Joanna James
The capital of Vietnam is a city of old-world charm and a rich cultural heritage reflecting diverse communities in Southeast Asia. Here are some ways to immerse in the experiences Hanoi has to offer.
Experience local culture through delicious Vietnamese food. Hanoi, in particular, boasts the best cooking classes in Vietnam. Although Vietnamese cuisine can seem complicated, it is easy to master over time, and a cooking class will teach you all the tips and skills necessary to whip up some delicious food. The class includes a trip to the nearest local market so you can source the freshest ingredients available. Vietnamese spring rolls and pho are among the dishes you will get to master to impress your friends and family back home.
Pay respects to one of the fathers of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, the former president and once revolutionary leader of Vietnam. His body is preserved in formaldehyde to keep it from decaying.
Photography is strictly prohibited, and the queues are long, especially during school holidays and peak travel seasons. Go there early as possible but be ready to wait a while. One is not allowed to talk, joke, or place hands inside pockets once inside the mausoleum.
You can wait to witness the change of guards near the mausoleum, which is quite a spectacle! Also, visit the on-site Museum to understand more about Ho Chi Minh, his beginnings, extraordinary career and the rise of socialism during his time.
A visit to Hanoi will be incomplete without witnessing the age-old craft of water puppetry. Performances are held at the Municipal Water Puppet Theatre, near the Hanoi old town, with multiple shows on most days.
Tickets are remarkably inexpensive and usually available even at the latest, but the best seats are at the front and sell out quite fast! Go to the office and make your bookings beforehand, or you can reserve your tickets online.
The structure reeks of French colonial extravagance! Do visit the place for its elegant venue and its history if not for the show! In 1945, the balconies of the Opera House were where Ho Chi Minh declared the taking over of Hanoi! Concerts are held on most nights, and the orchestra and opera are well worth a visit. If you are more interested, check the website of the Hanoi Opera House for the schedules and tickets, which are rather inexpensive compared to many other destinations. If looking for accommodation, a Hanoi hotel the likes of Pan Pacific Hanoi is an option you can consider.
Visit the epicentre of the Vietnamese military for thousands of years, the Hanoi Citadel, or the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long. It was constructed during the Ly Viet Dynasty in the 11th century, on the remnants of a Chinese fortress dating back to the 7th century. The site is filled with history depicted via its many mini-museums, altars, and viewing points, with fantastic photo options as well. The Citadel became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.
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