This gothic-style Cathedral is amazing and definitely worth stopping by for a closer look. The wall was built on the 1000th anniversary of Hanoi in October 2010. But if exploring by foot and weaving through the traffic & narrow streets isnt an option for you. Sightseeing At Ha Long Bay Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO Heritage site - popular for scuba diving, hiking, and sightseeing which are few important things to do in Hanoi while on a trip to Vietnam. Bus + Boat: It is possible to take the bus to Rach Gia or Ha Tien (ferry piers) in 7-8 hours. From eating incredible street food, to learning about history and the Vietnam War, to seeing temples and pagodas, lets get into all the cool things to do in Hanoi. In the evening, catch a night train or bus to Sapa. - OceanWP - A World To Live. Established in 2013 by Tran Hong Nhung, the social enterprise Z Project aims at preserving the art of D paper-making by working closely with the only two families of traditional artisans left in the village of Bac Ninh, 25 miles (40km) northeast of Hanoi. After you create your own ceramic product (cup, pot, and bowls are easiest to make) it takes an hour to dry and then you can decorate it with available colours. The narratives focus on their role in society, the obstacles they overcame as society changed, and an abundance of information on everyday life, such as marriage, motherhood, fashion, and life-changing rituals. The central flag tower of the citadel stands 40 meters tall. Indulge in Hanoi's food and catch a glimpse of its culture. Although if you just wanted to experience Hanoi and then move on to your next destination, 4-5 days in the city would be awesome. The embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh is located in the central hall of the mausoleum, protected at all times by a military guard. Visit the Temple of Literature. The good news is that Vietnamese cuisine is simple. This is a cool itinerary. With the appearance of Grab (Uber for motorbikes) getting around the city will be much easier for tourists. Subscribe, Home | Vietnam | 25 AMAZING Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam (2023 Guide). And, its located right in the middle of the city, making it easy to stop by at any time of day. I could spend days just looking at the shops, stopping at food stalls, and letting the chaos go on around me. The streets of Old Quarter carry names of the business that were set up over 1,000 years ago. Going to Can Cau Market in Sapa travel, tourists have a chance to much more soak up the vivid upland fair; simultaneously, ascertain about the daily life of the locals. Many of them still specialized in the original crafts they were named after while some transgressed in more modern merchandise. Hanoi is an unmissable city on any Vietnam itinerary, this crazy capital is full of culture, history, vibrant nightlife and some of the best food in Vietnam. I did find Hanoi to be a very walkable city, but if needed booking a Grab is a cheap & reliable option. The bridge is built out of wood and coloured red in a classical Vietnamese fashion. Thanks for the recommendations. But this option can be very time-consuming and they dont always leave on time. Also, the botanical gardens are found in Ba Dinh and are the perfect place to escape the chaos of the city streets. Built in 1886, its neo-Gothic style is modeled after Paris' Notre-Dame Cathedral. If exotic meat doesn't appeal, Ba Vi's homegrown hill chickens, fried with fresh peppers, are the best alternative. Day 4: Halong Bay to Hanoi by Shuttle bus Night Train to Sapa. Hanoi is a very special place with a great mix of culture and architecture. This freshwater lake is somewhat of a mythical place for locals, I had read that since their school days they learn stories about the most revered heroes, a giant turtle, and a magic sword in Hoan Kiem Lake. Mu Cang Chai Vietnam is one of the most amazing landscapes of rice-terraced fields in Vietnam. Fortunately, most of the exhibits have English explanations. Hi Yolanda, The mosaic wall runs along the road of Au Co, Nghi Tam, Yen Phu, Tran Nhat Duat, Tran Quang Khai, Tran Khanh Du and terminates at the pier of the Long Bien Bridge. In order not to get spoiled it must be consumed on the day of production. One of the best is Bahn Mi 25 in Hoan Kiem District, which also offers vegan and vegetarian options. Hoi An (Days 12, 13 and 14) Day 12. Take a walking tour 4. Best Guide For Planning a Cruise on Halong Bay in Beautiful Northern Vietnam, Ninh Binh Guide & 2-Day Itinerary; Why You Must Visit This Stunning Part of Vietnam. Believe it or not, ostrich farming has become one of North Vietnam's most profitable enterprises. Visits between May and October coincide with the planting and harvesting season, a chance to see local farmers in action. I really miss Hanoi its been 2 years since we go there but this article remind of how amazing our experience in the beautiful place of Hanoi. In ancient times circulated a story that claimed the Heaven-sent Emperor Ly Thai To a sword with magical properties. Leave a comment below and let us know![/box]. A typical scene in Hanoi streets are sidewalks teeming with bicycles and scooters while crowds of people scavenge markets and barter loudly with street vendors. Today, the opera house has a strong cultural influence and is a centre for art shows, dance performances, and concerts. Try the Goi Cuon, a spring roll packed with greens, some type of minced meat (shrimp, crab or pork) and coriander. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in November. Number 86 Bus is the newest, and most highly recommended bus. Things to Do in Hanoi Popular things to do Bus Tours Day Trips Points of Interest & Landmarks 4WD Tours Day Cruises Sacred & Religious Sites Multi-day Tours Full-day Tours Shopping Malls Half-day Tours Motorcycle Tours Historic Sites City Tours Vespa, Scooter & Moped Tours Specialty Museums Photography Tours Night Tours Art Galleries Spending at least a night here makes it easier to enjoy the scenery without the crowds. For longer journeys from Hanoi, sleeper buses or trains are the best options. Bn Ch Hng Lin, the hole-in-the-wall restaurant where the duo dined in 2016, has become legendary, but the fun is going around town scouring for worthy competitors. 10 Best Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam - Vietnam Discovery Travel A day trip to Halong Bay from Hanoi will still allow you to experience many of the highlights including visiting Titop island & Luon cave. Once your train arrives into Da Nang we recommend taking a taxi directly to Hoi An. Join a motorbike tour and hurtle through Hanoi's Old Quarter back streets. 11 Awesome Itineraries to Spend 7 Days in Vietnam - Life Of Doing <3. To get away from the chaos of the always-buzzing city life youre a short drive away to its tranquil countryside where youll be surrounded by lush parks, mountains, and traditional villages. 13 epic things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam - CK Travels Located in the Old Quarter, Ta Hien Beer Street in Hanoi is jam-packed with bars, local restaurants and street vendors. If you make a purchase or booking via these links, Iwould receive a small commission (for which I will be sincerely grateful) at noextra cost to you! READ MORE: Plan your stay in Hanoi with this great 3-day itinerary! The capture of a female turtle in Vietnam means that at least one male and one female are now known to exist. It's usually served fried, as a meatloaf, or boiled with vegetables in a hot pot. Thanks! Egg yolk coffee, or ca phe trung, is a mixture of espresso with sugar, condensed milk and egg yolk. ideal representation of the rich. Below are 3 neighbourhoods I suggest looking at when booking accommodation in Hanoi. Have a great trip. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Hanoi - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor It has a rich history with iconic buildings and museums, tons of street foods and cafes, and fun attractions to check out. Hanoi is home to bia hoi, touted as "the world's cheapest beer" because its sold for between 5000 and 7000VND per glass (US$0.22 to 0.31). Mu Cang Chai is famous for the stretch of hazardous roads spreading out for tens kilometers of infinite and primeval landscapes, grandiose ranges of mountains and the peaceful and poetic picture of ethnics houses covered by terrace fields. Hanoi is really beautiful and i love it more than Saigon. The theme is History through pictures. Four Hours Hanoi by Night. Thanks, Hi Eulises, Glad you found the article helpful. The exterior of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is made of grey granite while the interior is black, grey and red polished stone. Thankfully this market opens everyday from 6 am 6 pm, so youll have plenty of shopping opportunities during your time in Hanoi. Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) Whaterever the history, the Lake is presently the hub of many activities and sights in HaNoi. Your email address will not be published. From cliffs overlooking the beaches of Thailand to crags in the jungles of northern Vietnam, here are the top places to go rock climbing in Southeast Asia. Then to the east of the lake, there are heaps of awesome restaurants, all cheap and very authentic Vietnamese food. Here, tourists will find easy to catch a colorful upland fair in the costume of young girls of Hoa (Chinese) Hmong, Tay or Ha Nhi ethnic groups. 41 FUN Things to do in Hanoi 2023 + Map (Food Tour, Ha Long Bay) Born in Saigon as a simple working-class sandwich stuffed with pickled vegetables, cilantro, French ham and home-made pork liver pate, bahn mi is sold from street carts as a hearty breakfast or midday meal. One of the most popular day trips from Hanoi is to the Unesco-inscribed Trng An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh province, about three hours from the capital. Make sure you try Pho & Sticky Rice. So much is right around and even on this lake, that it has to be the #1 thing to do in Hanoi. If you followed our previous advice which is Eat All of the Food then youre already mesmerised by the authentic Vietnamese food! I used to live in Hanoi for nearly 3 years so this post brought back so many memories! The Note Cafe is also worth a visit, not just for its coffee, butfor its very photogenic walls plastered with thousands of hand-written messages left by customers from all over the world. These streets have a 1,000-year-old history. Your blog is really amazing and I see that theres a lot of people you helped through this. There are so many good reasons why 5 million people call Hanoi home. As of 2022 Hanoi is home to 5,067,000 people, yes the streets are busy but dont let that turn you off. It was long thought they had become instinct until one crawled out of the lake a few years ago. You can navigate around the lake by bicycle and rest at one of the street-side restaurants. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum was inspired by Lenins Mausoleum (in Moscow) but with a Vietnamese twist. Cross the instagramable red bridge and decide if you want to enter the temple. The main gate and the Hanoi flag tower are two of the highlights. Here are eight hikes that showcase the stunning landscapes and enchanting villages of Vietnam. Early in the morning, the lakeside fills with residents practicing tai chi, and on weekends, the 7pm to midnight traffic ban gives the area a funfair vibe. The live music plays a vital part in the show with singers yelling out words of encouragement to the water puppets. Have lots of coffee and bun cha (local food) for us. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Hawaii - Tripadvisor I definitely think this is worth the time & money, but if its not an option for you a day trip would still be totally worth it. 3 Days in HANOI: ULTIMATE Itinerary for 2023 - The Broke Backpacker This place has seen thousands and thousands of Vietnams finest scholars. Check out our Vietnam page for more information and tips. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Without the hassle of packing your bags and moving to new accommodation. Visit Thang Long Imperial Citadel 8. We got to go to Sapa which was incredible, we hiked with locals and celebrated Tet with them (their new year). It is one of Vietnam's oldest pagodas built around the 6 th century. This airport is very busy and upon exiting there will be a lot of drivers hoping for your business. Water puppet theatre has been around since 1969. Hoan Kiem Lake is the most relaxing place you will find in Hanoi. For real strings and shiny brasses head to Binh Minh Jazz Club in the Old Quarter, where a selection of good whiskey pairs to live local jazz ensembles on most nights. For Halong Bay cruise, you can either choose Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay, Bai Tu Long route if you want to visit less-touristy places yet wonderful. The village of Tam Coc and its viewpoints that dominate ever-changing shades of paddy fields are as popular as taking a slow boat ride along the Ngo Dong River. The lake offers an opportunity to visit the temple that is off the beaten path or to enjoy a cup of coffee or a refreshing beer whilst admiring the lake. The French Quarter sits to the south and east of Hoan Kiem Lake and is a nice change of pace from Old Quarter. To explore Hanoi thoroughly, you should explore what makes the city famous, the historical sites. 5-Day Highlights of Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta. From DJ nights to jazz and alternative rock bands, Hanois nightlife has a few well-established venues basking in music and arts. Walking on the roads, alongside the hundreds of bikes, cars and street vendors is an experience in itself. The Ancient House St Joseph's Cathedral Present-day, the wooden pagoda is supported by a concrete pillar as a replacement for the original one. Imagine a lounge, with modern music in the background, amazing cocktails and a 360-degree view of all Hanoi. Visit 12Go for timetables and ticket purchases. Yeah its a very naturally beautiful country with heaps to do. The Hoan Kiem Lake is very popular among Hanoians as a gathering place for families, nature lovers, and hangouts. West Lake, Lake of Mist or Ho Tay, is Hanois largest lake. Unique Things to Do in Hanoi for a Week (Hanoi 7- Day Itinerary) Dong Xuan Market is the largest indoor market in Hanoi and one of the best things to do if you need to shop. If you were to stay in Hanoi for a week, I wouldnt recommend switchinglocations as youd still have easy access to all the best things to do in Hanoi. The puppets are controlled by eight puppeteers hiding behind a bamboo screen. The decorative patterns used to represent a visual history of the country throughout different eras. The marketusually held on every Saturday and holidays during the year. Hey thanks for the information, Im going to Hanoi in October this year and Ill do some of the things you mentioned in the post. Which is jam-packed full of helpful information on travelling in Vietnam. Day 2: Hanoi City Tour Im heading to Hanoi in 2 months and would love to know where it is. The architecture of the cathedral clearly follows the rules of the Gothic style and design of the Paris Cathedral. Its a daily ritual starting from 4 PM where locals (and tourists) sit on plastic furniture on street corners and drink home-brewed beer. Halong Bay is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam and for good reason, Halong Bay is absolutely stunning. Hope you get back soon. If you liked this article, I would love for you to share it with your friends. DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. From humble beginnings, it has risen to become a proper foodie obsession, particularly among foreign tourists and overseas Vietnamese, who even started reproducing the heavenly bread at home. The street starts to get busy from 5 pm. As a result, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Hanoi. Read our Privacy Policy. After having breakfast and checking out, we were picked up by a shuttle to head over to the cruise centre, head to Halong Bay by shuttle bus. Theyve collected work, are involved in the preparation process of the exhibitions for the purpose of preserving cultural heritage and displaying it in a rightful and authentic way. Bia Hoi is known as a street beer. Hanoi is a crazy city with a lot of unique areas and as a first-time traveller, it can be difficult to know where to base yourself. Some of the best things to do in Ninh Binh are a bamboo boat ride, Mua Caves, Bich Dong Pagoda and Van Long Nature Reserve. The prison was used to house prisoners of war from the United States during the Vietnam War. Standing guard between the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph Cathedral is one of Hanoi's most iconic architectural landmarks. So depending on your height it may be worth paying extra and getting seats up the front. When it comes to Hanois Old Quarter I would recommend walking. It also might look familiar to some, this cathedral is very similar to the Notre Dame in Paris. Visiting the mausoleum is free but theres a dress code, no short skirts or revealing tops. The museum focuses on the position of Vietnamese women throughout history. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Hidden by a walled compound sheltering five separate courtyards, the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) was built in 1070 under the Ly Thanh Tong dynasty to honor Confucius. Unlike Old Quarter there are plenty of wide footpaths and pedestrian crossings, so exploring the area by foot is very comfortable. This cool modern museum just a short walk from the opera house offers a beautiful tribute to the women of Vietnamese history. Theres also a metered taxi rank at the airport, so the prices will depend on your exact destination but generally, the fare is around 250K VND. Fortunately, the building is remarkably preserved and is an excellent example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Also, backpacks arent allowed inside but therere lockers where you can leave your bag. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. The price would depend on how long you want to be gone, just make sure you haggle for a price youre both happy with. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Hanoi - Tripadvisor Bus: The cheapest way to travel from Noi Bai Airport to the Old Quarter in Hanoi is by public bus. It is truly a little piece of tranquil paradise located in the heart of bustling Hanoi. How to Experience Vietnams Most Unique Attraction, The Best 7 Day North Vietnam Itinerary; Ideal For First Timers in 2023. Visit Ta Van Village. When you visit the Temple of Literature you will find an abundance of literature, turtle steles as well as the Well of Heavenly Clarity. Its insane how close the train gets, the photos dont do it justice. If you wanted photos of the opera house without all the traffic, its recommended you visit early in the morning. There is a wide array of choices, from daily items as pots, plates, and cups they also sell interior decorations, religious items, jewellery, etc. Go on a half a day or a full-day tour, and take in some of the best sights around the city. Not only does Lake Hoan. Built by the French colonial administration between 1901 and 1911. 1. Ill definitely be referring back to this as I plan my next trip. Things to see in Hanoi: My suggestions for the best of Vietnam's He used that sword to banish the Chinese from Vietnam. The hardest part is grasping the courage to step off the sidewalk and start walking especially for the first time. This mausoleum is where you can see Vietnams former President Ho Chi Minhs body laying at rest in a glass box and he is always surrounded by 4 guards. All of the material used for construction was acquired from all over Vietnam. 9) Dont Miss the Vietnamese Womans Museum, 11) Learn About the Hoa Lo Prison Museum (The Hanoi Hilton), 12) Appreciate the Works in the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, 14) Brush Up on Ethnic History at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, 16) Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, 17) Get Social and Drink Bia Hoi on the Street, 19) Enjoy Some Peace and Quiet at West Lake, 23) Make Your Own Pottery at Bat Trang Ceramic Village, 25) Check Out the 4-Kilometre Mosaic Wall, the most famous architectural and cultural landmarks in Hanoi, You can apply for one of the ceramic workshops, https://www.nomadasaurus.com/travel-guides/travel-to-vietnam/. Thank you for picking it up. But, seeing as this is the capital of Vietnam, there are plenty of important things to see in Hanoi. Check out this website to see what shows are on during your time in Hanoi. Best Things To Do In Hanoi In A Week | Local Insider Day 2: Hanoi full day city tour All the best. Check out this website for mass schedules. If the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain chose to treat Barack Obama to a taste of this quintessential bowl of grilled pork, herbs and noodles, Hanois bun cha must really be quite special. We had a good time in Sapa with trekking to villages and getting on the top of Fansiapan Peak. Be the architect of your own trip as you discover the best things to do in Vietnam through insider tips, suggested itineraries and handy maps. Halong Bay with Escape Sails Halong was incredible. Just click here to compare flights and get the best prices with Skyscanner. Expert puppeteers maneuver wooden figurines tied to long poles over pools that serve as liquid stages, using water splashes to choreographic three-dimensional effect. Packed with French colonial architecture, traditional Vietnamese architecture, pagodas and Buddhist temples youll want to get lost in its streets. If the Hoan Kiem Lake itself isnt enough to peak your interest, then make sure to visit the Ngoc Son Temple, a pagoda surrounded by the Hoan Kiem lake. Vietnam is very high on my bucket list, so Im definitely saving this guide for Hanoi. The legend and interesting history of the pagoda had made it one of the main Hanoi attractions. Some of these gems that travellers can discover are remarkably preserved colonial buildings, unique museums, the worlds largest mosaic, and ancient pagodas. Buzzing motorbikes maneuver around people in large conical straw hats pushing carts laden with goods along streets lined with French colonial buildings. The best time to visit is probably when no trains are approaching: without the crowds, one is freer to observe how real local life unfolds on both sides of this narrow city rail track. Visit Hoa Lo Prison Source: Mikhail Gnatkovskiy / shutterstock Hoa Lo Prison A visit to Hoa Lo Prison is a moving experience and this old internment facility used to be dubbed the Hanoi Hilton. It is 15 km in circumference and is surrounded by upper-class suburbs as well as the Tay Ho ex-pat district. This would give you time to see all the Hanoi highlights. Its particularly handy for those short on time and interested in anthropology: the staggering collection of 15,000 artifacts and 42,000 photographs on display give a quick and comprehensive ethnographic tour of this highly diverse nation. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products, and regularly review these. Opening like a tear to the east of the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake offers some freshwater and green respite to Hanoi's hustle. One of the best ways to get acquainted with any city in the world is to go on a walking tour. The original wooden pillar was destroyed by the French. Savage in Tay Ho District opened in 2016 to quickly rise as the city's electronic music club of choice, where both resident and international DJs come to spin the best house and techno beats. What you see is only a glimpse into the prison, as most of the prison complex was demolished in the 1990s to make way for the Hanoi Towers. But today a lot of them turned into something more commercial and modern. Cooking with the Master Chef. Thank you, Hi Rebecca, so awesome you are heading to Hanoi. I wish I had this list when I went to Vietnam last year! Whether youre searching for a romantic vibe or to hang out with friends, the best way to enjoy Hanois mesmerizing night landscape is from above. Here are 64 fun and unique things to do in Hanoi! Read: Complete 3-week Vietnam Route Guide. Wow! Hanoi will act as your base of operation, so it'd best for you to explore it thoroughly.
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