🌏 Hanoi Travel Guide

🏙️ Introduction to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam's capital and the nation's cultural and historical center, blends French colonial charm, traditional Vietnamese culture, and the vibrant energy of a modern city. Compared to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi boasts a more "ancient city" charm, perfect for leisurely exploration.

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📍 Must-visit tourist hotspots

1. Hoan Kiem Lake (Hồ Hoàn Kiếm)

• Located in the city center, it is known as the "Heart of the City".
• There is Yushan Temple in the lake, which can be reached by crossing the small red bridge.
• Legend has it that a divine turtle appeared in the lake to protect Vietnam.

2. Old Quarter

• A bustling neighborhood filled with French architecture and Vietnamese snacks.
• Each street is famous for selling different goods (e.g. Shoe Street, Silk Street).
• Suitable for treasure hunting while walking.

3. Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu)

• The first Imperial College in Vietnam, dedicated to Confucius.
• It has a strong cultural atmosphere and is very suitable for taking photos and checking in.

4. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Lăng Chủ tịch Hồ Chí Minh)

• An important landmark commemorating Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of Vietnam.
• Also nearby are the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh's former residence.

5. Hanoi Opera House

• French neoclassical style architecture, full of European gorgeous atmosphere.
• If you have the opportunity, watch a performance and experience local art.

6. Train Street

• The narrow streets coexist with train tracks, and it is very shocking when the train passes by.
• It's a great place to sit in a small cafe and drink coffee while waiting for the train.

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🍜 Must-try food in Hanoi

1. Vietnamese Pho (Phở)

• Hanoi is the birthplace of Pho! Enjoy the refreshing broth with beef or chicken.
• Recommended restaurants: Phở Thìn, Phở Gia Truyền.

2. Grilled Meat Rice Noodles (Bún Chả)

• Roast pork with rice noodles and sweet and sour fish sauce.
• Former US President Barack Obama once ate it in Hanoi, and it became a hit.

3. Pancake (Bánh Xèo)

• Vietnamese-style crispy pancake filled with shrimp, meat and bean sprouts.
• Eaten with lettuce and herbs, it is refreshing and not greasy.

4. Vietnamese Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)

• A Hanoi specialty! Made with egg yolks whipped into milk foam, it tastes like dessert.
• Recommended restaurant: Café Giảng.

5. French Baguette (Bánh Mì)

• A fusion of French and Vietnamese food culture.
• Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, filled with meat, pickles and herbs.

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🚖 Hanoi Transportation Guide

1. From the airport to the city

• Taxi/Grab : Convenient but slightly more expensive (approximately 35-45 minutes).
• Bus : Cheaper (about 1 USD), but takes longer.
• Airport shuttle : provided by some airlines.

2. City transportation

• Walking : The Old Town has a lot of attractions and is suitable for exploring on foot.
• Grab App : Quite popular and suitable for hailing a car or motorcycle.
• Motorcycle rental : If you want more freedom, you can rent one, but the roads are chaotic, so novices should be careful.
• Electric car sightseeing : Common in the old town, suitable for leisurely sightseeing.

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🌟 A friendly reminder from the editor

• Road crossing tips : Traffic in Hanoi is chaotic, so when crossing the road, you should "walk slowly and keep steady" so that cars will go around you.
• Clothing recommendations : Summer is hot and humid, so remember to bring a hat and sunscreen; winter is unexpectedly cold, so bring a jacket.
• Currency : Vietnamese Dong (VND). Common banknotes are in large denominations, so be sure to check the change carefully when paying.
• Bargaining culture : Remember to bargain at night markets or roadside stalls, but keep a polite smile.

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✨ Summary:
Hanoi is a city that combines history and culture, street food and a slow-paced atmosphere . Whether you want to take photos and check in, try local snacks, or experience Vietnamese traditions and French romance, this place can satisfy you.

🗓️ Hanoi 3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary Suggestion

📌 Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi | First Exploration of the Old City

• Morning/Noon

  • Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport and take Grab or bus to the city.
  • Check into the hotel (it is recommended to choose the old town for easy walking tour).
  • Lunch: Taste authentic Vietnamese Phở (Phở Thìn is recommended).

• afternoon

  • 【Hoan Kiem Lake】Walk → Visit 【Nocturne Son Temple】.
  • 【Hanoi Old Quarter】Wander around in the shops and cafes.

• night

  • Dinner: Must-try Bún Chả, a barbecued rice noodle dish .
  • Watch a water puppet show (a traditional Vietnamese performance, suitable for first-time visitors).

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📌 Day 2: Cultural Exploration | Photo Gallery

• Morning

  • Breakfast: Try the Bánh Mì baguette .
  • Go to [Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum] (open in the morning, it is recommended to go early).
  • Visit the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh's former residence.

• noon

  • Lunch: Eat Bánh Xèo pancakes and spring rolls at a local restaurant.
  • Have a cup of Hanoi’s specialty egg coffee, Cà Phê Trứng .

• afternoon

  • 【Temple of Literature】—Vietnam’s first imperial academy, where you can experience the ancient literary style.
  • [Hanoi Cathedral] Take photos and check in. There are many cafes nearby.

• night

  • Dinner: Night market snack tour (it is recommended to go to the area near [Tong Xuan Market]).
  • [Train Street] The best atmosphere is at night, order a cup of coffee and wait for the train to pass.

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📌 Day 3: Relax for half a day | Prepare for the return trip

• Morning

  • Breakfast: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel or at a local cafe.
  • 【Electric Car Tour】Explore the old town easily and conveniently.
  • If time permits, you can go to the Ethnology Museum or the Art Museum.

• noon

  • Lunch: Have my favorite Pho or Bún Chả again.
  • Check out → Transfer to the airport.

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🌟 Editor's Tips

• If you have 4 days and 3 nights , you can add a day trip to Halong Bay (a World Natural Heritage Site, totally worth it!).
• For a more immersive experience, take a cooking class or go on a bike tour of the countryside .
• Hanoi is very lively at night, so it is recommended to spend more time walking and eating in the old quarter.