Hanoi is usually the start or the end of the Vietnamese tour since it has hidden charm that is worth days or weeks to explore. If you are going to spend some time in Vietnam and planning to visit Hanoi for a couple of days, you may want to know some outstanding places to pay a quick visit and have a good time without breaking the bank. Here are our suggestions for what to do on a tight budget if you have just two days here and want to make the most of them.
Every foreigner coming to visit Hanoi for the first time head Old Quarter almost right away. What in the zone are drawing such attention? It is believed that Old Quarter, the heart of capital city, are the place condensed with the quintessence of Hanoi cultural charm. A host of street foods, coffee shops, and pub are waiting to be explored here. You can go on foot to take a glance at numerous souvenir shops, petit art galleries on the both side of the streets. When your feet need a rest, you are always welcome at nice ice tea stalls scattering here and there on small, winding streets at the heart of the Old Quarter. The trip is nearly free if you are on foot since all you have to pay is some refreshments and souvenirs.
Taking a detour on cyclo around the Old Quarter
Back Ma Temple on Hang Buom Street is the destination that should not be missed. There are some 50 street names in the old quarter beginning with “Hang”, therefore, keep a tiny map handy. Make sure you pass Hang Ma, Lan Ong street and do check the stalls around the outskirts of Dong Xuan, the market along Phung Hung, shopping around Hang Giay, St Joseph’s Cathedral and one and only Hoan Kiem Lake.
Heading out of Old Quarter, you can take a detour from the south of Hoan Kiem Lake for a peek at the Opera House and Sofitel Metropole Hotel in the French Quarter.
High chance is that your walking is not going to cover the zone in one day, a cyclo ride is highly recommended (if your budget stretches this far). You should be prepared for bargaining custom in the Old Quarter.
End day one, or start day two, with a visit to a wet market. Take a taxi or xe om (motorbike taxi) or you can walk from the Old Quarter to Hom market on Pho Hue or Chau Long market, near Truc Bach lake. The markets are the busiest and loaded with goods in the morning or towards the end of the afternoon.
Spend the rest of day two checking out a few museums or landmarks, which are usually cheap to see in Hanoi. Let us start with Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, which open only in the morning. The first thing if you want to see Ho Chi Minh’s body and do not miss the house on stilts.
The view of Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex from the air
From here, walk up to Quanh Thanh Temple and along between Truc Bach and West Lakes to Tran Quoc Toan Pagoda. Stop for an ice cream cone from Kem Tay Ho or head to Havana, overlooking the lakes, for a rooftop beer or cocktail. The temple of Literature is another highlight, and walkable from the Mausoleum. You’ll find a good bun cha joint nearby on Van Mieu, so stop off for lunch. There are some other places you can take into consideration are Hoa Lo Prison, the National Fine Arts Museum, the Citadel and the Ethnology Museum. Take your pick based on your preferences.
A corner of the Temple of Literature
As you go, bear in mind that the street food in Hanoi is the best part, reasonably priced and delicious. Spending time in Hanoi is relaxing and a whole new experience. Find yourself a good company and start your trip as soon as you take your fist step in Hanoi.
Stuffed pancake – a Vietnamese specialty dish