HANOI TRAVEL TIPS

If you only have 24-48 hours at Hanoi, these are some highlight things you must try once arriving

      1. WHERE TO GO?

  • The Old Quarter

Hanoi is the only city in Vietnam to retain its ancient merchants’ quarter, a congested square kilometre which include 36 old street from 19th Century.

There are few individual sights in the area; the best approach is to explore the back lanes, taking in the colourful stalls and street vendors.

  • Hoan Kiem Lake

The lake is considered the center of Hanoi, not only physically but also symbolically. This is the place every tourist visit as arriving Hanoi.

A good way to get bearings in Hanoi is to make a quick circuit of Hoan Kiem Lake, a pleasant 30-minute walk, which is stunning in June and July when the flame trees flower.

  • The Temple of Literature

Vietnam’s first national university. The temple was built in 1070 at the time of King Ly Thanh Tong. It is dedicated to Confucius (Khong Tu).

Inside you’ll find a pond known as the ‘Well of Heavenly Clarity’, a low-slung pagoda and statues of Confucius and his disciples. A rare example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture, the complex honours Vietnam’s finest scholars and men of literary accomplishment.

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum holds the embalmed remains of  President Ho Chi Minh –  the President of the Communist Part of Vietnam from 1951 until his death in 1969;

This massive granite structure looms over Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi

      2. WHAT TO EAT?

  • Cha ca:

You think you have read about this name somewhere and yes, you are right.Cha ca is listed as one of the top 100 things you gotta try before you die by many cuisine experts.

It is exquisitely grilled fish served with bún, peanut, green onions, dills and shrimp paste. The fish is carefully chosen so that there are not too many bones and fishy smells.

  • Pho (Vietnam rice noodle soup):

This universally famous food is best enjoyed in Hanoi, where it was “invented” in the early 20th century. Phở rice noodle soup- is anywhere from street vendors to high end restaurant.

Some is served with chicken and some with beef. Each type of meat entails a variety of subdish, using from beef tenderloin to beef brisket, chicken wing to chicken thigh. The tip is, look for the place where locals gather the most and you know where you should order and sit down.

  • Banh my:

The baguette is one of the enduring symbols of French colonialism. It’s given a Southeast Asian twist by stuffing it with pâté, mayonnaise, pickled carrots and daikon, jalapeños and gobs of cold cuts. But the bánh mỳ is basically a blank slate to which cooks can add whatever they desire.

And most of the stands we came across only have 2 basic types; Banh My Pate(where you choose your meat), and Banh My Trung(egg). You will feel like you could eat half a dozen before feeling full.

      3. WHAT TO BE AWARED?

  • Motorbike taxi scam (Xeom):

Some motorbike “taxi” might approach you with an offer, which they claim is cheaper than normal taxi. But in fact, they take you for a longer route and demand huge sums of money.

  • Taxi scam:

Taxis are known for taking the long way around. In addition, they tend to use a modified meter, which runs faster, thus allowing them to increase the fare. There are some driver who demand tips and some who claim to take shortcuts but are in fact longer routes.

To avoid this, you should get a taxi of trustworthy companies, such as Mai Linh taxi

  • Cross the road:

Here are some tips to cross the road in chaotic traffic of Hanoi:

  • Enlist the help of a local. Vietnamese people are very friendly and most are more than happy to help you cross the road.
  • Do not run, walk slowly with purpose and don’t dart through traffic. Head in a straight line and look at the incoming traffic. Unlike home where the traffic won’t move for you, traffic in Vietnam will flow around you.
  • Be relaxed and self-confident and do not step back.

      4. AND…

We hope above information is useful for your short time in Hanoi. Please do not forget Paloma motorbike tour with the local experience and Paloma ladies with a lot of fun. Even you have taken city tour by bus, taxi or food tour on foot, Paloma scooter tour with young ladies driver is unique Hanoi experience you can not afford to miss