Visualize a city in which the glamorous elegance of old Asia combines with the lively face of new Asia. Where the modern and the medieval coexist. A city with a mix of Parisian elegance and the rhythm of Asia, an architectural museum part evolving in harmony with its history, rather than having the effect of a steamroller like in many capitals of this continent.
Hanoi is where imagination becomes reality. Your stay here will be very pleasant, but only if you know what to do. If you are planning a trip to Hanoi this year with family or friends. Without any doubt, start planning, visit the all nippon airways website and get your flight tickets online. Also, save up to 50% off on round trips on every flight. To make it easy for you, a list of things to do here you must know.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Named by an old legend, Hoan Kiem Lake happens to be the epicenter of the old Hanoi and acts as a focal point of sorts for the city’s public life. Early in the morning, you can watch some locals practicing Tai Chi on its banks.
The Old Center of Hanoi (Old Quarter)
No trip to Hanoi would be complete without spending time in its Old Quarter and luckily your hotel is very likely to be located in or near this area. The district is configured as it was originally with its own streets and architecture and it is the last shopping district in all of Vietnam. It was founded in the Tran dynasty (1225-1400) and at that time had only 36 streets. Each of them housed one of the corporations and bore the name of its profession, which is still the case today. Hang Bac concentrates goldsmiths and silversmiths, in Hang Lan Ong you can buy all kinds of medicinal herbal products, and Hang Cais is the place of the fishmongers.
The Temple of Literature and the University of Hanoi
About 2 kilometers west of Hoan Kiem Lake, you will find the Hanoi Temple of Literature. It was built in 1070 and was dedicated to Confucius whose influence still plays an important role in Vietnamese culture. The temple honors the best scholars and literary men of Vietnam. A few years later Vietnam’s first university used to be founded here. The temple is a great place to stroll, relax, and discover the many pavilions, pagodas, courtyards, and gardens. Not being too crowded, the temple is a good refuge from outside traffic.
Hoa Lo Prison Museum
This Museum was built by the French in the year of 1896 and was used to incarcerate “anti-colonial revolutionaries”. After the French were ousted in 1954, the prison was used primarily to detain American pilots during the Vietnam War. It was then that they nicknamed it: the “Hanoi Hilton” in reference to the hotel chain. There are many photos and instruments of torture. However, nothing is translated into French or English.
Trấn Quốc Pagoda
Certainly the most beautiful pagoda in Hanoi, but also the furthest from the center. A curiosity on site is its large red stupa 15 meters high and composed of 11 floors. Tran Quoc Pagoda is worth the taxi or pedicab ride from the center. It’s a bit far on foot, see this map.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
The cathedral was built in 1886 by the French. Located right in the old quarter, a look at its neo-Gothic style is worth the little detour. On Sunday, the 11 a.m. mass is in French.
A cruise on Halong Bay
It is about 4 hour of drive from Hanoi and therefore can be done in 1 day or more than several days on-site. It is a definite visit destination in Vietnam hence have the advantage of being in the capital to get there. Read our articles to find out how to go on a cruise on Halong Bay, and how to visit Halong Bay without going through an agency.
How to reach Hanoi?
By air
All the flights to Hanoi arrived at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi is situated 45 kilometers from central Hanoi. Hanoi airport actually is not so large and all of the transport choices leave from straight outside the terminal.
By train
The main train station of Hanoi happens to be located not distant from the Hoan Kiem center, on the border of Le Duan Street, Ba Dinh district. The stress-free way to reach here use to be heading west on Ly Thuong Kiet, which ends right side at the station.
By road
Hanoi happens to be a huge transportation hub, along with three train stations and four bus stations of use to foreigners. Book a ticket by a hotel and get picked up in town.
Conclusion
Two cultures have underwritten the character and physicality of the city, shaping an exclusive face and personality. The traveler used to feel it closely while strolling in the old Hanoi streets, capitalized by an intense animation. So why wait? Start planning a trip to a Southeast Asian country with AirlinesMap right away..!!
