Ranked among TripAdvisor’s Top 10 destinations to visit in the world,
#Hanoi is a fascinating blend of cultures thanks to its Chinese and French influences. A short 4 hour flight away, Hanoi offers a myriad of different experiences from the old-world charm of the Old Quarter to the magnificent scenery of the Unesco World Heritage site - Halong Bay.
Exploring Hanoi will be an assault on your senses - a lot of it is done dodging honking motorcyclists and making your way through the maze of picturesque streets but you will be duly rewarded with delicious street food and
#Instaworthy shots. To make the best of your trip, we have put together a guide to planning and enjoying your
#GetOutofTown trip!
#1 Getting There
Both
Singapore Airlinesand
Vietnam Airlines fly to Hanoi from Singapore and you can use
PayPal to book your flights directly on their sites. With PayPal’s
Buyer Protection, you can book without worries because we cover the full cost of your ticket if something goes wrong with your booking.
PS: Check out what else Buyer Protection covers below!
#2 Booking Accommodation
You will be spoilt for choice with all the accommodation options available in Hanoi. To live like a local during your stay, check out these highly rated
Airbnb listings:
Image credit: Annie's Little Hanoi Double Room
An elegant, rustic and charming 19th Century Hanoi apartment, featuring a double bedroom and a roof garden located right in the heart of Old Quarter Hanoi! Complimentary tea and coffee are provided.
Image credit: Le Bleu, Art Deco Apartment
Described by guests as a “hidden gem, super awesome cinematic and romantic place”, Le Bleu apartment reminds us of those tiny Parisian lofts only seen on Pinterest. It is also located strategically inside an alley where traditional street food such as Vietnamese iced tea, Bun Cha and Pho, are sold.
Image credit: Sky Tree House
Described by guests as a “hidden gem, super awesome cinematic and romantic place”, Le Bleu apartment reminds us of those tiny Parisian lofts only seen on
Pinterest. It is also located inside an alley where traditional street food such as Vietnamese iced tea, Bun Cha and Pho, are sold.
#3 Getting around
The bulk of your exploration can definitely be done on feet (remember to bring along a good pair of walking shoes). Try not to wear leather or suede or open-toed stuff as these will get dirty. On your last day, get your shoes cleaned by a shoe-cleaner hawker while you savour one last Hanoi coffee!
For a richer experience, download
Townske (available on both Apple and Android platforms), a comprehensive city guide app which showcases a deeper and more intimate side of Hanoi. Contributions are made by both locals and avid travelers, and you will discover some of the coolest street cafes and scenic spots off the beaten track.
Townske (available on both Apple and Android phones) has a comprehensive Hanoi guide.
Image credit: Townske.com
And if you are tired of walking, hopping on an
Uberis a more affordable option compared to flag-down taxis and rickshaws. Download their app to get started!
#4 Recommended experiences
#DidYouKnow that there are more than 20 microbreweries in Hanoi? They specialize in Czech and German beers and tend to be European in style. This
list by Beer Vietnam will come in handy if you want take a little tour of them and experience life as a local!
Image credit: BeerVN
Not forgetting the Old Quarter, which is known for its maze of streets, each named for a particular craft - for example, Hang Gai is where the silk and linen traders cluster, Hang Be is where the bamboo makers are, the tinsmiths are along Hang Thiec and so on.
Shophouses along Old Quarter
For picturesque shots and a spot of people watching, take a stroll along Hoan Kiem Lake - known as the Lake of the Restored Sword. Located at the centre of Hanoi, it’s a gathering place for locals to do anything from yoga to tai-chi to aerobics.
Hoan Kiem Lake
#5 Feast on street food
Hanoi is so much more than just Pho! Don’t forget to try two of our favourite dishes - Bun Cha which consist of grilled pork and rice noodles and Bun Bo Nam Bo, which is made out of rice noodles, grilled beef, herbs, topped with lots of crushed peanuts. Think of it as a salad - so good, and not heavy on the stomach. You can get your fix at 67 Hang Dieu Street.
Bun Cha
Try Bun Bo Nam Bo too!
Hanoi is well-known for their coffee and it’s an experience not to be missed. Served strong and rich, grab a roadside seat for the best view to rest your weary feet.
31 Dao Duy Tu
We recommend this little spot - 31 Dao Duy Tu. They open pretty early in the morning but close by 11pm.
Cafe 39 Ta Hien
And Cafe 39 Ta Hien, a little spot located along a noisy and crowded intersection - perfect for people watching.
Lastly, have a cuppa of the famous egg coffee at Cafe Giang. It tastes almost like creme brulee, rich, thick and satisfyingly custardy. Definitely worth hunting down this hidden spot and spending an hour or 2 listening in on the locals’ conversations. Find it at 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street.
We hope our guide has inspired you to explore Hanoi! Happy wandering!
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