The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi blends history and culture with modern development to provide a truly fascinating city to explore; check out this guide that will help you plan a trip here.
Accommodation
For a stay in Hanoi, serviced apartment options are ideal since they offer more flexibility with features like fully equipped kitchens, living & dining areas, Wi-Fi access and daily housekeeping. Seek a centrally located property like Somerset Hoa Binh Hanoi that’s near the Central Business District that will be suitable for sightseeing too; onsite facilities like a business centre, indoor pool, children’s playroom and fully equipped gym will add to the convenience.
Things To See
When planning your itinerary, ensure you add the Old Quarter, a historical locale known for its 15th-century architecture, bustling markets and delectable street food. Idyllic West Lake where you will also find the Tran Quoc Pagoda is not to be missed; other attractions in Hanoi to visit include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, Temple of Literature, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum.
Shopping
When it comes to shopping, head to Hang Gai Street for its silk items, Hang Bac Street for jewellery and Hang Dao Street which has a great weekend night market offering everything from clothing to souvenirs. Also, of interest is the indoor Dong Xuan Market, while for more modern retail therapy you can visit the huge Lotte Centre and the Trang Tien Plaza which offers designer fashion.
Getting Around
Getting around the city is relatively easy and taxis can be hailed from the road though ensure they have a working meter. For short journeys, an inexpensive option would be motorcycle taxis also called “Xe Om” though arrive at an agreed price before setting off and remember to wear a helmet. Other available choices would be cyclos which are three-wheeled bicycle taxis and buses that can be used to get to key attractions.
