About Place
- "The city of lakes and legends."
- "A timeless charm in the heart of Vietnam."
- "Where history meets modernity."
Reasons to Visit
- Cultural Richness and Historical Significance : Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is a treasure trove of culture and history. The Old Quarter, with its narrow streets and traditional shophouses, offers a glimpse into the city's past. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature are iconic sites that reflect Vietnam's historical and cultural heritage. The city's museums, like the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, showcase the diverse cultures and traditions of the country.
- Culinary Delights : Hanoi is renowned for its vibrant street food scene. Pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, originated here and is a must-try. Other culinary highlights include bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and egg coffee. The city's food markets, such as Dong Xuan Market, are bustling with vendors selling fresh produce and local delicacies, offering a true taste of Vietnamese cuisine.
- Scenic Beauty and Tranquility : Despite being a bustling metropolis, Hanoi is dotted with serene lakes and lush parks. Hoan Kiem Lake, located in the heart of the city, is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The tranquil West Lake offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The numerous pagodas and temples, like the Tran Quoc Pagoda and Ngoc Son Temple, add to the city's picturesque charm.
Visa
- USA, Canada, Australia, UK, EU Citizens : Vietnam offers a visa exemption for stays of up to 15 days for certain European countries. For longer stays, an e-visa (valid for 30 days) can be applied online.
- ASEAN Countries : Citizens of ASEAN countries enjoy visa-free entry for stays ranging from 14 to 30 days, depending on the country.
- Other Countries : Most other nationals will need to apply for a visa before entering Vietnam. This can be done online (e-visa) or through Vietnamese embassies and consulates.
Travel Expenses
1. Travel to & from Hanoi : Estimated cost for two people from New York to Hanoi : $1,200 round trip per person ($2,400 total).
2. Hotel Cost : 3 nights at a mid-range hotel in Hanoi (average $70 per night) : $210 total.
3. Food Cost : Lunch ($10 per meal for 2 people) and dinner ($20 per meal for 2 people) over 3 days: $180 total.
4. Activity Cost :
- Water Puppet Show : $10 per person.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and other entry fees : $50 total for two.
- Boat ride on West Lake : $20 for two.
- Museum of Ethnology : $6 for two.
- Hanoi Opera House Tour : $12 for two.
- Lotte Observation Deck : $10 for two. Total activity cost : $108.
5. Near Destination Travel Cost : Rented vehicle for 3 days : $150 total.
Total Estimated Cost : $2,400 (flights) + $210 (hotel) + $180 (food) + $108 (activities) + $150 (local transport) = $3,048
Best Itinerary
Day 1 : Exploring Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake Start your day with a stroll through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter from 9 AM to 12 PM, where you can shop for souvenirs and witness the daily life of locals. For lunch, try pho at Pho Bat Dan, a famous local eatery. In the afternoon, visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple from 2 PM to 4 PM, where you can relax by the lake and explore the temple. Enjoy dinner at Quan An Ngon, which offers a variety of Vietnamese dishes. In the evening, watch a traditional Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre from 7 PM to 8 PM, followed by a leisurely walk through the night market.
Day 2 : Historical and Cultural Tour Begin with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from 8 AM to 10 AM, followed by a tour of the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House. Have lunch at KOTO Van Mieu, a restaurant known for its social enterprise model and delicious food. In the afternoon, explore the Temple of Literature from 1 PM to 3 PM, Vietnam’s first university. Spend your evening at West Lake, enjoying the sunset and a boat ride from 5 PM to 7 PM. Dinner at Sen Tay Ho, a buffet restaurant with a wide range of Vietnamese dishes, is a perfect end to the day.
Day 3 : Nature and Art Take a morning trip to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology from 9 AM to 12 PM to learn about the diverse cultures of Vietnam. Have lunch at Chim Sao, which offers traditional Northern Vietnamese cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the Hanoi Opera House and take a guided tour from 2 PM to 4 PM. Spend your evening at the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural, a unique piece of public art, from 5 PM to 7 PM. Enjoy dinner at Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine Restaurant, which provides a great view of the city. End the night with a visit to the Lotte Observation Deck for a panoramic view of Hanoi.
Safety Tips
- Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of pickpockets.
- Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps.
- Drink bottled water to avoid waterborne diseases.
- Be cautious when crossing streets as traffic can be chaotic.
- Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
- Keep a copy of your passport and important documents.
- Avoid street food from unhygienic stalls.
- Use sunscreen and stay hydrated.
- Be wary of scams and only use authorized tour operators.
- Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases for easier communication.
Flights
- Vietnam Airlines : Non-stop from New York to Hanoi, approximately 17 hours, $1,200 round trip.
- Cathay Pacific : One stop in Hong Kong, approximately 19 hours, $1,100 round trip.
- Qatar Airways : One stop in Doha, approximately 20 hours, $1,150 round trip.
- Singapore Airlines : One stop in Singapore, approximately 20 hours, $1,180 round trip.
- Japan Airlines : One stop in Tokyo, approximately 21 hours, $1,130 round trip.
Hotels
- La Siesta Hotel : $70 per night.
- Hanoi Pearl Hotel : $75 per night.
- O'Gallery Premier Hotel : $80 per night.
- Hanoi Emerald Waters Hotel : $65 per night.
- Hanoi E Central Hotel : $70 per night.
Contacts
- Indian Embassy in Hanoi : +84-24-3824-4982
- Police : 113
- Ambulance : 115
- Firefighters : 114
Country
Closet Airport
- Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
Nearest City
- Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Heritage Sites
- Thang Long Imperial Citadel
Airlines
- Vietnam Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Japan Airlines
Currency
- Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Languages Spoken
- Vietnamese
Real Story
One major historical event in Hanoi is the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954, which marked a significant turning point in the First Indochina War. This battle was fought between the French colonial forces and the Viet Minh, led by General Vo Nguyen Giap. The Viet Minh's victory at Dien Bien Phu effectively ended French colonial rule in Indochina and led to the Geneva Accords, which temporarily divided Vietnam at the 17th parallel, setting the stage for the Vietnam War.
The battle was strategically significant due to the French underestimating the Viet Minh’s capability to transport heavy artillery into the mountainous region of Dien Bien Phu. The Viet Minh, using rudimentary tools and sheer manpower, managed to move artillery pieces through difficult terrain and positioned them in such a way that they could dominate the French garrison below.
The siege of Dien Bien Phu lasted for 56 days, from March 13 to May 7, 1954. The French forces, despite their initial confidence, found themselves increasingly isolated and under relentless attack. The Viet Minh's use of trench warfare and constant artillery bombardment wore down the French defenses. The fall of the French garrison at Dien Bien Phu shocked the world and was celebrated in Vietnam as a monumental victory.
The victory at Dien Bien Phu not only led to the end of French colonialism in Vietnam but also inspired other colonized nations to fight for their independence. It demonstrated the effectiveness of guerilla warfare and the determination of a united people fighting for their freedom.
Cuisine
Hanoi’s cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors, textures, and aromas, characterized by its use of fresh herbs, vibrant spices, and delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors. Signature dishes include pho, a fragrant noodle soup with beef or chicken, typically garnished with lime, chili, and fresh herbs. Bun cha, another favorite, features grilled pork patties served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce. For a unique experience, try egg coffee, a creamy concoction made with egg yolk, sugar, condensed milk, and robust Vietnamese coffee, offering a sweet and velvety treat.
Culture and History
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city that harmoniously blends its ancient heritage with modern dynamism. Its culture is deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions and influenced by a history of invasions and colonial rule. The city’s architecture reflects this blend, with French colonial buildings standing alongside ancient pagodas and temples.
Vietnamese culture emphasizes respect for elders and community values. Festivals such as Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival are celebrated with great enthusiasm. These festivals are marked by traditional performances, dragon dances, and the sharing of special foods.
Hanoi is also the birthplace of water puppetry, a unique art form that originated in the rice paddies of the Red River Delta. This traditional entertainment involves wooden puppets performing on water, accompanied by live music and narration.
The city’s vibrant street life, especially in the Old Quarter, offers a sensory overload with its bustling markets, street vendors, and motorbike traffic. The local cuisine is another cultural highlight, with dishes like pho and bun cha becoming internationally famous. Hanoi’s cafes, where locals sip strong Vietnamese coffee, are an integral part of its cultural landscape.
Religion in Hanoi is a mix of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, often blended together in what is known as Tam Giao or Triple Religion. This syncretic practice is evident in the city’s numerous temples and pagodas, where rituals and offerings are made.
Overall, Hanoi’s culture is a reflection of its history and the resilience of its people, making it a fascinating destination for those looking to experience Vietnam’s rich heritage.