The blogger Philipp once shared after his trip to Hanoi: “Hanoi is not the noisy and bustling type like Saigon, but it can serve you with the most delicious meals in Asia, provide you with impressive cultural and historical features that you can hardly find in any places of the world.”
Below are 7 experiences that, according to the suggestions of travel blogger Philipp, no one coming to Hanoi should miss!
1. Take a walk around the old quarter
A peaceful morning in the Old Quarter
There should be no completed trip to Hanoi, without spending a little bit time for a walk in the old quarter. I was lucky with a stay in a hotel near the old quarter, thus it was quite easy to observe the daily life of the people in this area. As I got to know, the old quarter was established since Tran dynasty (1225-1400). It is still called the 36 streets, and on every of them the local another kind of products, which gives that street its name, just after the product being sold.
Nowadays, it is not always the case in the old quarter, that the products are being sold as the name of the street there, but it is still an attractive place for the shopping by name. It is not compulsory to purchase anything during your walk in the old quarter, but it may be the best way to learn more about the culture, daily activities of the locals.
2. Hanoi tourism and Hoan Kiem lake
The Huc Bridge - a red silk crossing the green saphire water
The lake is located in the center of Hanoi, and is considered as the symbol of the capital of Vietnam. Hoan Kiem Lake is a favourable place for the Hanoian. To spend the evening sitting on the benches placed right at the lakeshore, brings you an delightful and fanciful view as the lake is lighted by colorful lamps.
The Ngoc Son temple is located on a mound in the lake, is also a visit worth. To enter the temple you need to cross a red bridge, called the The Huc bridge. A stroll in this pleasant atmosphere should be an ideal way to relax after a long day in the old quarter.
3. Discovery in the temple of literature
The Temple of Litterature - The first university in Vietnam
About 2km to the east of the Hoan Kiem Lake, you can find the first national university of Vietnam. Built in 1070, this temple was dedicated to those who accessed the PhD seminar during the feudal period in Vietnam. The whole area of the temple with its green gardens, lakes and pagodas would be a amazing place for you to roam and discover in a tranquil atmosphere.
4. Visit at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where the president Ho Chi Minh immerses in the eternal sleeping
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, or also called under the familiar name “Lang Bac” by the Vietnamese, is one of the fascinating destinations not only in Hanoi, but also famous all over Vietnam. Arriving here, you should be surprised by the long queue of people in all ages, waiting to enter the inside and show their honor to the venerable president. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a place of both, with spiritual meaning and unique landscapes and architecture.
5. Exploration of the Hoa Lo Prison
Hoa Lo prison in Tran Hung Dao Street
The Hoa Lo Prison was established in 1896 by the French with the purpose to hold Vietnamese politicians in captivity. Later it was known under the name “Hanoi Hilton” and has nowadays turned into a popular tourist attraction of Hanoi. It is hard to leave out this place if you choose Hanoi as your destination for your tour.
6. The joy of a hot bowl Pho
A hot bowl Pho - specialitiy of Hanoi
Hanoi, with its variety of delicious street foods, has always been considered as one of the world’s culinary “capitals.” Talking about one of the most typical and famous, nobody should forget Pho. You have the choice between chicken Pho and beef Pho to enjoy the plentiful spices and herbs taken with it. Try to find to the deep of the alleys, you will recognize that there are many stands though small, the taste is still palatably and the price much of cheap.
7. Drinking beer
Beer Ta Hien
Hanoi, like other provinces of Vietnam, is a place with many types of high-class beers. However, more impressed than else is the fresh beer (“Bia hoi”), a special beer type of the north region, and maybe, the cheapest one in the world. It is sold just everywhere in Hanoi, you can easily enter a stall on the street, take a seat on a plastic chair, and be served with some fresh beers, along with some peanuts.
Besides, you should also try the Hanoi beer, a stronger beer than the fresh beer, but with a succulent and memorable taste.
(Collection)
