I. Introduction
Located by the banks of the Red River in northern part of the country, Hanoi – Vietnam’s capital city, is the second largest city in Vietnam by population (only after Ho Chi Minh City). Hanoi remained the main capital of Vietnam until 1802 when the last dynasty of Vietnam, the Nguyen, moved to Hue. Then it has been served as the capital of the French Indochina from 1902 to 1954 before becoming the capital of an independently reunified Vietnam after proudly victory in the North Vietnam War. That is the reason why the city is a harmony between French colonial architecture and modern liveliness of Southeast Asia. You can meet the vestiges of French colonial influence everywhere, particularly in the Old Quarter, home to thousands of colonial-era buildings. Wandering along its tree-lined boulevards or watching busy daily life of people here from a street coffee shop, you’ll see the charm of this city. Hanoi celebrated its millennial anniversary in 2010 though it is said to be much older, having been inhabited since at least 3,000 BC.
Currently, Hanoi with young and savvy population is the economic central of the Red River Delta economy with strong and fast development of industries, finance, commerce and services. Many foreign visitors would love to add this dynamic and pretty city into their favorite destinations to experience the blend of East and West as well as the rich traditional culture. Whether you have set foot here one or many times, this enchanting land with friendly, hospitable people will always welcome you.
II. Best time to visit Hanoi
Hanoi has four seasons with the typical tropical climate. The chilly winter drops in December and the hottest summer days are in July and August. It is quite difficult to give exact predictions of Hanoi weather in each month, or even each season, as temperatures, rainfall and sunshine can change from days to days without any prior notice. However, the best time to visit Hanoi is during spring and autumn. In spring (from February to the beginning of April), the weather is pleasant with average temperature of 15-20°C and clear sky. Please note that the most important celebration of Vietnam, the traditional Tet holiday (Lunar New Year), may fall in the end of January or the first half of February, so expect lots of sightseeing places to be temporarily closed during that time. In autumn (from August to October), the weather is mild with temperature ranging around 25°C, emerald sky and cool air will be perfect to walk along the tree-lined boulevards, capture beautiful bloomed flowers’ fields or explore the Old Quarters.
III. Things to see and do
1, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Located in Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of the most prominent places that tourists should not miss when visiting Hanoi. The construction was officially started on September 2, 1973 and completed on August 19, 1975. This is the place preserving the glass coffin, which holds the body of President Ho Chi Minh, the first president of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and one of the most famous iconic leaders in the world.
Normally, visitors visit the complex in the order: Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum to the Stilt House, Uncle Ho’s fish pond, then visit Ho Chi Minh Museum and finally the extremely unique architecture One Pillar Pagoda. Once arriving here, you can easily follow the instructions of the mausoleum management or the flow of people queuing to visit the site. For visitors, a trip to Uncle Ho’s final resting place can be an extraordinary experience as it is not just a tourist attraction; it’s a part of unique living history which stays long in each one’s memory.
2, One Pillar Pagoda
One Pillar Pagoda or Mat Pagoda, also known as Dien Huu Tu, is a pagoda located in the heart of Hanoi capital with a unique architecture in the lotus shape on a single pillar. Built in 1049 by Emperor Ly Thai Tong, the pagoda has been preserved and undergone many major renovations, including the important restoration in 1954 after being exploded by the French.
One Pillar Pagoda is not only a creative architectural work but also a spiritual destination, a thousand-year cultural symbol of Hanoi. It has been recognized as “The most unique architectural pagoda” by the Asian Record Organization. Visiting the pagoda, you could feel the tranquil atmosphere while praying for fertility and good health for your family and yourself.
3, Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature, also known as “Van Mieu”, is Vietnam’s first university and is an essential stop during your time in Hanoi. Originally built in 1070 dedicated to Confucius, scholars and sages, the building is extremely well preserved and is a symbol of China’s deep cultural influence in Vietnam. This cultural complex includes a lake of literature, the Well of Heavenly Clarity, turtle steles, pavilions, courtyards and passageways that have been used by royalty. Visiting the Temple of Literature, you can discover ancient buildings from the Ly and Tran dynasties in the tranquil atmosphere and
4, Hanoi Old Quarter
Besides the French Quarter (in Ba Dinh District) where the important government offices are located, the Old Quarter (in Hoan Kiem District) is considered the city’s center and the main tourist attraction. Also known as the 36 streets, the Old Quarter has been a business hub for more than 500 years. The word “Hang” in the start of the street name describe the produce that are sold there for example Hang Bac – Silver street, Hang Gai – Silk street, Hang Buom – Sail street…It is worth spending a few hours wandering or taking the cyclo ride through the Old Quarter to try Vietnamese food, grab some beer, do shopping and know about daily life of the locals. The most common sight of the streets in Hanoi is the pack of cars, motorbikes, bikes around pedestrians and the Old Quarter is not an exception. Strolling here is much more different from a leisurely walk in the park but it is surely an interesting experience when visitors can join the traffic in local style.
5, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
Standing at the heart of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake attracts tourists who are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Lying on a small island in the middle of the lake is the Turtle Pagoda, also known as “Thap Rua”, dedicated to the legendary gigantic turtle living here. Coming to this area in the early morning, you will see locals doing morning exercises, practicing Taiichi, running, walking or cycling around the lake.
Ngoc Son temple was built to commemorate the 13th century military leader Tran Hung Dao who was famous for his bravery in the battle against the Yuan Dynasty. The island on which the temple is built is known as Jade Island and can be easily accessed via the red wooden bridge named The Huc or Rising Sun Bridge. The temple is also protected by two towering posts decorated with Chinese writing. Additionally, the temple preserves a large bronze bust, some ancient artifacts including ceramics and a preserved specimen of a giant turtle found in the lake weighing 250 kilograms. The lake and temple are probably the most ideal places in Hanoi to visit and enjoy the peaceful view.
6, Water Puppet Theatre
Water Puppetry is a lively Vietnamese story telling that dates back to the 11th century. Puppets are carved from wood and the shows take place in a waist-deep pool to revive the scene when villagers working in flooded rice fields. Performances are accompanied by a Vietnamese orchestra playing various traditional musical instruments including drums, wooden bells, horns, bamboo flutes and cymbals. There are also authentic Vietnamese operatic songs telling the story that is being acted by the puppets on the stage which makes the show more interesting. Most of the shows recount Vietnamese folk tales of rural life with plenty of good humor and feature the famous Legend of the Restored Sword of King Le which tells the tale of Hoan Kiem Lake and the giant tortoise.
7, Hoa Lo Prison
Maison Centrale in Hanoi, also known as Hoa Lo Prison or ‘Hanoi Hilton’ is where many U.S. soldiers were in-jailed. This site housed Vietnamese revolutionaries as well as American POW (including the US Senator John McCain) during the war which tells us the less known horror stories happen to our most celebrated nationalist leaders. The total area of the former prison area is more than 12,000m2. However, today only 2,434m2 is preserved to become a relic area, serving the purpose of tourists who want to witness the scenery of the colonial prison and get more knowledge about Vietnam war.
8, Museum of Ethnology
The Museum of Ethnology offers a great insight into the 54 different ethnic groups living in different areas in Vietnam. It has been established in an effort to preserve cultural heritage and promote socio-cultural diversity within the country. The outdoor display area exhibits a variety of Vietnamese typical homes as full-scale replicas and leisure pursuits including traditional water puppet theatre and calligraphy set within the peaceful gardens. The future important aim of the museum is to also showcase the many cultural practices and civilizations across Southeast Asia. Visitors are welcome to browse some of the vast research on offer at this public museum which is also a center for ethnographic research. Spending time at this place will give you knowledge and much better understanding of Vietnamese history and culture.
9, West Lake
Located about 10-15 minutes driving from Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake – the biggest fresh water lake in Hanoi, is surrounded by lots of green trees and important ancient structures. Here you can cycle around the lake to enjoy the fresh air, have a fancy meal on board while appreciating beautiful lake view, visit Tran Quoc Pagoda or Quan Thanh Temple, grab some local specialties such as crispy shrimp cake and vermicelli and shellfish soup (bun oc) …
10, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, an intriguing relic of Vietnam’s history, was recognized a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. Also known as the Hanoi Citadel, the area displays many artifacts and items dating back to between the 6th and 20th centuries which were excavated in 2004. Coming to this site, visitors should head for the display room that features interesting excavated items and explore the grounds with archeological objects along the road.
IV. Side trips from Hanoi
1, Halong Bay cruise
Halong bay, the bay of descending dragon, is one of the most beautiful places on earth and is a very popular travel destination in Vietnam. Home to jade green waters and some 2,000 islets, most of which are made from limestone, Halong Bay has been twice recognized by UNESCO; the first time in 1994 as Natural World Heritage and second time in the year 2000 as Natural and Cultural World Heritage. A day trip to Halong Bay is possible but if you have time, it would be better to enjoy on an overnight cruise to immerse yourself among the spectacular natural landscapes and take part in some active outdoor activities such as kayaking, swimming, cave visiting…
2, Sapa
Sapa, a mountain town in Lao Cai province, is famous for its amazing mountainous scenery, nice trekking routes, impressive rice terraces and colorful hill tribes. Coming to this region, you can trek down a long the Muong Hoa stream to visit minority villages, enjoy home stay in local house on stilts, join in with locals in the Saturday love market or conquer the top of Fansipan mountain.
3, Hoa Lu and Tam Coc
Located about 2 hours south of Hanoi, a trip to Hoa Lu and Tam Coc is a great chance for you to enjoy the impressive landscape of towering limestone karsts while doing the boat trip along the Hoang Long River, visiting Dinh-Le Temples or riding the bike on the small roads leading to local villages within the area.
4, Duong Lam Ancient Village
Located in Son Tay town (about 50 km northwest of Hanoi), Duong Lam ancient village with a history of about 1,200 years with many houses dating back up to 400 years is considered as a unique laterite museum. There are lots of both indoor and outdoor activities that you can experience in your trip to Duong Lam including learning about the local foods supply in a local house, walking, cycling and chatting with locals living in the ancient houses, visiting pagoda, wandering through rural market and biking around the village heading to Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung temple.
5, Bat Trang Village
Located on the other side of Chuong Duong Bridge and 13 kilometers away from Hanoi center, Bat Trang ceramic village is one of the most well-known traditional handicraft villages in Vietnam. Visiting Bat Trang, tourists can take a walk or join a buffalo ride for sightseeing the peaceful landscapes. Furthermore, you can try the feeling of a pottery maker at one of the working places here, visiting Bat Trang pottery market with lots of stalls selling variety of handicrafts ceramic items, taking colorful photos with unique ceramic products and tasting local specialties such as squid and bamboo sprout soup, rice cakes…
