The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is the second largest city to Ho Chi Minh City. Located in the northern part of the country on the banks of Red River, the city was formed by the fascinating layers of history - French occupation, Chinese occupation and Vietnam War.

Given its location, the climate here is moderate; It’s much cooler than the rest of Vietnam. The atmosphere here is calm yet vibrant with its charming surroundings of the lakes, historical Vietnamese and colonial buildings.

There is so much to see, experience and appreciate; From the daily lives of the hardworking people to the history and the culture.

For more about Hanoi, read my blogs, “7 Reasons to Visit Hanoi, Vietnam” and “Top 4 Attractions in Hanoi Old Quarter”.

What to See/Do:

-Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Peaceful hangout and excise spot, the lake surrounds an island with an 18th-century pagoda, Ngnoc Son Temple, accessible by a wooden bridge.

-St. Joseph’s Cathedral

Built in 1886, the construction was inspired by Notre Dame de Paris. It’s the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the city.

-Old Quarter

The narrow streets and alleyways offer a glimpse of the local life. Explore on foot old shophouses selling street foods and daily necessities where motorbikes and vendors hassle by.

-Temple of Literature

It was originally built as a university in 1070 for the scholars, the sages and the Confucius. Picturesque with five courtyards consisting temples, statues and relics surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens.

-Don Xuan Market

The largest whole-sale market in Hanoi, anything and everything can be found here - from produce, spices, street foods to clothing and accessories.

-Hoa Lo Prison

Also known as Mason Centrale or the “Hanoi Hilton”, the prison housed Vietnamese revolutionaries during the colonial time and American POWs during Vietnam War.

What to Eat/Drink:

-Bun Cha

Bun Cha is an iconic Hanoi dish of grilled pork served with thin rice noodles and herbs.

-Grilled Turmeric Fish with Dill (Cha Ca La Vong)

Another Hanoi speciality dish - white fish fillet is grilled with turmeric, ginger, garlic, fish sauce and lots of dill. It’s eaten with rice noodles and herbs.

-Banh Mi

Every vendor has his/her own version of the Vietnamese sandwich, always with freshly baked bread and ingredients.

-Hanoi Pho

The famous noodle dish of Vietnam. The northern version is different from the southern version; The northern pho uses wider noodles and the taste of the broth is simple and mild. The southern pho has bolder, more robust taste.

-Che

There are many versions of Che, the Vietnamese sweet beverage/soup and pudding. They are made with a base of sweet syrup and/or pudding and contain mung beans, jellies, fruits, coconuts, lotus seeds, rice, corn and so much more!

-Egg Coffee

Egg coffee was invented in Hanoi in 1946, by Nguyen Van Giang when there was a shortage of milk during Indochina War. An egg yolk is whisked into a thick layer of cream and mixed with sugar, condensed milk and Vietnamese robusta coffee. It’s a must- have treat!