Hanoi Vietnam the Old Quarter, busy, bustling and enchanting. Hanoi the capital of Vietnam and the place to launch out on your explorations of this very beautiful country. The city itself is very fascinating. You have food stalls everywhere with Pho (soup) a staple, on the menu. Read TIPS below for valuable information.
A street in Hanoi, Vietnam
From Hanoi you can visit the North (Sa Pa/Fansipan/Fanxipan) or South (Ha Long Bay) but Hanoi has a few sights to see as well. Dong Kinh Nghia Truc Square is a good place to begin your adventure. There are walking tours of the Old Quarter but you could do it by yourself without the pressure of being hastened about in a group.
A Hat vendor in Hanoi city
Dong Kinh Nghia Truc Square is located on the north end of Hoan Kiem Lake meaning “Lake of the Returned Sword” and bang in the middle of “The Old Quarter”. Here you can explore most of the local markets, places of interest and eat some tasty local or western food. One entire street is dedicated to shoe stores all manufactured locally.
Huc bridge over Hoan Kiem lake to Ngoc Son Temple
Ngoc Son Temple, Hanoi Vietnam
Located on the west side of the lake is St. Joseph’s Cathedral built in 1886 and definitely worth a visit.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hanoi Vietnam the Old Quarter
Food is available everywhere. The popular Vietnamese sandwich “banh mi” is a tasty snack anytime of the day. Pho (soup) usually beef, is also digested and available in three sizes. They are pretty flexible with the ingredients.
Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich
Vietnamese Beef Pho with Tomato
You should also consider visiting Sa Pa/Fansipan and Ha Long Bay
TIPS: Hanoi Vietnam the Old Quarter
- At the airport, ask around for people going the same direction/hotel as you so you can share the airport taxi with them.
- When walking the streets, secure handbags, cameras to your body via the straps as there are a lot of “snatch-thieves” that grab personal stuff while riding their motorbikes. Is impossible to catch them or retrieve stolen belongings.
- Book train tickets, hotels and road transfers for SaPa/Fansipan or Ha Long Bay in advance from Hanoi as you may have difficulties getting confirmed bookings or pay more otherwise.
- Local taxis are inexpensive and pretty comfortable to travel short distances.
- Bottled drinking water is recommended.
- Bargain and haggle prices when shopping, they almost always drop by at least 40%.
