Joanna James
Be it trying hot pot at Phung Hung Street, plumping for a barbecue dinner at Gam Cau street or catching a glimpse of the mesmeric sunset at West Lake or going on a shopping spree at the Night weekend market, Hanoi is a melting pot of adventures for the curious traveller. Read on to explore some of the most unforgettable experiences to be had for a fulfilling vacation.
Considered an absolute delicacy in Hanoi, there is an abundance of hot pot restaurants in the city to pick from. Tucked away in Hoan Kiem district, Phung Hung street is one of the oldest streets cherished by locals and foreigners alike for its originality in hot pot. The place is famed for having a plethora of the best restaurants serving scrumptious dishes and unrivalled customer service. Even if you only have 200,000 VND in your hand, you can fill yourself with a host of hot pot dishes such as mixed hot pot, hot and sour hot pot, or seafood hot pot.
Whilst Barbeque is not identified as a Vietnamese cuisine in itself, the dishes are a favourite among locals for their succulent flavours and spiciness. If you are a barbecue lover yourself, paying a visit to Gam Cau street is a must. With an irresistible aroma that pervades throughout the streets, you will not be able to resist the temptation to drop in for a quick snack along the way. The street tends to get packed a majority of the time and strikingly you can find ample dishes for incredibly low prices. If you ever find yourself in Gam Cau street, do not forget to try the grilled dishes: heart, stomach, intestines, beef, roast or try ordering pre-baked plates and grilling them yourself.
An enormous freshwater lake perched at the heart of Hanoi city, West Lake is known for its sweeping beauty during sunrise or sunset. For an even better experience, sign up for a swan ride across the lake and you will be able to revel in the views of the setting sun to your heart's content. Coming in two or four seats, the cosy swan boats will only cost you 50.000 VND for a one-hour scenic ride across the lake. The lake is only a 5-minute walk from Hanoi serviced apartments the likes of stylish Somerset West Point Hanoi and you will be able to easily sit back and relish the panoramic vistas multiple times a day.
Give a kickstart to your day by heading over to Hoan Kiem lake in the morning. Whilst the place is often crowded in the mornings by those coming for their morning exercise or to watch the sunrise if you come early enough, you will not find the need to mingle with swarms of crowds. Autumn with its chilly climate and agreeable weather conditions is considered the best time to catch a glimpse of sunrise. There is no better place in Vietnam to breathe in the fresh air basking in the beaming sunshine and the breeze of the ancient trees.
No vacation in Hanoi is complete without taking a stroll through Hanoi's famous night weekend market. Starting from Hang Dao Street and ending on Hang Giay Stree, the market is open till 11 pm on Fridays and the weekend. Teeming with an abundance of roadside stalls and local food vendors, as you walk under the decorative lights of the streets, you can get a glimpse of the local culture whilst sinking your teeth into local and western delicacies of your choice.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
