Despite or because of that, Hanoi is the city of contrasts where the today and the yesterday beats in one rhythm to give you a good sightseeing experience. Vietnamese people are friendly, food is delicious and diversified, and there is so much history that one can mix with the new developing city in 48 hours. Here we go, ladies and gentlemen: welcome to the exciting list of 20 best and entertaining things to do in the more enchanting Hanoi.
1. Stay in Hanoi Old Quarter
Begin your tour in the spirit of Hanoi taking the tour to the central part of the city that is the Old Quarter. Thus, it is suggested to choose an inexpensive hotel in this colorful neighborhood to be not far from the main attractions and to see the streets translated literally. If your visit to Hanoi is going to be strictly business, then you should probably look for a quieter area; however, no matter what we would advise you to stay at Hanoi Focus Boutique or, Sunline Paon Hotel and Spa, located in the Old Quarter.
2. Enjoy a Free Tour in Spanish of Hanoi
Discover the hits of the Hanoi seven and go around with the help of friendly and experienced leaders who will reveal curious facts about the city. The beginning of these tours is performed every day; these tours also cover the main attractions of Hanoi and have historical sights among them, as well as the most famous ones in the city. Take time and be part of the happening of the people and get the experiences of an enjoyable stay in Hanoi.
3. Tour Hanoi with the Tourist Bus
Take a bus with tourists in order to see all attractive sights of the capital during one day. In this hop-on-hop-off buses they have viewpoints at places like, Hanoi Opera House, Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda, etc hence the travelers have the flexibility of getting around. Experience audio guide in Spanish language which moves through the streets of Hanoi and feel the atmosphere of the city.
4. Experience a Tricycle Ride through Hanoi
Immerse yourself in the past of the Hanoi city while feel the true live of local people in the old district by taking a trip in tricycle travelling. Accompany the nice streets, vivid bazaars, and get the spirit of the town. For one hour, with concrete roads and trails in the vicinity, one gets a chance to immediately feel the warm and humane Vietnamese attitude of the capital, Hanoi.
5. Witness the Hanoi Train Tracks
Born and continue to operate in Hanoi, it will make the tourists and visitor marvel in their eyes as they watch how train runs along the rail in the middle of the old quarter of the city. Apart from that, pay a fantastic walk at the Train Street and have a food tasting with some of the famous Vietnamese delicacies and coffee with egg. Even though there are always many people around this relatively popular Hanoi attraction, there are always a few good photo opportunities.
6. Visit the Temple of Literature
Continuing the topic of historical and cultural places of interest, it is suggested to go to one of the oldest and still preserved sights in Vietnam, namely, the Temple of Literature that is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are the small gardens now and the halls erected in honour of Confucius; it was an acknowledged school and academy in the annals of Vietnam in the olden time. The entrance of the temple and the surrounding area present lovely views to take pictures to be used when delivering the massage of the story to the audience.
7. Explore the War Museum
Visit Hanoi War Museum also known as Vietnam Military History Museum this will provide you with a sneak preview of the violent history of Vietnam. Learn some facts and the occurrence of Vietnam during warfare such as artifacts, different and limited items, and photos with accurate replica of certain incidences of Vietnam before it gained its freedom and sovereignty. In relation to the leadership, ponder about the impact that warfare has had on the nation’s nationhood and ‘bantustanization’.
8. Discover St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Look at this beautiful landscape, visit Hao’s house, meet his family and have lunch, and finally see the oldest church of Hanoi which is St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a copy of Paris’ Notre-Dame Basilica. One can advise to get inside the cathedral and go to one of the ceremonies for feeling the special, religious spirit of the place. Because of the shops and cafes situated at the first levels, you can equally walk through the Cathedral square, taste other Vietnam’s coffee at the cafes in the area and enjoy the vibes of Da Nang at once.
9. Experience a Water Puppet Theater Performance
Witness and get to understand Vietnam by visiting a spellbinding water puppet theater that perform folklores and music. You can watch well-built marionettes and legends as they stage the myths ON water which acts as the stage. Enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of the theater and be surprised by the oriental delivery of this art of Vietnamese people.
10. Indulge in Hanoi Street Food at Đồng Xuân Market
Feast your eyes and visit the Đồng Xuân Market since it is the biggest market of food and street foods in Hanoi. Take a shot at specialty foods for instance the Bun Cha, Banh Cuon, Banh Mi, you will enjoy the Vietnamese dishes. Visiting a local market and feel the taste of different kinds of food in Vietnam notably in Hanoi.
11. Explore the Hanoi Night Market
Get to know more about the nightlife in Hanoi city and go to Hanoi Night Market which is few steps away from Hoan Kiem Lake and very popular among people. The two stories have long and narrow corridors that accommodate a variety of stalls and shops that deal in garments and other fashion wears, shoes and accessories, local products, exotic products, and almost anything one could wish to purchase. Late-night shopping experiences and for the flavours of the vibrant night life of this important touristic hub in Vietnam.
12. Dine on Phố Tạ Hiện Street
Stroll around Tạ Hiện Street which is now one of the eating streets in Hanoi and is lined with both day and night AMD hurry eating places. The foods that are served at this place include foods from different food carts as well as different types of beverages while being surrounded by the people’s energetic atmosphere of this favorite place. Engage both the tourist and the people from this part of the middle of the dynamic and bustle city of Hanoi.
13. Enjoy a Concert in Hàng Buồm
Next two days a concert in Hanging Commul Street which is an active place for performances and music shows. Would be rocking to the music getting energized while moving around with the other people in that region and the lovers of music. Concerning various genres of music this part of Hanoi has set its sights on, Vietnamese will undoubtedly delight you with the pulsating rhythm felt here.
14. Take a Vietnamese Cooking Class
Why do not you convert it to a more interesting one such as a cooking class with strong emphasis on Vietnamese food preparation whereby the participants are given a personal touch of how the Vietnamese meal looks like? They have to involve chefs of the respective regions to go out such as to local markets and typical kitchens to get fresh produce and learn the way how this or that type of food is being cooked. Create your own banquet and have your taste buds pampered in a battle of foods that stems from the land of Vietnam.
15. Cruise through Halong Bay
Take a boat tour on one of the new seven wonders of the nature which is the Halong Bay associated with the green water and many great rocks. Several cruises are offered ranging from cheap ones to expensive ones and some of the places that the visitors can tour are caves, beaches, and even a floating fishing village. On arrival to Halong, it is time to enjoy and have fun at the marvelous natural sightseeing that the place has.
16. Try the Best Banh Mi in Hanoi
Please your taste buds on Banh Mi which is a Vietnamese sandwich that can be prepared using a crispy baguette bread accompanied by tasty ingredients. Try some scrumptious finger foods at some of the renowned restaurants including Banh Mi Hoi An, Bêp Hông Dúc, and Banh Mi 25 that can be said to be regional versions of this popular Vietnam’s việt961 food. Uncover the skyrocketing New World that truly made Banh Mi one of the most delicious culinary dishes.
17. Indulge in Hanoi Egg Coffee
Take a cup of the splendid scented egg coffee at Dinh Café, Found in an alley in one of the most bustled streets in Hanoi. Come to a Vietnamese corner which is rather popular among Vietnamese coffee drinkers and which is located besides a curtain of a luggage shop. Sip this delicious cup for the united taste of coffee and eggs you can have in one mouthful.
18. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Visiting the place where the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda stands and get to learn more on the life of Ho Chi Minh.
19. Explore the Tran Quoc Pagoda
Leave the noise of the avenues behind and one is able to be at Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest temples in Vietnam. It is one of the oldest pagodas that the king built on this very place which is quite distant from the noisy Hanoi but with a piercing view of the West Lake. There is always the marvelling at the intricate architecture of the building and the siting of the building including the surroundings while at the same time having the religious impression of the place.
20. Cheers with Bia Hoi
To end your Hanoi tour, why not try Bia Hoi, Vietnam’s draft beer well known for its standard and flavor; the beer is light and it has a crisp feel towards the throat. Sidney’s coffee is freshly brewed in the morning and served chilled like the Midwestern way of taking it; this drink can be had from street vendors cum sidewalk cafes. At this juncture, you ought to raise your glasses, toast and at the same time midpoint to the new moment and old memories as you step out of Hanoi’s lively streets.
Conclusion
Surprisingly, a two-day trip to Hanoi uncovered almost everything that this city has to offer ranging from the markets, buildings, the foods, especially the street foods and the nightlife. What else could you wish for while being a part of you as recall your Hanoi kamikaze tour and recall the adventures that Hanoi has to offer while having other future trips? In the following meeting, Just greet by saying ‘Xin chào’ and at the end of the meeting, say ‘Farewell’ while showing the beautiful Alleys of Hanoi.