Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is often the starting point for sightseeing in Vietnam and an ideal base for visiting other destinations in the north. Traffic in Hanoi can be very chaotic, but the city
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is often the starting point for sightseeing in Vietnam and an ideal base for visiting other destinations in the north. Traffic in Hanoi can be very chaotic, but the city has warmth to it. You will probably visit it many times during your tour. The more times you come to Hanoi, the more you will appreciate it. Are you curious about what you can do in this beautiful city? With these tips, you are sure to have a great time!
1) Stroll the Streets of the Old Quarter
When staying in Hanoi, it is recommended that you book a hotel or hostel in the Old Quarter. The Old Quarter is the vibrant center of Hanoi with its maze of narrow streets, hundreds of honking horns, the most beautiful cafes, and many souvenir shops. At night, you can find cheap beer (less than 50 cents!) on the corner of Ta Hien Street and Luong Ngog Quyen Street. This is where the tourists and Vietnamese gather at the end of the day. It’s very crowded, but the atmosphere is welcoming. Want to have a night out? This is the way to go in Hanoi’s vibrant nightlife.
2) Taste the Delicious Street Food
The streets of the Old Quarter are lined with delicious Vietnamese food stalls. The advantage of street food is that it is much cheaper than restaurants and probably tastier. Spring rolls, hot pho, banh xeo, and spicy soups are just a few of the dishes on offer. Vietnamese food does not disappoint.
The French once occupied Vietnam, and French influence can be seen in the cuisine. An excellent example of this is Banh mi. This is a baguette filled with Vietnamese ingredients. It is guaranteed to become one of your favorite foods in Vietnam.
Street food is so plentiful that you won’t know what to eat anymore! To make it easier, you can opt for a street food tour. On this tour, locals will feed you authentic food from various stalls. This way, you can taste things that you usually wouldn’t be able to eat right away. It can be enjoyable and surprising!
3) Bike Rides Around Hanoi
The best way to explore the city is by bicycle. You can hire bicycle tour services, which will take you to places in the city that are usually hard to reach. 3.5-hour bike tours do more than visit the highlights of the city. The tour guides will lead you through the chaos of traffic. For instance, not only will you pass by St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Long Bien Market, but you will also get to see the countryside and admire the Hanoi skyline. During the tour, you can also meet the locals and have some local snacks. It is an absolute must!
4) Stroll by Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is a popular destination for many tourists and locals. In the middle of the lake, there is an island with a pagoda. The lake is close to the Old Quarter, and this is a great place to relax. You can take a leisurely walk or jog in the early morning or at sunset. It is crowded, especially on weekends, but still a nice place to be in the chaos of Hanoi.
5) To Hanoi’s Train Street
Hanoi’s Train Street is a narrow street where trains pass by twice a day, next to the houses. It is terrific to see that people live right next to the tracks, and for them, it is the most normal thing in the world. Besides, there are many cozy cafes around the street where you can sit and watch the trains go by.
Have you ever been to Hanoi? Share your experience with us in the comments below!