Embracing the City Buzz and Market Charms – Hanoi is situated in the northern part of Vietnam and offers a perfect blend of modernity and traditional Vietnamese culture. As the capital city of Vietnam, it is renowned for its unique delicacies such as Egg coffee and Pho (a popular noodle soup). However, there were limited direct flights from India to Hanoi, so plan the trip well in advance to avail the best travel deals.

Grab Taxis are one of the common modes of transportation for tourists, but you can also consider taking buses to reach the main market areas. Taking a bus from the airport to our hotel in the old quarter was quite economical. If you want to exchange your money for the local Vietnamese currency (VND), there are many stores right at Hanoi airport that provide good rates. We exchanged our money and obtained a local SIM card at the stores outside the airport. Additionally, there are many money exchange places in the market area of Hanoi.

Old quarter:

The Old Quarter was a highlight for us, with its narrow streets bustling with vendors and the aroma of street food filling the air. I found that choosing a hotel amid the market place in the old quarter was one of the best ideas, as we could cover most of the markets and Hoan Kiem Lake on foot.

There is something for everybody here. The historical place encompasses many street shops showcasing the cultural side of Vietnam. The night market, as well as the nightlife of Hanoi, can be enjoyed in the Old Quarter. A common tourist attraction is the street with a train passing through the cafes, as well as a few Vietnamese puppet shows but we couldn’t get the tickets on time.

Hoan Kiem Lake:

This lake, situated in the heart of Hanoi, is surrounded by most of the main market areas, thanks to its tourist appeal. If you are considering a leisurely walk around the lake, it’s best done in the evening when the lake presents a stunning view during sunset and at night. A few must-visit places by the lake include the iconic red bridge, Ngoc Son Temple, and the Turtle Tower situated on a small island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Many of Hanoi’s tourist spots are conveniently located near the lake, such as the Opera House, puppet theatre, museums, and St. Joseph’s Cathedral. If you enjoy walking, you can easily visit most of these places on foot; otherwise, taxis are readily available on call. Additionally, there are hop-on-hop-off buses for most of these locations, though we personally did not try them, as walking is a better way to explore, especially in the evening.

Lotte Observation Deck:

The observation deck is located on the 65th floor of the Lotte Centre mall, offering a stunning 360-degree view of Hanoi city. Glass-floored walks and additional observation decks enhance the viewing experience, allowing visitors to capture memorable photographs while enjoying the city from above. Adjacent to the observation deck is a rooftop restaurant; however, I found the prices to be quite high, especially considering the presence of other more reasonably priced restaurants within Lotte Centre.

In addition to the observation deck, Lotte Centre houses an array of high-end brand stores, a grocery market, and several restaurants. This offers visitors the opportunity to explore and spend time in the mall, making it a versatile destination. For the best experience, consider visiting the observation deck in the evening to witness the breathtaking views both during the day and at night.

HALONG BAY:

This is a trip that you should consider, even if you have limited time during your visit to Hanoi. It is worth dedicating an entire day to explore Halong Bay. We opted for a one-day Halong Bay cruise through Klook, and the convenience of being picked up and dropped off directly at our hotel made the experience even better. In case you are a vegetarian then you can inform the cruise team in advance and they will arrange a separate pure veg buffet for you on the boat.

Halong Bay offers a variety of options, including overnight cruises and different activity packages, allowing you to tailor your trip to your preferences. Our choice was a one-day cruise that included a buffet lunch and tea. During the cruise, we had the opportunity to hike through caves, go kayaking, enjoy a boat ride, and visit the stunning Ti Top Beach.

Our guide also led us to a Pearl workshop, where we had the opportunity to observe the fascinating process of crafting pearly jewellery and even make purchases if we found any items that caught our eye. This workshop is situated before our visit to Halong Bay, providing a perfect opportunity to relax and unwind before embarking on the cruise.

Ti Top Island-

This island is named after the Russian astronaut Gherman Titov who visited the island and it features a statue dedicated to him at its entrance. For tourists, common activities on this island include hiking to the hilltop, which offers a fantastic view of the surroundings. However, if you’re not in the mood for strenuous activities, you can also unwind on the beach and savour snacks at the beachside café.

Cave hiking-

Halong Bay boasts three to four captivating caves, so be sure to consult your cruise planner to include cave hiking in your itinerary. Fortunately, we were accompanied by an excellent guide who led us through the cave and shared intriguing facts about each location as we hiked. However, even without a guide, this place is still worth visiting to appreciate the breathtaking limestone formations inside the cave.

Boat riding/Kayaking-

At the end of the cruise, we embarked on a boat ride around the rocky island. Here, you have the option to either kayak independently or join a group boat ride with a guide. This location is quite popular among tourists, so you can expect a bustling traffic of boats, at times bumping into each other. Nevertheless, the natural beauty of the island is truly captivating, making the experience of cruising around it a delightful adventure.

Must try local cuisine:

For a food enthusiast, one of the most exciting aspects of any trip is undoubtedly experiencing the local cuisine. Among the diverse array of local dishes, a few stood out as my favorites. Pho, a flavorful meat noodle soup, was a regular choice, often customized to a chicken version at the restaurants we frequented. Additionally, I highly recommend trying other iconic dishes like egg coffee, spring rolls, banh mi (a unique kind of sandwich), and Che desserts (fruits in coconut milk) which offered a delightful culinary adventure. For those seeking a vegetarian option, customizing Pho or banh mi is advisable, as meat is a prevalent ingredient in many traditional dishes.

A common challenge you’ll encounter while exploring Vietnamese cities is navigating through the bustling traffic. Initially, it might seem daunting, but over time, you’ll gain confidence and learn to navigate through the vehicles in traffic, just like the locals do.