Credits:
https://vietnam.travel/places-to-go/northern-vietnam/ha-noi
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1328/
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/ho-chi-minh-mausoleum-hanoi-vietnam/index.html
Tip:
This is the contact of our very helpful Grab Driver in Hanoi called Quan - + 84 0 90 2090804. Please only contact him in the event of serious enquiries.
Founded over 1000 years ago, Vietnam’s capital city is rich in history, with the streets of its rambling Old Quarter dating back to the 14th century. Be careful of motorcycles swerving past - they actually weave through pedestrians rather expertly, and once you get used to it, it gets less disconcerting. However, today's Hanoi is about much more than the past, or rather, it is a culmination and almost haphazard cacophony of colors. The ancient city has been rejuvenated with modern cafes, world-class restaurants, historical tourist attractions, and and cool art galleries. When the sun goes down, you have your pick of watering holes, and the Vietnamese sure enjoy their nightlife. There sure are a lot of things to do in Hanoi.
Note: This will be a combined post as I spent Days 3 and 6 in Hanoi, and discovered quite a lot of cultural and historical attractions, as well as good food, and a beauty option for the ladies.
STOP #1: Imperial Citadel
The Thang Long Imperial Citadel was built in the 11th century by the Ly Viet Dynasty, marking the independence of the Dai Viet. It was constructed on the remains of a Chinese fortress dating from the 7th century, on drained land reclaimed from the Red River Delta in Hanoi. It was the centre of regional political power for almost 13 centuries without interruption. The Imperial Citadel buildings and the remains in the 18 Hoang Dieu Archaeological Site reflect a unique South-East Asian culture specific to the lower Red River Valley, at the crossroads between influences coming from China in the north and the ancient Kingdom of Champa in the south.
I personally found the myriad of buildings to explore well (including historical bunkers) well worth the admission fee.
For more information, read this: https://vietnamdiscovery.com/hanoi/attractions/imperial-citadel-of-thang-long/
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum:
To tourists, this is a renowned Hanoi tourist attraction that offers valuable insights into Vietnam's history, values and culture.
Ho Chi Minh, considered the father of Vietnam and the founder of its Communist Party, is a lauded figure among the Vietnamese, while he remains a controversial subject to those who don't support communism.
STOP #2: Presidential Palace
The Presidential Palace is considered one of the most important historical sites of Vietnam.
Hanoi Presidential Palace – a part of Ho Chi Minh Complex, is known as the Palace of the Governor-General of Indochina. It is a beautifully restored French-style building constructed in 1906 that is now used for official receptions.
Please see this for more information: https://vietnamdiscovery.com/hanoi/attractions/presidential-palace/.
STOP #3: Trung’s Legend Cafe
This cafe came recommended to us courtesy of our awesome hotel staff!
The Trung Nguyen Legend Café features sleek natural wood grains and white décor and is built in accordance with the Vietnamese principle of balancing the five elements – metal, wood, fire, earth, and water. The space itself is a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city outside. Indeed, once you enter the Café, you leave the city behind and become immersed in a peaceful atmosphere where your relaxation and enjoyment is the most important item on the menu. In fact, this is the principal focus of the space and the people working in it, with all elements of the design and experience on offer being focused on providing nourishment for the bodies, minds, and souls of the visitors.
Coconut coffee! Delicious, but not sure why this was green :}
Their famous egg coffee
STOP #4: Tung’s Kitchen
This restaurant was highly rated, but we found it to be all right. Give it a try if the reviews pique your interest!
STOP #5: Nhà Hàng Nổi Bình Minh
This floating seafood restaurant came recommended to us from the informative hotel staff.
The delicious egg omelette (which I ate as I do not eat seafood) cost $2 CAD :D
For those curious, this entire meal (which fed 2 very hungry seafood eaters and a pseudo vegetarian ) cost around $50 CAD - which is apparently very affordable for the quality and quantity of food!
Day 6:
STOP #1: Che Ngon 93
I would highly recommend this che (a classic Vietnamese dessert) place - even as someone who avoids as much sweets as possible, you could customize the sweetness level, and the desserts were not too sweet, and were super affordable and delicious.
STOP #2: Pea Nail Salon
Hanoi is filled with eclectic nail salons serving up some beauty treatments :)
My basic gel manicure cost around $8 CAD, which is a complete steal, and about 1/5 (or less!) the price of one in Vancouver.
STOP #3: Bánh Xèo Tôm Nhảy Thanh Sang
This was an amazing banh xeo place I found on Google review - a lot of locals were enjoying their meal here, so I presume it was somewhat authentic. The waitress taught us how to dip rolls in the water, add vegetables and banh xeo, and prepare the rolls properly.
That’s a wrap for the electrifyingly busy city of Hanoi - although I had a short time to spend exploring the city, it was nonetheless fantastic, and Vietnam has a special place in my heart as one of the top (and few) Southeast Asian cities I’ve visited.