Explore Hanoi by yourself
Just pick up your backpack and go to the capital city of Vietnam, you will not be disappointed by the ancient features mixed with modern style of the land. Follow us and find out about the experience of exploring Hanoi by yourself.
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1. Best time to travel Hanoi
Compared with southern Sai Gon city, Hanoi has a clearer weather distinction. Usually we will choose to go in August or October, because Hanoi is the most beautiful in the fall. This time the rainy season is over and Hanoi is like wearing a new shirt. This is ideal time for you gilrls who want to explore the beautiful and ancient old town.
- If your time is too busy, then February to April is also a suitable time to travel to Hanoi. Because in these months our Hanoi is still cold but begins to warm up and there are no more extremely cold days, only some little rain.
- November, December and January will be the winter months, for those who like the cold in Hanoi. At this time Hanoi hides in the mist, looks more ancient.
According to experience, Hanoi each season will bring us the level of personal feelings with it's own beauty.
2. Transportation in Hanoi
Walking: Usually we will walk in the central area of Hanoi, the area around Hoan Kiem Lake and the old town nearby. You can enjoy the scenery and take pictures every time and at the same time doing an exercise.
Motorbike: The vehicle is extremely useful and is considered as the best choice upon arrival in Hanoi. Can be seen as a mode of traveling around the capital or beyond. In addition, I recommend that you rent a motorbike at your hotel / guest house where you stay for convenience, the price is also cheaper than outside, more peace of mind.
Bus: If you are afraid of dust, sun and just want to see the streets of the capital city, this is a pretty good option, but the time to move to a point is a bit long, Traffic jam at rush hours is just terrible.
Grab / Uber / Motorcycle taxi: Vote for Grab or Uber. If you are at a place that is unable to catch this car then you have to go with Xe Om (motorcycle taxi). But before hiring a motorbike taxi you should check some information such as the distance you want to go to and then the price of the Grab / Uber to be sure, because many times the motorcycle here charge a very high price, this is what I don't liked about Hanoi
3. Attractive tourist places in Hanoi
With your first visit to Hanoi, places like Hoan Kiem lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum should be in the check-list and can not be missed right? Here are some hot places in Hanoi, just show the photo with a series of sites below and you will be detected immediately to be in Hanoi.
Ho Guom (Bo Ho or Hoan Kiem lake)
The first time I arrived in Hanoi was to ask and find the way to Hoan Kiem Lake because before that time I only saw through books and television and later on via the Internet only, so this is the first point when you set foot in Hanoi. I want to see it. As far as I see, people here they will not call Hoan Kiem Lake, they will call it Bo Ho, it sounds strange if you hear it for the first time but next time you will see how close it is (Like Bo Ho is an intimate nickname of everyone here). Stop at a point by the lake you will see many historical relics such as Turtle Tower, Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge...
St. Joseph's Cathedral (Nha Tho Lon)
If there is Notre Dame Cathedral in Sai Gon, Hanoi has St. Joseph's Cathedral (Nha Tho Lon). This is a French architecture in the early 19th century. The church is close to Hoan Kiem Lake (400m to 1000m, depending on where you are around the lake). This place is at the intersection between Nha Tho and Nha Chung streets. It would be a pity if you come to Hanoi but miss this place.
Old Quarter of Hanoi
Located very close to Hoan Kiem Lake. It is also in the spot can not be ignored when traveling in Ha Noi land. The old town bears the most characteristic features of Hanoi. Also, when walking along the streets, do not forget to visit Dong Xuan Market, Dong Xuan Alley, Bach Ma Temple, Quan Chuong Gate or the 87 Ma May street's Old House, these are the famous spots in the Old Quarter...
In addition to finding and buying books, if you want to try to be drowned in an ocean of books, the Book street of Dinh Le will be your place.
Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh - One Pillar Pagoda
This is a place where we do not neet to introduce much isn't it? If you visit Uncle Ho's Mausoleum, you will have to follow these steps: Uncle Ho's Mausoleum - Fish pond - Stilt house - Ho Chi Minh Museum - One Pillar Pagoda
You just go with the stream of people and it will be fine. Well another small thing when visiting the mausoleum is your costume must be polite, long trousers. And just note that the mausoleum closes on Mondays and Friday. Why? I just don't know.
Royal City Shopping Mall
As the name it bears, how luxury it is. This is the center of trade and entertainment with the most European style in Ha Noi. Most of us just come here and take photos, everything is so expensive. But you should visit it.
Lotte Center in Dao Tan street
This is the second highest tower after Bitexco in Saigon, you will have the opportunity to admire the whole capital from above, the building is most beautiful in the evening, because this time you will be able to watch the city lights very beautiful and romantic (a small trick from me is the student card, remember to bring as it will save a good amount of money).
Thanh Nien street.
Note the name of this road immediately, a road is probably the most beautiful in the capital. A dream road, go up is West Lake, go down is Uncle Ho's mausoleum, "beautiful" can not describe the characteristics of the road with sides of the road are the two most beautiful lake in Hanoi the West Lake and Truc Bach lake.
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4. Enjoy famous delicious food when traveling in Hanoi
(Recommend should check price before eating at sidewalk restaurants)
Jackfruit Yogurt - 22 Ba Trieu
This is my favorite dish when I go to Hanoi, very delicious. I have the opportunity to go Hanoi I have to eat 3 to 4 cups. Mention it make me craving again. The shop is located on the sidewalk near Ba Trieu Street very easy to find.
Nem Chua grilled / fried - No. 10 Au Trieu alley.
One of the most familiar restaurants of people as well as tourists, near the cathedral church. Well-known is Nem, but it also sells grilled fish or grilled squid. As a habit, I would like to add a glass of lemon tea for a special combo.
Bun Cha (grilled pork with vermicelli) - 74 Hang Quat
I've never eaten a bowl of delicious Bun like that. Must try it, super delicious always, the price range is 50.000 VND
Banh Cuon (roll) - 11B Bao Khanh or 25 Thai Phien street
Banh Cuon in Hanoi is also exceptionally delicious, with a variety of meat and other materials. And the sauce is just as good. This is the perfect pair, but the price is a bit hard (35.000 - 45.000 VND)
Trang Tien ice cream
No need to talk about, too famous. A brand in Hanoi. The name is so called because the ice cream is sold and produced in Trang Tien street. With the slogan "Feel traditional flavor".
Bia Hoi (Fresh Beer) in Ta Hien street
I've been talking about food, just to forget about this place. This is a brewery in the old town. At the end of the week, young people bring together Ta Hien - the busiest street in 36 streets. There is nothing but people with beer, Nem Chua with the music. The price is more expensive than other places, it costs each person 50.000 - 100.000, basically it is acceptable.
5. Where to stay in Hanoi?
Homestay in Hanoi is everywhere. Each place has its own style, a personal beauty, but rest assured the homestay below are of good quality as we have checked ourselves.
Rustic House
Rustic is "disguised" in the form of a normal 5-storey house like other houses on the front of Giang Vo street. What impresses you about Rustic House Hanoi is that you have 4 choices for your room, love most rooms have a view overlooking the shady green street. Each room is different style and price is not too different.
Module Zen 7
If you have the opportunity to visit Hanoi, try to experience all the beautiful things in the world in Module Zen 7 - where you can just relax with a cup of tea in the morning, sip a little tea - break in the quiet music, practice yoga, or gathering in the kitchen together to cook a delicious dinner...
Fish Homestay
The house is located in a small alley on Dai La Street. Just entered the house and you are welcomed with surprises. The first floor sells hundreds of different types of pottery. I have to say you are always passionate. And do not expect the house is so large. This is special homestay for women only.
Mai Sky's Homestay
Whoa. Different colors but harmonious, brick color but not hot at all. Peaceful and calm, quite suitable for travelers as well as relaxation. The accommodation blends in with the traditional features that make up the Mai Sky homestay.
Secret Terace in Hang Khay street
We decided to put this homestay in check-list for a simple reason: Too close to the Hoan Kiem lake. Nobody visiting Hanoi and skip Hoan Kiem lake, Turtle Tower and Old Quarter. Especially every weekend, from Friday night to Sunday, there is a walking street with many interesting things, making the rhythm of Hanoi's busy life slow down.
Please note the name "Hanoi" for the next place of your journey.
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