If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, visiting even just a few of these destinations will take your trip from ordinary to extraordinary. Here it's the top 5 things to see in Hanoi I recommend adding to your itinerary:
1. Old Quarter
2. Hang Gai Street (Street of Silk)
Next on my list of top 5 things to see in Hanoi is Hang Gai Street (also known as the Street of Silk), which is nestled in the Old Quarter. Walking through Hang Gai is an amazing experience to say the least. There are loads of shops selling exquisite fabrics, ties, dresses, scarves and so much more. The silk, the colors, the people; it’s overwhelming in the best way possible. Take your time and exploring Hang Gai at a leisurely pace. Even if you aren’t in the mood to shop, it’s worth it to spend some time exploring a street so full of life!
3. Quan Thanh Temple
If the hustle and bustle of busy Hanoi leaves you needing a rest, spend some time at Quan Thanh Temple. This quaint Taoist temple has an air of peace about it that is hard to put into words. There are several buildings featuring ornate carvings, antiques and statues. The best part of the experience was watching the locals pray and leave offerings to the gods. That combined with the sweet smell of incense really brought this lovely place of worship to life.
4. Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword)
I asked the staff at my hotel what I should see while I was in Hanoi and they rather enthusiastically recommended Hoan Kiem Lake. It wasn’t hard to see why. The atmosphere was lovely during the day and even more magical at night.
Pathways shaded by avenues of trees, a cool breeze blowing off the water, scores of people laughing and taking photos and a beautiful Pagoda standing on an island in the center of the lake. It was just perfect.
5. Golden Bell Show
On my last night in Hanoi, I went to the Golden Bell show and was blown away by its beauty. As the show progresses, you are led on a cultural journey through the use of traditional Vietnamese song and dance. The costumes were spectacular and the performers excellent. The play - and translation - offered a look into the values of the Vietnamese people and by the end I felt a whole new appreciation for the locals. Don’t miss out on this fantastic experience!
It’s really hard to explain the beauty of Hanoi. The buzz, the traffic, the people, it’s all so unique! If you’ll be visiting Vietnam anytime soon, take some time to travel through Hanoi and soak it all in. You won’t regret it!
Author Bio
As a freelance travel writer for Holiday Place, James Corporal enjoys sharing the stories of his journeys with anyone who will listen. When he’s not trekking through foreign countries, he enjoys fishing and working on his classic corvette.
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