Top 8 Things to Do in Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, with a history through more than 1000 years, is the second largest city in Vietnam. Hanoi has been the political, economic and cultural center of Vietnam since the 11th century. With the reputation of “Land of Millennium Cultural Relics”, Hanoi attracts tourists from all over the world to visit, for its rich historical relics and numerous places of interest. What to do in Hanoi? Top 8 things to do in Hanoi may assist you find an ideal answer.

1. Get Close to The Local Life Around Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi Old Quarter is the most ideal place to get close to the local life and history of Hanoi. The Old Quarter is still the bustling area of everyday life for locals as well as the busiest tourist attraction. Almost all the places of interest such as the 36 Streets and Hoan Kiem Lake are in the area. The well-known 36 streets are full of vehicles, food stalls and shop houses. Tourists can not only enjoy the French flair architecture, but also experience what it is like to live in Hanoi. Old Quarter is the place you must see if you visit to Hanoi.

2. Wander around Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the most famous spots in Hanoi and is the favorite leisure destination for locals to go. Located in the downtown area, Hoan Kiem Lake is narrow and long in the north and south, with an area of about 12 hectares. There is a tree-lined path around the lake, and a walk around the lake takes about 1 hour. In the evening, the lights will be lit around the Hoan Kiem Lake and the reflections in the lake are splendid It is best time to take a walk around Lake. The Ngoc Son temple in the middle of the lake is dedicated to Buddhism and Vietnamese folk gods. A bridge with a vermillion wood structure connects the temple to the shore.

3. Express Admiration for President Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh, the great leader of the Vietnamese people, died at the age of 79 on September 2, 1969. To commemorate President Ho Chi Minh, the Vietnamese government decided to build the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Ba Dinh Square and permanently preserve the remains of Ho Chi Minh for future generations to pay tribute. The embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh is placed in the central hall of the mausoleum, protected at all times by a military guard.

4. Visit Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, one of famous landmarks of Hanoi, is a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in Ly Dynasty, it used to be the capital of many Vietnamese dynasties such as Ly Dynasty, Tran Dynasty and Li Dynasty. For more than a thousand years, Thang Long City has witnessed the changes of the feudal dynasties of the past. The most prominent value of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel is the “living history book”, which contains the symbolic value of Vietnamese cultural history.

5. Cruise on Ha Long Bay

Halong Bay is listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site due to its fancy karst landscape, with various shapes of rock protruding from the sea. Halong Bay, located 150 kilometers southeast of the capital Hanoi, is a famous scenic spot in Vietnam and is famous for its magnificent and beautiful scenery. Most people choose to set out in Hanoi for a day trip or short trip to explore it. There are three main routes to visit Halong Bay, which usually include open-air buffet barbecue on the boat, visits to the fishery, visits to the water family, and change to kayak or boat.

6. Watch a Water Puppet Show

The water puppet show is the national treasure of Vietnam showing the traditional Vietnamese folk performing art. The stage set up on the water, and the performers stand in the water and use the skillful techniques to manipulate the puppets to make a variety of lively performances. This kind of performance is unique in the world. The show is generally based on the tale of Hoan Kiem Lake and the giant tortoise. The best-known performance puppet theatre is the Thang Long Puppet Theatre, which has five shows a day.

7. Taste the Representative Vietnamese Rice Noodles

Vietnamese Rice Noodles, or Pho in Vietnamese, is undoubtedly one of the most representative snacks in Vietnam. Rice noodle shops are available in the streets and alleys of Hanoi, with famous shops including Gia Truyen, Bun Bo Nam Bo and Pho Cuon Hung Ben. Vietnamese rice noodles can be served with a variety of meats such as chicken, beef, port etc. as well as vegetable, really delicious mouthful.

8. Go Shopping at Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan Market, situated in the heart of the old quarter of Hanoi, is largest indoor markets for you to enjoy shopping and looking for delicious snacks and souvenirs while explore the local culture among characteristic architectures. However, the facilities in the Dong Xuan Market are relatively simple, and the level of goods are also low. For tourists, the significance of feeling the life of Hanoi residents here may be greater than shopping.