Things to do in Hanoi
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, offers a captivating blend of rich history, vibrant culture and scenic charm. As visitors stroll through its centuries-old streets, they'll be immersed in the timeless atmosphere of the Old Quarter, where the elegance of French colonial architecture gracefully coexists with ancient temples and bustling markets.
At the heart of the city lies the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, offering a peaceful escape with its serene waters and the picturesque Turtle Tower standing proudly in the middle. Hanoi's many attractions include historical landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a tribute to the country's revered leader, and the Temple of Literature, which honours Vietnam's long-standing tradition of learning.
Meanwhile, the city's lively street food scene entices visitors with its famous pho and an array of other delicious local dishes, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. With its fusion old-world elegance and modern vitality, Hanoi truly stands as a must-visit destination for anyone eager to explore the cultural heart of Vietnam.
Old Quarter
The ancient, meandering streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter each bear the name of the crafts and specialties once practiced by artisan guilds in the 13th century. Each guild was centred…
Old Quarter
The ancient, meandering streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter each bear the name of the crafts and specialties once practiced by artisan guilds in the 13th century. Each guild was centred around a temple, or dinh, dedicated to the beliefs of the village from which it originated, and many of these temples remain open to the public.
This merchant quarter offers a captivating glimpse into centuries past, with its narrow, ancient tube houses (long, skinny houses that extend deep into the block from the street) housing storerooms, workshops, and living quarters. Streets are still devoted to specific trades such as silk, textiles, religious objects, silver jewellery, antiques, and countless art galleries and craft stores. Alongside these, cafes and street-side restaurants line the bustling lanes. The traffic within the Old Quarter is a chaotic mix of bicycles, motorbikes and pedestrians, all weaving noisily through the narrow streets and shady alleyways.
Not far from here, the tranquil waters of Hoan Kiem Lake offer a serene contrast, with the iconic Turtle Tower rising on an island in the middle. Nearby, Đường Tàu, the famous railway street, draws visitors who dare to stand close as trains rush by mere inches from the buildings. The blend of history, culture and daily life creates a truly unique atmosphere.
Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum
Ba Dinh Square was where Ho Chi Minh read out the Declaration of Independence in 1945, and is the site of annual national celebrations today. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum dominates th…
Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum
Ba Dinh Square was where Ho Chi Minh read out the Declaration of Independence in 1945, and is the site of annual national celebrations today. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum dominates the site's west side and is where the embalmed body of the beloved public figure, 'father of the modern state', and 'liberator of the Vietnamese people' is displayed. The body of Ho Chi Minh is enclosed in a glass case, the traditional way to honour famous communist leaders. Security is tight, there's a strict dress code and it's imperative to maintain a respectful demeanour while inside; this also means no photographs. Nearby is the Ho Chi Minh Museum that commemorates his life, housing a collection of military orders, correspondence, manifestos and photographs that illustrates the crucial role he had in the country's history.
One Pillar Pagoda
One Pillar Pagoda was constructed to celebrate the tale of the heirless Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who dreamt about receiving a son from the Buddhist goddess of mercy and compassion, se…
One Pillar Pagoda
One Pillar Pagoda was constructed to celebrate the tale of the heirless Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who dreamt about receiving a son from the Buddhist goddess of mercy and compassion, seated on a lotus flower. He married shortly after and had a son, and the pagoda was built to honour the event. It's the most interesting of the city's numerous pagodas and, beneath the ornate curved roof, people come to pray for fertility and well-being, with allegedly miraculous effects. The unique wooden structure was designed to resemble a lotus flower, the Buddhist representation of enlightenment, emerging out of the water, with the single stone pillar its symbolic stalk. It was destroyed by the French during the first Indochina War and was subsequently rebuilt.
Temple of Literature (Van Mieu)
The Temple of Literature is Vietnam's historical seat of learning and is the most sacred place for the disciples of Confucius. It's one of the few remaining buildings from the orig…
Temple of Literature (Van Mieu)
The Temple of Literature is Vietnam's historical seat of learning and is the most sacred place for the disciples of Confucius. It's one of the few remaining buildings from the original city founded by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong in the 11th century and is a well-preserved example of Vietnamese architecture. It became the site of the country's first university in 1076. Consisting of a complex of small buildings and five walled courtyards, it was an exclusive establishment teaching the principles of Confucius. In the third courtyard is a pond, the Well of Heavenly Clarity, and beside it are 82 stone stelae, mounted on tortoises and engraved with the names of successful graduates. Over a period of 900 years, thousands of Vietnamese scholars graduated from the university. In honour of their teacher's legacy, there's also a temple dedicated to Confucius, a place where the king and his mandarins would make sacrifices.
Halong Bay
The natural wonder of Halong Bay has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned for its spectacular scenery and limestone grottos and caves, the bay is peppered with over…
Halong Bay
The natural wonder of Halong Bay has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned for its spectacular scenery and limestone grottos and caves, the bay is peppered with over 1,600 inlets and tiny islands emerging almost mystically out of the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Wind and wave erosion have scored the site to form dramatic rock shapes, many of which contain caves.
Many of the islands have been named for their astonishing resemblance to their namesakes, such as Dragon, Incense Burner, Pair of Roosters and Man's Head Islands. The weird protuberances have been at the source of several local legends, particularly about a dragon whose thrashing tail created the bay and its islands. The name Vinh Ha Long means 'where the dragon descended into the sea'.
The most impressive cave is the Hang Dau Go (Grotto of the Wooden Stakes), an extensive grotto with rock formations presenting various eerie images in the mysterious light. It was named from the Battle of 1288 when General Tran Hung Dao prepared hundreds of stakes to be planted in the riverbed of the largest chamber to counter a boat attack. Nearby
the beautiful Hang Thien Cung cave is famous for its sparkling stalagmites and stalactites. When booking a cruise in advance, travellers should consider reserving a night or two to experience Halong Bay at its most picturesque: sunrise, sunset and star-scattered night.
Sapa and Bac Ha
The old hill station of Sapa sits high on the edge of a plateau surrounded by spectacular scenery and the Hoang Lien Mountains, which boast Vietnam's highest peak, Fan Si Pan. Sapa…
Sapa and Bac Ha
The old hill station of Sapa sits high on the edge of a plateau surrounded by spectacular scenery and the Hoang Lien Mountains, which boast Vietnam's highest peak, Fan Si Pan. Sapa functions as a market town and a gathering spot for local tribes who come into town to trade every weekend.
The market is excellent for buying handicrafts and people watching. Colourful tunics of the Dao and Giay people mix with the black and blue clothing and silver ornamentation of the Black Hmong tribe, while bright red scarves cover the heads of the Red Hmong who carry large woven baskets on their backs brimming with goods.
Nearly 75 miles (140 km) from Sapa is the small town of Bac Ha. Situated in a valley, Bac Ha is famous for its Sunday market. Much less touristy than Sapa, the market is a riot of colour and noise, a place not only for trade but also for socialising. All paths leading into town are filled with people going to market, some riding horses or water buffalo, and the square is a mix of different minorities, buying and selling, or gathered in groups around a central pot of food.
The Flower Hmong are the most vivid, with richly coloured clothes of bright red, blue and pink, and skirts embroidered with delicate flowers. The markets have become a major tourist attraction and it's important that visitors to the region are sensitive to local culture and traditions, particularly when taking photographs of people.
Cat Ba island
For most, a trip in Halong Bay means at least a night on Cat Ba Island. Many select a package tour of one night on the island and one on a boat, but Cat Ba is worth investing extra…
Cat Ba island
For most, a trip in Halong Bay means at least a night on Cat Ba Island. Many select a package tour of one night on the island and one on a boat, but Cat Ba is worth investing extra time in. This 54 sq mile (140 sq km) island offers impressive beach relaxation, and hardcore outdoor activities include kayaking, trekking and world-class rock climbing.
Travellers who wish to relax can choose between three beaches that are within walking distance of town. Each is spacious and all are protected inlets with views of Halong islands. Beaches one and three are the most secluded and offer beautiful views from the short walks along surrounding cliff lines.
Those looking for something more rugged can visit the many limestone cliffs dotting the island, as they're ideal for rock climbing; hotels located on the town's main strip offer guides and gear. Various treks range in length but most are fairly steep. However, the reward is well worth it, as they give a bird's-eye-view of the island's national park, which is also home to the rare Cat Ba Langur.
All hotels can arrange excellent boat tours of the surrounding islands. These include visits to deep caves with stalagmites and stalactites, secluded swimming holes, floating fish farms and kayaking. The tour is the same regardless of who it's booked through, so the cheaper the better. Whether it's been a relaxing day of sun and sea or one of thrilling adventure, it must end at one the bay's floating restaurants, which have some of the best seafood in Vietnam.