Introduction Hanoi
Hanoi, Vietnam is a well-known travel destination for traditional cuisine, fascinating attractions, rich history, and friendly people, as well as areas filled with a mix of multicultural communities. Hanoi has a lot to offer, from delicious street cuisine to amazing history, recreational activities, and cultural entertainment. The fascinating capital of Vietnam is among the most ancient cities in the world. features a combination of both classical and contemporary architecture. It is also recognized as the “Paris of the East” due to its French-style picturesque boulevards, villas, and buildings.
The metropolis is a stunning fusion of Eastern and Western civilizations. Many structures and relics from past dynasties are well preserved. Various structures that belong to the war times’ most well-known structures in Hanoi include the Grand Opera House, Hanoi Museum, and Hotel Metropole.
The metropolis is a stunning fusion of Eastern and Western civilizations. Many structures and relics from past dynasties are well preserved. Various structures that belong to the war times’ most well-known structures in Hanoi include the Grand Opera House, Hanoi Museum, and Hotel Metropole.
You can enjoy the tranquility of the city while enjoying a cup of coffee for a short time. Wandering around and taking creative pictures on the Old Quarter’s exquisite pathways will provide you with one-of-a-kind experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. Outside of the suburbs, there are tiny charming towns that are home to many ethnic minorities.
When to visit? The Best time to visit Hanoi?
Hanoi has a subtropical climate that mostly remains warm and humid. Crowds of tourists visit the city all around the year due to the natural wonders especially beaches and Vietnamese villages. The city enjoys four distinct seasons May-August (Summer), September-October (Fall), November–January (Winter), and February-April (Spring). Heavy precipitation occurs mostly around the year, especially in the summer. Tourist activities remain open in all seasons. However, sometimes attractions situated in the sea or delta areas are restricted to visit when there are chances of storms.
What can you see in Hanoi?
(Hanoi tours – Hoan Kiem Lake)
Hoan Kiem also known as Lake of the Returned Sword, received its name from a tale in which a ruler used a magical sword to fight the Chinese Ming Empire. The Golden Turtle God took the sword to the depths of the lake after defeating the opponent. Turtle Tower still keeps watch today, commemorating the legend. Keep looking for the rare turtles’ species gliding in the lake water. It is a fascinating place to visit to enjoy the serenity and beauty.
(Hanoi Tours – Ngoc Son Temple)
Temple of the Jade Mountain or Ngoc Son Temple is the primary attraction of the lake that is situated in the center of the lake on an island. The Ngoc Son Pagoda, located on Jade Island, is Hanoi’s shrine that is visited by people all around the world. This island is dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century. Visitors have to cross from Red Huc Bridge to Rising sun bridge to reach the temple.
- Joseph’s Cathedral
Joseph’s Basilica, also known as The Big Church, is located in the Old Quarter and was one of the first buildings constructed by the French. It was built to imitate Notre Dame in Paris, is worth a visit to see the magnificent gothic building. It is still used as a worshipping place and you can see many visitors coming to the place.
- Hanoi Weekend Night Market
A journey to a night market is a must when visiting Hanoi. They are famous in Southeast Asia or Indo-China. If you’re searching for activities to do in Hanoi at night, the weekend market is an interesting place to go. They are organized from Friday to Sunday, the market starts at 7 p.m. You can visit it in the area of Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market. This is your opportunity to practice your bargaining abilities and sample some Vietnamese street food.
- The Hoa Lo Prison Museum
During the Vietnam War, Maison Central, or the Hao Lo Prison was known as the Hanoi Hilton. It was used to keep American Prisoners such as Senator John McCain. History enthusiasts will enjoy this place on their trip to Hanoi. During the French – Vietnam War, it was used by the French government to imprison Vietnamese revolutionaries.
There are exhibits depicting the prisoners’ gruesome stories, as well as the French guillotine and mementos from the shot down of American aircraft during the conflict. According to the American prisoners of war, the prison promotes the fact that the inmates were well handled.
- Vietnamese Women’s Museum
The Vietnamese Women’s Museum is devoted to the past and lives of Vietnamese women. It has become one of Hanoi’s most famous sites. The museum exhibit highlights the role of women in its battles for local life and family life, as well as labor on the streets as sellers. The display of 30,000 pieces shows women in the family, women in fashion, and women in history.
What can you do in Hanoi?
- Hanoi Opera House
Hanoi has a huge influence on French occupation and the Hanoi Opera House was built in the French Quarter by Palais Garnier. The design of the building is inspired by the Paris Opera House. It is one of the most stunning examples of Colonial architecture in the city. If you want to experience some culture while in Hanoi, schedule a night at the opera to see Vietnamese Opera, cultural show, or ballet.
- The National Museum of Vietnamese History
The National Museum of Vietnamese History, housed in a former French Imperial school, is also worth a visit in the French Quarter. This architecture of the building features five distinct parts throughout its design. The structure is a combination of a French Villa and a Vietnamese Palace. There are more than 200,000 pieces from the time of the stone age to the Vietnamese revolution.
- Check Out the Old Quarter
The Old Quarter, also known as Hoan Kiem District, is Hanoi’s commercial and tourism district. This is where most visitors to Hanoi spend their time.
In Hanoi, crossing the street is an unforgettable memory. It is like playing a human version of a frog game. The old district is densely packed with colonial buildings and relics of the rich French history. There are numerous activities in the ancient neighborhood.
- Shop at Dong Xuan Market
Buying something in Vietnam is a sport. It is a difficult and tricky situation with a lot of bargaining, which is necessary. Visit The Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi to buy amazing souvenirs, trinkets, and fashion items. It was built in the Old Quarter in 1889. This massive four-story shopping center offers almost everything.
- Have a drink at the Hanoi Social Club
The Hanoi Social Club is a great place to visit for nightlife and activities. It was built in the 1920s in a colonial house as a multi-level cafe that is one of the most popular locations for visitors to enjoy food and drinks. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu. The Hanoi Social Club is a great place to visit for nightlife
- Take a Free Walking Tour
The best way to get to know Hanoi is by a walking tour. It is a highly recommended activity. The free Walking tour takes you through the Old Quarter of Hanoi to Hoan Kiem Lake, its surroundings, and Ngoc Son Monastery. You can try various street foods, visit the night market, and walk the street.
- Take a stroll through The French Quarter
The French Quarter in the south and east of Hoan Kiem Lake is a beautiful walk through the early 20th-century building, There are Art Deco designs, and 1930s influences. Keep looking for several interesting places as you stroll through the French Quarter.
What can you eat in Hanoi?
There are two ways to explore the wide range of food in Hanoi. First is by a guided food tour and second is doing it yourself. Here are some famous Vietnamese delicacies in the city.
- Beef noodle Soup (Pho Bo)
It is considered the national dish of the country. This is a must-try food in Hanoi that is prepared with a meat broth. The broth is cooked slowly for hours that is topped with scallion, onion, and cilantro. It is available almost everywhere in the city whereas restaurants mostly serve one type of Pho either chicken or beef. This is due to the cooking time, its broth requires.
- Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung)
It is the must-try, unique type of coffee in Hanoi. This specialty is available in many local coffee shops in the city. The name of the coffee sounds weird but it tastes amazing. This is a combo of dessert and coffee with a frothy concoction of egg on the top.
- Grilled Pork with Noodle Dish (Bun Cha)
Bun cha is another popular native cuisine and the favorite lunch option in Hanoi. It is a soupy dish of dipping sauce topped with pork pieces and charcoal-grilled fatty patties. It is served with rice noodles and a variety of fresh vegetables such as lettuce, purple perilla, and coriander.
Bun cha is a famous noodles broth dish like pho in Northern Vietnam. The Pho noodles are thick and flat like fettuccine, whereas the Bun noodles are tubular shaped.
Where to stay in Hanoi?
Hanoi is a very famous tourist city with a variety of attractions, food, night markets, and many other places. There are many accommodations near the main areas from budget to luxury such as:
Luxury Hotels
- Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
It is an exquisite French hotel in the center of the Old Quarter. This is Hanoi’s most refined 5-star hotel and one of the finest accommodations in the entire city.
- Intercontinental Hanoi West Lake
InterContinental Hanoi West Lake is situated in the West Lake region. The stunning hotel offers excellent service. During your visit, You will also have lake views while staying in the hotel and enjoy the comfortable and luxurious amenities.
- Hanoi Le Jardin Hotel and Spa
It is a superb luxury accommodation located close to Truc Bach Lake in Ba Dinh. It is a 4-star hotel that offers full luxury services such as free Wi-Fi, breakfast, car hire, and more.
Mid-Range Hotels
- Hanoi Marvelous Hotel Spa
It is a fantastic luxury hotel in the Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem). You can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top floor and try delicious food from their on-site Vietnamese and European restaurant. It is a mid-range hotel with many amenities and luxuries.
- Parosand Hanoi Hotel
If you’re searching for a good deal then checking out this fantastic hotel is a must. It has some incredible facilities and amenities that will make your stay more comfortable. You can visit many tourist attractions and interesting sites in the city with a brief stroll.
- Hanoi Anise Hotel and Spa
This a stunning mid-range accommodation located very close to the Truc Bach lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda. There are 4-star amenities and a contemporary interior.
Budget Range
- RedDoorz Plus near West lake Tay Ho
If you are on a tight budget and searching for good locations to stay in the city then Reddoorz plus is a good option. It offers a variety of amenities, 3-star treatment, luggage storage, room service, a 24-hour front desk, and many more.
- Golden Sun Villa Hotel
This family-friendly hotel is one of the finest 3-star accommodations in Hanoi. They have clean, spacious rooms and their position is right in the heart of the Old Quarter and near Ngoc Son Temple.
- Dragon Pearl Hotel
This fantastic motel near Truc Bach Lake welcomes you with everything you will ever need for the most amazing and memorable stay. It is the best budget-friendly family accommodation.
Note when traveling to Hanoi
Hanoi is a very big and interesting travel destination to visit. There are several things for visitors to have a memorable and safe trip.
- The traffic in Hanoi is crazy. There is a shocking number of motorbikes on the roads. They make the traffic in Hanoi very chaotic. Their constant honking makes everything worse.
- Crossing the road is a very difficult task in Hanoi due to the chaotic traffic. It becomes even tougher for first-time visitors to the city. You have to keep some extra distance because cars, trucks, or motorbikes never stop immediately.
- The currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Keep cash with you because the card might not work everywhere. Try to pay in local currency everywhere because paying in USD, Euros or Pounds will cost you extra.
- Be careful while paying in cash because it is easy to make mistakes while counting the amount.
- Shopping in Hanoi is very tricky. You have to bargain while buying things from night markets and souvenir shops.
- Prices of items are not fixed and they change by day or hour. Shopkeepers keep changing the prices according to the business, the sales they get, and the number of tourists.
- Tap water is not drinkable in Vietnam. You can easily buy bottled water from supermarkets. However, check the seal of the bottle. A bottle and water filtering system is also a good option.
- Hanoi has an extensive range of foods at very cheap prices. You can join a delicious food tour (offered by many local companies) to enjoy a variety of Vietnamese street foods.
- Be careful in crowded areas to save yourself from pickpockets. Never show off camera gear, expensive phones, jewelry, or other things in tourist areas.
- Overall Hanoi is very safe for tourists, especially for female travelers. However, basic precautions should be followed such as avoiding sharing personal details with strangers. Avoid wandering in the lonely alleys and streets late at night.
- People are very calm, friendly, and helpful in Hanoi. The hospitality of people in the village areas is admirable. They cook food made with fresh local ingredients and sell it for very affordable prices.
- Keep your cash, wallet, phone, and passport carefully in the backpack. Never leave your valuables unattended anywhere such as in public places and on overnight trains.
- Hanoi is an amazing city to enjoy. Visitors can try a wide range of delicious cuisines, learn about the rich history, and culture and have fun at a lot of vibrant and entertaining places. There are many places which are dedicated to the war history of Vietnam.
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