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Hanoi Travel & Sightseeing Guide

January 10, 2008 |

A trip to Hanoi

Situated in Vietnam’s north on the bank of the Red River, Hanoi is the capital of the country and a bustling but charming city. Boasting a 1,000-year-old history, Hanoi features innumerable significant attractions including temples, pagodas, museums, French-style colonial buildings and several beautiful lakes. The focal point is Hoan Kiem Lake around which plenty of popular eating, shopping and accommodation areas are scattered. Hanoi’s international airport welcomes visitors from all over to experience this captivating city which is gradually expanding and enhancing its tourist infrastructure.

Flights to Hanoi
Hanoi can be accessed most conveniently by air if you are arriving here from another destination in Asia. Located about 25 miles from the city centre, Hanoi Noi Bai Airport (HAN) is the biggest airport in the country and a relatively new facility compared with Vietnam’s two other international airports. Flights from an array of Asian cities are handled by the airport including those from Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Seoul, Vientiane and Siem Reap. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Hanoi try Ebookers. Plentiful taxis are available outside Arrivals, and if you fly with Vietnam Airlines there is a free minibus service into the city.

Hanoi

To get around Hanoi, visitors will find various options depending on their budget and desire for comfort. These include public buses for hardcore travellers as well as motorbike taxis, cyclos, bicycles and regular taxis.

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Sightseeing in Hanoi
Hanoi’s fascinating Old Quarter consists of a vast, confusing network of winding streets in which countless old-fashioned tradesmen are placed. The Temple of Literature originates from the 11th century and was the abode of the disciples of Confucius, while the One Pillar Pagoda is one of the city’s most appealing structures where the locals pray for fertility and pregnancy. Sited in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple is one of Hanoi’s most photographed landmarks dating to the 18th century.

With its long and mesmerising history and distinctive culture, Hanoi is also considered Vietnam’s cultural capital which is reflected by the city’s impressive selection of museums. Visitors to the eerie Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the city’s most popular attraction, should definitely not miss out on the corresponding museum which is probably the highlight of Hanoi’s museum facilities. Another must-see is the famous Hanoi Water Puppet Theatre, one of the city’s top indoor attractions.

Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
Hanoi offers a unique selection of delectable dishes with a distinctly northern influence. Eating places and food vendors present a great variety of culinary delights from a simple noodle soup at the pavement to a three-course meal in a high-class establishment. The French influence becomes obvious with baguettes commonly available at the roadside and eateries offering a Vietnamese sandwich containing pâté.

The city’s nightlife hasn’t gained any reputation yet however there are plenty of bars aimed at Hanoi’s residents and visiting westerners that can easily be found. Particularly popular are the Bia Hoi bars serving up locally brewed beer at the roadside. Nightclubs are spread near the lake and draw a mixed crowd. Due to the communist imposed values, the locals are rather conservative therefore the city is not renowned for karaoke bars and discos.

Fun by day – shopping and activities
Hanoi offers a wide range of daytrips to various places of interest within passable driving distance from the city, above all to the spectacular Halong Bay. There are superb shopping opportunities in Hanoi, especially in the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake. With the city becoming increasingly upmarket, you will find more and more designer outlets popping up near the city’s five-star hotels.


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