Author: gabby

Travel Guide to Zermatt, Switzerland

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Author and Editor: Gabriella Grace

The top sites in Zermatt, Switzerland. The ultimate summer travel guide for culture, hidden gems, and secret sites.

Zermatt:

Food: $$$-$$$$

Funky Fact: The Matterhorn towers over Zermatt and is the world’s most photographed mountain

1. Hotel Schweizerhof Bar

2. Gornerschhucht

3. The Mountaineering Cemetery

4. The Little Bar

5. The North Wall

6. The Ricola Gardens

7. Resort Hotel Alex

8. Fondue

9. The Wooden Shoe

10. Hexen Bar

11. Hedgehog Hunt

12. The Alphorn

13. Marmot Fountain

1. Hotel Schweizerhof Bar

A must see, this stunning backlit quartz slab bar will take your breath away. The carved wood bears on the front door and giant slabs of wood turned into sleek rustic tables add to the upscale swanky cabin wow factor.

Webpage and Information: Hotel Schweizerhof

2. Gornerschhucht

A long stroll towards the Matterhorn leads you up a rivers ravine. This 5€ site takes you on a cliff walk snaking between aqua blue falls on a wooden walkway. A pleasant stroll for those not afraid of heights.

3. The Mountaineering Cemetery

A somber and beautiful memorial to the women and men from all over the world that died on the Matterhorn, Täschhorn, Weisshorn, Liskamm, Obergabelhorn and Monte Rosa. It’s striking to see so many young climbers that perished in tragic avalanches, falls, crevices or rock slides.

4. The Little Bar

Great for shots, 80s music and a fun vibe.

5. The North Wall

A bar and restaurant, this is the best place in town for digging into a personalized pizza cooked to perfection.

6. The Ricola Gardens

A steep hike south of town will take you to the Ricola visitor garden in Blatten. Along the hike you’ll see a entertaining and informative adventure plaques telling about the region and history.

7. Resort Hotel Alex

What a wonder this gem is. I can’t believe how many tourists miss this place. The photos on website don’t do this place justice and words can’t describe it. But I’ll try. If Willy Wonka, a team of wood carvers from the alps, and Morticia Adams all had a fever dream to create a hotel. This would be it. I will write and link a future article on the place because it’s so cool! Go check out the lobby, bar, and cigar room.

Webpage and Information: Resort Hotel Alex

8. Fondue

Get you fork ready for some of the best fondue in the world. Zermatt has dozens of fondue shops, all fantastic with fast service. Do note that some shops offer a variety of base cheeses and added flavorings like porcini mushrooms or truffle oil.

9. Wooden Shoe

Take a hop into this giant shoe in front of city hall (Gemeinde Zermatt). A definite ode to the passion and tradition of hiking in the region as well as wood carvings and craftsmanship.

10. Hexen Bar

A cozy witch themed pub, this little place is filled with witches, brooms, candles and has a giant book of potions for you to choose from.

Webpage and Information: Hexen Bar

11. Hedgehog Hunt

While strolling the streets and shopping you’ll notice one spiky creature keeps popping up. The Hedgehog! They are a beloved creature and you’ll see lots of nods to them in Zermatt. Hedgehog populations are struggling across Switzerland and Europe in general.

12. The Alphorn

This huge bronze sculpture point straight at the Matterhorn and has some surprising artistic flair.

13. Marmot Fountain

This beloved creature is depicted scurrying in the rocks and invites visitors to take a sip.

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The Eiger Express in Switzerland

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Grindelwald to Lauderbrunnen (via the Eiger Express)

Author and Editor: Gabriella Grace

The Eiger Express:

Cost: 32 CHF (Swiss francs) one way.

Funky Fact: The Express opened in 2020.

The Eiger Express is a once in a lifetime view. On a clear day you can view the entire valley around Grindelwald. Drifting up towards the glaciers the view grows in beauty.

Start:

Grindelwald to Jungfrau (via gondola)>

Jungfrau to Kleine Scheidegg (via train)>

Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen (via train)>

End: Wengen to Lauterbrunnen (via optional hike).

Vista looking over Grindelwald from half way up the Eiger express.

View of the Eiger from the top of the Jungfrau lift.

View of the Eiger glacier from the jungfrau station.

Vista of the valley at the Kleine Scheidegg station stop.

Walking down from Wengen towards lauderbrunnen.

Booking and Travel Information for the

Eiger Express: Eiger Express in Switzerland

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Top Sites Travel Guide to Thun, Switzerland

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Author and Editor: Gabriella Grace

Tune:

Funky Fact: The Language spoken in Tune is a Alemannic Swiss German dialect.

The top sites in Thun, Switzerland. The ultimate travel guide for culture, hidden gems, and secret sites.

1. Oberhofen Castle

2. Kirchtreppe

3. Untere Schleuse Brücke

4. Obere Hauptgasse

5. Rathausplatz

6. Thun Castle

7. Aarequai

8. Stadtkirche Thun

9. Fuhlehung

1. Oberhofen Castle

Next to Thun, this castle is a must see! Make sure to walk out on the docks to overlook the castles. The castle does have a few for entry.

Webpage and Information: Oberhofen Castle

2. Kirchtreppe

Incredible wood covered staircase built in 1818. This stunning covered pathway it tucked away in the city and the perfect spot to snap a stunning instagram photo.

3. Untere Schleuse Brücke

The famous surfer dam and walking bridge. I could stay here all day and watch the surfers brave the cold water.

4. Obere Hauptgasse

This double decker Shopping street offer pubs and tons of shops adorned with bountiful flower boxes in the summer.

5. Rathausplatz

This Town Square is a central, pedestrian only, plaza. The Town Hall dates back to the 16th century. A stunning fountain takes center stage in the middle of the plaza with fantastic views of the Castle. In the winter it’s town tradition to place a Christmas tree her a a seasonal winter bouquet for all to enjoy.

6. Thun Castle

Built sometime around 1200 by the Dukes of Zährigen. This castle boast an incredible view atop a hill.

7. Aarequai

Take part in a local tradition of a river walk. Enjoy the sparkling emerald water and colorful paint choices.

8. Stadtkirche Thun

This church dates back to 1330 and has a bell tower history museum (open seasonally).

9. Fuhlehung

Meaning ‘lazy dog’. This character is a court jester wearing a devil’s mask. Appearing every September at the “Ausschiesst” (Shoot-out) Festival.

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Top Site Travel Guide to Grindelwald, Switzerland

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Author and Editor: Gabriella Grace

Grindelwald:

Funky Fact: Grindelwald is known as the “glacier village.”

Top sites and must-see places in beautiful and historic Grindelwald, Switzerland. The perfect bucket list for your next trip with Instagram spots and historic facts.

1. Grindelwald Museum

2. Funi Sled

3. Bells

4. Bouldering

5. Weather Column

6. Reformierte Kirche

7. First Cliff Walk

8. First Glider

9. First Mountain Cart

1. Grindelwald Museum

Open since 1963 this museum focuses on a chronology of climbers and local history it also includes a tour and video for 5 francs.

Webpage and Information: Grindelwald Museum

2. Funi Sled

The Funi sled drove the footpath above the mainstream of Dorfstrasse. The route was about 400 meters long and the journey took 2 minutes and 15 seconds. It opened in the winter of 1938 and ran until the 1990s.

3. Bells

Look for bells around the city you’ll find traditional cow bell collections. It is believed that the bell has the power to banish evil and invite good fortune.

4. Bouldering

Climb the free rock wall! You’ll find this hidden gem in an alley off Main Street.

5. Weather Column

Restored in 2007, this historic device was built in 1906. The Column includes a Barograph, thermograph, thermo-hygroscopic, can barometer, mercury barometer and polymeter. All 6 meteorological instruments are in perfect working condition.

6. Reformierte Kirche

It stunning white tower reflects the famous mountains that set its backdrop. The churches records go back to 1147 and it mountaineering cemetery is the final resting place to many who perished while attempting to climb the surrounding peaks.

7. First Cliff Walk

Just a short gondola ride up from Grindelwald is First. First overlooks the entire Valley and has a fear inducing cliff walk with a bar and restaurant attached.

Webpage and Information: First Cliff Walk

8. First Glider

If you up for some adrenaline try a 15 min. ride on the First Glider. This 83 km/h zip line shoots you down a long cable with 4 friends strapped to a giant Eagle. Extra pants not included.

9. First Mountain Cart

If you prefer to get back down from First in another way. You can ride down in a Mountain Cart. The ride zigzags down a 3 k long gravel path.

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Travel Guide to Interlaken, Switzerland

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Author and Editor: Gabriella Grace

Interlaken:

Funky Fact: The original town grew around the Monastery, which was built around 1133.

Top sites and must-see places in beautiful and historic Interlaken, Switzerland. The perfect bucket list for your next trip with Instagram spots and historic facts.

1. River Walk via Mühleschleuse

2. St. Beatus Cave and Waterfalls

3. Weissenau Castle

4. Dirndl Shopping

5. Paraglide

6. Lindt factory

7. Carriage Ride

8. Top of Europe Flagship Store

9. Thunersee and Brienzersee Lakes

10. Arcobaleno Pizza

1. River and Dam Walk: Mühleschleuse / Kleine Staatsschleuse

Stroll the river Aare and check out the Mühleschleuse / Kleine Staatsschleuse Dam. Its a stunning sight to watch the bright turquoise waters flow through town.

2. St. Beatus Cave and Waterfalls

Visitor can explore one Kilometer of the roughly 14 km of cave network. This well lit cave network takes you deep into the mountain side twisting and turning next to an underground river.

3. Weissenau Castle

A short walk past a golf course will take you to the ruins of Weissenau Castle. Built around 1298, this lesser-known tourist stop was empty for our visit.

4. Dirndl Shopping

Shop for a traditional Swiss dress called a ‘dirndl.’ These dresses are traditionally worn by women and girls in Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Alpine regions of Italy. These dresses are beautifully made and sold all over town.

5. Paraglide Interlaken

Learn to fly …or at least watch others do it. Plan on spending some time strolling in Schlosspark. In the mornings and afternoons it’s the landing zone for hundreds of paragliders.

6. Lindt Store

Located on the Main Street. The Lindt store is sure to lure you in with its sweet scent wafting all over town. Stop in for a free chocolate and take home a personalized selections of your favorite flavors.

7. Carriage Ride

Hold your horses! Take a carriage ride through Interlaken on a hose drawn buggy. Carriages line up by the park to take lovers and families for a spin.

8. Top of Europe Flagship Store

A wonderful collection of memorabilia, art, trinkets, gifts and keepsakes. The store even has inlaid railroad flooring and a full size train inside. This creative store is a great place to pick up a gift to remember your trip.

9. Thunersee and Brienzersee

Visit the lakes! You can drive around them, take a boat tour, kayak them or hike them. No matter your preference they are both sure to take your breath away with their stunning color.

10. Arcobaleno

Get some pie at Arcobaleno, a pizzeria and restaurant covered in ginger-breading and floral boques. It’s a fantastic place for lunch or dinner (note that they are closed from 2-5pm).

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Guide to Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

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Author and Editor: Gabriella Grace

Lauterbrunnen:

Cost: Free to wander. Food: $$-$$$$

Funky Fact: The city has a stunning setting and is set inside what’s known as: The Valley Of 72 Waterfalls.

Top sites and must-see places in beautiful and historic Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland. The perfect bucket list for your next trip with Instagram spots and historic facts.

1. Staubbach Falls

2. The Fountain of Youth

3. Shop the ‘Auf der Fuhren’

4. Cimetière de Lauterbrunnen

5. Swiss Cows at Weidstübli Restaurant

6. Sunset on the Mountian

7. Hotel Horner Pub

8. Tom and Jerry Hunt

9. Swiss Pride

1. Staubbach falls

The magical Staubbach falls looms over the town and has a conviennent but steep hike to take a peek under its cascade.

2. The Fountain of Youth

Take a refreshing sip from the endlessly flowing cedar carved drinking fountain. Located next to the Hotel Oberland.

3. Shop ‘Auf der Fuhren’

The main walking street ‘Auf der Fuhren’ is a perfect car and pedestrian shared street with bountiful baskets over flowing with flower and adorable chalets oozing charm.

4. Cimetière de Lauterbrunnen

Known as Friedhof Lauterbrunnen – Cimetière de Lauterbrunnen this instagram worthy cemetery boasting eternally beautiful views. surrounded by mountains, waterfalls and lovingly planted flowers.

5. Swiss Cows

Take a walk down hill to grab a photo with the two Swiss cows in-front of the Weidstübli Restaurant.

6. Sunset Vista

During sunset the valley glows gold in the evenings when the suns last rays cascade through the valley.

7. Hotel Horner

Hotel Horner has a Pub and Restaurant the serves fantastic Raclette with boiled potatoes, pickled veggies and a laidback vibe.

8. Tom and Jerry

While wandering town keep a lookout for Tom and Jerry on the quest to find the perfect Swiss cheese.

9. Swiss Pride

Take in the stunning valley and see why the Swiss love their country so much. hundred of feet up in the cliffs a hidden Swiss flag can be spotted tucked into a cliffside cave.

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Top Site Travel Guide to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

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Author and Editor: Gabriella Grace

Ulaanbaatar:

Funky Fact: Interestingly enough, Mongolia is the world’s least populated country.

Mongolia is open for travel as of 2022! A quick flight to Ulaanbaatar will start your adventure in this amazing country. Mongolia is a gem for travelers who love adventure and the outdoors. Ulaanbaatar is an easy 2 day expedition.

1. Seoul street (pub street)

2. Sukhbaatar square

3. Hashtag beer and cheese

4. Bar at the blue sky lounge

5. Hot Pot at the Bull

1. Seoul Street vibrancy

Known as the Light Street, The best night time strip for food, libations dancing and music. In the summer, Seoul street road close for the weekend, making it the only car-free street in the city. Check out the Grand Khaan Irish Pub on Seoul Street. It’s at the heart of the nightlife.

2. Sukhbaatar Square

Named after the hero Damdin Sükhbaatar (He declared lasting independence from China). Sükhbaatar has a bronze statue of remembrance in the center of the square. This plaza is where ceremonies, protests and concerts are held. To the North is the Parliament Building with statues of Chinggis Khaan and Kublai Khan. As well as two Equestrian statues of Boorchi and Mukhulai. This plaza is stunning in the morning Sunlight. It’s very lively during the Naadam festival.

3. #ashtag Mongolia: Cheese and Beer. The best place to grab IG worthy food. Check out their opulent over-the-top milkshakes.

4. The Blue Sky hotel and bar.

This Hotel bar is one to checkout! Their sky lounge offers killer views of the city and great drinks.

5. The Bull Hot Pot

This chain can be found all over the city but deserves a round of applause. Their food is stunning, beautifully plated and delicious.

Ulaanbaatar has tons more hidden gems sprinkled about such as this decommissioned plane at an intersection outside town. Have fun exploring.

If your hungry for a bit of Mongol History:

Let’s start in Ulaanbaatar. A cultural melting pot. Ulaanbaatar is where you’ll see nomadic life battle modernization.

Mongolian Nomadic Pastoalism has been practiced in the region since the Bronze Age. Today, roughly half of inhabitants live this way. They rely on hearding camels, sheep, cows, goats, and horses to cross the vast plains.

The construction of the Mongolian Ger is designed to be set up, taken, down and quickly loaded onto pack animals to move to the next location. The design inside a Ger is similar to a bike wheel. A central hub with a vent for a stove, and wood spokes that radiate from the center and rest on lattice wood walls.

New canvases rope and materials for a Ger sold at the market.
Inside a Ger there a central stove for cooking and heat.

Elaborately painted Mongolian furniture at the market.

While half of Ulaanbaatar lives nomadicly. The other half live in town houses mostly build from the wood in surrounding areas.

Mongolian’a diets incorporate lots of local dairy, meat and seasonal vegetables. It’s also common to eat locally foraged wild onions, berries and nuts.

Cedar nut kernel snacks at the grocery store.

Cedar nut kernel snacks from the woods.

The traditional Mongolian diet includes lots of fresh warm milk. Soups and stewed meats and vegetables.

Driving in downtown Ulaanbaatar is delightfully old school with a Police Office to direct traffic.

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Top Site Travel Guide Naadam Festival, Mongolia

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Author and Editor: Gabriella Grace

Naadam:

Cost: Tickets are around $25 USD and need to be bought in the city about a week before the festival.

The top sites at the Naadam Festival in Mongolia. The epic travel guide for culture, hidden gems, and historical facts.

Top sights at the Naadam Festival

1. The Opening Ceremony

2. Wrestling

3. Horse racing

4. Archery

Mongolia is open for travel in 2022 and the Naadam Festival should be on your bucket list!

The Naadam Festival in Mongolia, has to be the most amazing festival. Think of it as the Mongolian Olympics. The National Naadam Holiday (I attended in 2018) commemorates the 2227th anniversary of the Foundation of the first Mongolian State.

The main event is the opening ceremony held at the Central Stadium in Ulaanbaatar.

1. The Opening Ceremony

Everything has meaning, history, culture, beauty.

Naadam is usually held in early July, the date changes every year. The best way to get tickets, is to have your guest house purchase them for you a few days in advance. Roughly $25 USD per day. You can get discounts if you book early

There are three national Sports:

Wrestling – Archery – Horse racing

All three are a part of the festival, but the opening ceremony is the most awe-inspiring!

You may also see the UNESCO registered World Heritage game of Ankle brown shooting.

Mongolians spend all year planning for this one huge shebang with parades, massive orchestrated dances and traditional storytelling. It was an amazing site.

camel

There is an ancient Mongolian story about how the camel lost its horns. This huge sculpture commemorates that story.

banners

Presenting the 9 white banners during the opening ceremony.

baloon

Mass balloon release during the opening ceremony.

dress

Colorful traditional clothing.

Outside the stadium thousands enjoy the huge market set up for the festival.

soilders

All the mucky-mucks came to participate in the parades.

Traditional Mongolian Puzzle being released into the sky.

After the opening ceremony, the 3 events take place. They are in various places just outside the city.

2. Wrestling

The wrestler, wearing traditional garb and preform a dance before the competition.

3. Horse races

horse race

Who will win?! Children on young horses race during the many mile long event. You will need to get a car/private driver to take you to find where the horse racing takes place in the fields outside the Ulaanbaatar.

 4. Archery

You can watch the archers during the games and also participate! There are target practice games set up all over to join in the fun. Pay a few dollars and sharpen your skills.

Planning our trip to align with Naadam was one of the best travel decisions I’ve made. It’s well worth your time and an amazing culture experience.

Now is the time to start planning! Naadam is set for July 10-15 of 2023. Mongolia is currently open for travel via Chinggis Khan International Airport. Always double check as some boarder fluctuate.

Learn more about the Naadam Festival

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Top Sights Travel Guide to Lake Khövsgöl, Mongolia

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Author and Editor: Gabriella Grace

Lake Khövsgöl:

Funky Fact: Khovsgol Lake is by far the largest lake in Mongolia by volume.

The top sites in Lake Khövsgöl, Mongolia. The ultimate travel guide for culture, hidden gems, and secret sites.

1. Take a boat tour of the lake 

2. Stay in a ger

3. See the Visitor Center

4. Hike in the hills

5. Visit the mountain tribes

6. Ride the ferry: Sukhbaatar

Lake Khövsgöl, near the boarder with Russia, is the largest fresh water lake in Mongolia (about 22 miles long).

I was told many times that the water was pure enough to drink from, although… I was not about to test that. The Lake holds nearly 70% of Mongolia’s fresh water. Lake Khövsgöl is one of the worlds 17 ancient lakes, at more then 2 million years old.

To get there I took a 16 hour bus ride. It was very bumpy, and VERY long. But was a stunning and very cheap way to travel and see the Mongolian landscape. Make sure to arrive with cash and food to cook. The ‘town’ is very small and the stores carry only the basics like noodles. We saw lots of signs with giant pizzas and western food photos, but could not find a single place to eat anything but soup and noodles. Very few shops were open and bringing your own food/goods from Ulanbatar is highly encouraged.

Our Accommodations: We LOVED our stay with MS Guest House. They spoke some English and helped arrange a private driver to take us to see the reindeer camp. They also had meals and water bottles for purchase. We did not want to stay with a local resort (there are many around that speak English). It was our first stay in a ger (so cozy).

It’s very beautiful to be so remote. You can walk for miles and miles away from town and see nothing but nature. It’s stunning. Oh and the stars… just wow…

The visitor center was closed…

Down by the lake, they had a Golden Eagle you could hold, as well as camel rides for sale. This only occurs during high tourist season in the summer.

We hiked up a hill to get a view, the Lake goes for miles and is a stunning ice blue.

Ovoo shrines are all over the country. They usually sit on the tops of hills. They act as sites for the worship of Heaven and lesser gods led by shamans. When passing an Ovoo one should stop and circle an ovoo three times, clockwise,  in order to have a safe journey. Rocks, bones or sticks are picked up from the ground and added. Many leave offerings such as: Candy, money, milk, or vodka.

Locals include big hairy yaks and more horses than people.

The reason we choose to endure 16 hours on a bumpy bus was the reindeers.

In the summer, the reindeer herding tribes come down from the high altitude to the lake region for green pastures and trading.

Dried hight mountain plants and herbs for trading.

My partner and I were invited into the tent of a couple from the Duke tribe known as “The Reindeer Herders”. The sweet grandma shared her aaruul(dried curd) with me. This local food has been made in Mongolia since the 13th century. It was sour and likely an original recipe. Like a taste of history! Some recipes add sugar and are put into decorated cookie forms (we saw some in ulanbantarr).

I was also offered raw liver from her partners bag. I tried it as well.

If you plan to visit, do some research on Mongolian Culture before booking your trip. It is advised to accept all gifts and have a little gift to give. I carried candy and tea for giving. Here are some more Mongolian culture tips.

We were able to book a ferry ride down and around the lake on the famed Sukhbaatar. This ship is was operated by the Mongolian Navy. Being a landlocked county it was the only boat in the Navy was operated by 7 sailors.

The lake and surrounding nature was stunning and serine. It was the getaway we were looking for.

For more information:

Trip Advisor Link Lake Khovsgol

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Travel Guide to Hanoi, Vietnam

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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.

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