Buzz
Contrary to your preconceptions, stepping into the ancient, fascinating, and vibrant Hanoi, you'll instantly fall in love with this city. Not as bustling at night as Bangkok, nor as modernly noisy as Tokyo, Hanoi boasts its own unique color with a history spanning over 4,000 years.
The bustling Old Quarter filled with motorbikes and lively street stalls creates a unique and unforgettable Hanoi. With plenty to see, do, and taste, a trip to explore Hanoi will provide you with moments of relaxation.
Accommodation in Hanoi
After many recommendations from friends, we chose to stay at the Sofitel Metropole, a luxurious hotel that we absolutely adored. There are many other options, but nowhere else offers the enchanting and historic French-style charm like here. It feels like being transported to Paris in the heart of Hanoi.
What to See in Hanoi?
Old Quarter: When you visit Hanoi, make sure to spend time exploring the bustling and charming Old Quarter. It's like stepping into a maze filled with small shops, each street selling a unique item. The Old Quarter creates a gentle and safe atmosphere, so you can comfortably stroll around even alone.
Hoan Kiem Lake: Situated in the heart of the city, Hoan Kiem Lake is like a refreshing oasis amidst the Old Quarter, a peaceful place to take a break. With its famous Turtle Tower and Ngoc Son Temple, surrounded by flowers and trees, you can easily find cafes around the lake to relax and enjoy a refreshing drink.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: A monumental marble edifice where the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh lies. It's a significant historical site and a place of reverence for the Vietnamese people. Visiting here offers a solemn and reflective experience.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: We were captivated by a museum filled with art, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of Vietnam's ethnic groups. The museum vividly portrays the unique cultural characteristics of each region.
West Lake: As the largest natural freshwater lake in Hanoi, located in the northwest of the city center, West Lake offers stunning scenery blending modernity with ancient charm, attracting many expatriates to reside here.
Shopping in Hanoi
Old Quarter: The ultimate shopping destination in Hanoi, where you'll find an abundance of silver jewelry on Hang Bac Street, textiles and leather goods on Hang Trong Street, silk on Hang Gai Street, preserved fruits on Hang Duong Street, and more.
Tan My Design: More than just a fashion store, Tan My Design epitomizes true 'made in Vietnam' artistic space with its traditional embroidery and silk products. When in Hanoi, don't miss visiting Hang Gai area to grab yourself a stylish Tan My outfit.
Dong Xuan Market: The largest market in Hanoi's Old Quarter, with a history spanning hundreds of years. This bustling market is the ideal place to find affordable jewelry pieces.
Hom Market: A small market located to the south of the Old Quarter, renowned for offering a wide range of fabrics from budget-friendly to high-end with diverse designs. If you have the time, explore the nearby small tailoring shops to select some beautiful fabrics and have them crafted into unique bags or wallets.
Chie Handmade: Amidst the numerous stores selling Asian handicrafts around the Old Quarter, Chie Handmade at 49 Hang Trong stands out with its unique designs. They offer fashion accessories and interior décor items featuring traditional patterns of the ethnic groups from the Northwest region.
Dining in Hanoi
Cong Cafe: A place filled with inspiration for those who want to experience the true taste of Vietnamese coffee. I wasn't a fan of coffee, but I became addicted after a few days of enjoying small drops of coffee mixed with coconut milk here.
Metropolo Chocolate Buffet: A colorful chocolate buffet feast in the wonderful ambiance of Le Club Bar at the Sofitel Metropole hotel is an enticing choice for a romantic evening.
Betta Bar: Located on the second floor of a French-style villa, Betta Bar is adorned with classic 80s furniture, warm yellow lights, and soothing music. It's an ideal space for you to relax and unwind after a long day.
Green Tangerine Restaurant: A French-style restaurant with a tranquil and cozy atmosphere. You can come here, enjoy an espresso, and listen to jazz melodies or savor dishes that are both purely Vietnamese and French-style. 67 Hang Dieu: Simply a bowl of beef noodles on the streets of Hanoi.
Hanoi Social Club: A fairly renowned spot within the expatriate community in Vietnam. You'll feel the incredibly 'cool' music vibe here.
Indochine Restaurant: With its French architecture, vintage photos, and artifacts, the restaurant is the choice of those who prefer tranquility. I love the exotic yet rustic dishes here. Just a heads up, the kitchen only serves until 9 p.m.
Indulge in the savory delight of Bún chả Đắc Kim, renowned as the unrivaled champion of Hanoi's culinary scene. The finely minced pork and succulent grilled patties along Hang Manh street stand as the quintessential choice for a midday feast.
As per the insights from Apairandasparediy.com
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Published by Mytour
June 19, 2014
