Hanoi probably is the most graceful and unique capital in Asia, where place specific old quarters and ancient pagodas. Every morning, you will catch the image of Hanoian doing exercise at the lakes in the heart of the city
Despite of timeless beauty, Hanoi is a modern city of the 21st century. The following is a view about Hanoi tourism of foreign tourists with attractive destinations and detailed costs posted on Lonely Planet Travel Magazine of BBC.
Destinations
Hanoi’s old quarter with old houses are always attractive spot to international tourists
Some street was named after the goods used to be sold in the past. Nowadays, Hang Gai (Barb street) becomes the trading place of silk while Hang Quat (Fan street) street sells candles, flags.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a large marble monument where holds the body of President Ho Chi Minh.
Temple of Literature in Quoc Tu Giam street was built in the 11th century to worship Confucius. This is one of few building that Vietnamese architectural style is well-preserved. In the past, this place opened to upper class only but now everybody is welcomed here for sightseeing.
Hoan Kiem lake is Hanoi’s typical symbol. According to the legend, Vietnamese people used to be given a magic sword to expel Northern invaders and then emperor Le Loi returned it to a turtle when he was boating on the lake.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is one of the big museums in Vietnam. It is a showroom of unique cultural features of ethnic groups with relics and traditional costumes.
Restaurants
Ly restaurant is one of the popular in Hanoi with varied kinds of wins, especially Vietnamese rice wine. This place also serves bia hoi (steamed-beer), a light beer of Vietnamese people. The restaurant is located in Le Van Huu street.
Hanoi has a lot of restaurants with specific dishes of the nation.
Being crowded all the time, Ngon restaurant serve the delicious street food from all over the country with a series of small kitchen arranged around the courtyard area. If you come here at the peak hour of the day, you are required to wait for your turn.
Highway 4 is the start point of chains of restaurants with specific dishes of Northern mountainous area. This place has surprising dishes such as fish rolls or pork with shrimp.
Designed in French architecture style, Ly Club has impressive dining room s with gentle oriental style chandeliers and rich menu of Asian-European dishes.
La Badiane is a fast food restaurant situated in the west of old quarter. The menu is mainly French dishes. Still, the restaurant also serves Asian food. We suggest you trying tomato stuffed with Vietnamese spices and serves with saffron rice.
Accommodations
Lying hidden from narrow streets of Old Quarter, Hanoi Elite is a good place to stay with 12 well-equipped rooms and ready-to-serve breakfast.
Art Hotel is the new place in Old Quarter with spacious rooms and near to the best street food restaurants.
Being decorated with silk fabrics of ethnic style and Vietnamese distinctly style furniture, 6 on Sixteen has only 6 rooms and stands close to Hoan Kiem lake. The breakfast often has pastries and Italian robusta coffee. Remember to take the room with balcony because the window of rooms at the backside is very small.
Cinnamon Hotel is a stylish hotel overlooking the St. Joseph’s Cathedral. The windows and bars are decorated simply in Japanese style. All of the room have balcony.
Sofitel Metropole has been famous hotel for standard quality in the city for a long time. The hotel’s façade is restored exactly as colonial prototype and wood-paneled reception room. The bed room of classical architecture suite is designed in old world style and the ones in modern architecture suite is attractive.
Transport
Hanoi bus system is relatively large. Therefore, you should buy a bus map at Thang Long book store in Trang Tien street . the cyclos are always available in Old Quarter to serve you. However, remember to make a deal before getting on it and bring along the map with you because many cyclo riders is unable to speak English.
Best time to travel
The hottest and most rainy time in Hanoi lasts from May to September. Thus, you should book in advance about in late January or early February. This is the beginning of the new year (Tet holidays), so there are many exhibitions and flower fair organized.
Come to Hanoi in autumn to enjoy cool climate