THINGS TO DO IN HANOI
Things To Do In Hanoi. A visit to Hanoi will give you several breathtaking tourist attractions, wonderful local food, and a vibrant nightlife. For first-timers, this essay will be your best buddy in planning a successful trip to Hanoi.
Things To Do In Hanoi:
Hanoi travel captivates visitors with its thousands of years of history, national identity, and countless unique and enticing sites. If you are planning a trip to Hanoi with your loved one, study the Hanoi travel guide in this article to make sure you are adequately prepared. Hanoi is a must-see destination for tourists in northern Vietnam. Hanoi, the country's capital, offers a variety of leisure activities and tourist attractions that allow visitors to learn about Vietnamese history, culture, and people in depth.
Hanoi is one of the world's oldest capitals, with well-preserved colonial structures, historic pagodas, and distinctive museums in the heart of the city. The city maintains a dynamic vibe. The streets are packed with moving motorbikes from early morning to late evening. There are many things to do in Hanoi. You may look for tasty street cuisine, tour historical sites, and learn about local life. Not to add that the calm countryside, complete with beautiful woods, green mountains, and traditional villages, is only a short drive away, as is the famed Halong Bay.
If you want to know what to visit in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, you've come to the correct spot. Here you'll discover the must-see sites for an engaging tour of this vibrant city. Hanoi, with its rich history and lively culture, is a must-see site for any Vietnam traveler. With so many amazing things to visit in Hanoi, it might be difficult to discover the finest that the city has to offer. In this book, you will discover the best sites to visit in this capital city, ensuring that your Hanoi vacation is very enjoyable.
What to visit in Hanoi: Iconic historical and cultural places?
1/ Hoan Kiem Lake:
A visit to Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the best things to do in Hanoi for holidaymakers. The lake is associated with the mythology of King Le Thai To (1385-1433), who was granted a sacred sword by the Sea God to vanquish invaders and then ordered to return it to the depths of the lake. This mythology inspired the lake's name, "Hoan Kiem," which translates to "Lake of the Returned Sword," or Sword Lake.
Hoan Kiem Lake is also a popular gathering spot for both locals and visitors, thanks to its lush nature in the middle of the bustling urban. While people come for traditional exercises and social activities, tourists come to experience the spirit of Hanoi, whether by strolling around the lake, appreciating the Turtle Tower rising from the lake, or taking breathtaking images of the surroundings.
2/ Ngoc Son Temple:
Ngoc Son Temple is one of the major attractions in Hanoi, Vietnam. Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island within Hoan Kiem Lake, is accessible by the red wooden The Huc Bridge. This temple, built in the nineteenth century, honors Van Xuong De Quan (Wenchang Dijun), a Taoist god who represents dignity and good fortune, and General Tran Hung Dao (1228-1300), a highly revered Vietnamese military leader. Many people see this temple as a hallowed place where they can pray for luck and inner serenity. It also offers a unique perspective on the splendor of Hoan Kiem Lake.
3/ Temple Of Literature:
The Temple of Literature, commonly known as Van Mieu in Vietnamese, is a popular attraction in Hanoi. Founded in 1070, it was Vietnam's first national university, teaching students for over 700 years and generating thousands of talented citizens. The temple honors Confucius, academics, and sages. Its main feature is an area rich with doctor stelae. Stone turtles carried enormous stelae carved with the names of distinguished academics on their backs. Local students frequently stroke the turtles' heads in hopes of good luck and academic achievement.
4/ Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum:
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, located in the heart of Ba Dinh Square, is one of Hanoi's most well-known attractions. It celebrates Ho Chi Minh, the country's famed revolutionary leader and founding father. Inside the tomb, visitors may see the preserved and embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. This is an opportunity to pay tribute to a prominent individual who played a critical role in Vietnam's battle for independence and reunification. A rich green environment with over 250 types of plants surrounds the tomb, providing a serene setting that compliments the sense of reverence within.
5/ One Pillar Pagoda:
One Pillar Pagoda, hidden quietly among the bustling metropolis, is a favorite destination for people seeking moments of introspection and photo opportunity. Emperor Ly Thai Tong erected it in 1049, and it is a prominent Buddhist temple and a symbol of Vietnam's rich cultural and religious past. The pagoda is supported by a single pillar that rises smoothly from the water, resembling a lotus petal emerging from the pond. Inside, there is a modest shrine to Quan Am, the goddess of kindness. It is a sacred location where devotees and tourists gather to worship and get blessings.
6/ St. Joseph Cathedral:
St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi's oldest cathedral, is a must-see for anybody visiting the city. Despite having survived two terrible wars, this church astonishingly remains intact, experiencing the numerous ups and downs of the Vietnamese capital. The architecture of St. Joseph's Cathedral contributes to its charm. The neo-Gothic masterpiece is a stark contrast to the city's traditional architecture. From the outside, the cathedral appears grand, with a stone cross, a large clock, a statue of Mother Maria, and two square bell towers. The cathedral's interior is stunning, with brilliant glass windows, lofty domes, and countless images of Jesus Christ throughout.
7/ Hanoi Opera House:
The Hanoi Opera House is a popular attraction among the numerous things to visit in Hanoi. It was constructed between 1901 and 1911 and was considered the pinnacle of elegance for academic art spaces in Indochina at the time. The opera house's facade is spectacular, spanning over 2,600 square meters and featuring several stairs, columns, and exquisite wrought iron decorations. As you enter, the extravagance continues with the magnificent design that includes chandeliers, frescoes, and red velvet chairs. The Hanoi Opera House is the city's premier location for significant meetings, conferences, and high-level artistic performances by both foreign and local art organizations.
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8/ Hoa Lo Prison:
Hoa Lo Prison is a must-see for everyone interested in history. It provides a compelling tale about Vietnam's battle for independence and its steadfast spirit amid the conflicts. The French built the jail in 1896, and it incarcerated hundreds of Vietnamese patriots and revolutionaries. These inmates were subjected to daily physical and emotional torture, which included electric shocks, being hanged upside down, and being fed substandard food. Inside, there are several displays showing terrible realities, such as a horrific guillotine, iron shackles, torture devices, and sculptures of captives wearing leg chains.
9/ Dong Xuan Market:
Dong Xuan Market is a thriving hive of activity and business, providing a genuine Vietnamese market experience. This is Hanoi's largest indoor market, having been around since 1889. Upon entering, you will be met with a sensory onslaught of sights, sounds, and fragrances. The market sells a wide range of things, including apparel, gadgets, fresh fruit, and local street cuisine. While touring, don't miss out on some of the best foods, like rib and cartilage porridge, mango and beef jerky salad, bamboo stick-grilled pork with noodles, and crispy shrimp cake.
10/ Hanoi Old Quarter:
Hanoi's Old Quarter is well-known for its diverse attractions, wonderful cuisine, active nightlife, and unique handicrafts. This downtown area clearly depicts the city's highs and lows. This is why it is considered as a good place for those who want to see Hanoi's culture and landmarks on foot. Continue reading this article to discover more about Hanoi's Old Quarter. Hanoi's Old Quarter is situated to the west and north of Hoan Kiem Lake. This area consists of 36 streets. Hang Dau Street is on the northern side of the ancient area, while Phung Hung Street is on the western side.
Things To Eat In Hanoi:
Discovering Hanoi means discovering its street food. Fresh ingredients, refined traditions, and secret family recipes are characteristics of Hanoian cuisine, and Hanoians don't take shortcuts when it comes to delicious food. Prepare your chopsticks: Here are seven legendary Hanoi delicacies you should not miss. A Hanoi street food trip provides a pleasant overview of Vietnam's capital city, which is known for its colorful culture, historical significance, and, most importantly, scrumptious street foods. With a multitude of street food sellers strewn across the city, Hanoi has earned its reputation as a foodie's paradise. Hanoi street food excursions, which are an important aspect of the city's sidewalk culture, add to its attractiveness. No trip to Hanoi is complete without sampling the city's tantalizing street cuisine choices. Hanoi's food is likely to wow any tourist with its variety of meals, each with its own distinct flavor and healthful ingredients.
1/ Banh Mi:
Banh mi, a delectable French-inspired sandwich, is unquestionably one of the greatest street dishes in Hanoi. For the greatest banh mi experience, visit Banh Mi 25 in Hanoi's Old Quarter. This well-known eatery serves freshly cooked banh mi with a variety of fillings, including pork, chicken, and tofu, all filled with flavor. Another great option is Banh Mi Pho Co, near Hoan Kiem Lake, which serves banh mi with a crispy pig's belly, which meat aficionados should try.
Banh Mi: 25 Hang Ca, Hoan Kiem District
Banh Mi Pho Co: 38 Dinh Liet, Hoan Kiem District
2/ Pho (Noodles Soup):
Pho is a common Hanoi street snack that is often regarded as Vietnam's national cuisine. This beef noodle soup is created with clear broth, rice noodles, and thinly sliced beef. It's served with fresh herbs, raw veggies, and lime wedges. For those seeking the greatest pho experience in Hanoi, there are several alternatives. Pho Ly Quoc Su, Pho Thin, and Pho Bat Dan in the Old Quarter are well-known for their traditional beef pho.
Pho Bat Dan, 49 Bat Dan in the Hoan Kiem District.
Pho Ly Quoc Su, 18 Le Truc, Ba Dinh District.
Pho Thin Bo Ho, 61 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem District.
3/ Pork Vermicelli (Bun Cha):
Bun cha, a dish of grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce, is a popular Hanoi street meal among residents and visitors alike. For a memorable bun cha experience, go to Bun Cha Huong Lien, which former US President Barack Obama memorably visited on his tour to Hanoi. Another excellent alternative is Bun Cha Ta in the Old Quarter, which provides a delicious and reasonably priced rendition of this famous meal.
Bun Cha Huong Lien: 24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung District.
Bun Cha Ta: 21 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem District.
4/ Xoi (Sticky Rice):
Xoi, a delicious sticky rice meal with a variety of savory toppings such as fried shallots, shredded chicken, and hog floss, is a popular street snack in Hanoi. Hanoians notably appreciate Xoi for breakfast, starting the day with its pleasant taste. For an amazing Xoi experience, head to these suggested venues to indulge in the greatest Xoi in town:
Xoi Yen: 35B Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem District.
Xoi Ga Hang Hom: 42 Hang Hom, Hoan Kiem District.
Xoi Ba Son: 44 Cau Go, Hoan Kiem District.
5/ Bun Dau Mam Tom:
Bun dau mam tom is a wonderful blend of rice vermicelli noodles, tofu, and pork belly, served with fermented shrimp paste. The distinct combination of flavors and textures has made it a popular option among both residents and visitors. In addition to bun dau mam tom, additional noodle dishes worth eating in Hanoi are bun oc (snail noodle soup), bun thang (chicken noodle soup), bun rieu (crab noodle soup), and bun moc. For a wonderful bun dau mam tom experience, try these recommended locations:
Bun Dau Hang Khay: 31 Hang Khay, Hoan Kiem District.
Bun Dau Co Hang: 174 Xa Dan 2, Dong Da District.
Bun Dau Ngo Gach: 4 Ngo Gach, Hoan Kiem District.
6/ Che (Sweet Soup Dessert):
Che, or sweet soup, is the ideal treat for beating the summer heat in Hanoi. Hanoi's che consists of layers of red and mung beans, glutinous rice balls, herbal jelly cubes, and a drizzle of syrup topped with coconut shreds. To get a memorable Che experience, visit these places:
Xoi Che Ba Thin: 1 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem District.
Xoi Che Go: 9 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District.
Che 4 Mua: 4 Hang Can, Hoan Kiem District.
7/ Green papaya and beef jerky salad (Nom bo kho):
Nom is a must-try meal for tourists visiting Vietnam, demonstrating the country's nutritious and well-balanced cuisine. This colorful salad combines green papaya and carrots with savory beef jerky, crunchy peanuts, aromatic herbs, and a harmonic mixture of mixed fish sauce. When in Hanoi, indulge yourself in the exquisite flavors of Nom at these famous establishments:
Nom Bo Kho Ong Gia: 1 Nguyen Trung Truc, Ba Dinh District.
Nom Bo Kho Co Van: 16B Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem District.
8/ Banh Duc (Hot Rice Flan):
Hot plain rice flan (Banh duc) is one of the top meals for your Hanoi street food trip in winter. Banh duc, commonly known as simple rice flan, is popular for its simplicity. It is considered a staple meal in northern Vietnam. Banh duc has a jelly-like texture and a mild flavor, thanks to its main ingredients of non-glutinous rice flour or maize flour and peanuts. A hot bowl of plain rice flan is garnished with minced pork, finely chopped wood ears, fried onions, toasted sesame seeds, and aromatic herbs.
Some of the best places to eat the delicious banh duc in Hanoi are:
Banh Duc Nong Co Noi: Alley 8, Le Ngoc Han Street, Hai Ba Trung District.
Banh Duc Nong Trung Tu: C4, Trung Tu Ward, Dong Da District.
Oanh Hoe Nhai: 14C Hang Than, Ba Dinh District.
9/ Fried fermented pork roll (Nem Chua Ran):
Nem chua ran, a wonderful deep-fried fermented pork roll, is only one of the numerous delectable fried treats available in Hanoi. Nem chua ran, made from wheat, cured pork, and pig rinds, is naturally fermented for a short amount of time to obtain the proper combination of tastes without being extremely sour.
For the best Nem chua run in Hanoi, visit:
Nem Chua Ran Tam Thuong: 36 Tam Thuong, Hoan Kiem District.
Nem Chua Ran Chi Hanh: 465 Doi Can, Ba Dinh District.
Nem Chua Ran Thuy Khue: 29/21/30 Thuy Khue in Tay Ho District.
10/ Rice paper salad with Vietnamese pizza (Banh trang tron, Banh trang nuong):
Rice paper salad and Vietnamese pizza are popular nighttime snacks in Hanoi, with options available on practically every corner. Rice paper salad combines rice paper, quail eggs, shredded mango, fresh herbs, and savory dry shredded beef. Meanwhile, Vietnamese pizza is made with crispy rice paper and covered with beaten eggs, dry shredded beef, minced pork, sausage, and other ingredients.
To sample these unique meals, visit:
Banh Trang Tron Chi Ba Beo: 24B Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem District.
Banh Trang Tron Hang Trong: 86 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem District.
Banh Trang Tron Nguyen Sieu: 3 Nguyen Sieu, Hoan Kiem District.
A Hanoi street food trip around the Hanoi Old Quarter is essential for discovering the city's gastronomic wonders. The Old Quarter is a charming region, with streets named after the old commodities produced there. You will have the opportunity to try Hanoi's delicacies at several street food booths and local eateries.
Dong Xuan Market, the city's largest street food market, is a must-see on the Hanoi street food tour in the Old Quarter. From savory nibbles like shrimp pancakes and green papaya salad to fragrant noodle soups like pho xiu and bun cha, there's something for everyone's taste.
While you're in the Old Quarter, be sure to visit Ta Hien Street, Hanoi's liveliest dining and gathering destination. Ta Hien, commonly known as Beer Street, is famed for its "bia hoi" (fresh beer), which both residents and visitors may enjoy. The street mixes Eastern architecture with contemporary elements and Western influences.
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