Hanoi(Hà Nội) — the capital of Vietnam, 8 million inhabitants, founded in 1010 by King Lý Thái Tổ. The city with 36 traditional artisan streets (Old Quarter), French colonial boulevards and legendary northern cuisine. Climate: subtropical (16-33°C).
Old Quarter — 36 Artisans ’ Streets
Heart of Hanoi since the 11th century. Each street specializes in a different craft:Hàng Bạc(silver),Hàng Gai(jedwab),Hàng Bồ(baskets),Hàng Thiếc(cin). Chaos traffic — thousands of scooters, street kitchens. Have a drink.bia hoi(fresh lane beer, 5000 VND per glass = 80 cents) on plastic stools.
Lake Hoan Kiem
Hồ Hoàn Kiếm("Return Sword Lake") — the geographical centre of Hanoi. Legend: Emperor Lê Lợi (1428) received the magic sword from the Divine Turtle. After defeating the Chinese invaders, he returned the sword to a turtle that disappeared in the water. They still live here.Giant soft-scorp turtles(Rafetus swinhoei) — one of the rarest in the world.
- Tháp Rùa(The Tower of Turtle) on the island inside
- Đền Ngọc Sơn(Toad Mountain Temple) — on an island connected by a red bridge Húc
- Introduction: 30,000 VND (5 PLN)
Ho Chi Minha Mausoleum
Lăng Ch— mausoleum of the leader of the communist revolution (1890-1969), inspired by the Lenin Mausoleum in Moscow. Body embalmed, exposed. Hours: 7:30-10:30 (wt-czw + so-nd),closed pn-pt and all September-November(body maintenance in Moscow). FREE INTRODUCTION, modest clothing (no knees, arms).
Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu)
The first Vietnamese university — founded in 1070 in honor of Confucius. Confucian temple complex, 82 stele with letters of graduates of the first university (1442-1779). Key to the history of Vietnamese education. Introduction: 30,000 VND.
Pagoda Trấn Quốc
The oldest pagoda of Hanoi (1500 years, since the sixth century). It is located on the island of West Lake. 11-story red pagoda. Free admission. Best time: sunset.
Water Puppets Theatre (Múa rēi něc)
Vietnamese play from the 11th century — puppets dance on water.Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre— 45-minute performances with traditional orchestra. Introduction: 100,000 VND, several times a day. Booking from day to day OK.
Kitchen Hanoi — TOP 5 dishes
1. Phò bò
Legendary beef soup. Hanoi version: clear, long cooked (12 hours). Served with lime, chili, coriander. Best places:
- Phở Gia Truyền(49 Bát Đàn) — Queues from 6am, 60,000 VND
- Mr Thìn(13 Lò Đúc) — with fried beef, 60,000 VND
2. Bún chả
Grilled pork with rice noodles and herbs. Fish sauce with lime, sugar, garlic.Barack Obama ate here with Anthony Bourdainin 2016 —Bún Chả Hương Liên(24 Lê Văn Hưu) today has a special "Obama Combo". 85,000 VND.
3. Bánh cuốn
Rice pancakes paired with stuffed ground meat and mushrooms. Breakfast. Price 30 000-50 000 VND.
4. Cà phê trứng (egg coffee)
Founded in Hanoi in 1946 by Nguyễn Văn Giảnga (the Metropole barman, invented due to lack of milk during the Franco-Vietnam War). Egg protein + condensed milk + coffee. Legendary:Cafe Giảng(39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân), 35,000 VND.
5. Chả cá Lã Vọng
Grilled fish with dill, turmeric. Served with pasta. Restaurant of 1871 —Cá Lã Vọng(14 Chả Cá street). Price 200,000 VND.
Day trips
- Halong Bay— 3 hours bus, can for 1 day but better 2 days with accommodation on a boat
- Ninh Bình / Tam Cìc— ‘Halong Bay on land’, 2 hours bus
- Bat Trang— Ceramic village, 30 min.
- Perfume Pagoda (Chùa Hương)— 60 km, boat + trekking + pagoda
Practical information
- Currency: 1 USD = 25,000 VND. 1 PLN = 6300 VND. ATMs everywhere
- Grab(like Uber): motorcycle (5000-30 000 VND) or car. DO NOT take taxis off the street (they cheat)
- Visa: Poland + most EU — e-Visa online (25 USD, 90 days)
- Season: October-April (cooler, dry). Avoid June-August (hot + monsoon)
- Security: Low crime, but pay attention to the skids (on scooters take the phone out of hand)