popular place to visit. There are little cars for children to rent and of course a statue of Lenin.
Depending on the direction you do the loop this is often the first or last overnight. Quite different from the stops on the main loop road, Du Gia is a lovely village in the mountain valleys.
Ha Long Bay is a magical place. Yes there are too many boats and yes the pollution is an issue. But get away from the port or Cat Ba island and it is much nicer. I tend to do 2 night tours and head for Bai Tu Long Bay just a bit north. The boats still leave from the same harbor.
Hanoi has to be the best city in Vietnam for treet photography. The old quarter, Hoa Kiem lake, and the streets around them are great starting points. I tend to find a good scene and just wait for life to pass in front of it.
The famous prison where John McCain was kept during the American War (Vietnamese don’t call it the Vietnam War). Not the cheeriest of places so I try to go with it and shoot some “darker” subjects.
Some lesser known photography spots.