Hanoi: City Of The Rising Dragon

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital and second-largest city, is one of the more vibrant cities in South East Asia. Ever since Vietnam gained independence from China around a thousand years ago, Hanoi, in various avatars, has been the cultural and political centre of Vietnam. Admiringly referred to as the “City Of The Rising Dragon”, Hanoi represents a unique mixture of medieval and pre-medieval Chinese architecture and French colonial architecture is seen to be believed. The city’s size and hectic lifestyle coupled with the rather decent nightlife make Hanoi one of the more happening cities in South East Asia. Though a beautiful city and a cultural powerhouse, Hanoi is a city of contrasts and is sometimes as horrifyingly urban as it can get. The city’s lush green environs only add to the many Hanoi tourist attractions.

Places to visit in Hanoi

Hanoi is a massive urban sprawl that also doubles up as Vietnam’s capital. Though the city is one of those where there is much to experience in the city, there is quite a lot to see in the city.

Some of the more prominent Hanoi tourist sights include:

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
  • Ho Chi Minh Museum
  • Presidential Palace area
  • The Ho Chi Minh’s Vestige
  • One-Pillar Pagoda
  • Fine Arts Museum
  • Temple of Literature
  • Army Museum
  • Air Force Museum
  • National Museum of Vietnamese History
  • Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution
  • Museum of Ethnology
  • Hoan Kiem Lake
  • Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
  • Ngoc Son Temple
  • Ho Tay
  • Hoa Lo Prison
  • B-52 Lake
  • Downed Aircraft Memorial

Hanoi- Travel tips, languages spoken, cuisine

Hanoi is very safe for tourists; nevertheless, it is advisable that certain rather necessary precautions be taken including avoiding certain areas after dark, keeping valuables out of sight, etc. Though very fast and hectic, Hanoi is nevertheless a fun city to live in and is the urban face of Vietnam. Having said that, the city is by no means a tourist paradise and is as in your face as it can get. Further, besides having some of the best street culture in the world, Hanoi also boasts a very vibrant and very good nightlife, which is considered by many to be among the best in South East Asia.

The city is home to a multitude of restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, parks, discos, etc. Hanoi is also home to some of the best malls and resorts in the country. English is very much understood by most of the locals. The local currency is Vietnamese đồng (VND). The local cuisine draws influences from a variety of cuisines but has its own unique and distinct flavour. What’s more, it is freely available at very affordable prices. Street food in Hanoi is a must. Hanoi is also home to a large number of eateries catering to all types of cuisines and suited to all types of budgets; it is also home to some of South East Asia’s best and most prolific restaurants.

Best time to visit Hanoi

The best time to visit Hanoi is from September to November or from March to April.

Best way to reach Hanoi

  • By Air: Hanoi is one of South East Asia’s more important air travel hubs, and is connected to most major destinations in the world via regular flights.
  • By Rail: Hanoi is one of the major railway stations on the Vietnamese rail network, and forms the terminating or originating point for many express and inter-city trains in the country.
  • By Road: Hanoi is well connected to all national and regional destinations and popular attractions. Further, Hanoi is also one of the major centres of Vietnam’s road transport system and as such offers comfortable transport options for almost all of the nearby Vietnam attractions. The city is the hub of intra-country bus travel in Vietnam. The road network within the city is okay and is almost always very congested and jammed.

Accommodation

The Hanoi accommodation scene is very active and wide enough to cater to all budgets and needs. Hanoi is home of some of the finest hotels in the continent. Further, many local and international tour operators offer Hanoi vacation package tours. These tours cover most of the Hanoi tourist destinations, but do not carry the element of risk and adventure that going solo does. One might even miss out on the many hidden attractions and surprises the City of the Rising Dragon may hold.