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9 Points of Interest, Hanoi: Why You Ought to Visit This Northern Part of Vietnam
Why You Ought to Visit This Northern Part of Vietnam
“Four
days is actually more than enough if you plan to visit Hanoi”, this was what the German backpacker said to
us, when we met them on our way to Halong Bay. We initially had no intention of visiting
this part of Vietnam for a variety of reasons, but it mostly boiled down to
lack of time. We simply felt that four days is very short, seeing how cramped
and short-lived our visit to Saigon was, a few months back. There’s just so
much history to see and cultures to experience in Vietnam, that makes us want
to come back and stay longer. But, good thing about meeting random travelers
and making friends with them is that you learn a thing or two (or four!) about
so many things, including things to see and do while in Hanoi.
In case you aren’t fully aware yet, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, not Ho Chi
Minh City. Although the later metropolis is more popular for tourists and
for just about anything, Hanoi, being the country’s second largest city by
population, is full of cultural and historical surprises that you probably
aren’t aware of yet. Whenever I would visit Vietnam, I’d always choose Ho Chi
Minh City amongst the other cities, primarily because it’s nearer to Singapore;
plus, HCMC is easier to enjoy the sights and sounds on foot, and every street
food seems to be more delicious that the last one I tried. However, Hanoi astonished me so much, and it made me realize how much I was sort
of “missing out” on other cities in this beautiful country known as Vietnam. It
made me think of the countless stories I heard and read about backpackers and
travelers touring around Vietnam, and now I realize why – it’s because of
places like Hanoi, among many others.
Most of the existing houses and city center
reminds me so much about French-inspired. History says that the French built a
modern administrative city south of Old Hanoi, with broad, perpendicular
tree-lined avenues of opera, churches, public buildings, and luxury villas. Can you picture in your mind French and
Vietnamese fusion, well, if you visit Hanoi – that’s an authentic depiction of
that! It’s charming and it’s tangible, even locals agree that Hanoi is more
attractive compared to Saigon.
From points of interests like the Imperial Citadel of Thang
Long, Water Puppet Theatre, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Dong Xuan Market, the
Perfume Pagoda, to scenic highlights like Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son, Halong
Bay, and the Hanoi Old Quarter, a few days is more than enough for you to explore
Hanoi on foot, if you really know which ones you’d prefer to spend more time on
and less time with. So, without more ado, let me give you the highlights on
what to really explore in Hanoi, Vietnam. In no particular
order, here are the good stuff!!
Hanoi Nightlife – Time
to Do Something at Night in Hanoi
Hanoi’s nightlife scene offers a multitude of interesting things
to see and places to go well after the sun sets. The city’s lively bars and
glitzy nightclubs are conveniently set around Hoan Kiem Lake in the Old
Quarter, where you can enjoy great tunes and all sorts of booze as well as mix
and mingle with fun-loving locals and expats. Read more at: http://www.vietnam-guide.com/hanoi/nightlife/
See the 100+ year
old Saint Joseph Cathedral
In 1882, after the French army conquered Hanoi, the cathedral
was constructed and completed in 1886. The cathedral and Nha Chung area were
built on the land formerly belonging to Bao Thien pagoda, which was built under
Ly dynasty. The architecture with domes of the cathedral follows the Gothic
style and design of Paris Cathedral. It is 64.5m in length, 20.5m in width with
two bell towers of 31.5m-height. Though the appearance of the cathedral, from
the doors, the colorful window glass, to the religious paintings for decoration
follows Western style, the main interior part is decorated in Vietnamese way
with two typical colors yellow and red. Outside, in front of the cathedral is
the statue of Mother Maria. Read more
at: https://www.vietnamonline.com/attraction/saint-joseph-cathedral.html
Check in at the
Aquarius Hanoi Hotel
Nested in The Hanoi Old Quarter, Aquarius Hanoi Hotel is ideally
located in a small and quiet Au Trieu street and just 100 meters from the Saint
Joseph Cathedral. The hotel is within a walking distance from the Hoan Kiem
lake, Dong Xuan market as well as many other tourist attractions. The location
of the hotel provides you with an easy access to the public transportations,
tour operators, restaurants, bars, and shopping centers. Aquarius Hanoi Hotel
offers 30 cozy rooms with modern facilities and nice decorations to suit all
visitors need. We are the right choice for business, family and leisure
travelers to Hanoi capital. Read more
at: http://www.aquariushanoihotel.com/
Walk around the Hanoi
Old Quarter at dusk
Much of the Old Quarter’s architecture are deeply influenced by
the French and Sino-Vietnamese. Despite the many wars, the Old Quarter has
withstood most damages and has retained much of its original traits. Located
near the Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter is filled with life from day to night.
The itinerary we are about to share is suitable for walking, where eateries and
attractions are within <10 mins walk from each other. Read more at: http://thekeepersmap.com/
Explore the Weekend
Hanoi Night Markets vigorously
You have probably heard of different markets that open at 8 am
and end around 6 pm. Normally, you would buy what you needed in the market
during the day and go home afterward. Well, in Hanoi things are a bit
different. Not only are the markets open during the day, they open on a
specific time for the public during the night. As unusual as it may seem, this
has been a tradition to the unique culture that attracts tourists to Vietnam.
Taking the whole region by storm, these successful Weekend Night markets offer
extraordinary experiences. Some of these include trying different types of food
and buying souvenirs to keep the memories alive. These markets have a great
nightlife with different activities. The people in these night markets are really
friendly and hospitable. These markets are open only on weekends. They are open
on weekdays at the usual time, but at night they are open from 8 pm until 11
pm. Read more at: https://antholagroup.com/sg/hanoi-night-markets/
Do a Food Trip at the
Must-Eat Restaurants and Food Stalls in Hanoi like a hungry animal
For first-time visitors it can be daunting to figure out where
to go and what to eat, so we’re here to help with an insider’s guide to the
best food in Hanoi (including street food), divided into different dishes. The
majority of this good food in Hanoi is located in the Old Quarter, right in the
middle of the action. Let’s go. Read
more at: http://www.backyardtravel.com/30-best-places-hanoi-street-food
Take a Leisure Walk around the West Lake - Tay Ho
District, Hanoi
While tourists flock to Old Quarter, West Lake is probably the
most popular neighbourhood for expats. And while you’ll find an abundance of
Western-orientated restaurants, bars and shops here, normal and colourful
Vietnamese life filters through all around them, from streetside food joints to
fishermen and temples. As well as escaping the busy streets of Hanoi, the lake
provides an opportunity to watch fishermen at work, to see some very pretty
temples—scattered around the shore—and to enjoy a coffee or beer while enjoying
the breeze that comes across the lake (not so good on a cold and windy day, but
lovely in summer). And the views across the lake on a sunny day are impressive.
Read more at: https://www.travelfish.org/country/Vietnam
Try the Local Pasteur
Street Brewing Place
Pasteur Street started with the simple idea to combine American
craft brewing techniques with fresh and exotic Vietnamese ingredients to create
amazing craft beer. Using American hops, European Malt, & exotic Vietnamese
ingredients, Pasteur Street's experienced craft brewers create award-winning
beer in Saigon, Vietnam. Pasteur Street's beers are currently available in
select markets in the US, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia and across Vietnam. Read more at: https://pasteurstreet.com/
Splurge a bit: From Hanoi To Ha Long
Bay – Enjoy an Overnight Cruise
Is Halong Bay Worth It? The unique beauty of the bay with its
karsts make it a natural to be added to UNESCO's World heritage listing. But,
it seems the opinions are divided among travelers. There are more than 1,600
islets in the bay, their limestone worn down by 500 million years of tropical
downpours, and topped by thick jungle growth. Some of the islands are hollow,
creating majestic caves. Some of the larger islands have their own lakes. At
the centre of the bay there are 775 of the formations in an area of just 330
square kilometers – an invitation for travelers to board a traditional
Vietnamese junk-boat and explore the bay, it's islands, caves, and floating
villages. Read more at: http://www.bowdywanders.com/2018/03/maya-cruises-get-ready-for-your-next.html
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