Being a capital with thousand years of culture, with ancient relics and peaceful life, Hanoi city is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Vietnam for both domestic and foreign tourists.
1. Places to visit in Hanoi city
This city has many ancient and alluring tourist places that have great attraction to travelers such as Hoan Kiem lake, Temple of Literature, Hanoi Old Quarter, Tran Quoc pagoda and so on.
- Hoan Kiem Lake: Thanks to the special geographical features, Hanoi city is surrounded by big rivers and has many lakes inside its area. Located in the heart of the city, Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the most famous lakes in Hanoi with a symbol of ancient turtle tower placed in the middle of the lake. Moreover, this beautiful lake is home to many impressive architectural works considered as valuable treasures of the city such as Pen Tower, the Huc Bridge, Jade temple, Nghien tower.
- Temple of Literature: this site is considered as the first university of Vietnam. Today, Temple of Literature has become a popular tourist destination of Hanoi. It is the place used to award certificates of merit to students with outstanding achievements.
- Hanoi Old Quarter: It is rated as a highlight of Hanoi tourism. 36 Hanoi streets in Hanoi Old Quarter still retain their appearance from the 19th century with the ancient houses and alleys. Visiting to this site, tourists can explore the inherent peaceful places in Hanoi as well as the beauty of Hanoi people, who are friendly and hospitable.
- Tran Quoc pagoda: It is like a lotus flower. The pagoda is located on the western peninsula of West Lake, Hanoi, built from the reign of King Ly Nam De. In the pagoda, there are many historical and cultural relics, such as the statue of Buddha worshiping in the upper court, especially the statue of Shakyamuni. The temple is an attractive destination, attracting many Buddhists and visitors to visit.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex: Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House and the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Museum and the One Pillar Pagoda are highlights of the complex. This construction is built for people who want to come and pay their respects to 'Uncle Ho'. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex is a very interesting and meaningful place for those who first come to Hanoi City.
- One Pillar Pagoda: Placed nearby Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda owns unique architectural structure with a square structure located on a stone pillar. Its special architectural point make the pagoda become one of the popular tourist attractions in Hanoi.
Besides these popular tourist sites listed in above, travelers also can refer some destinations nearby Hanoi city such as: Duong Lam ancient village, Bat Trang pottery village, Tam Dao, Ba Vi National Park, Vietnam National Villages for Ethnic Culture and Tourism. It will take about 30 minutes or 2 hours to reach these destinations from the center of Hanoi but it is really worth to have a trip.
2. Hanoi cuisine
Hanoi city is known for not only its beautiful ancient landscapes, but its unique and rich cuisine as well, which attracts many travelers to enjoy.
- Pho: Pho is not to be missed when traveling in Hanoi. The famous beef noodle soup is Ly Quoc Su noodle soup. If you want to eat chicken noodle, you go to chicken noodle soup on Quan Thanh Street. Have a mouth with sweet and sour mix noodles on Luong Van Can Street.
- La Vong fried fish cake: Fish is fried on a small oil pan, each table will have a small charcoal stove and fish pan on top. Fish with many baked bread, noodles, along with roasted peanuts, coriander, basil, dill, fresh onion with small shrimp sauce. Shrimp paste is prepared by squeezing fresh lime, adding chili pepper, sparingly and adding a little bit of essential oil, adding a few drops of white wine, some water and sugar.
- Bun cha: A small piece of grilled chopped pineapple with spicy aromas of marinated spices, eat with sweet and sour lemon juice with vinegar, garlic, chili, scented pepper mixed with green papaya cut into small pieces.
- Roll rice cake: Hanoi people often prefer the delicacies, less greasy cake rolls. It is a characteristic dish of this land. Rice must be carefully selected and then grind into flour mixed with water and then coated on the kitchen thin layers of cake.
In addition, visiting to Hanoi city, travelers also can taste many dishes from different countries in different restaurants such as restaurants for Western foods, Indian foods and Vietnamese foods.
3. Hanoi Shopping
Located in Hanoi Old Quarter, Dong Xuan is one of the busiest traditional markets in the ancient city. Not only is it a big shopping center of the capital, Dong Xuan Market is also a cultural symbol of old town associated with the historic part of Hanoi.
Dong Xuan Market and Hanoi night market are popular sites for tourists to take a stroll and shop souvenir as well as items made by the locals. These places are very bustling and crowded at night, especially in the nights of weekend with both the local people and foreign tourists. Located in Hanoi Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market and Hanoi night market is also easy to take a visit. Moreover, Hang Bac, Hang Dao, Hang Trong, Hang Gai are not only tourist places in Hanoi Old Quarter but they are also the ideal places for shopping souvenir for foreign tourists. For example, Hang Bac Street (means Silver Street) is famous for its silver jewelry sold in almost stores and shops placed in this street. The goods can be engraved and designed according to customer’s requirements so that they are often bought as personal jewelry or gifts.
3. Getting around Hanoi city:
- Motorbike: The vehicle is extremely useful and is considered as the best choice upon arrival in Hanoi.
- Cyclo: this vehicle is used to take a trip around Hanoi Old Quarter. It is very convenient and interesting.
- 2-floor bus: 2-floor bus is a newest option for tourists to explore the city. This vehicle is run around popular tourist sites in Hanoi center.
- Electric car: If you are on the hunt for a happy medium when visiting around Hanoi Old Quarter, electric car is rated as the prefered transport option.
Hope the information shared in above will be useful for your Hanoi trip and you will have a great time when exploring this beautiful city.
