Hanoi travel tips

Hanoi, the political and cultural capital of Vietnam, is a great start when you plan to explore the country. This vibrant northern city blend of ancient beauty and modern one that attract a great number of foreigners yearly.

If you don’t know what you should do in this city, the article will give you useful recommendation.

Where to go?

Hoan Kiem Lake

This lake has become a symbol of Hanoi that all visitors wish to visit once coming this city. Not only does it have great historical value, Hoan Kiem Lake is also a place of entertainment for the capital's residents and tourists amidst the noise and bustle of the city. Within the campus of Hoan Kiem Lake are impressive tourist attractions in Hanoi that always attract tourists to visit such as: Nghien Dai, Pen Tower, The Huc Bridge, Ngoc Son Temple.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

This is one of the most visited attractions that attracts many foreigners daily. Paying a visit there, you will have an insight into unique history of Vietnam and the most iconic leader of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh.

Hoa Lo Prison

This prison is well worth to visit because foreigners have a chance to get an understanding into Vietnam War. Established by French colonial government in 1896, this is a place arresting many war prisoners.

Dong Xuan Market

Visiting Dong Xuan market, visitors can freely shop at the stalls (clothes, shoes, electronics, fabrics, children's items, souvenirs, candy,...). In particular, at the market, you can taste many "standard" Hanoi dishes such as rib cartilage porridge, bamboo noodle soup, shrimp cakes, snail vermicelli, eel vermicelli, sweet soup,...

Old Quarter

The Old Town is filled with houses, roads, and street corners imbued with 19th-century French architecture. This is a place that you should not miss because it boasts a thousand number of amazing things to discover. Most of tourists also choose it as a start to explore this city. You will find many ancient house, as well as authentic Vietnamese food there.

Temple of Literature

This is considered the first university in Vietnam and is a special historical and cultural relic complex in Vietnam. Visiting the Temple of Literature to understand more about the country's history will definitely make you surprise.

Museum of Ethnology

Vietnam has 54 ethnic groups that create diverse culture and customs in Vietnam. Visiting this museum, you can find a lot of interesting traditional things of different groups there.

Water puppet theatre

This is an ideal cultural destination that attracts a large number of domestic and foreign tourists when they have the opportunity to travel to Hanoi. Here, visitors will fully enjoy top-notch water puppet performances - an art form unique to Vietnam.

What to eat?

Vietnamese noodle

When it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, pho is a must-try dish once you visit Hanoi. This dish dates back a long time ago and is relatively diverse, from beef noodle, chicken noodle and many others.

Bun Cha

This stunning dish is really capture all tastes for the first time. This Vietnamese street food is made of grilled pork meat dipping delicious sauce with some fresh herbs and vegetables.

Vietnamese bread

This is one of the most popular dish of Vietnamese people. You can easily find it in every corner of Vietnam.

There are many superb dishes that you can discover here.

What is the weather?

Hanoi has 4 distinct seasons including: spring, summer, autumn and winter. Every season has its own specificities, seasonal cuisine and flowers.

Spring (January to March)

The weather in this season is quite humid and has drizzling rains that is suitable for plants and flowers blossoming. When spring comes means Tet holiday is coming around.

Summer (April to August)

It is really hot, especially in the middle of season that can reach 40C. This is the best time for you to visit many beautiful beaches in Vietnam.

Autumn (September to November)

This season is regarded as the most beautiful season with comfortable climate. The weather is quite cool and dry but still sunny, you just need to get a slight cardigan when going out.

Winter (December to February)

The weather can drop to below 10C so remember to bring warmer clothes if you plan to visit the country is this season.