Exploring Hanoi - The Capital of a Thousand Years of Civilization

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Exploring Hanoi – The Capital of a Thousand Years of Civilization

Date: 2025.05.14

In the eyes of many travelers, Hanoi is an exquisite painting, full of charm and discovery in each person’s unique way. Known as the “heritage city” Hanoi brings together over 6,000 historical relics, ancient moss-covered houses, and trading quarters named after traditional crafts such as Hang Thiec (Tin Street), Hang Bac (Silver Street), Hang Dau (Oil Street), etc.

Hanoi is also an ideal place to admire distinctive French colonial architecture or simply stop at a sidewalk stall to enjoy signature cuisine. Tourists can ride a motorbike to leisurely explore the streets, immerse themselves in the scent of milk flowers in autumn, admire the lush sau trees on Phan Dinh Phung and Tran Hung Dao streets, century-old Xa Cu trees (African mahogany trees) on Hoang Dieu street, or the straight black star trees on Lo Duc street. Each step brings a clear sense of the distinctive lifestyle and elegant spirit of Hanoi people.

Best Time to Visit Hanoi

・Autumn (August – November): Cool air, clear blue skies, perfect for walking, photography, and feeling the romance in the air.

・Spring (March – April): Trees sprouting new leaves, flowers blooming brilliantly, warm weather.

*_{New leaves on Loc Vung trees (Barringtonia trees) by Hoan Kiem Lake during spring (Source: VN Express)}*

Must-Visit Destinations

・Thang Long Imperial Citadel: World cultural heritage site with over 1,300 years of history.

・Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: A place to pay respects to President Ho Chi Minh.

・Hoan Kiem Lake: Symbol of central Hanoi, connecting the Old Quarter and the Western Quarter.

・Long Bien Bridge: A historical symbol of old Hanoi.

・Tran Quoc Pagoda: A 1,500-year-old pagoda, ranked as a national monument.

・Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy: Vietnam’s first university, recognized by UNESCO.

・One-Pillar Pagoda: Buddhist symbol with a unique design on a wooden pillar.

・Hanoi Old Quarter: Explore 36 streets and wards bearing nostalgic imprints.

・Museums: Museum of Ethnology, Vietnamese Women’s Museum, National History Museum, Hoa Lo Prison,etc.

*_{Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Source: https://hochiminh.vn)}*

Enjoy Traditional Arts

・Water Puppetry: Thousand-year-old art, performed at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater or Vietnam Puppet Theater.

・Ca Tru: Intangible cultural heritage, can be heard at Hanoi Ca Tru Club or Thang Long Ca Tru Club.

*_{Water puppetry (Source: People’s Army Newspaper)}*

Experiences and Entertainment

・SUP Paddling on West Lake: Early morning or late afternoon, very suitable for relaxation.

・View Hanoi from Above: The 65th floor of Lotte Observatory offers spectacular views.

・Walking Streets: Takes place from 6 PM Friday to the end of Sunday, with many street art activities.

・Local Markets: Dong Xuan, Quang Ba, Long Bien,etc.

Hanoi Cuisine

・Beef Pho: A familiar dish but always a must-try!

・Bun: Bun cha, bun thang, bun oc, bun moc, bun doc mung,etc.

・Cha Ca La Vong: The pride of Hanoi people.

・West Lake shrimp cakes, banh cuon, bun dau mam tom,etc.

・Coffee: Especially egg coffee and phin filter drip coffee.

What to buy as souvenirs?

・O mai, green rice cakes, lotus tea

・Van Phuc silk, Bat Trang pottery: A combination of craft and gift.

Transportation to Hanoi

・By Bus: From major stations like My Dinh, Giap Bat, Nuoc Ngam…

・By Train: Hanoi Station is located right in the center.

・By Motorbike, self-driving car: Flexible, freedom.

・By Air: Noi Bai Airport connects to many provinces in the country.