28 Top Wonderful Places in Hanoi
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, with millions of arrivals each year, and tourists have a chance to experience many activities, such as visiting traditional sites, seeing cultural differences participating in extreme sports, coming to Hanoi, and discovering how beautiful it is. Here are 28 top destinations in Hanoi that we highly recommend you visit. Let's check!
Visiting the Old Quarter
Hanoi has been the capital of Vietnam for over 1000 years and seems to be a meeting point for the past, present, and future.
In the 11th century, after Vietnam gained independence from China, the capital was moved from Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, to Hanoi by King Ly Thai To. Then the Old Quarter appeared and became an arts and crafts center where many experienced artisans worked and lived.
Explore Hanoi Old Quarter by Cyclo
Several people came here and often went with their village settling on one street and specializing in one unique service or product. Their religious belief is gone with them, so there are several pagodas and temples in Hanoi today.
To explore the Old Quarter, you can travel by cyclo or walk, but the traffic is busy and overwhelming for first-time tourists. During the trip, we recommend you chat with local people to learn more about the Hanoians' history and life.
In the Old Quarter, there are some stops, including an ancient house over 130 years old, Hoan Kiem Lake with the story of the lake's name, and Long Bien Bridge with French architecture.
Long Bien Bridge was built by the French
In addition, a street food tour in Hanoi can be one option that you are interested in with a variety of specialties.
During your journey, don't forget to take amazing photos to memorize the trip to Hanoi Train Street with your tour guide, local people, and your friends.
Walking around Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake means "Lake of the Returned Sword", "Lake of the Restored" or "Sword Lake". Previously, it was called Green Water due to the green color of water all year around. Then, the name was changed to Hoan Kiem according to the legend in early 1428.
While Emperor Le Loi was boating on the lake, one Golden Giant Turtle emerged and asked for the magical sword which was lent by the Dragon King to fight against the enemy. Then the Emperor changed the lake's name to Hoan Kiem to commemorate this event.
On the lake, there is a turtle tower with architecture combining European style and Vietnamese styles. It is believed that if Sword Lake is the bouquet of Hanoi, the turtle tower is considered the most beautiful flower there.
Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi
The lake attracts a number of people with several activities such as walking, events, exercising, and learning. On working days, people often work out around the lake in the morning and in the afternoon due to the fresh and tranquil air. If you enjoy the lively atmosphere, it is more suitable to travel here on weekends for Hanoi day tours because there are many events here to attract travelers.
Especially, Friday night to Sunday night is for pedestrians when the roads surrounding the area are blocked by barricades, people can walk freely in the street. Pedestrians can sit at the bank of the lake and immerse in the fresh air or take photos with the turtle tower, and singing with the guitar bands is a good choice.
Visiting Ngoc Son Temple
Address: Dinh Tien Hoang, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem Lake.
Opening hours: 08:00 am -06:00 pm every day.
Ticket price: 30,000 VND/adult and free for children.
Ngoc Son Temple is the Temple of Jade Mountain, which was built in the 18th century on the small island of Hoan Kiem Lake. In the past, people could travel here by boat only but Cau The Huc Bridge was built connecting the temple and the bank of the lake.
The center section of the temple is for worshipping Van Xuong saint and the internal area is dedicated to Tran Hung Dao who was the hero and master of military arts and defeated the Chinese invaders during the 13th century.
Before crossing the bridge, you may notice a stone tower with a pen nib shaped on the top, it is the Pen Tower located on a small mountain. "Ta Thanh Thien" was carved on the tower meaning "Writing on the blue sky" showing the desires of people.
Ngoc Son Temple
The Huc Bridge means the bridge where the sun concentrates on or "The Light of Dawn" appearing with a scarlet color. Standing on the bridge and taking some photos before entering the Temple.
There are some ancient bronze relics and giant turtle samples inside. The local people often call them Cu Rua which means the great grandfather turtle showing respect to them. Pen Tower, Ink Slab, and Ngoc Son are the unique cultural symbols of scholars and the pride of 1000-year-old Hanoi.
Shopping at Dong Xuan Market
Opening Hour: From 06:00 am to 07:00 pm.
Address: Dong Xuan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
History
In the past, Hang Duong and Hang Ma Street were the two main marketplaces in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. However, in 1889 Dong Xuan Market was built under the order of the French administration replacing two former markets, and it is the new architecture in Hanoi with Long Bien Bridge which is nearby.
The architecture
The market is about 600 meters north of Hoan Kiem Lake with an area of 6.500 square meters. The visitors might be impressed by the facade having 3 triangular-shaped parts with holes making them look like a honeycomb. That is the modern dome style based on French architecture.
The Architecture of Dong Xuan Market
In the market, there are several entrances and escalators for people entering and transporting the items within a large space and three floors. In the center of the first floor, you can see a small fountain for decoration and a resting place.
Dong Xuan market welcomes thousands of customers with over 2,100 stalls and 71 kiosks selling all the items so you can have more choices.
What to do in the Dong Xuan market?
On the ground floor are the shops for vegetables, meat, and accessories, whereas people often sell many kinds of pets including cats, dogs, and fish, and fresh flowers in the back section. Head to the second floor if you want to buy any souvenirs such as T-shirts, handbags, handicrafts, etc at a reasonable price. The third floor is for the baby's stuff.
Inside Dong Xuan Market
Dong Xuan market is for many vendors selling food such as bun cha (marinated grilled pork served with noodles), Banh Cuon (Vietnamese steamed rice rolls), etc surround. It is a must-see place if you want to see the local lifestyle in the Old Quarter near Hoan Kiem Lake.
The Vietnamese conical hat is a symbol of the country and you can buy it as a souvenir.
Exploring St. Joseph's Cathedral
Location: 40 Nha Chung street, Hang Trong ward, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi.
Opening hour:
Visiting outside: All time.
Visiting inside: Ceremonial practice as per the mass schedule below.
Weekday: 5:30 am and 6:15 pm.
Saturday: 6:00 pm.
Sunday: 5:00 am, 7:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm.
19th March is the special ceremony each year.
St. Joseph's Cathedral is called the Big Church by the local people. In the past, it was built of wood and then the construction between 1884 and 1887 was made of brick and plastered with concrete. The architecture of the Big Church looks like Notre Dame de Paris with the feature of Gothic Revival.
During the French Colonial Period, the church attracted many Catholics and became the center in Northern Vietnam for Catholicism. The ceremonies took place here daily, weekly, and monthly at that time, and it was also the place of hiding and catering for Vietnamese soldiers. When the French army retreated from Northern Vietnam in 1954, the church was closed until 1990.
Exploring St. Joseph's Cathedral
Outside the church seems peaceful and elegant with the facade of two square bell towers and a clock which makes it look like the Notre Dame de Paris. There is a stone cross on the top of the church and a Maria statue decorated with trees, flowers, and fences in front of it.
The Big Church was designed with colorful tall glass windows, high domes, and a picture of Jesus Christ around. On special occasions such as ceremonies and Christmas, the Cathedral is crowded and full of people. Additionally, you can enjoy a drink, chat with the locals, and see the beauty of the view while sitting at the café.
Going to Hanoi Night Market
Quang Ba Flower Night Market
Address: 236 Au Co, Quang An, Tay Ho, Hanoi.
Opening hours: 2:00 am – 7:00 am, daily.
One of the most interesting activities to do in Hanoi nightlife is exploring Quang Ba Flower Night Market in Hanoi. You can see hundreds of flowers from common to rare kinds while walking on the street. The feeling of getting lost in a magical land may appear when you are surrounded by gorgeous, colorful, and unique flowers. Buy a bouquet and take some photos to memorize this moment.
Tourists explore the Quang Ba market
Old Quarter's Night Market
Address: Hang Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Opening hours: Friday to Sunday 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm.
The market sells many things that have a variety of choices. This market is near the Weekend Night Market and it creates a slew of awesome night markets. To discover it, you can walk or ride a bike but we recommend renting a bike. Therefore, you can explore all the hidden corners of Hanoi Street. When you feel tired, stop and try eating some specialties in Hanoi or drinking egg coffee. You get the energy back and continue experiencing.
Old Quarter's Night Market
Having a Drink at the Hanoi Social Club
Opening hours: 9 am - 11 pm
Hanoi Social Club is an attraction to many young people and it offers many kinds of services that amaze you with the combination of European and Asian features in harmony.
The Hanoi Social Club
The first floor
The first floor of this club is so cozy and often for live music performances, and it is decorated with tables and chairs made of wood, the sedge rugs around. Additionally, the room also has many statues, artworks, lamps, and bookshelves that are suitable for taking photos. There is a small bar in the corner of the first floor so you can order food or drink.
The second floor is for Hanoi Social Club Restaurant
This floor seems like a private space, semi-divided into 3 rooms with a bright view of Hoi Vu Street. To view the street and enjoy the breeze, you can sit outside the club where they set some tables and chairs. There is a big sofa surrounded by tables and chairs made of wood for the couples to snuggle together. This floor is a contemporary picture decorated with old clocks, mirrors, and old-colored posters introducing different music performances.
The rooftop green garden
This place is filled with green trees, although it is more cramped, customers can feel the natural light. Relax in the space of potted plants and basket plants with all colors and sizes of wooden chairs and tables which look old but very unique. In the atmosphere of nature and the busy city, the rooftop of Hanoi Social Club is a good choice to enjoy exotic drinks and delicious food.
Taking a Walking Tour
If you like to explore the local lifestyle in Hanoi, walking around the city with the historic stops can be a good choice. You can go through different destinations in Hanoi, especially in the Old Quarter. Passing the street, you may feel overwhelmed the first time due to the busy traffic with many kinds of vehicles but seeing the typical house is so interesting.
Dancing in Hanoi pedestrian street
A Walking Tour often takes place around the Old Quarter and with some common stops namely, Ta Hien Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ancient House, Big Church, Dong Xuan Market, and Long Bien Bridge. Each destination has its story and the tour guide will tell you about it. One more interesting thing is that you also have a chance to try eating street food in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Exploring the French Quarter
The French Quarter is a large and busy area in the center of Hanoi and is located near Hoan Kiem Lake. In the past, France occupied Vietnam and built several houses, villas, and buildings with French architecture so you may have a feeling of France when coming around.
Hanoi Opera House was built by the French
It is worth visiting due to the unique traits of the French style with the tasty food and drinks. Visiting around, you may notice the yellow house and the typical street style of that country. Additionally, there are many luxurious hotels and high-class restaurants in the French Quarter.
Some attractions you can visit in the Quarter are Hoa Lo Prison, Trang Tien Plaza, Vietnam National Museum of History, Hanoi Opera House, and St. Joseph's Cathedral, which are mentioned in this post.
Taking a trip to Hoa Lo Prison
It is known as the Hanoi Hilton and is a famous attraction in the French Quarter. Hoa Lo is well-known with great notoriety because the French colonial government and later North Vietnamese fighters used it.
Hoa Lo Prison is one of the most visited attractions in the French Quarter. Also known as "Hanoi Hilton", it is a famous prison with great notoriety because it was used by the French colonial government and later North Vietnamese fighters. Throughout its lengthy history, it has served as a birthing ground for the Vietnamese resistance movement and the principal prison for American prisoners.
Hoa Lo Prison
The prison was built in 1886 and kept thousands of prisoners at the same time. During the war, the number of prisoners sent here increased and they had to live in little and deteriorated facilities. Many soldiers were tortured here for extracting information. Therefore, the prison seems like hell in reality to many soldiers.
The government has transformed this house into a tourist site to give visitors a view of Vietnamese history. You will see the life of the prisoners of war and the instruments for torture such as the guillotine, array of whips, and shackles.
Visiting Hanoi Opera House
Location: 1 Trang Tien, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Hanoi Opera House is known as the largest theatre and a significant historical site with special architecture in Vietnam. It has a yellow-painted appearance and has become one of the most exciting buildings in Hanoi.
In the past, the purpose of the building was to serve entertainment needs after completing within 10 years. Today, many forms of music, such as classical music, traditional plays, folk music, and opera are performed here.
Inside Hanoi Opera House
If you have a chance to visit Paris, you may see that the building is influenced by Paris's Opera House and classical Greek Architecture.
Discovering the National Museum of Vietnamese History
Location: 1 Pham Ngu Lao Street, Hanoi.
Ticket price: 20,000 VND
Opening hours: 8:00 am- 04:00 pm
The museum has become a Vietnam historical book since 1945. It has over 7000 artefacts and the exhibition is arranged chronologically in an area of 2.200 square meters. There are many prestigious items, specifically 100.000 samples, and artifacts of various materials. A few objects belong to ancient cultures such as Champa, and bronze items from the Le dynasty.
National Museum of Vietnamese History
The ticket price is 20,000 VND (about 1 dollar) and an extra fee of 15,000 VND (US$ 0.75) if you want to use a camera in the museum.
Visiting the Vietnamese Women's Museum
Opening Hours: 08:00 am - 05:00 pm every day except Monday.
Location: Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi.
Ticket: 30,000 VND
The Women's Union of Vietnam, which is considered one of the most powerful movements, takes responsibility for running the museum. The Women's Museum presents many narratives of women of street vendors, leaders, rice fields, and mothers. Furthermore, information about marriage, fashion, and rituals is also shown here.
Vietnamese Women's Museum
The items are well presented in the format of storytelling with signs in French and English. Some documentation is Taoist books, and wedding cards from the Kinh community will deepen your thoughts about Vietnamese women. The images and film footage about heroic mothers in the war are the must-see thing for the visitors.
The features are displayed on 5 floors in 3 sections, including women in history, women in the family, and women's fashions. Over 1,000 artifacts depict several faces and roles of women in Vietnam changing over time. On the fashion floor, the visitors can observe the earrings of ethnic Mong Women and bracelets of Cotu. Additionally, there is also some exhibition that often deals with hard-hitting contemporary issues of women, including human trafficking.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Address: 2 Hung Vuong, Dien Ban, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.
Opening hour:
From April to October: 7:30 am - 10:30 am (Close at 11:00 am on Saturday and Sunday)
From November to March: 8:00 am - 11:00 am (Close at 11:30 am on Saturday and Sunday)
On Monday and Friday, the Mausoleum is closed to maintain, except for the holidays, including 19/5, 2/9, and the first day of the lunar new year.
Introduction about Ho Chi Minh (19/5/1890 - 2/9/1969)
Ho Chi Minh dedicated his life to saving the country from the enemy and became the first president of Vietnam. As the founder of the Vietnam Communist Party, he is considered Uncle Ho or the Great father of the nation.
The Mausoleum
The construction was inspired by Lenin's Mausoleum in Moscow but had unique Vietnamese architecture. It was built from 9/2/1973 to 8/29/1975. While the interior is polished stone colored red, black, and red, the exterior is grey granite. In the portico, they inscribed the words "Chủ tịch Hồ Chí Minh" (President Ho Chi Minh) with the banner of Nước Cộng Hòa Xã Hội Chủ Nghĩa Việt Nam Muôn Năm meaning Long Live The Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
They preserved the President's body in the cooler, central hall of the mausoleum with the protection of a military honor guard. The sentence "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom", which is a well-known quote by President Ho Chi Minh is shown there.
Visiting Military History Museum
Address: 28A, Dien Bien Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.
Opening hours: daily except Monday and Friday.
Vietnam defeated the invaders of France and America, which was one of the reasons for the tourists finding out how a little country could do that. To retain and protect the proof, and objects of the victory, the Ministry of Defence built the Army Museum. It shows the military history in Vietnam from the founding country's time to the Ho Chi Minh era.
Military History Museum
On the grounds, Hanoi Flag Tower is the highlight and well-known. Coming here, visitors have a chance to see several exhibits, maps, images, and scale models of the Vietnam war. Based on the visit, you can understand the process of birth, growth, and victories that the Vietnamese fought for peace, independence, and freedom.
Nowadays, the museum is open to all visitors to come and explore the secret of victory.
Experiencing the Lotte Tower Observation Deck
Located: LOTTE Center Hanoi
Address: 54 Lieu Giai, Ngoc Khanh, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Opening hours: 9 am - 10 pm
The Observation Deck is on the 65th floor of the Lotte Center Hanoi which is a large luxury shopping destination in Hanoi. The Deck is the best spot to have a panoramic view of Hanoi at 360 degrees, seeing the high-rise building with the busy street. Standing at 272 meters, the tower offers Southeast Asia's first-ever skywalk.
Experiencing the Lotte Tower Observation Deck
You will enter the deck in less than a minute by high-speed elevator. At the top, you can feel like walking on clouds at SkyWalk, and it is great to take many photos around. Additionally, there are two big glass "boxes" which jut out from the building. If you brave the height and overcome the fear, Observation Deck is one of the attractions that you should not miss.
Furthermore, there is a fixed camera allowing you to take photos with the view of the city below, on the ceiling of the skywalks. One of the best times to visit the Deck is to admire the sunset in Hanoi from the Sunset Lounge.
You can enjoy food or drink here in Angel In Us coffee bar or Lotteria Restaurant.
Visiting the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Address: 19C Hoang Dieu, Hanoi.
Opening hour: Weekdays (except Monday) 8 am - 5 pm
Ticket price: 30,000 VND / adult
For students under 15 years old with the student's card or for Vietnamese elderly (over 60 years old), the ticket price is 15,000 VND / person
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Located in the center of Hanoi, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long has Universal Values reflecting the historical longevity of its role as a seat of power and cultural layers. The Central Sector of this site was recognized as UNESCO's World Heritage Site during the celebration of Hanoi Hanoi's millennial anniversary.
The history
The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long was constructed in the 7th century by Dinh - Tien Le dynasties.
Then King Le Thai To moved the capital to Hanoi and remained in Thang Long, and a citadel was a place for the King and Royal Family to live and work. Additionally, it is for celebrating the essential events of the nation.
Places to visit
Doan Mon (Main gate)
It is the entrance to the Citadel built during the Le Dynasty and restored in the Nguyen Dynasty.
Chinh Bac Mon (Main Northern Gate)
It was built in 1805 and is the only remaining gate under the Nguyen Dynasty.
Chinh Bac Mon (Main Northern Gate)
Kinh Thien palace
It is located in the center of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and was destroyed to build the French Army Artillery Command during the French colonial time.
Kinh Thien palace
Hau Lau
It was the place for palace maidens to rest when the Nguyen King visited Hanoi. Hau Lau was damaged and the French colonialists had it reconstructed as it is today.
Hau Lau
Hanoi flag tower
Hanoi flag tower
Archaeological site 18 Hoang Dieu
The archaeologist explored traces of the foundations of ancient architectural works and several prestigious items while doing excavations. Many ceramics of Vietnamese feudal dynasties and foreign things are also found such as porcelain of China, Japan, and West Asia. Specifically, these prove the growth of Thang Long capital from the 11th to 18th century.
Archaeological site 18 Hoang Dieu
Visiting the Temple Of Literature
Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Van Mieu, Dong Da, Hanoi
Opening hours: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm (in summer), and 8:00 - 5:30 pm (in winter)
Ticket price: 20,000 VND/adult, 10,000 VND/ child
The History
It is an excellent example of traditional Vietnamese architecture, originally built as a university in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong for scholars, sages, and Confucius. This is a place to teach sons of nobility and train them to be civil servants. Outstanding children from ordinary families are also accepted.
Temple Of Literature
The National examinations took place every three years from 1443 to 1778, allowing them to be part of the administrative apparatus.
Highlights of the Temple of Literature
The gate
You can see the entrance in the first courtyard to the Temple which leads to The Great Middle Gate with two little entrances. Two small ponds on each side and 3 walking ways: the king and royal family in the middle and the two paths for ordinary people and students.
Courtyard and pavilion
The Khue Van Cac, located on the gate between the 2nd and 3rd courtyards, is a place for scholars to recite poems and learn literature. This unique structure attracts many tourists and photographers. This is the national symbol drawn on the back of 100,000 Vietnamese Dong banknotes.
Courtyard and pavilion, Temple of Literature
The pond
Thien Quang Tinh is in the center of the third courtyard, which means Source of the Heavenly Light, and the pond is considered a mirror absorbing the most strength of the universe to support the learners in dressing up to enter the sacred inner space.
On the back of turtles made of stones, there are 41 stelae to memorize the people passing the national exams. The names, places of birth, and merits of 1.306 PhD graduates are carved on 82 stelae. Therefore, many students come here wishing luck when rubbing the heads of the turtles before the exams. However, it is not allowed due to the preservation of turtles these days.
Gate of Great Success
The main Temple of Literature has a statue of Confucius and his 4 devoted disciples in the 4th courtyard. The students make their offers for the exams here.
Gate of Great Success
The Imperial Academy
The last courtyard which was used as an academy and library was destroyed during the first Indochina War in 1946. The main goal of this house is to teach the high officials of the country. The Imperial Academy was reconstructed in 2000, and it is the place to exhibit the old uniforms of the scholars and other things now.
Seeing a water puppet show
In the rice harvest farmers in Vietnam's Red River Delta, would gather to sing folk and dance at village festivals every year. They added water puppets to the list of performances about one thousand years ago. Under the Ly Dynasty, the best water puppet troupes would be selected to show the king and guests, marking a high position of this kind of art. Up to now, this has fascinated the audiences and become an intangible cultural heritage.
Seeing a water puppet show
The stage
The puppeteers stand in the water during the show and tell the story to create drama and illusion. They maneuver the puppet's arms with bamboo sticks and strings and to become a master, the training time may be decades. The puppets are made of buoyant fig wood and colored with lacquer.
The show is presented in the water pools which are decorated with flags, red roofs, and other things that resemble Vietnamese communal houses. The musical band uses voices and instruments to bring the stories to the audience sitting on two sides of the stage.
The Water Puppet Theater
- Thang Long Water Puppet Theater: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
- Vietnam Puppet Theater: 361 Truong Chinh Street, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi
Visiting Lake Tay Ho (West Lake)
West Lake is one of the largest lakes in Hanoi with many activities to experience and admire all year around.
Go around the lake
The best transportation to explore West Lake is riding a bike due to the length of the lake more than 12 kilometers. It is common around the street and you can hire one cycle to discover the lake completely. Another option is to combine walking and cycling.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
Opening hours: 8 am - 4 pm
It is the main highlight of West Lake which is the oldest temple built in the 6th century on the little island. Tran Quoc Pagoda was constructed under King Ly Nam De and became Buddhism's symbol. The best time to visit and take amazing photos is around sunset.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
Sunset & sunrise at West Lake
With a large square, you have a chance to admire the perfect sunset and sunrise in this lake while having a drink in the breeze.
The boat trip over the lake
If you want to escape the busy city and take a rest after a long hard-working day, just hire a boat or a swan pedal boat to travel around the lake. Sitting on the lake, the peacefulness will give you a strange feeling of Hanoi.
Trying the Vietnamese Food Tour
Firstly, Rice noodle soup (Phở) is best known in 2 main types namely Chicken Pho and Beef Pho. The broth of Chicken Pho seems lighter than the other. The customers can add some ingredients such as onion, cilantro, ginger, and fish sauce. For the main dish, you can try Bún chả made from slow-cooked pork in flavorsome broth, rice noodles, and a basket of herbs and leaves, Bánh Cuốn (Steamed Rice Rolls Stuffed with Pork and Mushrooms).
Beef Pho
For dessert, mixed fruits can be the choice with many kinds of fruits including water lemon, mango, jackfruit, etc., or sweet treats. In a stall, there are a variety of dishes that you can try. One of the special drinks in Vietnam is egg coffee and two traditional places are Dinh Cafe and Giang Cafe.
Egg coffee was first made by Nguyen Van Giang with a simple recipe from egg yolk beaten with condensed milk and black coffee. A cup of coffee with two layers of creamy sweet foam on top and black coffee at the bottom, and the flavor is from lightly sweet to bitter.
Vietnamese Egg Coffee
Egg Coffee
Giang cafe
- 106 Yen Phu Street (near West Lake).
- 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street (near the Old Quarter).
Dinh cafe
Address: 13 Dinh Tien Hoang Street (view of the Hoan Kiem Lake)
When Nguyen Van Giang was working as a bartender at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel, he found the egg coffee recipe. The main ingredients are chicken egg yolk, coffee powder, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and cheese.
There are two layers in the cup, including the well-beat mixture of the yolk and the black coffee below.
The recipe was created when milk was in Vietnam. Mr Giang used egg yolks instead of milk. However, the formula is the most significant factor making Giang coffee different from others due to the exact measurement of eggs and coffee and the way to mix them perfectly.
Trying food and beer in Ta Hien
Vietnam is famous for many special cuisines and drinks that you must try when traveling to Vietnam. Ta Hien Street is a well-known destination offering all kinds of Vietnamese food and drink. In the Hanoi food tour, Here is some food that we recommend you try:
- Bun Bo Nam Bo: noodle soup with beef.
- Fried "Nem Chua" and fried chips.
- Chim cut nuong: Grilled Quail.
- Chan ga hap sa: Chicken feet steamed with citronella.
- Bun moc Ta Hien: vermicelli with pureed minced meat.
Chicken feet steamed with citronella
Additionally, there are many types of beer, including bottled beer, black beer, and fresh beer. They are quite sweet and light. Drinking beer when traveling on foot is the best choice.
Visiting the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Location: Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Cau Giay district, Hanoi
Opening hours: 08:30 am – 05:30 pm, closed on Mondays
Ticket price: 40,000 VND
In the effort to protect the cultural heritage and improve sociology-cultural diversity in the country, the museum provides an insight into 54 ethnic groups giving a glimpse of their history, heritage, and cultural identity. Many Vietnamese houses in full-scale replicas with authentic gardens are exhibited outside showing the different styles between the ethnic groups. The future vision of this museum is to show the cultural practices and civilizations of Southeast Asia.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
There are over 15,000 artifacts in the Ethnic Museum Hanoi with valuable antiques on display such as pipes, baskets, and knives. The outdoor is the place for presenting the types of traditional homes such as Tay stilt houses, and Viet Houses complete with indigenous foliage, they are separated by a small stream and enter only by bridge.
The museum is great for children and anyone who enjoys discovering.
Exploring One Pillar Pagoda
The pagoda was constructed in the time of the Ly Dynasty by Emperor Ly Thai Tong between 1028 and 1054. The legend of this site is from the dream of the king that a female Buddhist goddess called Quan Am Bo Tat guided him to sit on the lotus. Then the dream was interpreted and the king ordered the building of a sanctuary to look like the lotus.
Exploring One Pillar Pagoda
According to Confucianism and Buddhism, lotus means fortune, enlightenment, and purity because they bloom in the mud. Although the One Pillar Pagoda was damaged, with much effort, the government recreated and preserved it until now.
The temple was honored as a National Historic Heritage with its unique architecture. The title of "the most unique architectural monument" was given to One Pillar Pagoda in 2012 by the Asian Records Association in India.
Beauty and structure
On campus, there are many individuals in the One Pillar Pagoda complex. Lien Hoa Dai temple was on a single stone pillar with 8 wooden beams as the flower petals as the foundation for the building. Entering the temple, you can travel through 13 steps connecting the lakefront and the temple. The statue of Quan Am Bo Tat suited the inner altar with worshipping objects.
The complex also has a Bodhi tree which was presented by the President of India Rajendra Prasad while President Ho Chi Minh visited India to the increase relationship between the two countries. The tree symbols for tolerance and wisdom of Buddhism.
Visiting Long Bien Bridge
History
The bridge was built during the French occupation of Vietnam and it was influenced by their architecture. Long Bien Bridge has witnessed historical events and changed the lives of the people. Additionally, it also provided transportation for taking rice from Northern and Northern Central Vietnam to the Dien Bien Phu battle and contributed to the victory in 1954.
What to see?
Long Bien Bridge
It is believed that the best time to visit the Bridge is during sunrise or sunset and take amazing photos here. Many couples come here to take Long Bien Bridge as a background for their wedding photos. If you are lucky, you can see the train going on the bridge. Sitting on the bridge and feeling the breeze with the view of the sunset is surely one of the most memorable experiences on the trip.
Visiting Ancient House
Location: 87 Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Ticket price: 20,000 VND.
Opening hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Along the streets, the "tube house" with narrow and long style is typical and common here because of the Nguyen dynasty tax on the frontage. French architecture during the 19th and 20th centuries also affect the house outside such as its yellow colour. One of the ancient houses in Vietnam and it preserves features of a typical house is located in 87 Ma May.
Visiting Ancient House
Entering the first floor, you may notice the items displayed and sold. Next is a sky well to observe the light and store water for the old family, and it is decorated with bonsai around this space. Then, you will see the living room to welcome guests and gather for a chat. There is the kitchen and toilet place when going farther.
Reaching the second floor, the outer room is where the ancestors worshipped. There is a sofa and teapot inside. The inner part has a small bedroom and a garden with many plants creating a bond with nature.
The house gives a feeling of separation from the hustle and bustle of life in Hanoi right after you step into it.
Experiencing Hanoi Train Street
Location:
- 5 Tran Phu Hanoi Train Street
- 224 Le Duan Street.
- Go along Phung Hung Street
One of the most interesting activities is to enjoy a drink at the side of the train track. This is surely an incredible trip that you must try once in your lifetime among Vietnam Tours.
Hanoi Train Street
Train Street is 2 km long passing the quarters of Le Duan, Tran Phu, Cua Dong, and Phung Hung with many arrivals for relaxing, especially at the weekends. The train goes past the inner city through the quarter and sees the bustle and hustle of life here. The local people know the train's schedule and they do their own thing as normal until hearing the horns approaching, then they quickly clear the area and make sure there is nothing in a passing way. You can check the train street Hanoi schedule on the internet or ask the local people.
The tourists can try drinks (recommend beer or coffee) under the terraces and wait for the train to pass. That is quite dangerous but it is great if you follow the advice of local people. You can chat with them, walk around to take some photos or enjoy the atmosphere of Hanoi while waiting. In a lively city, sitting down and immersing yourself in nature is the best feeling ever.
In case you want to save time, ask the locals about the train's schedule, they won't hesitate to tell you. You may pick a place that does not serve food so some vendors can be the best choice to buy food. While you are spending time drinking, order Bánh Mì or sticky rice and they will be happy to bring them to you.
To make your trip more exciting, you can experience some kinds of Vietnam Tours such as the Hanoi motorbike tour or the Hanoi jeep tour. Asia Private Travels hopes you have a memorable holiday in Vietnam. Contact us now and let us create an itinerary that suits your desires!