Practical Tips to travel in Hanoi

In the northern part of Vietnam, lies its capital city Hanoi.  The word Ha Noi means a place lying between two water bodies  and true to its name the city is nestled between the banks of Red and Black  River. Its history is dotted by South Asian, Chinese and French cultural influences due to which it is sometimes called ‘Paris of the East’. Today this popular tourist destination boldly exhibits its Vietnamese origins be it ancient temples, lakes, mausoleum, Hoa Lo Prison or many more historical wonders. You can take your pick and enjoy a richly varied tour of this bustling city.

Some practical tips for tourists traveling in Hanoi:

1.How to reach Hanoi:

Noi Bai international airport is a 45 minutes drive from the city center and is well connected to many places globally making Hanoi an easily accessible destination. Recently Vietnam granted   e – visa to all countries, with multiple entries if the duration of stay is 90 days. Also around 45 countries have been given exemption from visa requirements. It is a good idea to check these facilities beforehand.

2. Hanoi Transportation Tips:

The commute system of Hanoi is very efficient. You can choose taxis or cyclo depending on the distance you have to travel. Taxis can be booked from reputed companies like Vinasun or Hanoi taxi to avoid being duped. Grab taxis booked through apps are another viable option of travel. You can even ride a cyclo which is a three wheeler bicycle taxi ideal for short distances plus for the unique experience it offers. Getting around by public transport in Hanoi is a good option if you want to budget your travel. Buses run through most parts of the city and have an extensive network. Carrying an international driving license enables you to hire motorbikes if you are game for some riding fun in the narrow streets of the city.

3.Accomodation:

Hotels, hostels, guest houses are available in plenty to suit all pockets. Splurge on the hotels and resorts in the French Quarter for a luxurious stay or visit the Old Quarter which has abundant affordable options for backpackers and students looking to save on their hotel accommodation.

4.Sightseeing :

Hanoi boasts an impressive array of tourist attractions that cater to diverse interests. For a feel of the oriental you can visit the old quarter and spend time reliving moments of history captured in awesome architectural designs or sit beside the serene lakes and watch the sun slowly go down the horizon. Let us start with the popular  tourist destinations :

Old Quarter:

Situated next to the Hoan Kiem Lake this place retains its historical antecedents. It has 36 streets which have a variety of shops dealing in carpets, bamboo carpenters, silk merchandise and so on. Originally each street was dedicated to a particular craft but now you will find a mix of stores with an assortment of wares. If you have a sweet tooth do visit Hang Buom or sails street to try Vietnamese cakes and candy.  Old quarter  is ideal for a  leisurely stroll and to buy souvenirs for people back home

Hoan Kiem Lake:

Located in the heart of the city, this lake is like a breath of fresh air where morning walkers, joggers, laughing clubs all come together for rejuvenation. A favorite spot for visitors looking to spend a quiet evening with themselves.

Turtle Tower or Lake of restored sword:

Located in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake this place has a historical significance. It is said that a turtle gave a golden sword to Emperor Ly Thai To to defeat the Ming dynasty. After becoming victorious the Emperor returned the sword to the turtle which dived into the lake and gave the sword back to the Gods.

Ngoc Son Temple:

This temple has an entry fee but it is worth a visit. The Temple of Jade Mountain as it is commonly called is situated on a small island covered by huge trees on the north side of Hoan Kiem Lake. You have to cross the stunningly beautiful Scarlet Bridge to reach this temple. Built in traditional Vietnamese architecture, this bridge was constructed in honor of the scholar Saint Van Xuong and also their national hero General Trang Hung Dao. A must visit for any tourist.

Temple of Literature:

Built in honor of the philosopher Confucius in 1070, this site is one of the oldest examples of Vietnamese architecture. It became their first university and is a testament to their education and architectural finesse. Apart from manuscripts there are several statues of turtles as they believe it bodes good luck for students.

Saint Joseph’s Cathedral:

You will find a striking resemblance to Notre Dame de Paris. During the rule of the Ly dynasty this place was an important landmark in the city. People of all faiths visit this cathedral which is also a popular spot for photo shoots.

One Pillar Pagoda:

This pagoda was built by Emperor Ly Thai To in 1049 as a mark of respect to Goddess Mercy who had accepted his prayers and granted him a male heir. A wooden structure built on a single stone it stands erect in the middle of a lotus pond.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum:

The iconic political leader Ho Chi Minh rests here dressed in his khaki clothes embalmed and confined in a glass case. This mausoleum is situated in the heart of Ba Dinh Square, where visitors often line up for hours to pay their respects to the revered leader.  It was built in 1973 to commemorate his memory. Be careful to follow the dress code and strict visiting rules when you plan a visit.

Hanoi Opera House: 

situated Just outside the French quarter, this building stands tall with state of art facilities attracting performers and musicians from all over the country and abroad.

Thang Long Water puppet theater:

This art of puppet shows go back to the 11th century and give an insight into Vietnamese rural life and their folklore. The puppet show  in waist deep water  with traditional instruments and light vocal music in the background is a delightful watch. If you are looking for some unique experience this place is a must visit.

Art gallery:

For art lovers there are multiple choices. You can take a tour of the Fine Arts Museum which has relics of history like ancient Cham artifacts and impressionist pieces. For a more modern taste try Manzi or the Vietnam Art Gallery. You have the complete spectrum to choose from as Hanoi is also the art capital of Vietnam.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long:

To get a feel of Vietnamese history you must visit this citadel complex which has 11^th century buildings and scriptures. The Vietnam war bunkers   give you a fair idea of how freedom fighters fought for the independence of their country. A compelling must visit  for anyone interested in Vietnamese history.

5.Food and drinks:

The most authentic Vietnamese food can be tasted in the old quarter where   street food is very popular. Your visit to Hanoi would be incomplete if you do not taste Pho broth and Bua Cha. These are traditional food items of noodle soup and charcoal roasted pork with noodles. Also   Banh mi which is a type of sandwich popular with people enjoying  varied  culinary tastes.  An item worth mentioning is Bia hoi, a locally brewed beer which is served freshly prepared and is popular among the local populace. You can try it at any joint in the city.

Another must-try is the exquisite Vietnamese coffee. The country is the second largest coffee producer in the world and its citizens have lapped up this habit of coffee culture for socializing and gossip. In Vietnamese language they refer to it as’ ba tam’ when sitting in open cafes they spend time chatting and unwinding. Try Iced coffee called ‘ca phe sua da ‘ which  is sweet and very refreshing.  A special type of egg coffee unique to Hanoi should be tried too. Prepared in their inimitable style it is a major tourist attraction.

For an insight of Vietnamese cuisine join the Hanoi food tasting tours. Great gustatory experience for foodies!!

6. Day Trips:

v  Perfume pagoda: This ancient Buddhist pilgrimage site lies to the southwest of Hanoi. You can take a boat ride to reach there and visit the limestone caves at the top which has many Buddhist shrines and statues.

v  Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE site and a must visit. It boasts of the most unique landscape due to limestone deposits and emerald waters. Called karst topography, it makes the bay the most frequented day trip destination.

7.Cultural Traditions:

It is a good practice to wear modest clothes especially when visiting their places of worship. The Vietnamese people like to cover their shoulders and knees during prayers and this dress code should be respected.

8.Shopping:

You are spoilt for choices as the items on sale could be clothes, local snacks, lacquerware, local art works etc. Try Dong Xuan Market for a variety of items or the Bat Trang village for its ceramic products. Van Phuc is famous for its silk items and these are all names of craft villages in the outskirts of Hanoi.

9.Health and safety:

For your own safety it is advisable to take shots of Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus before reaching Hanoi.  Use bottled mineral water for drinking and for your safety carry comprehensive health insurance to meet any unforeseen health hazard.

10.Best season for tourists:

Spring, from March to April, and autumn, from September to November, are the ideal seasons to visit Hanoi.  The weather would be moderate with less chance of rain.

11.Festivals:

For a holistic local experience join the revelry in Tet or the lunar New Year. Other important festivals are the Mid autumn festival and Perfume Pagoda festival. You can soak up the local flavors   and cherish a memorable experience.

12.Your monetary considerations:

Hanoi can be toured on all budgets. It can be as little as $20- $30 per day or much higher if you desire.  The official currency is Dong and it is highly advisable to get all currency exchanged in Hanoi banks to avoid getting scammed.

13.Network:

  SIM cards are readily available at airports and other shops. Local SIM by service providers like Viettel, Vinaphone and Mobifone are reliable and cheap. Wi-Fi is readily available in hotels and cafes with good internet speed.

14.Responsibilities as a tourist:

It is important to be aware of not creating any waste by using recycled water bottles, avoiding single use plastics and taking care to dispose of waste properly.

15.Miscellaneous tips :

v  Carry a universal adapter though the standard voltage is 220V.

v  The traffic can be overwhelming so be cautious while crossing streets.

v  Tourists are advised to fix the cyclo, boat or taxi fares before the ride to avoid hassles over money.

v  It is safer than other cities but dimly lit streets  should be avoided after 10 pm. The locals are exceptionally friendly, and the crime rate targeting tourists is notably low. Nonetheless, it’s always wise to prioritize safety and remain cautious.

v  Following the universal rules of safety all solo female travelers can tour Hanoi without fear.