Hoan Kiem Lake is an oasis of peace in an otherwise very bustling city. Visitors to Vietnam's capital of Hanoi may at first be overwhelmed by the frenetic energy that pervades the streets and markets. Their senses may be assaulted by the constant chatter of beeping horns, the acrid smell of motorbike fumes, and the spicy flavor of fresh chili paste. But tucked away in the …
West Lake – Hanoi
In a metropolis built on waterways, it's no surprise that West Lake has secured a prime spot in Hanoi's cityscape. With numerous historic temples and pagodas as well as luxurious hotels and residences, visiting this lake offers visitors a plethora of activities. You can get in a strenuous workout, have an amazing seafood lunch, relax in a peaceful spot in the shade, and even …
Renting a Motorbike in Hanoi
While renting a motorbike often consists of getting a second-hand machine from a small store, there are plenty of reliable and professional shops to pick from, especially in Hanoi. And when traveling out onto the open roads, you're going to want a dependable machine to make sure you reach your final destination. Without doing ample research, you could end up with a fake …
The Temple of Literature – Hanoi
The Temple of Literature is not just another Southeast Asian temple. While it houses shrines, altars, and religious writings within, this storied location, in the heart of Hanoi, pays homage to a more secular divinity: education. This oasis of peace in an otherwise chaotic metropolis is a place for reflection, meditation, and for the serious visitor, some learning as …
Explore these 4 Hidden Treasures of Vietnam
Vietnam is home to a spirited culture that motivates a lot of travelers to visit. There are a lot of tours that go around the country’s top destinations like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hoi An, and Nha Trang. But, if you’re the type of adventurer who wants to take the paths less traveled, this list is for you. Though the major cities in the country undoubtedly bring out some of …
South to North Vietnam Motorbike Route – HCMC to Hanoi
If just one experience could define Southeast Asian adventures, it would be motorbiking across Vietnam. Whether north-to-south or south-to-north, a 2000 km traverse of Vietnam’s hyperkinetic highways and twisting country roads on your own two wheels is a journey that will leave you with stories to tell for years to come. Like many travelers, a friend and I started our …
How to Get From Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi
Vietnam's two largest cities, Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, are naturally its most visited. However, they lie at opposite ends of the long country, separated by around 1140 kilometers of air travel, 1600 km by road, and 1700 km on a train. Either way, you trek it, the trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, or vice-versa, covers a lot of distance. So what's the best way to get from Ho …
How to Get From Hanoi to Sapa
Sapa is one of the most visited destinations in North Vietnam, with tourists arriving year-round from Hanoi. There are several ways to reach this mountain town from Vietnam's capital city, including train, bus, shuttle, and motorbike. The closest airport to Sapa is Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, so that’s the one you’ll fly into to start your journey. From Hanoi, a …
The 8 Tallest Buildings in Vietnam
Between Hanoi and Saigon, Vietnam has its fare share of tall buildings lighting up its skylines. Although typically known for its incredible beaches, is on the cutting-edge of commerce and infrastructure in the developing world. When visiting either Ho Chi Minh City, to the south, or Hanoi, in the north, this fact becomes much more apparent when looking at the cityscapes, as …
Vietnam Military History Museum – Hanoi
Previously known as the Army Museum, the Vietnam Military History Museum, in Hanoi, boasts a comprehensive array of military hardware. The artifacts come in all shapes and sizes, including decommissioned fighter jet, tanks, and the remnants of a twisted American B-52 bomber. While there is a big focus on the Vietnam War, the museum also sheds light on the country's multiple …
Vietnam National Museum of History – Hanoi
The Vietnam National Museum of History is another of Hanoi’s major institutions housed within an elegant French colonial building. A harmonious blend of early 20th century European and eastern architecture, the building has many interesting design features to admire while viewing the exhibits. The Museum Through vivid displays, the Vietnam National Museum of History presents …
Vietnam National Fine Art Museum – Hanoi
Housed in an elegant 1930s French colonial building, the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi is arguably the country’s premier art museum. The building's facade and interiors are extremely well-preserved and have a compelling mix of Indochine and classical French architecture. Spanning about 3,000 square meters, the gallery space boasts a permanent collection of some …
The Best 5 Star Hotels in Hanoi
Established in 1010, Hanoi is a thousand-year-old city full of history, charm, and delightful attractions. It features a wide array of 5-star hotels, including some of the best luxury resorts in Vietnam. The capital city of Vietnam is a must-visit for anyone's Southeast Asia bucket list. With nearly 9 million people and a fast-growing city like Saigon, Hanoi offers a lot to …
Top things to do in Hanoi
Packed with top things to do, the city of Hanoi, Vietnam is famous for its active nighttime and daytime activities. It has lively streets lined with small food stalls and local art shops. The city of Hanoi, which is also known as the Paris of the east, is a marvelous blend of eastern and western culture. This French colonial city is known for its colonial buildings, rich …
Visiting Hanoi in April
With warmer temperatures and longer days than the preceding winter months, April marks a great time to visit Hanoi. There's a lot to do with many exciting festivals, including Reunification Day at the end of the month, celebrating the unification of North and South Vietnam. Climate Averages in Hanoi in April Temperatures continue to rise in April as Hanoi reaches its …
Hanoi Museum
Built to celebrate 1,000 years of Thang Long Hanoi, the Hanoi Museum is arguably the city’s most dramatic example of modern-day architecture. Hosting a myriad of exhibits, this museum displays multiple well-preserved statues, ceramic artifacts, and photographs as well as a few items from foreign countries. The Museum The floor area of the Hanoi Museum is scaled down from top …
Ba Vi National Park – Hanoi
Just a short drive from Hanoi, visitors will find the Ba Vi National Park. Often overlooked by foreign tourists, and nicknamed “Hanoi’s Lung”, the park tends to be more popular with locals. With three mountain peaks and verdant forests, Ba Vi is worth adding to your Vietnam itinerary. Location Setup more like an adventure park, Ba Vi is 38 miles (61.4 kilometers) outside of …
Vietnam Museum of Nature – Hanoi
The Vietnam Museum of Nature is tucked away inside the Academy of Science and Technology of Vietnam in Hanoi. Although extremely compact in size, it showcases more than 1,000 specimens covering a broad range of natural history. Acting as Vietnam’s foremost natural history museum, this site is an important center of research and education. Exhibits at the Museum of …
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – Hanoi
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology offers a window into the country’s vast melting pot of ethnic communities. There are more than 50 different ethnic groups across the nation and the museum serves to not only preserve their cultural diversity but also educate visitors in a variety of interactive ways. The Museum Housing comprehensive collections of tribal art and artifacts, as …
Hanoi Opera House – Hanoi
Completed in 1911 by the French-colonial government, the 589-seater Hanoi Opera House is now the pride of Vietnamese arts and theatre. In 1995, the Vietnamese government invested $14 million to upgrade and restore the historic building. In 2011, Hanoi Opera House was named a National Relic, a title bestowed on Vietnam's oldest and most treasured architecture pieces. A Brief …
