Bustling streets of Hanoi

Traditional water-puppets

Entrance gate to the Temple of Literature

Hoan Kiem lake

Hanoi fresh produce markets

Traditional painted facemasks

Pho Ga

A Vietnamese Delight

Hanoi is the cultural hub of Vietnam and despite the battles that have raged around it, Hanoi retains much of its historic charm and boasts more cultural sites than any city in Vietnam, including over 600 pagodas and temples and some delightful French colonial buildings.

Where to shop

Hanoi is a great place to shop with silk items topping the list and oodles of designer boutiques selling quality clothing and accessories. The local handicraft shops sell a variety of lacquer ware, ceramics and mother-of-pearl inlaid items. The biggest markets in Hanoi are the Cho Dong Xuan markets. This market is great for fabrics, souvenirs and those late night food stalls that sell a variety of traditional street delicacies. The market offers a varied abundance of goods with hundreds of stalls, thousands of workers, extremely fresh produce, dried foods, household goods and more.

Get Cultured

The Temple of Literature is an excellent example of Chinese and Vietnamese architecture and was founded in 1070 to honour the Chinese philosopher Confucius. It was established as the country's first university six years later. The courtyard features 82 stone tablets, each mounted on the back of a carved tortoise, with the names of graduates from the years 1484 to 1780. The Temple of Literature is not only an interesting sight but a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

What to Eat

The most legendary example of Vietnamese cuisine is pho (soup) - pho ga (chicken noodle soup) or pho bo (beef noodle soup). In Hanoi you'll find various other dishes which include chicken, beef, fish and seafood. Coffee, baguettes and pastries are also popular since they were introduced by the French colonials, but all three have been localised and remain popular contemporary aspects of Vietnamese cuisine. Bành my are freshly-baked white bread baguettes filled with grilled meats, liver or pork päte, plus fresh herbs and vegetables. Most pastry shops also serve a variety of sweets and quick foods.

Be Entertained

You can't leave Hanoi without seeing a traditional water-puppet show. Thang Long water puppetry art is famous and highly appreciated all over the world, with their shows appealing to all ages. The charming and visually spectacular shows are also accompanied by a traditional Vietnamese pit orchestra.

Where to stay

Like many Hanoi attractions, accommodation is also centrally located, making sightseeing more convenient for travellers. Most accommodation is in and around the Old Quarter and within walking distance of the charming Hoan Kiem Lake. The InterContinental Hanoi Westlake is an upmarket hotel that offers contemporary style in a luxurious setting on the waterfront. The hotel has all the luxuries of Western accommodation without missing the Hanoi character.

Icons to See

Hanoi has many scenic lakes and is often referred to as the City of Lakes with the most famous being Hoan Kiem. This lake is located in the middle of Hanoi and its name means The Lake of the Restored Sword. At Hoan Kiem Lake you can join in on a martial arts session, do some tai chi exercises, or simply stroll along the scenic pathways. Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts is another icon not to miss. For visitors with an interest in the arts, this museum, housed in a beautiful colonial building, is a must-see. There's an impressive mix of Vietnamese traditional crafts such as lacquer ware and silk paintings, as well as wonderful historic artefacts.

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