VI
EN
Lonely Planet, one of America's leading travel magazines, has showered Hanoi with praise, describing Vietnam's capital as a charming and never-boring destination. In an article titled "9 Best Things to Do in Hanoi, According to Local Travel Experts," the magazine offered unique suggestions to help visitors fully experience the vibrant life and distinctive culture of this thousand-year-old city.
Below is an itinerary for exploring Hanoi, as recommended by Lonely Planet, organized and enriched to provide a complete travel experience.
Discover unique characteristics through street food and coffee culture.
Hanoi is a fascinating culinary adventure for those who love exploring cities through their local food. Lonely Planet magazine emphasizes that the city is as vibrant as the breath of street food, with captivating flavors permeating every corner. Pho, the dish that has made Vietnamese cuisine famous on the world map, is suggested as an unmissable experience. While each local will have their favorite pho spot, everyone agrees that traditional pho restaurants, passed down through generations, always offer the most authentic flavor. Besides pho, Lonely Planet also suggests visitors try Bun Bo Nam Bo, Banh Cuon, or Bun Cha – dishes that contribute to the richness of Hanoi's cuisine.
If you enjoy discovering new cities by exploring the best local food destinations, then Hanoi will be a delightful adventure.
Along with street food, coffee culture is also a unique feature of Hanoi. Lonely Planet describes Hanoi as a city of coffee, where trendy and modern cafes coexist with ancient, traditional ones. Tourists are encouraged to explore the Old Quarter to enjoy iced coffee, egg coffee, or coconut coffee. In particular, Lonely Planet mentions Café Giảng, where the famous egg coffee was created in 1946. This drink is topped with a layer of egg foam and condensed milk, offering a rich, creamy flavor like a dessert, yet still retaining the strong character of robusta coffee.
Hanoi's coffee scene is vibrant and diverse.
Immerse yourself in the rhythm of life and the cultural atmosphere.
To truly experience Hanoi, Lonely Planet suggests that visitors "get lost" in the 36 Old Quarter streets. This area, with hundreds of alleys and lanes interwoven like a labyrinth, is where visitors can create their own adventure. Ignoring maps and fixed routes, visitors can walk around, exploring every corner, capturing everyday moments of the locals, from street vendors and sidewalk barbershops to ancient houses steeped in history.
"Lost" amidst the 36 streets of Hanoi
Another unique experience suggested by Lonely Planet is spending the early morning at Hoan Kiem Lake. Around 6 a.m., visitors can see locals exercising, practicing Tai Chi, or participating in fun "laughter yoga" classes around the lake. Lonely Planet describes Hoan Kiem Lake as picturesque at dawn and advises visitors to wake up early to stroll and observe the early morning life of Hanoians. If visitors smile and say "hello" to the locals, they may have a memorable experience joining in the morning activities.
Explore the capital city in every corner.
In addition, traditional water puppetry, with its folk tales retold through folk music genres such as Cheo and Quan Ho, is also featured by Lonely Planet as a unique cultural highlight. The whimsical puppets, along with lively dialogue and music, bring much joy to the audience and are an unmissable cultural experience.
Discover the depth of history and unique destinations.
To gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam's culture and history, the American magazine recommends that visitors visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. This museum showcases a remarkable collection of artifacts, costumes, and unique architecture representing Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups, providing visitors with a comprehensive overview of the country's diverse cultures. The museum's most attractive feature is its outdoor garden, where traditional houses of many ethnic groups are authentically recreated.
Lonely Planet also suggests that visitors should visit Thang Long Imperial Citadel to better understand the formation and development of Hanoi through different periods. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this complex of historical relics, with its ancient architecture, monuments, and impressive collection of artifacts, was once a center of power for centuries and is an important historical treasure of Vietnam.
Additionally, another unique destination suggested by Lonely Planet is Banana Island, a vast green area along the Red River. Once a banana plantation for local residents, this area has now become an important green space, a place where Hanoians come to breathe fresh air, walk, and camp, escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.
Experience Hanoi like a local.
Finally, for the most authentic Hanoi experience, Lonely Planet suggests exploring the city by motorbike. Motorbikes are the most popular mode of transportation in Hanoi. Visitors can easily rent one or join guided motorbike tours to discover the narrow alleys of the Old Quarter or the peaceful suburban streets. Lonely Planet asserts that motorbike tours offer a unique way to visit both famous and lesser-known landmarks, while also enjoying delicious local food. This experience not only allows visitors to explore the city effectively but also lets them immerse themselves in the bustling, dynamic life of the locals.
Experience Hanoi like a local.
