Author and Editor: Gabriella Grace
Hanoi:
Food: $-$$
Funky Fact: Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi was designed by the famed: Alexandre Gustav Eiffel, the man that designed the Eiffel Tower.
Traveling in Vietnam is a wonder for the senses. The smells, the colors and the amazing food will leave you in love with this country. Here are some top sites and must see places to add to your bucket list trip to Hanoi in Vietnam.
1. Ha Long Bay Boat Trip
2. Ta Hien Corner
3. Phở
4. Take in some Art
5. Vietnamese Egg Coffee
6. Tran Quoc Pagoda Visit
7. See Cat Ba National Park
8. Banh Mi
9. Train Street
10. Hot Pot
11. Street Art
12. ‘Luong Van Can’ or ‘Toy Street’
13. Mango Salad
14. St. Joseph Cathedral
1. Ha Long Bay Boat Trip
Take a day trip boat ride and check out Ha Long Bay and it many unique islands. Trips often include meals and kayaking.
2. Ta Hien Corner
Take a stroll in the Old Quarter and see Ta Hien Corner. Some of the best people watching happens in this busy area. At night It fills with beer hungry locals and tourists.
3. Phở
No trip to Vietnam would be complete without a big bowl of Phở. Phở originated here in Norther Vietnam and was influenced by Chinese and French cooking. It’s perfectly soft rice noodles blend of spices brought and traded on the Silk Road make for a magical taste of history.
4. Calligraphy
See the calligraphy artisans and scholars around the têt holiday in January. They line the streets with tons of patrons getting beautifully crafted gifts.
5. Vietnamese Egg Coffee
Try the wildly unusual and fantastically wonderful traditional Vietnamese egg coffee. Its like coffee and creme brûlée in a cup.
6. Tran Quoc Pagoda Visit
Check out the Tran Quoc Pagda. It’s the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi located on an island with a beautifully landscaped garden and bridge.
7. See Cat Ba National Park
Hike the hills of Cat Ba National Park. A worthwhile vista of a stunning nature preserve.
8. Banh Mi
Try an authentic Banh Mi sandwich. Stuffed with carrots, cilantro, sauces, seasonings, and your choice of protein. Ever chef has a slightly different take on this classic sandwich. It’s easy to find tofu versions for a vegetarian diet.
9. Train Street
Now defunct, this amazingly dangerous street was made up of rows and rows of cafes and restaurants less than three feet from a functioning railroad. There are two trains that run this route daily, at 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Visitors can still visit the street but shops are closed for dining train side.
10. Hot Pot
A meal for sharing, you can find Hot Pot restraints all over the city. I tried and outdoor option and was amazed at the massive amount of food for about $5 USD. You can customize the ingredients and add in extra spice to make the perfect soup.
11. Street Art
Vietnam is a country of amazing talent when it comes to street art. Lots of the art you’ll see when strolling the city is used as branding for logos, directions or general business marketing for the surrounding area.
12. ‘Luong Van Can’ or ‘Toy Street’
Found in the Hanoi’s old quarter, this is a colorful riot of playful dolls, stuffed animals, masks, and every sort of children’s toy imaginable.
13. Mango Salad
Sweet and sour this fantastic and light meal with have you ordering a second plate.
14. St. Joseph Cathedral
This stunning 19th-century Gothic Revival (Neo-Gothic style) church is in the heart of the city. Its host to a massive Christmas tree and nativity scene during December.
Keep Travel Funky.
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