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| Flights Hanoi Destination Guide |
Hanoi Holidays
Hanoi,
Vietnam, has held its title as capital for more than 1,000 years. It's
where old and new Asia meld. You can hear it amid the cries of street
hawkers and swarms of motorbikes, see it in the French colonial
architecture and feel it in the tai chi on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake.
If you're feeling game, jumping on the back of a taxi motorbike is a
good introduction to the road rules. Let your tastebuds be tingled by
the food and allow the tropical heat to defrost you if you're taking a
break from colder climes. Hanoi has several charms – you might enjoy the
wander to find them...
Top Attractions
One
of Vietnam's most popular historical sites is in Hanoi: the Temple of
Literature. It's the country's first university – and a monument to
scholars – built in 1076. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum has an eerie orange
light over the leader's glass coffin and for a grizzly historical
insight, visit Hoa Lo Prison – the 'Hanoi Hilton' (as dubbed by American
prisoners during the Vietnam War). The Old Quarter is replete with
attractions: night markets, water puppets at the theatre on Hoan Kiem
Lake, French colonial architecture. Propaganda and a collection of
artefacts at the Museum of the Revolution comprise a curious collection.
Eat and Drink
The
best food won't necessarily be found in a Hanoi restaurant – try eating
on the street first. As one writer has said, a visit to Vietnam without
tucking into a streetside bowl of chicken noodle soup ('pho ga') is
like visiting Italy and abstaining from pasta. When you do try the
street stalls, best to just order the food you can see. The
gastronomically adventurous might like to try snake at Le Mat (Snake
Village) 6 kilometres east of Hanoi. Not for you? The French influence
here means you can find fine pastries and the traditional version is
called 'banh' – rice mixed with savoury ingredients, wrapped in leaves
and boiled. To drink? Tea! (Or coffee or try a Hmong cucumber and mint
cooler. A Hmong cucumber is a cross between a cucumber and a melon.)
Where to Stay
You'll
find Hanoi accommodation is very budget friendly, whichever end of the
spectrum your budget sits. This is a city where you'll find most hotels
over $20 per night will have air conditioning, safes, hair dryers so you
may find your budget will go further than you were anticipating! The
Old Quarter has a swarm of hotels and hostels (if you choose a property
down an alleyway, you'll escape the traffic noise). If you're seeking a
luxurious city property, still within walking distance of many
attractions, try the Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi or Sofitel Legend Metropole
Hanoi.
Shopping
Lovers
of silk and tailor-made apparel will enjoy Hanoi shopping. Silk of high
quality is easy to buy – if you're unsure of the quality, a good way to
check it is to burn a few strands; if it smells like burned hair, it's
silk. The unofficial Silk Street is actually named Hang Gai Street.
Hanoi is also good for buying silver and embroidered goods. In the Old
Quarter, the night market usually opens around 7pm and has all sorts of
wares, from bootleg DVDs to ornaments. Remember to wear your haggling
hat at any market you attend – offering 50 per cent of the original
price is a good start.
Hanoi like a Local
Crossing
the road here can be an experience in itself. Don't assume motorbikes
will stop for you, even if you make eye contact or hold out your hand in
a stop motion. Allow the locals to be your cue for guidance here. Don't
be afraid to ask the price of food/taxi fares/souvenirs and haggle if
you don't like what you hear, or just walk away. If Hanoi is feeling
like it's a bit too much, consider jumping on the overnight sleeper
train to the mountain town in north-west Vietnam, Sapa. It's a good idea
to come during the week though as it's very crowded for the Saturday
market. (There are smaller markets on weekdays too.)
Knowledge is power. Now, you're ready to pack you stuffs, book flights Hanoi & enjoy the city ASAP!
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