Anastasia Smith
Recently World Travel Awards credited the Vietnamese capital with the title of ‘World’s Leading City Break Destination and provided below are the reasons which affirmed such an important decision.
Hanoi showcases an incredible mix of local street food delicacies and international spreads to tuck into that will see to it that you have rewarding foodie journeys, one after the other. While visitors have ease of access to booking cookery tours where they will be taught the fundamentals of Vietnamese cuisine, one will certainly have the best seat in the house to come into contact with Hanoi’s gourmet fascinations by simply meandering through its streets and down its lanes. Should you want a true taste of Hanoi, then look at consuming Banh Mi (baguette sandwich), Pho Bo (beef noodle soup) and Bun Cha (rice vermicelli noodles served with barbequed pork) that will undoubtedly have your tastebuds singing for joy with every mouthful.
When one yearns for some peace and quiet, the easiest escape route is to make for the nearest lake and Hanoi certainly has its fair share of lakes where locals and tourists commune to catch their breath and relax. The biggest of them all – West Lake holds ample space should you be in the mood for a long walk or even an energetic cycle. Importantly, for glorious sunsets, look no further than West Lake. In turn, you might also want to consider spending time by the waters of Hoan Kiem Lake which boasts of a fascinating history. As a cherished tourist hotspot, Hoan Kiem Lake features Ngoc Son Temple and Turtle Tower on a patch of greenery which can be accessed via the Huc Bridge. From here you will be able to catch a glimpse of locals playing instruments, practicing dancing and even engaging in Tai Chi.
Hanoi is a museum lover’s dream come true for there is a wealth of such establishments which cater to diverse tastes and interests. Arguably, the mother of them all is Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which is near Pan Pacific Hanoi that comes across as a 5 star Hanoi hotel. Hewn out of marble, this mausoleum contains the preserved remains of Vietnam’s famed leader, Ho Chi Minh and should you be looking for the best time to visit, then do head over at the time when the changing of the guards ceremony occurs. Know that Vietnam is home to 54 ethnic groups and for an insightful encounter with these communities, do step inside the four walls of the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. In order to get up, close and personal with the nation’s military exploits, then it is a must to check out the Vietnam Military History Museum or the Vietnamese Air Force Museum.
Hanoi proudly presents culture and history buffs with plenty of reason to smile on the back of there being a slew of heritage sites to discover and appreciate. Firstly, one can do no wrong by combing through the grounds and fortifications that comprise the UNESCO World Heritage Site called the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. Part and parcel of such a historic setting is the country’s biggest archaeological excavation – the D67 Tunnel & House and the Four Guarding Temples which once functioned as the gates to the city. Tranquillity reigns supreme within the Temple of Literature where you will be awed by a series of walkways, gardens and pavilions comprising the 5 courtyards of what once was the setting of Vietnam’s 1st national university.
Well known for its designated streets and crafts, the Old Quarter is where you must immerse yourself in should you want to get a feel for what Hanoi stands for. Home to a moving medley of distinct sights, sounds and colours, the Old Quarter is a haven of souvenir shops, street food stalls, narrow alleys revealing tube houses and bicycle vendors keenly scouring the vicinity for their next customer.
