Visit Hanoi: what are the best things to do and see in the "city beyond the river"?
Imagine a city where the exotic elegance of old Asia is confused with the dynamic face of the new Asia. Where the medieval and modern cohabit. A city with a mix of Parisian grace and the rhythm of Asia, an architectural museum piece that evolves in harmony with its history, rather than having the effect of a compressor roller as in many capitals of this continent. Hanoi is the place where imagination becomes reality. Your stay here will be very pleasant, but only if you know what to do.
1. Hanoi Old Quarter
Flickr – Jean-Louis POTIER
No trip to Hanoi would be complete without spending time in her Old quarter and, fortunately, your hotel is very fortunate to be located in this neighborhood or next to it. The neighborhood is configured as it originates with its streets and architecture well at it and it is the last shopping district of all Vietnam . It was founded under the Tran dynasty (1225-1400) and counted at the time only 36 streets . Each of them housed one of the corporations and had the name of their profession, which is still the case today. Hang Bac concentrates silver and silver, Hang Lan Ong you can buy all kinds of medicinal plant products and Hang Ca is the place of fishermen. Although these names no longer necessarily represent what is sold, it is always the best place in Hanoi to buy souvenirs or products of traditional medicine and Buddhist objects for example. Even if you’re not too much shopping, it’s an ideal place to immerse yourself in Vietnamese daily life.
2. Lake Hoan Kiem
Flickr – CharlesFred
Named after an old legend, the Hoan Kiem (lake of the restored sword) is the epicentre of the old Hanoi and is a kind of central point for the public life of the city. Early in the morning, you can watch some premises practice Tai Chi on its shores.
Flickr – ChrisGoldNY
It is also a popular place for young couples who come to spend time on one of the park’s benches. The temple Ngoc Son is located on a small island at the north end of the lake, which is accessible during the day via an old red wooden bridge, the Pont du Soleil Levant . The pleasant surrounding of the lake will be for you a pleasant break after having made the tour of the old quarter. There is also the Tour de la Tortue located on a small island south of the lake.
Flickr – NTLam
3. The Temple of Literature and the University of Hanoi
About 2 kilometres west of Hoan Kiem Lake, you will find the Temple of Literature Hanoi. It was built in 1070 and was dedicated to Confucius, whose influence still plays an important role in Vietnamese culture. The temple honors the best scholars and literary men of Vietnam. A few years later the first university in Vietnam was founded here. The temple is an ideal place to walk, relax and discover the many pavilions, pagodas, courses and gardens. Not being too crowded, the temple is a good refuge to escape the external traffic.
4. The Mausolée de Hô Chi Minh
Flickr – Bertrand Duperrin
This is the place where the body of Ho Chi Minh is preserved. The mausoleum is an impressive Russian-style building still guarded by two dressed white soldiers. It is located at the exact place where Ho Chi Minh pronounced his Speech of Independence in 1945 . You can visit it for free, but the queues are long and you have to follow a lot of rules when entering (respect, clothes, no bag or device, etc...). But it is still the father of the nation of Vietnam... Be careful, the mausoleum is closed September 5 to December 10 each year.
5. Hoa Lo Prison Museum
Hoa Lo was built by the French in 1896 and was used to incarcerate "anti-colonial revolutionaries". After the French were ousted in 1954, the prison was mainly used to hold American pilots during the Vietnam War. It was then that they nicknamed it: the Hanoi Hilton, referring to the hotel chain. There are numerous photos and instruments of torture. Nothing is translated, however, neither in French nor in English. Entrance: 10,000 VND 
Flickr – thalling55
6. Saint-Joseph Cathedral
The cathedral was built in 1886 by the French. Located right in the old quarter, a look at its neo-gothic style is worth a visit. On Sunday, the mass of 11 am is in French.
7. The Pagoda Trđn Quali
Certainly the most beautiful pagoda in Hanoi, but also the farthest from the centre. A curiosity on the spot is his large stupa red height 15 meters and composed of 11 floors. Pagoda Tran Quoc is worth the taxi or cyclo-pousse race from the center. It’s a little far on foot, see on this map .
8. A cruise on Halong Bay
The Halong Bay is about 4 hours’ drive from Hanoi and can be done 1 day or several days on site. It is an unmissable destination in Vietnam so enjoy being in the capital to get there. Read our articles to find out how to travel on the Halong Bay , and how to visit Halong Bay without going through an agency . 
Flickr – Andrea Schaffer
How to go to Hanoi?
If you come from the South from Hué The best thing is to take the train. The latter will take you to the heart of the city. If you arrive directly by plane from France or another Asian country, the ideal is check on Ulysses Cheapest flights to Hanoi. With regard to the budget in Hanoi, everything is explained here (including how to come from the airport to the centre or the reverse).
Where to sleep in Hanoi?
Private a hotel in the centre, preferably in the Old Quarter or near Hoan Kiem Lake . This will make it easier for you to stay in Hanoi because everything is in this neighborhood or in its vicinity (either for visits or to find travel agencies, restaurants and bars). To find a cheap hotel in Hanoi, search this Compare hotels .
Did you go to Hanoi? What did you prefer?
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