Hanoi pulsates with life, a city where modern progress harmoniously coexists with its rich historical legacy. Coming to Hanoi, it is difficult to feel bored when there is no shortage of interesting places to visit as well as delicious dishes. Here, we delve into a comprehensive overview of some welcoming and popular eateries and attractions that are friendly for foreign tourists.
Why Visit Hanoi?
Hanoi, not only the capital of Vietnam but also its largest city in the northern region, is a treasure trove of historical and cultural heritage. Within its bounds, visitors can explore a plethora of dining options, offering culinary delights from various corners of the globe at affordable prices compared to the broader Asian landscape.
Furthermore, Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi serves as a hub for numerous flights originating from prominent countries within the region. Consequently, it is common for travelers looking to explore Asia to directly book their flights.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Top Places to Visit in Hanoi
Hanoi is rich with cultural, historical, and culinary landmarks. Here is a list of the top places to visit in Hanoi, each offering a unique glimpse into the city’s diverse heritage and vibrant life:
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Address: No. 1 – Hoang Hoa Tham (Red gate) – Ba Dinh – Hanoi
Opening hours: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Admission: 25,000 VND per person.
Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is an important historical and cultural site in Hanoi that stores all information about President Ho Chi Minh, a great leader of Vietnam. When coming here, visitors can participate in check-in photography activities on campus as well as a number of thematic exhibitions on historical topics. In addition, when coming here, visitors should remember to dress politely in long-sleeved clothes to show respect for the solemnity of this monument.
Old Quarter
Address: is a series of neighborhoods so there is no specific address
Opening hours: always open
Admission: free
In the heart of Hanoi’s old town lies a distinct charm embodied by its streets, each dedicated to an age-old craft. Take, for instance,Hang Bac (Silver Shop) Street), renowned for crafting exquisite silver jewelry, or Tho Nhuom (Dyers) Street, where fabric dyeing thrives. Delving further into this enclave, visitors uncover the authentic essence of Hanoi, relishing in culinary delights like cha ca La Vong (grilled fish) or oc luoc Dinh Liet (tender boiled snails), and perhaps exploring the historic abode of a revered Ma May House.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Address: Hoan Kiem Lake, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, City. Hanoi
Opening hours: Always open
Admission: Free
Located in the heart of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is a symbol of the capital’s beauty with its peaceful, green scenery and many relics such as Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge, Turtle Tower, and But Tower. This place is also known as Hoan Kiem Lake because it is associated with the legend of the magical turtle and the precious sword. The walking street opens from Friday evening to Sunday evening around the lake and is also a place for many entertainment activities such as music festivals, painting, circus, and dancing to take place.
Temple of Literature
Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Admission: 70,000 VND for adults, 35,000 VND for students and disabled individuals, free for children under 16 years old.
This is the first university in Vietnam, preserving numerous historical records and the unique architecture of the Ly Dynasty. This place also features its own exhibition areas, including ancient calligraphy texts and Ly Dynasty school supplies. Additionally, it serves as a place of worship for those seeking advancement in work and study.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Address: 19C Hoang Dieu Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: 70,000 VND/adult
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a deep dive into Vietnam’s history. In addition to being a historical relic in itself,The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is also a venue for cultural exhibitions. As recently, there will be an exhibition of the old Thang Long Duanwu Festival, along with that there may be many other cultural activities that visitors will be interested in such as contemporary dance and historical film screenings.
Museum of Ethnology
Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Cau Giay, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Admission: 40,000 VND/person
The Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi, Vietnam is a fascinating display dedicated to discovering and preserving the country’s diverse ethnic cultures. The museum is a place to display historical cultural artifacts of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam along with being an exhibition venue for many other cultural activities.
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Must-Try Foods in Hanoi
1- Pho
Pho is an incredibly famous dish from Vietnam known worldwide, so it’s hard to imagine a visit to Hanoi without indulging in pho. One recommended stop for tourists is Pho Ly Quoc Su, a well-established and renowned pho brand in Hanoi.
Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su Ward, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
2- Banh Mi
Crispy on the outside and stuffed with a variety of flavorful fillings, they offer a quick, tasty meal for travelers on the go. Visitors can refer to Banh Mi 25.
Address: 25 Hang Ca, Hang Dao Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Banh Mi
3- Bun Cha
Bun Cha, a dish made globally famous by Barack Obama during his visit, is a delight for Hanoians. Visitors can fully enjoy this unique flavor at the famous Bun Cha Huong Lien restaurant.
Address: 24 Le Van Huu, Hanoi
4- Egg Coffee
For something truly unique, try Egg Coffee, a Hanoi invention. Rich coffee topped with a creamy egg yolk-based foam can be found in the city’s quaint cafés,a reference address for this dish is Cafe Giang.
Address: Lane 39, Nguyen Huu Huan Street and Foodhall lobby, 3rd floor, Lotte Mall West Lake – Hanoi city
Cultural Experiences and Activities in Hanoi
1- Water Puppet Theater
Visitors to the Water Puppet Theater can enjoy a wide array of plays covering various topics, offering a unique opportunity to learn about traditional arts and culture while being entertained with folk music and laughter.
Address: 361 Truong Chinh, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi
Ticket price: 120,000 – 400,000 VND
2- Experience Local Markets
Markets like Dong Xuan offer a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. This is a vibrant spot to sample street food, buy local fabrics, and observe everyday life among the stalls.
Address: Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
3- Watch a Traditional Dance or Music Performance
Experience traditional Vietnamese music and dance performances at the Hanoi Opera House and other venues, elevating your journey to new heights.
Address: 1 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Practical Tips for Travelers
Navigating Hanoi can be thrilling yet challenging. Here are some tips to help you enjoy your stay:
Transportation: Opt for local transport modes like buses or taxis to experience the city like a local.
Weather: Pack accordingly, as Hanoi experiences hot summers and cool winters.
Accommodation: There’s something for every budget, from hostels to luxury hotels.
Discover more city in Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City is an idea destination
If Hanoi is an ancient city and imbued with traditional Vietnamese values, Ho Chi Minh City is an outstanding destination with bustle. Here visitors can experience vibrant nightlife activities, youthful music shows and enjoy dishes mixed with many cuisines. You can absolutely go to Ho Chi Minh City first, then move along the territory of Vietnam to experience all the cultural diversity of this country.
>>>Book flights from Kuala Lumpur to Ho Chi Minh City today with Vietnam Airlines to get the best price and high quality customer services!