HANOI – THE PERFECT CITY GUIDE

HANOI – THE PERFECT CITY GUIDE

The city of a million motorbikes. Of deliciously toasted bahn mi baguettes bursting with flavour. And of a lake reflecting thousands of multi-coloured lights of every shade. Hanoi is the heartbeat of Vietnam, and a capital city that you just can’t miss. It’s Vietnam at its finest. Buzzing streets, incredible food markets, easy to access attractions and so much to do that you’re almost spoiled for choice.

DAY 1: WANDERING THE OLD QUARTER, VISITING CHURCHES, SHOPPING AND EATING

Explore the Old Quarter: Get your sneakers on and traipse the streets of the Old Quarter. You’ll find yourself lost in a warren of stores, cute little cafes and local Hanoi people going about their daily business.

Drink a Coconut Coffee: Vietnam is pretty famous for its egg coffee. But, for us, the real star of the Vietnamese caffeine line-up is the coconut coffee. This icy dream fuses condensed milk, coconut milk, smooth coffee and ice to create a lip-smackingly delicious drink.

St Joseph’s Cathedral: Built in the late 1800’s, this towering cathedral is meant to resemble Paris’ Notre Dame and, to be frank, it feels almost out of place in crazy Hanoi.

Shopping – Made in Vietnam: You might know that many international brands like North Face are made in Vietnam; and you’ll find them at rock bottom prices in little stores around the town.

DAY 2: EATING STREET FOOD, ADMIRING STREET ART AND VISITING A LOCAL MARKET

Do a Street Food Tour: Generally a food tour in Hanoi takes you round the fresh markets and a host of the best street food stalls and vendors in the city.

Phung Hung – Mural Street: Hanoi has a Mural Street called Phung Hung Street. It was once famous for selling motorbikes (there’s an old motorbike as part of the art), but it is now is a great location to get some street art photos. So, if you are keen on street art, this is a good place to go.

Train Street: We believe it’s still worth a visit to look at this renowned street, as parts of it are still accessible even though the train doesn’t go through it. It does have police guard now so you might not be in luck when you arrive. If you aren’t aware, the Hanoi Train Street is a working railway line which you are able to walk along, with residents selling everything from fruit to souvenirs. You loved heading there and taking a seat in one of the railway side cafes, slurping our mango shakes and waiting for the train.

DAY 3: VISIT THE MAUSOLEUM, POST NOTES AT THE NOTE COFFEE AND SEE A WATER PUPPET SHOW

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: This morning get on down to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the resting place of former Vietnam leader Ho Chi Minh. Make sure you get there early – the place can get particularly busy which makes sense as it’s an important place for the Vietnamese people.

Note Coffee: The coffee shop is papered in post-it notes – they cover every available surface in the café; whether chairs, walls or even the ceiling! The notes are written by patrons and you’ll be encouraged to write your own snappy sonnets and stick them up.

See a Water Puppet Show: This ancient show dates back to the 11th century when villagers would put puppets on their fishing rods, to distract themselves from the flooding of their rice paddies. Nowadays you’re not seeing the show in a rice field but rather in a theatre which has a central water pool. Set to rousing music, you’ll see short little plays based on Vietnamese legends that will have you captivated.

DAY 4: VISITING THE HOA LO PRISON AND WATCHING THE SUN SET AT HOAN KIEM LAKE

Visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum (Hanoi Hilton): This museum, known by some by it’s slightly tongue-in-cheek nickname, the Hanoi Hilton, showcases the terrible suffering of the Vietnamese under the colonial French government. The prison itself was bulldozed in the 1990’s but the museum still showcases some of the relics from the previous complex including a gruesome guillotine. This is a more sobering side of Vietnamese history so be prepared for a more sombre visit.

Hoàn Kiếm Lake: It’s a fascinating place to spend the evening. You’ll also be rewarded with some great shots. The bright, multi-coloured lights bounce off the water to create some incredible reflections.

DAY 5: DEPARTURE FROM NOI BAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Your delightful journey ends today. Fly back to your country carrying fond memories along.