Hanoi is a thousand year old city and capital of Vietnam with ancient monuments and peaceful way of life. If you have time to travel to Hanoi, you will have unforgettable experiences here; wonderful places to visit like the Hoan Kiem Lake and West Lake and quiet cafes and street vendors to explore.
I. Transportation:
Hanoi Noi Bai international airport serves many international routes; therefore it is not difficult for foreigners to come to visit Hanoi in particular, and Vietnam in general. You can take a look at Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Airlines, these two are the most popular airlines in Vietnam and if you are lucky, maybe you can catch a cheap ticket too. And Vietnam has just discounted the visa fees for foreigners to boost tourism, so coming to Vietnam is getting much easier.
Moving from Noi Bai International Airport to Hanoi city center you can take a taxi with prices ranging from 400.000 VND to 500.000 VND.
In Hanoi, one of the unique modes of transportation is cyclo. Many travelers come to Hanoi and choose this transportation to visit and explore the ancient beauty of the 36 streets in the Old Quarter. If cyclo brings traditional value, then the electric car is a means of “green tourism” and very new with Hanoi tourism. You will discover a civilized Hanoi, featuring both ancient and modern life.
Besides this, you can also rent a motorbike to travel around Hanoi with prices ranging from 100.000 VND to 150.000 VND.
II. Accommodation:
If you choose a luxury hotel for your stay in Hanoi, we have some suggestions for you as you can refer to here:
- Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
- Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake
- Hilton Hanoi Opera
- Sofitel Plaza Hanoi
- Hotel Nikko Hanoi
But if you have a small budget for accommodation then here are some credible small hotels and hostels with good services for you: Top 5 budget hotels in Hanoi:
- Church Boutique Hotels
- Maison d’Orient Hotel
- Hanoi Rock Hostel
- Hanoi Backpacker Hostel
- Le Hong Thai Homestay
III. Sightseeing:
In Hanoi Centre
Hoan Kiem Lake – Ngoc Son Temple – The Huc Bridge
Hoan Kiem Lake is located in the city center with ancient Turtle Tower located in the middle of the lakes. Aside from Hoan Kiem Lake are the impressive buildings and precious heritage of the city: Pen Tower, Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge leading into the Tran Ba Temple…
Hanoi Cathedral
This place depicts the typical architecture of Hanoi. The pleasant space makes this a popular destination in the city attracting many young people as well as international visitors. You can experience morning coffee at the nearby coffee shops and enjoy the chilly weather of Hanoi’s autumn, as well as watching the local people’s daily life in the streets and surroundings of the ancient cathedral.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex
You cannot forget to visit the Parliament, which is the political centre of Vietnam. The Presidential Palace and historic Ba Dinh Square where President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum houses the great president’s body. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is open 5 days a week, on Tuesday morning, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Visitors must comply with the required dress code and not take in electrical appliances such as cameras or recording devices in keeping with the order of the mausoleum. The Complex also includes Ho Chi Minh Museum, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House and One Pillar Pagoda.
Hanoi Old Quarter
One of the major highlights of Hanoi is the 36 ancient streets still retained from the 19th century. You can wander all day in the old town; explore the peaceful and homely traditions at the heart of Hanoi. Being in a new place but at the same time feeling the beauty of the human Hanoi, close and familiar.
Hanoi Opera House
Hanoi Opera House is a smaller version of the Opéra Garnier in Paris, located at No.01 Trang Tien Street, right at the city center. The Opera House organizes many great national events.
Temple of Literature
This is the first university of Vietnam and also one of the most popular destinations in Hanoi. There are many students and pupils who come here to wish for luck in their exams or study. This attraction brings a lot of unique architectural as well as cultural value and a must-visit place when you come to Hanoi.
Hanoi Westlake
Located not far from the city centre, West Lake is the largest lake in the Hanoi area. You can rent bicycles to travel around the West Lake. The most appropriate time for you to come here is at sunset when you can watch the magnificent sunset scenery. Besides the West Lake is the old Nghi Tam village, retaining many examples of the elegant, ancient hobby of the Hanoi people, bonsai. Nghi Tam village is also known as the flower street, every spring or Tet holiday, the village will be flooded in colourful flowers. Also near the West Lake area you will find Ngu Xa village, famous for rolled noodles, another worthwhile place to visit when traveling in Hanoi.
Around Hanoi
Bat Trang Ceramic Village
Located not far from Hanoi (about 20km) you can reach the Bat Trang Ceramic Village by motorbike or by bus. Bat Trang ceramics production is famous throughout the country, for its quality and uniqueness. You can go around the village and watch a lot of pottery and ceramic productions, the road through the village displays the interesting local architecture of old rustic houses with coal dried walls. In the small pottery workshop, you can create your own ceramic favourites or decorate a cup then give it to your friends and relatives – prices range from just 10.000 VND to 30.000 VND. Or you can enjoy a boat trip on the Red River. A wonderful opportunity to sightsee and experience some different attractions around Hanoi.
Duong Lam Ancient Village
Vietnam Ancient Village remains unchanged and full of intangible objects from the ancient way of life. Visitors who come here can enjoy traditional lunch at the ancient courtyard house and hear local people’s stories, then visit the mossy walls. A fun way to explore is to rent a bike and ride around the village. This is a lovely place where you can take lots of beautiful photos.
IV. Local Food:
Hanoi food is adored all over the world and here are some typical dishes and addresses that you should not miss when visiting this city.
Vietnamese Grilled Fish
This is an iconic dish of Hanoians. A meal of Cha Ca is made of a few key ingredients: chunks of turmeric marinated white fish meat usually of snakehead fish, cold Vietnamese vermicelli noodles and a few condiments such as peanuts, chopped spring onion, parsley, fish sauce and red chillies.
After your order has been placed, a sizzling pan filled with fish and dill will arrive and continued to be cooked by the staff at the table. The herbs will infuse extra flavor and fragrance into the otherwise salty tasting fish.
Some restaurants famous for this dish:
- Lã Vọng Restaurant. Add: 14 Cha Ca Street, Hanoi; Tel: (04) 38253929
- Kinh kỳ Restaurant. Add: 25 Duong Thanh Street/ 612 Lac Long Quan Street/ 41 Huynh Thuc Khang Street/ 172 Nguyen
- Son Street/ 104 Hoa Ma Street
- Anh Vũ Restaurant. Add: 116 K1 Giang Vo Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Thăng Long Restaurant. Add: số 19 – 21 – 31 Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Lão Ngư Restaurant. Add: 171 Thai Ha Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi
Pho
Pho is a well-known food in Hanoi. There are many pho stalls at the vendors or in the restaurants, and even in the coffee shops. Hanoi people eat Pho daily in the morning; it is traditional and one of the most delicious foods of Hanoians. For those traveling to Hanoi, Pho would be the breakfast that gives you unforgettable experience.
Xoi
Xôi is a sweet or savory Vietnamese dish made from glutinous rice and other ingredients. There are many versions of Xoi which come with different topping such as: shaved pork skin (ruốc), fried shallots, dried mung bean shavings…
Some addresses that you should give a try:
- Xoi Yen: 35 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hanoi
- Xoi Mrs. Thao: 41 Duong Thanh Street, Hanoi
- Xoi at 25 Lo Duc Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
Vermicelli noodles with grilled pork / Bun cha
Bun cha is served with grilled fatty pork (chả) over a plate of white rice noodles (bún) and herbs with a side dish of dipping sauce.
Some of the restaurants famous for this dish include:
- Bun cha Dac Kim. Add: No 1 Hang Manh Street, Hanoi.
- Bun cha Sinh Tu. Add: 57 Nguyen Khuyen Street, Hanoi.
- Bun cha no 34 Hang Than Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Bun cha at Dong Xuan alley, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
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