Buzz
In the eyes of foreigners, Hanoi possesses distinct characteristics that prevent them from mistaking the capital of Vietnam for any other city in Asia.
1. Mobile Street Vendors
Hanoi, a major tourist hub in Vietnam, differs from modern cities, where people don't favor large shopping centers or bustling supermarkets. Instead, locals prefer mobile street vendors.
The items sold on these mobile stalls are diverse and abundant, neatly arranged in small bamboo-woven baskets. These mobile shops seek out potential customers in every nook and cranny of Hanoi's streets.
The vendors, often women wearing conical hats and men donning bamboo hats, create a captivating sight for international tourists. When in Hanoi, visitors can't help but notice them in the corners of the city streets.
2. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Hanoi stands alone in Southeast Asia with a monumental structure dedicated to honoring the leader of Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh. Few cities boast a cultural-historical monument of such significance.
3. Bia Hoi Experience
Bia Hoi, a specialty of Hanoi, is widely favored by foreigners. Many sidewalks in Hanoi's Old Quarter transform into Bia Hoi pubs, attracting a considerable number of international patrons. The most familiar rendezvous point for global tourists to savor Bia Hoi is the intersection of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen Streets.
4. Impressively Chaotic Traffic
Navigating the streets of Hanoi provides a completely novel experience for foreigners. Stepping onto the road, turning back becomes even riskier. You have only one choice – keep moving forward and hope to dodge all the vehicles on the move.
5. Hanoi's 36 Streets and Wards
The ancient streets are a distinctive feature of Hanoi. Visiting Hanoi without exploring the charm of the '36 Streets and Wards' is like not truly knowing the capital of Vietnam. What makes it unique is that the streets in the old quarter are often named after a particular type of product. However, some streets today have transformed into places selling goods unrelated to their original namesake.
6. War Remnants
Hanoi also preserves numerous war relics; pictured here is the Long Bien Bridge – a significant historical witness to the Vietnam War.
7. French Influence
Structures with a strong French influence still stand today, showcasing practical and enduring architecture. Vietnam retains the graceful architectural elements from the French era, dating back to the previous century.
Moreover, the French influence permeates through the delightful Hanoi delicacies. The French-origin baguette brought here is skillfully stuffed with pate and fresh herbs, creating a mouthwatering sandwich with a fragrant blend and a spicy kick of chili sauce. The French style effortlessly spreads and delves deep into the cultural essence of the Vietnamese people.
In Hanoi, locals equally appreciate coffee and tea. Among the younger generation, coffee is more favored, forming a coffee culture. Coffee is also a hobby for Hanoians, inspired by the French. They enjoy coffee brewed with condensed milk, a unique feature of Hanoi's coffee culture.
For those patiently waiting for each small drop of coffee to drip down from the aluminum filter, they see the passing cars and people as a theatrical performance on a stage, while they themselves are the audience. The Vietnamese way of savoring coffee is as delightful as the French. Drinking coffee by the roadside is not just about enjoying coffee; it's about savoring a way of life.
According to Eleganthanoi
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourOn July 7, 2014
