hanoi vietnam travel blog

hanoi vietnam travel blog Hanoi is the capital and the second-largest city of Vietnam. It is also one of the oldest and most charming cities in Southeast Asia. Hanoi is a city of contrasts, where the ancient and the modern, the traditional and the trendy, the chaotic and the peaceful coexist and complement each other.

Hanoi has a lot to offer to travelers, from its rich history and culture, to its vibrant nightlife and cuisine, to its stunning natural scenery and attractions. Hanoi is a city that will surprise and delight you with its diversity and beauty.

If you are planning to visit Hanoi, this travel blog will help you make the most of your trip. Here are some of the best things to do, see, and eat in Hanoi.

How to Get to Hanoi

Hanoi is located in northern Vietnam, about 1700 km north of Ho Chi Minh City and 120 km south of the Chinese border. There are several ways to get to Hanoi from other major cities in Vietnam or abroad.

By Plane

The easiest and fastest way to get to Hanoi is by plane. Hanoi has an international airport called Noi Bai Airport, which is about 30 km from the city center. There are daily flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and some other domestic destinations. There are also many international flights from Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Beijing, and some other cities.

The flight time from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is about 2 hours. The airport has a shuttle bus service that runs every 30 minutes to the city center for 40,000 VND ($1.7) per person. You can also take a taxi or a Grab car for about 300,000 VND ($13) to 400,000 VND ($17).

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By Train

Another popular way to get to Hanoi is by train. Hanoi is a stop on the North-South Railway that connects Ho Chi Minh City and Lao Cai. The train journey offers scenic views of the countryside and the coast along the way.

The train time from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is about 35 hours, while from Lao Cai (the gateway to Sapa) it is about 8 hours. You can choose from different types of seats and cabins, ranging from hard seats to soft sleepers. The prices vary depending on the class and the season, but you can expect to pay from 500,000 VND ($22) to 2,000,000 VND ($87) for a one-way ticket.

You can book your train tickets online through the official website of Vietnam Railways or through some travel agencies or hotels. The train station in Hanoi is located in the city center, within walking distance or a short taxi ride from most hotels and attractions.

By Bus

The cheapest but least comfortable way to get to Hanoi is by bus. There are many bus companies that operate between Hanoi and other cities in Vietnam or neighboring countries. The buses are usually sleeper buses with reclining seats and air conditioning.

The bus time from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is about 40 hours,

while from Lao Cai (the gateway to Sapa) it is about 6 hours. The prices range from 300,000 VND ($13) to 600,000 VND ($26) for a one-way ticket.

You can book your bus tickets online through some websites like Baolau or Vexere or through some travel agencies or hotels. The bus station in Hanoi is located about 5 km from the city center. You can take a taxi or a Grab car for about 100,000 VND ($4) to get there.

How to Get Around Hanoi

Hanoi is a large and busy city that can be challenging to navigate by yourself. However, there are various means of transportation that you can use to get around Hanoi.

By Taxi or Grab

The most convenient and comfortable way to get around Hanoi is by taxi or Grab. Taxis are plentiful and metered in Hanoi. You can expect to pay about 10,000 VND ($0.4) per km. Some of the reputable taxi companies in Hanoi are Mai Linh Taxi (024 38 333 333), Taxi Group (024 38 53 53 53), and Thanh Nga Taxi (024 37 57 57 57).

Grab is a popular ride-hailing app that operates in Hanoi as well as other cities in Vietnam. You can download the app on your smartphone and book a car or a motorbike with a few taps. The prices are usually cheaper than taxis and you can pay by cash or credit card.

By Motorbike

Another common way to get around Hanoi is by motorbike. You can rent a motorbike from many hotels or shops for about 100,000 VND ($4) to 150,000 VND ($6) per day. Motorbiking gives you more freedom and flexibility to go wherever you want and whenever you want. However, you should be aware of the traffic rules and the risks involved in riding a motorbike in Hanoi.

By Bus

The cheapest way to get around Hanoi is by bus. Hanoi has a public bus system that covers most of the city and its suburbs. The buses are usually crowded and slow, but they are reliable and safe. You can find the bus routes and schedules on some websites like BusMap or Google Maps.

The bus fare is 7,000 VND ($0.3) per trip for most routes. You can pay by cash or by using a smart card that you can buy at some bus stations or kiosks. You should have exact change or small notes when paying by cash.

By Bicycle

A more eco-friendly and healthy way to get around Hanoi is by bicycle. You can rent a bicycle from some hotels or shops for about 50,000 VND ($2) per day. Bicycling allows you to enjoy the fresh air and the charm of the city at your own pace. However, you should be careful of the traffic and the road conditions when cycling in Hanoi.

What to See in Hanoi

Hanoi has many attractions that showcase its history, culture, and personality. Here are some of the must-see places in Hanoi.

The Old Quarter

The Old Quarter is the heart and soul of Hanoi. It is where you can find the essence of the city’s past and present. The Old Quarter consists of narrow streets that are lined with old houses, shops, cafes, restaurants, and temples. Each street has its own name and specialty, such as Hang Bac (silver), Hang Gai (silk), Hang Ma (paper), and so on.

The Old Quarter is also where you can experience the daily life and activities of the locals, such as shopping, eating, drinking, chatting, playing games, or just watching the world go by. The Old Quarter is also where you can find some of the most famous landmarks of Hanoi, such as:

• Hoan Kiem Lake: This is a scenic lake that is located in the center of the Old Quarter. It is also known as the Lake of the Returned Sword, after a legend that says that Emperor Le Loi returned a magic sword to a turtle god in this lake after defeating the Chinese invaders in the 15th century. The lake is surrounded by trees, flowers, and benches that create a relaxing atmosphere. The lake also has some attractions on its shores or islands, such as:
  • Ngoc Son Temple: This is a temple that was built in the 18th century on an island in Hoan Kiem Lake. It is dedicated to Tran Hung Dao, a national hero who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century; Van Xuong, a patron saint of literature; and Quan Vu,

• Dong Xuan Market: This is the largest and oldest market in Hanoi. It was built in 1889 and covers an area of 6,500 square meters. It sells a variety of goods, such as clothes, shoes, electronics, souvenirs, food, and more. The market is also where you can find some local specialties, such as pho cuon (rice noodle rolls), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), and cha ca (fried fish with herbs). The market is open daily from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.
• Bach Ma Temple: This is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Hanoi. It was built in the 11th century by Emperor Ly Thai To, who moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Hanoi. The temple is dedicated to Bach Ma (White Horse), a legendary creature that helped the emperor find a suitable location for his new city. The temple also has some relics and statues that date back to different dynasties. The temple is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. There is no entrance fee.

The French Quarter

The French Quarter is the opposite of the Old Quarter. It is where you can find the influence of the French colonial period on Hanoi’s architecture and urban planning. The French Quarter consists of wide boulevards, elegant buildings, and green parks that create a sophisticated and modern atmosphere.

The French Quarter is also where you can find some of the most important and impressive landmarks of Hanoi, such as:

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: This is a monumental building that houses the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father and president of Vietnam. It was built in 1975 and modeled after Lenin’s mausoleum in Moscow. The mausoleum is open to visitors from Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. You have to follow some rules when visiting the mausoleum, such as dressing modestly, keeping silent, and not taking photos or videos. There is no entrance fee.
• Ho Chi Minh Museum: This is a museum that displays the life and achievements of Ho Chi Minh through various exhibits and artifacts. It also showcases some aspects of Vietnam’s history and culture that are related to Ho Chi Minh’s vision and legacy. The museum is open daily from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. The entrance fee is 40,000 VND ($1.7) per person.
• One Pillar Pagoda: This is a unique and iconic pagoda that was built in 1049 by Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who had a dream of seeing a lotus flower rising from a pond with a bodhisattva sitting on it. The pagoda has a single pillar that supports a wooden structure shaped like a lotus flower. The pagoda is considered a symbol of purity and longevity in Buddhism. The pagoda is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. There is no entrance fee.
• St Joseph’s Cathedral: This is a Roman Catholic cathedral that was built in 1886 by the French colonialists. It is modeled after the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and has a Gothic style and a twin bell tower. The cathedral is the oldest church in Hanoi and the seat of the Archdiocese of Hanoi. The cathedral is open daily from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm. There is no entrance fee.

• Hanoi Opera House: This is a grand and elegant building that was built in 1911 by the French colonialists. It is inspired by the Palais Garnier in Paris and has a neo-classical style and a dome-shaped roof. The opera house is the main venue for performing arts in Hanoi and hosts various shows, such as opera, ballet, musicals, and concerts. The opera house is open daily from 10:30 am to 11:30 am for tours. The entrance fee is 400,000 VND ($17) per person.

The West Lake

The West Lake is the largest lake in Hanoi and one of the most scenic and relaxing places in the city. The lake covers an area of 500 hectares and has a circumference of 17 km. The lake is surrounded by trees, flowers, villas, hotels, restaurants, cafes, and temples that create a romantic and peaceful atmosphere.

The West Lake is also where you can find some of the most interesting and attractive places in Hanoi, such as:

• Tran Quoc Pagoda: This is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi and one of the most revered ones in Vietnam. It was built in the 6th century by Emperor Ly Nam De and moved to its current location on a small island in the West Lake in the 17th century. The pagoda has a distinctive architecture and a collection of statues and relics that date back to different dynasties. The pagoda is open daily from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. There is no entrance fee.
• Quan Thanh Temple: This is a Taoist temple that was built in the 11th century by Emperor Ly Thai To. It is dedicated to Tran Vu, a god of the north who protects the city from evil spirits. The temple has a large bronze statue of Tran Vu that weighs four tons and stands four meters tall. The temple also has some carvings and paintings that depict scenes from Taoist mythology. The temple is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. There is no entrance fee.
• Tay Ho Temple: This is a Buddhist temple that was built in the 16th century by Emperor Le Thanh Tong. It is dedicated to Thanh Mau (Mother Goddess), who is believed to have appeared on the West Lake in the form of a giant turtle. The temple has a large courtyard and a main hall that are decorated with colorful lanterns and flags. The temple also hosts some festivals and ceremonies that attract many devotees and visitors. The temple is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. There is no entrance fee.

What to Do in Hanoi

Besides visiting the historical and cultural sites, there are many other things to do in Hanoi that will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. Here are some of the best activities to do in Hanoi.

Enjoy a Water Puppet Show

A water puppet show is a traditional art form that originated in northern Vietnam more than a thousand years ago. It involves wooden puppets that are controlled by hidden puppeteers under a pool of water. The puppets perform stories and scenes from Vietnamese folklore and history, accompanied by live music and singing.

A water puppet show is a fun and entertaining way to learn about Vietnamese culture and humor. You can find water puppet shows at some theaters or venues in Hanoi, such as:

• Thang Long Water Puppet Theater: This is the most famous and popular water puppet theater in Hanoi. It was established in 1969 and has a capacity of 300 seats. The theater hosts daily shows at 3:00 pm, 4:10 pm, 5:20 pm, 6:30 pm, and 8:00 pm. The ticket price is 100,000 VND ($4) per person.
• Bong Sen Water Puppet Theater: This is another water puppet theater that offers high-quality and authentic performances. It was founded in 1994 and has a capacity of 150 seats. The theater hosts daily shows at 5:15 pm and 6:30 pm. The ticket price is 100,000 VND ($4) per person.
• Lotus Water Puppet Theater: This is a water puppet theater that is located inside the West Lake Water Park. It was opened in 2010 and has a capacity of 200 seats. The theater hosts daily shows at 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm. The ticket price is 100,000 VND ($4) per person.

Visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum

The Hoa Lo Prison Museum is a museum that displays the history and reality of the Hoa Lo Prison, which was built by the French colonialists in 1896 to imprison Vietnamese revolutionaries and later used by the North Vietnamese to detain American prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.

The museum exhibits various artifacts and documents that show the harsh conditions and torture methods that the prisoners had to endure. The museum also features some personal stories and testimonies of some of the prisoners who survived or escaped from the prison.

The Hoa Lo Prison Museum is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The entrance fee is 30,000 VND ($1.3) per person.

Shop at the Night Market

The night market is a lively and colorful market that takes place every weekend from Friday to Sunday from 6:00 pm to midnight. The market stretches along Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market and sells a variety of goods, such as clothes, accessories, souvenirs, handicrafts, food, and more.

The night market is also where you can enjoy some street performances, such as music, dance, magic, or comedy. The night market is a great place to experience the atmosphere and culture of Hanoi at night.

Take a Day Trip to Halong Bay

Halong Bay is one of the most stunning and spectacular natural wonders in Vietnam and the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that consists of thousands of limestone islands and rocks that rise from the emerald water of the Gulf of Tonkin.

Halong Bay is about 170 km east of Hanoi and can be reached by bus or car in about four hours. You can also take a train or a plane to Hai Phong City and then take a ferry or a speedboat to Halong Bay.

The best way to explore Halong Bay is by taking a cruise that will take you around the bay and stop at some of the attractions, such as caves, beaches, fishing villages, or floating markets. You can choose from different types of cruises,

such as budget, luxury, or private cruises. You can also choose from different durations, such as half-day, full-day, or overnight cruises.

A cruise to Halong Bay usually costs from 500,000 VND ($22) to 2,000,000 VND ($87) per person for a full-day trip and from 1,500,000 VND ($65) to 5,000,000 VND ($217) per person for an overnight trip. You can book your cruise online through some websites like Halong Bay Tours or Halong Hub or through some travel agencies or hotels in Hanoi.

What to Eat in Hanoi

Hanoi is also a paradise for food lovers, as it offers a variety of dishes that are unique and delicious. Hanoi cuisine is influenced by its northern and Chinese origins, as well as its French colonial period. Hanoi cuisine is characterized by its fresh and light flavors, as well as its use of herbs and spices.

Some of the dishes you should not miss in Hanoi are:

• Pho: This is the most famous and popular dish in Hanoi and Vietnam. It is a noodle soup that consists of rice noodles, beef or chicken slices, broth, and herbs. The soup is fragrant and flavorful, with a balance of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy tastes. You can find pho at many street stalls or restaurants in Hanoi for about 30,000 VND ($1.3) to 50,000 VND ($2.2) per bowl.
• Bun cha: This is another signature dish of Hanoi that consists of grilled pork patties and slices, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce. The dish is served with fried spring rolls (nem ran) or crab spring rolls (nem cua be) that add some crunchiness and richness to the dish. You can find bun cha at many street stalls or restaurants in Hanoi for about 40,000 VND ($1.7) to 60,000 VND ($2.6) per plate.
• Cha ca: This is a specialty dish of Hanoi that consists of fried fish fillets marinated with turmeric and dill, rice noodles, peanuts, scallions, and a fish sauce dip. The dish is cooked and served on a hot pan at your table. You can find cha ca at some restaurants in Hanoi that specialize in this dish, such as Cha Ca La Vong or Cha Ca Thang Long. The price for a portion of cha ca is about 150,000 VND ($6.5) to 200,000 VND ($8.7).
• Banh mi: This is a sandwich that is made with a baguette that is filled with various ingredients, such as pate, ham, cheese, eggs, vegetables, and sauces. The sandwich is a fusion of Vietnamese and French cuisines and has a crispy and soft texture and a savory and sweet taste. You can find banh mi at many street stalls or shops in Hanoi for about 15,000 VND ($0.6) to 30,000 VND ($1.3) per sandwich.
• Egg coffee: This is a unique and delicious drink that is made with strong black coffee and whipped egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk. The drink has a creamy and frothy texture and a sweet and bitter taste. You can find egg coffee at some cafes in Hanoi that are famous for this drink,

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