Hanoi Museum is impossible to miss: a vast inverted-pyramid building west of the old centre, designed to mark the city's millennium. The collections cover Hanoi's archaeology, craft traditions, revolutionary history, and urban growth, though the architecture often makes the strongest first impression.
It is best for travellers who have already seen the Old Quarter and want a wider view of the capital. The museum's location is less convenient than the central sights, so combine it with other stops in western Hanoi and check current opening arrangements before crossing town.