Vietnam Travel Guide: Where to Go, When to Visit & How to Plan Your Trip
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Vietnam’s vivacious capital where you’ll wander beside pretty lakes & hundreds of pagodas.
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140 kilometres inland from the South China Sea on the western bank of the Red River lies Hanoi, Vietnam’s charming capital city. Picturesque and incredibly friendly, the streets are shared by traditional fishermen and the suited younger generation, sprawling, beautiful temple complexes, modern shops and pho sellers – and the near constant buzz of many, many mopeds. Despite a history of wars, battles and calamities, much of the city’s heritage stands intact and visitors can gaze upon intricate French-inspired buildings, traditional, two-storey houses in the Old Quarter, and over 600 pagodas and temples. Once you’ve extricated yourself from the bustling streets, treat your lungs to a stroll around one of the 18 tree-lined gardens and lakes, and for an added dose of zen, join the locals for a morning of Tai Chi around Hoan Kiem – and then hang around for a traditional water puppet show as night falls. Last but not least, pay a visit to Ho chi Minh himself in the mausoleum and pay your respects to the man who liberated Vietnam.
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Vietnam's long-standing capital, Hanoi is a blend of modern, big city energy and remarkable history. Experience the latter on a stroll amongst the Old Quarter's traditional homes and hundreds of pagodas, pay your respects at Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum or visit the Temple of Literature, which is dedicated to famous philosopher, Confucius. One of Hanoi's most well-known features is the emerald-green Hoan Kiem Lake. Learn all about the legend that gave the lake its name, cross the scarlet Huc Bridge to the temple at its centre, or join the locals for a spot of morning Tai Chi or a water puppet show in the evening. Get under Hanoi's skin with a cooking class, wander through its markets, or stop for a drink at a cafe along the iconic Train Street.
The jumble of lifestyles; the friendliness of the people; the dazzling architecture; the food. Hanoi isn’t known as one of the finest cities in Asia for nothing.
It’s no secret but a food tour is a must – and Hanoi is our top place to indulge. Plus, the locals will delight in telling you just how superior their cuisine is compared to everywhere else in the country…
The undisputed symbol of Vietnam, the blaring mopeds can be a safety concern. If it takes 10 minutes to cross the street, so be it…
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