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Located in the north of Vietnam, the city of Hanoi is one of those big cities of Southeast Asia that hook one when you visit. Mixture of the old, the past with the modern, Hanoi is a city that should not be missing in any itinerary of travel through the country.
Hanoi
Hanoi in Ha Noi Municipality (Vietnam)
Hanoi
Hanoi guide
What to do in Hanoi
Enter the heart of Hanoi
The Old Quarter of Hanoi is an intoxicating mix of epochs and cultures located in the heart of this city. Its streets are full of traditional motifs next to bars, boutiques and contemporary galleries. Dong Xuan, the largest market in Hanoi, offers an unforgettable atmosphere. Also, remember to visit the Hanoi Opera House, Hoa Lo Prison and the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.
Enjoy the Hoàn Kiếm lake
Hoàn Kiếm, the romantic lake turned into the epicenter of Hanoi, is the favorite place for all locals. For centuries it has impressed natives and tourists with its refreshing views and enclaves of historic interest. Panoramicly, the Turtle Tower seems to float on an island while it lights up at night, shining from any angle. Meanwhile, the Huc Bridge leads you through the island of Jade, the seat of the Ngoc So Temple.
Refuge in the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
The population of Vietnam is constituted, historically, by 54 different ethnic groups. Each one, which has its past and its specific characteristics, has a worthy platform in this unique Museum of Ethnology in the world.
Visit the Mausoleum of Hồ Chí Minh
This intriguing and huge monument to Hồ Chí Minh, overlooking Ba Dinh Square, is the mausoleum of the legendary president of the Communist Party of Vietnam, which is buried deep in the heart of the structure. If you dare, go ahead to the spooky but fascinating glass sarcophagus that contains your body. In the surroundings, stroll through the lovely gardens and admire the changing of the guard. To end this historical tour, visit the Citadel of Hanoi and the Presidential Palace.
Discover the Temple of Literature
Dedicated to Confucius, the ancient Temple of Literature is built on the values of education and justice. Its beauty is integral, from head to toe and from one blooming patio to another. In it you can discover the successive generations of scholars who studied here, as well as the altars of their teachers and role models. The exhibitions present a day in the lives of those students of the Imperial Academy, providing fascinating ideas about the past. Nearby, the Museum of Fine Arts of Vietnam will allow you to culminate your cultural immersion.
Food in Hanoi
Cha Ca Ha Noi
Cha ca is a white fish tempered with garlic, ginger, saffron and endro, served in the pan. Diners also receive a bowl of rice macaroni, peanuts, chopped onions, salsa, Nuoc llam sauce and slices of red pepper, all intended to be mixed with saffron. Cha ca is so popular with local residents that there is a street in the old neighborhood of Hanoi, but the best (and accessible) places to enjoy this seafood delight are at the Cha Ca Thang Long on Duong Thanh Street
Mien Xao Luon (noodles with fried eel)
Mien xao luon is another tasty option for seafood lovers, including fried noodles in broth made from eels with generous fillings of crunchy eels, bean sprouts, egg, cucumber slices, fried onions and purple pearl. As with many dishes in Hanoi, one side of fresh herbs, scraped banana blossoms and bean sprouts are served next. Dong Thinh Nha Pendure Mien Luon in the Hoan Kiem district is a local meeting point for mienxon luon.
Bun Thang (Rice Vermicelli with chicken, egg, pork)
Bun thang or vermicelli rice with chicken, egg and pork can be appreciated at any time of the day. The clear and tasty broth is made with 20 ingredients, including dried shrimp, squid, shrimp paste, chives, cilantro, ginger, mushrooms, beets, fish sauce, sugar and vinegar. It is also a particularly attractive Hanoi dish like macaroni, chicken, eggs, pork slices, and lots of shrimp paste are carefully arranged to resemble a flower. Available mainly within Hanoi Old Quarter.
Banh cuon (Rolled cake)
In the case of a mixture of ground beef (chicken, shrimp or pork), chopped ear mushrooms, onions, Vietnamese ham (cha moon), bean stew and wine cucumbers wrapped in a leaf steamer of rice flour., its general flavor is very light, despite the salty ingredients, and you can also submerge the banh cuon in nuoc flame sauce for added flavor. You can easily find roadside vendors selling banh cuon all over Hanoi, but the Banh Cuon Gia Truyen in the Old Quarter is a good alternative, as the restaurant offers menus with English translations
Banh Goi (fried cookies)
In the form of miniature pillows (hence the name), banh goi contains chopped glass macaroni, ear mushrooms, minced pork, cooked quail eggs and seasoning in a dough of rice flour. Next, it is fried for a crunchy texture and served with a sweet and sour sauce made with garlic, pepper, sugar, lemon juice and fish sauce. You can also pair your goi swimsuit with fresh leaves of lettuce and cilantro, if you find it too greasy to enjoy it on your own.
Climate in Hanoi
In Hanoi, the wet season is hot, oppressive, and overcast and the dry season is comfortable, humid, and mostly clear. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 57°F to 92°F and is rarely below 49°F or above 99°F.
The best times of year to visit Hanoi for warm-weather activities are from early February to mid April and from late October to late December.
