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Overview

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Ha Long Bay

Hanoi The guide was updated: 2024-05-16

If Saigon is the frenetic, commercial heartbeat of Vietnam, then verdant and historic Hanoi is the sedate, intellectual soul of the country. Its leafy boulevards, serene lakes, and sweeping white French colonial architecture set the scene as tourists and locals go about their business at a pleasingly civilised pace.

Facts

Population:	5,067,000 (2022)
Currency:	Vietnamese dong (VND)
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police: 113 Fire: 114 Ambulance: 115
Newspapers:	Hanoi Times: hanoitimes.vn Việt Nam News: vietnamnews.vn Nhân Dân (Official newspaper of the Communist Party of Vietnam, also available online in English): en.nhandan.vn Vietnam Investment Review (English business publication): vir.com.vn
Opening hours:	Shops are generally open from 8am–9pm, but can close for lunch for one or two hours. Banks are open Mon–Fri from 8am–11:30am and 1pm–4pm, and are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Governmental offices are open Mon–Fri from 7:30am–4:30pm, excluding a one-hour lunch, and closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Tourist information:	The Sinh Tourist Ha Noi Head Office 52 Phố Lương Ngọc Quyến, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm Opening hours: daily 8am–10pm +84 24 3926 1568

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Section in Hanoi

With a one-of-a-kind mix of ancient history and modern charm, the vibrant capital of Vietnam promises an unforgettable adventure for every traveller. Start your exploration at Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene oasis surrounded by the bustling Old Quarter. Here, you can visit Ngoc Son Temple, stroll along tree-lined paths, and witness the traditional morning tai chi sessions. The Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets brimming with shops, street food vendors, and historic architecture, where each street specialises in different trades, offering a unique glimpse into Hanoi's rich cultural tapestry. For a deeper dive into Vietnamese history, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. For contemporary experiences, enjoy the nightlife in Tay Ho District and savour Hanoi's renowned street food scene, from pho to banh mi.

Old Quarter

Old Quarter

Every corner of Hanoi's Old Quarter offers a unique and immersive experience that invites travellers to uncover the heart and soul of the city's ancient charm. Get lost in its narrow alleys lined with centuries-old buildings, where roadside stalls and bustling markets offer tantalising street food delights and handcrafted souvenirs. Discover hidden temples and pagodas nestled amidst the labyrinthine streets. Take a break with a cup of fragrant Vietnamese coffee. And why not finish your day by watching the historic Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre?

Halong Bay

Halong Bay

Hanoi is the ideal gateway to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Vietnam's crown jewel. Embark on a scenic cruise along the emerald waters, weaving through thousands of limestone islands and islets adorned with lush greenery. Explore hidden caves and grottos, paddle through secluded lagoons by kayak, or simply unwind on deck, soaking in the breathtaking panoramic

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Marvel at intricately crafted puppets as they come to life on a shimmering stage of a water-filled pool, depicting age-old tales of rural life, mythical creatures, and historical legends at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Water puppetry is a long-established and prestigious artwork in Vietnam, especially in the northern parts of the country. Experience beautiful performances accompanied by live traditional music, immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Vietnamese folklore and storytelling.

Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake)

Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake)

Nestled in the heart of Hanoi, the picturesque Lake of the Restored Sword, or Hoan Kiem Lake, captivates travellers with its beauty and rich cultural significance. According to the legend, Emperor Le Loi was gifted a magical sword by a divine turtle, which he later returned to the lake, earning it its evocative name. Today, visitors flock to this iconic landmark to stroll along its scenic shores, admire the Turtle Tower standing sentinel in the water, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of its surrounding streets.

Hanoi Street Food Tour

Hanoi Street Food Tour

Embark on a delicious culinary adventure with this Hanoi Street Food Tour, led by a knowledgeable local foodie. Dive into the rich flavours that define Vietnam's capital as you sample a diverse array of dishes—from rice noodle soup with beef to snails and steamed pancakes. Whether you choose a lunch or dinner departure, you're in for a treat as you savour the authentic tastes of Hanoi at local eateries carefully selected by your guide.

Train Street

Train Street

Train Street is a thrilling, unique, and a bit dangerous attraction in Hanoi. Curious travellers flock to this narrow alley, in the Old Quarter, to witness a train whizzing by just inches away from homes and cafés. Enjoy the adrenaline rush while sipping coffee at one of the quaint trackside cafés. Be sure to check the scheduled train times and watch out for the passing train!

Full-Day Ninh Binh Tour from Hanoi

Full-Day Ninh Binh Tour from Hanoi

Embark on an exhilarating tour from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, where history and natural beauty intertwine harmoniously. Begin your adventure by visiting Hoa Lu, once the capital of Vietnam. Then, explore Mua Cave and take in views from the mountain above. Next, glide through the mystical Tam Coc caves on a scenic boat ride. For a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, savour a tasty lunch by the Ngo Dong River. Finally, cap off your day with a bike ride through lush fields to the Bich Dong Pagoda cave temples.

Temple Of Literature

Temple Of Literature

Temple Of Literature, built in 1070 under Lý Thánh Tông’s dynasty, can be found about ten minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake. The temple is one of the oldest sights in Hanoi and is dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius (Khong Tu). Six years later, it was founded as Vietnam's first university. The building is extremely well preserved, with landscaped courtyards, several altars and shrines, and a beautiful example of traditional-style Vietnamese architecture.

Cooking Class

Cooking Class

Why settle for just savouring the local cuisine when you could learn the ins and outs of Vietnamese cooking and bring some of the country’s culture with you? Join a cooking class at a local villa, where you'll receive expert guidance and hands-on experience crafting traditional dishes. Before getting your hands dirty, dive into the hustle and bustle of a local market, where you'll select the freshest ingredients for your culinary creations.

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum is the final resting place of the revered Vietnamese revolutionary leader and President Ho Chi Minh. It is Hanoi's number one tourist attraction and an important historical site. It was built within two years, from 1973 to 1975, and its design draws inspiration from Moscow's Lenin Mausoleum. If you're lucky you might catch the changing of the guard outside the mausoleum.

One Pillar Pagoda

One Pillar Pagoda

The 11th-century wooden shrine, revered for its fertility and healing properties, was burnt by the French in the 1950s and is now replaced by a concrete one and is still a popular destination. To honour the symbol of purity in Buddhism, the pagoda is built to look like a lotus blossom.

Ngoc Son Temple

Ngoc Son Temple

Located on an island at the north end of Hoan Kiem Lake, this peaceful temple site pays homage to scholars and war heroes. Its most notable feature is the preserved turtle carcass, intricately tied to the lake's mythology. Accessible via a traditional Vietnamese-style red bridge, this site is among the most visited temples in Hanoi, drawing visitors keen to explore its serene grounds and immerse themselves in its rich cultural significance.

Ho Chi Minh Museum

Ho Chi Minh Museum

This museum honours President Ho Chi Minh who is considered to be a Vietnamese hero. It holds a collection of his letters and military orders that explain the Communist Party’s early days to the present.

Vietnam National Museum of History

Vietnam National Museum of History

Spanning around two thousand years of Vietnamese history, the museum offers a meticulously curated journey through the country's rich heritage. With over 7,000 artefacts displayed across two floors, visitors can explore everything from prehistoric relics to contemporary treasures.

Vietnam Women's Museum

Vietnam Women's Museum

Discover the rich and empowering history of Vietnamese women at the Vietnam Women's Museum. Through interactive exhibits, visitors delve into various facets of women's lives, spanning from cultural traditions to wartime heroism and modern-day challenges. From traditional ao dai dresses to multimedia displays, the museum offers an immersive experience, highlighting the vital role women play in shaping Vietnam's narrative, both historically and in contemporary society.

Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison

Constructed by the French in 1896, this prison was taken over by the Vietnamese in 1954 to house prisoners of war. The original guillotine room and stories told by the ex-inmates themselves make this a gruesome but compelling experience.

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