Joanna James
The capital of Vietnam is a sought-out holiday destination loved for its architecture and amazing culture. Let's not forget the food. Hanoi is a hub for open-air activities too as you will learn to explore these amazing outdoor activities in Hanoi.
The most immersive experience you can enjoy in a new destination is to explore from ground level, like a local. Hopping on a bicycle and checking out the city is therefore highly recommended. You can hire a bike and take on the adventure on your own, armed with a map or your trusty GPS to explore at your own pace. Or you can book a tour and enjoy a more comprehensive and tailor-made tour exploring the most popular sites. Some tours will even take you into the countryside where you can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of cycling across lush rice fields and charming villages. Some Hanoi hotels will be happy to organize or put you in touch with reputed cycle tour operators. Just make sure to choose popular accommodation options; there are many such as Pan Pacific Hanoi.
In Asia, things are different – not everything is shiny and new, and some vintage artefacts exude charm and lovely antique vibes. The Long Bien Bridge, which connects the two banks of the Red River, can be found in all its vintage glory in the Hoan Kiem district. The bridge is an essential part of the infrastructure there and accommodates hundreds of commuters who cross the river daily. Take along the cameras for those immersive shots of your holiday in South East Asia.
A slightly modified version of the rickshaw, the cyclo is an amalgamation of a cycle, sidecar and rickshaw; except the passenger carriage is in the front and the cyclist at the back. You can ask the cyclo driver to take you through the markets of Hanoi to witness local lifestyles or the service can be used like a taxi (but a much more enjoyable option) to take you to a specific destination.
This iconic landmark is popular amongst tourists and locals. It's located quite close to the Old Quarter, which means you have easy access to your hotel. Go there for an early morning or evening stroll and enjoy the outdoors, people spotting, become immersed in nature and also enjoy clicking a few photographs. Make sure to check out the temple located on a small islet in the middle of the lake. The area is ideal for relaxing and rejuvenating the mind, body and soul.
If you have never watched a 'water' puppet show, make sure you don't miss one when exploring Hanoi. Ask your hotel in Hanoi for details and venues; the most popular venue for water puppet shows is the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. The venue is perfect for relaxing with your favorite drink and sitting by the water watching a traditional story unfold as told by the puppets splashing their way across the water.
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