From visiting the Temple of Literature to sitting under a tree where Buddha was enlightened, these are just some of the best things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam.
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1. GO ON A FREE WALKING TOUR OF THE CITY
One of the best ways to get acquainted with any city in the world is to go on a walking tour. Originally developed in Europe, the concept of the free walking tour is to give visitors a general and entertaining introduction to the city, led by enthusiastic locals.
We’re very pleased to say that these tours have no made it to Vietnam, and there’s no better way to start your trip in Hanoi than by taking part in one. Started in 2011, the Hanoi walking tour lasts half a day or all day and visits some of the best attractions around the city.
Being guided by a local student, these tours allow you to find the best attractions, restaurants, bars and hidden spots around the city, and really is one of the best things to do in Hanoi.
There’s a bunch of different variations of these Hanoi tours, so whether you’re interested in the French Quarter, the Ho Chi Minh Complex, or just finding the best street food in the city, these guys have you covered.
Note that while the tours are free, donations are expected for guides that do a great job.
2. WANDER AROUND THE OLD QUARTERS
The Old Quarters are one of the two most well-known districts in Hanoi (the other being the Ba Dinh District). The Old Quarters is a business center and also a very prominent spot among tourists.
A typical scene in Hanoi streets are sidewalks teeming with bicycles and scooters while crowds of people scavenge markets and barter loudly with street vendors.
While exploring Old Quarters you have no choice but to confront the traffic as a local would do and experience the history on the go. It’s an interesting blend of ancient history (Hanoi celebrated a millennial birthday in 2010) and commercialism.
Packed with French colonial architecture, temples and Buddhist temples you'll want to get lost on the streets. The street bearing the name of the business was established more than 1,000 years ago.
Most of these businesses were craft shops, but today a lot of them turned into something more commercial and modern. Even now you can find shops owned by the same family for centuries, selling Vietnamese-original handicrafts.
It is expected to see many cafes, restaurants, shops, art galleries, and bars even in this historic area.
3. SEE THE ANCIENT HOUSE AND ST JOSEPH’S CATHEDRAL IN THE OLD QUARTERS
The best way to understand the difference between Vietnamese architecture and later on French colonialism is through these two buildings (luckily both situated in the same neighborhood). The ancient House is an example of the typical architecture of ancient houses.
The house is made of two main blocks bound together by a square yard in the middle on the ground floor, and a small balcony on the 1st floor. The yard is included at the center of the building to moderate the air, providing the house with sunlight and cool air. Today, you can come and see the Old House and see for yourself how Hanoians live.
On the other hand, Saint Joseph Church is a combination of Vietnamese and Western architectural styles. Saint Joseph Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral done in a Neo-Gothic style. It was built around 120 years ago.
The cathedral was constructed and completed in 1886 after the French army conquered Hanoi. The architecture of the cathedral clearly follows the rules of the Gothic style and design of the Paris Cathedral.
The appearance of the cathedral, the doors, the stained glass windows and the religious paintings all follow a clear Western style. But the interior is decorated in the way of Vietnamese people, with the main color is yellow and red.
4. VISIT THE HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM
The mausoleum is the resting place of, the revolution leader Ho Chi Minh, who was the President of the Communist Party of Vietnam, at the very same place where he is 1945, read the Declaration of Independence and established the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum was inspired by Lenin’s Mausoleum (in Moscow) but with a Vietnamese twist. It incorporates elements that are tied to Vietnamese architecture like the sloping roof.
The exterior of the mausoleum is made of grey granite while the interior is black, grey and red polished stone. All materials used for construction have been purchased from all over Vietnam.
Fauna from different regions of Vietnam surrounds the mausoleum. The embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh is located in the central hall of the mausoleum, protected at all times by a military guard.
If you’re wondering what to do in Hanoi, make sure this is near the top of your list.
Price: Admission is free
5. PEOPLE WATCH AT HOAN KIEM LAKE
In ancient times circulated a story that claimed the Heaven-sent Emperor Ly Thai To a sword with magical properties. He used that sword to expel the Chinese from Vietnam.
Following the end of the war, a giant golden turtle took the sword and escaped to the depths of the lake to return the sword to its divine owners thus earning its name, the Lake of the Restored Sword. If you’re not amused by legends don’t fret because the lake is special for other things as well.
This is the only lake in Vietnam that is home to an iconic tortoise. The tortoise is considered a sacred animal so the lake itself is a holy place. If you’re in luck you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of these majestic animals.
People have long thought that they became instinct until a cow came out of the lake a few years ago. The Hoan Kiem Lake is very popular among Hanoians as a gathering place for families, nature lovers, and hangouts.
If you want to spend time as the local residents do, show up at 6 am and practice Tai Chi with them. The best time to visit is from Fridays to Sundays because the nearby traffic is banned from 7 pm to midnight turning it into a peaceful oasis.
6. VISIT THE NGOC SON PAGODA
If the lake itself isn’t enough to peak your interest, then make sure to visit the Ngoc Son Temple, a pagoda surrounded by the Hoan Kiem lake. It was built in memorial of the 13th-century figure Tran Hung Dao, a brave military leader who fought against the Yuan Dynasty.
The island on which the pagoda was built is called Jade Island and is accessible by the famous Sun Floating Bridge. The bridge is built out of wood, colored red in a classical Vietnamese fashion.
Pagodas and lakes are probably the most famous places in Hanoi. It is one of those places where you just lie down, relax and enjoy the blissful tranquility.
Price: 30,000 VND
7. GO SHOPPING AT DONG XUAN MARKET
Established in the late 19th century, the Dong Xuan Market can be found in a four-story communist styled building on the edge of the Old Quarters.
Dong Xuan Market is the largest indoor market in Hanoi. What one can find is truly astounding. Whatever you’re looking for whether it’d be some fresh local produce, souvenirs or in need of a laptop – chances are some vendor tucked away has it?
Like other markets in Southeast Asia, Dong Xuan Market has a market dedicated to meat, seafood, vegetables and flowers from all over Vietnam.
If you’re not into testing the different flavors of Vietnam head up to the upper floors.
You will be able to find handbags, fabrics, handicrafts all of which are sold at wholesale prices! So many things to choose from at Đồng Xuân Market.
8. CATCH A SHOW AT THE OPERA HOUSE
Like the St Joseph’s Cathedral, this opera house was modeled after one of Paris’s counterparts, the Palais Garnier. Hanoi Opera House in European style is quite clear. It has Italian marble floors, ceilings decorated with French murals and bronze chandeliers.
It is regarded as one of the most famous architectural and cultural landmarks in Hanoi. Today, it has a strong cultural influence and is a center for art shows, dance performances, and concerts.
Price Range: 100,000 VND – 500,000 VND
9. DON’T MISS THE VIETNAMESE WOMAN’S MUSEUM
This wonderful modern museum offers a beautiful tribute to Vietnamese women throughout history. The museum is run by the Vietnam Women's Union. The museum focuses on the position of Vietnamese women throughout history. From street merchants, mothers to entrepreneurs and scholars.
The narratives focus on their role in society, the obstacles they overcame as society changed, and an abundance of information on everyday life, such as marriage, motherhood, fashion, and life-changing rituals.
One of the most interesting exhibits focuses on the position women play in the Vietnam War.
The museum has displayed a lot of information about all of its exhibits in French and in English. Historic relics which include Taoist books (among other impressive collected artifacts) give an in-depth insight into a better understanding of the women of Vietnam.
10. VISIT THE TEMPLE OF LITERATURE
The Temple of Literature is often regarded as one of the most visited tourist attractions.
In 1070 it was made with the intention of serving as a university and was dedicated to Confucius and scholars.
Fortunately, the building is remarkably preserved and is an excellent example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. The temple offers an abundance of literature, turtle steles as well as the Well of Heavenly Clarity.
This temple is a tribute to education and literature. This place has witnessed thousands and thousands of the best scholars in Vietnam. The most acclaimed prize for the most successful scholars was to have their names engraved onto a stone stele on top of the stone turtles. Today students come and pray for good grades.
Price: 30,000 VND
More ideals for you: Top 10 things to see in Saigon
from : https://wikitopx.com/travel/top-10-things-to-do-in-hanoi-704669.html
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