HANOI
The capital and second biggest city in Vietnam is so much different to Saigon. I haven't spent as much time in Hanoi as in Saigon, but I think it's more traditional and more historic, especially because of the Old Quarter. It's so busy so take care when you walk around!
Hoan Kiem Lake is probably the most famous spot in the area and they will have a Walking Street around it on the weekend evenings. But also during the day it's nice to walk around the lake which has a little island in its center. The Turtle Tower on that island is an iconic and symbolic building representing Hanoi and Vietnam. There is a legend about the Emperor Le Loi and a divine turtle during the revolts against Chinese invasion in the 15th century. The turtle asked the Emperor to return a magical sword that helped him to defeat the Chinese."Ho Hoan Kiem" means "The Lake of the Returned Sword", representing the importance of this legend in Vietnamese culture.
There is a lot of cultural and historical sites to discover and the following recommendations are about the places that I've visited in Hanoi already. I recommend you to stay in or close to the Old Quarter for two or three nights so you can see most of them.
Old Quarter
The houses in the Old Quarter might remind you of Hoi An. I like the yellow colors and the little details everywhere. Just go there for a walk and discover it on your own or do a guided (food) tour.
Hoan Kiem Lake
"Sword Lake" is famous for its legend about Emperor Le Loi and the divine turtle. It plays an important role in Vietnamese culture.
Ngoc Son Temple
Ngoc Son Temple is located right in the city center of Hanoi and you can have good views of Hoan Kiem Lake from here. It's a sacred place where people pray for fortune and peace of mind.
Ta Hien Beer Street
This place is crazy! I don't know if I ever saw so many people in one place!
Nightmarket & Walking Street
The Nightmarket in the Old Quarter is only open from 6 to 10 pm on the weekends. You can shop souvenirs and try street food here. Hoan Kiem Walking Street is also weekends only.
O Quan Chuong
This is the old gate of the city when Hanoi was called Thang Long. In 1831, Emperor Minh Mang changed the name to Hanoi.
Bach Ma Temple
"Bach Ma" means 'White Horse" and you'll find a statue of a white horse in here. It's a place of worship, one of the protecting temples of Hanoi and also the oldest temple in the city.
Heritage House
The Heritage House is one of 14 ancient houses that you can visit in Hanoi to learn about the life of Hanoians in late 19th century.
West Lake
West Lake is the biggest lake in Hanoi and it's nice to go for a walk to Tran Quoc Pagoda.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
This is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, located on a small peninsula of West Lake. Just go inside and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Den Thuy Trung Tien
You can walk across the bridge to this small pagoda that is a bit hidden from the main road, close to Tran Quoc Pagoda.
President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The building is located on Ba Dinh Square where President Ho Chi Minh read the declaration of independence on September 2, 1945, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The mausoleum serves as the resting place of the Vietnamese revolutionary leader and President.
Temple of Literature
The temple was built in 11th century and dedicated to Confucius. It hosted Vietnam's first national university, also known as the Imperial Academy.
Hanoi Train Street
The train passes by so close that it became quite dangerous since it is so popular among tourists.
Be careful and follow the instruction of security guards and police officers.
Local Life & Small Alleys
Discover some small alleys and learn how the local people used to live here. Often more than 10 families shared one bathroom and one kitchen while their flat was just one room without any daylight.
Streetfood & Restaurants
I can't decide on my favorite food in Hanoi. It is either Bun Cha or Xoi.
Bun Cha is the most famous dish of Hanoi, which is made of rice noodles with grilled pork and a dipping sauce and herbs on the side.
Xoi is sticky rice topped with mungbean. It's a salty dish that you can eat at any time of the day.
Bun Cha Hanoi
You will find Bun Cha everywhere in Hanoi. If you look for a good vegetarian version, I can recommend you Chay Via He.
Xoi Yen
The opening hours of this place reveal it already: xoi all day every day. :)
Local people like it for breakfast.
Pho Thin Bo Ho
Traditional pho in Northern cooking style, famous spot in Hanoi so it might be crowded. Not vegetarian!
Lian Hua Vegetarian
On 212 Hang Bong, you can find another vegan food heaven. They also have Bun Cha.
Chayfood
Banh Mi Station
Coffee & Desserts
Something you need to try in Hanoi is Egg Coffee. Yes right, they put egg cream on top of the coffee! Why? Because there was a shortage of milk during the First Indochina War so eggs were used instead to make sweet cream.
A popular dessert is che, which is basically any sweet dessert like sweet soup or sweet sticky rice with jelly, lotus seeds, beans ... and lots of other ingredients!
Cafe Dinh
Hanoi Coffee Station
Nice little coffeeshop in the Old Quarter, you can also have breakfast on the balcony.
Vi Anh Coffee
Xoi Che Ba Thin
This is a local shop that I only know from my friend who was born in Hanoi. Give it a try even when it might seem unfamiliar!
Kem Trang Tien
Kem Trang Tien is a famous ice cream shop and probably the biggest one I've ever seen.
King Roti
There are different types of Roti but this one is like a bun filled with chocolate or vanilla. So fresh and tasty!
Daytrips from Hanoi
You might want to escape the city hustle for a few days or even just one day.
Here are three options to make more of your time in Northern Vietnam!
Click on the photos below to learn more!
Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is probably the most possible day trip from Hanoi as it's only about two hours away. It's beautiful and green and there is a lot to discover. You can easily spend some more days in Ninh Binh if you have time.
Halong Bay or Cat Ba Island
Northern Vietnam's top tourist destination is for sure Halong Bay. As it is so famous, it might be crowded. An alternative is Cat Ba Island and a cruise to Lan Ha Bay.
Mai Chau
Located in the mountains
Mai Chau has to offer
beautiful nature and more
relaxing vibes. It's worth
to go there a few days.
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