Top 4 Hanoi Insider Tips

'You either love Hanoi or you hate it!' This is a statement you often hear from travelers to Vietnam. I set out for Southeast Asia to discover what the capital of Vietnam truly has to offer. I returned with plenty of Hanoi tips that make it easy to learn to love the 'City Within the Rivers!'

Let's not kid ourselves: Hanoi lives a bit in the shadow of the southern Vietnamese metropolis Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, which, with over 8 million inhabitants, seems not only to be the larger but also the more popular city. But wait! Why always follow the crowd? Hanoi is far too diverse to be merely a landing airport on the way to the south or a stopover for trips to the nearby Halong Bay. The city has its own unique charm. Discover the most beautiful sights and best street food markets in the city with my Hanoi tips!

Hanoi is now certainly familiar to every traveler to Southeast Asia. Various airlines like Emirates allow us to travel to Hanoi quickly and comfortably; the international airport and, not least, the affordable flights make Hanoi a perfect starting point for a round trip through Vietnam.

After a stopover in Dubai or China, you will land in the city of the Red River and can start exploring Hanoi right away. Provided that the jet lag doesn't hit you too hard!

To get from Hanoi Airport to the city center, you have three options: You can take a taxi, the operating minibuses, or the regular city bus (number 7 and 17). While the city buses, which run approximately every 15 minutes, are the cheapest at around €0.30, the approximately 30-minute taxi ride will cost around €15. It's best to take a metered taxi so you won't be easily ripped off!

I won't sugarcoat it: If it's your first time in Vietnam or even Southeast Asia, you will likely experience a bit of culture shock! The loud hustle and bustle on the streets, the unpredictable traffic, the unfamiliar smells and foods - all of this may overwhelm you at first. But don't worry, you will quickly get used to this 'chaos.' I would even go so far as to say that you will begin to love it! Once you have acclimatized a bit, you should start your sightseeing tour through Hanoi right away, as there is much to discover!

The first two sights in my Hanoi tips are also among the most prominent in the city. In the museum dedicated to the history and work of Ho Chi Minh, the famous Vietnamese revolutionary and president, you can learn about the life and impact of the man who shaped Vietnam like no other. The entrance to the museum costs about €1.50. You can enter the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh is displayed, completely free of charge. This monumental mausoleum is open to visitors every day except Monday and Friday from 8 AM to 11 AM. Admittedly, this sight is a bit macabre, but Ho Chi Minh is still revered by the Vietnamese today, and his history remains inseparably linked to that of Vietnam. Tip: Between the museum and mausoleum stands the famous One Pillar Pagoda, considered the oldest and one of the most beautiful. You can also reach Hanoi's Botanical Garden on foot, where you can take a little break from sightseeing.

After immersing yourself in the history of Hanoi, I now recommend my favorite place in Hanoi, the vibrant Old Town. This part of the city is also known as the Quarter of 36 Streets, a name that truly reflects its nature. What you could discover and buy in the respective streets can still be guessed from their names, which still carry the designation of the goods today.

In some alleys, you can still find traditional products, while others boast hostels, street food markets, and colorful bars that attract an international crowd.

In the middle of the Old Town, there are also temples and small pagodas, some prominent and adorned, others more hidden and surprisingly austere. The Bach Ma Temple, one of the most well-known in Old Town, is hard to miss, as its roof towers above all the surrounding rooftops.

I always find myself wandering through the narrow and bustling streets of Old Town Hanoi. Nowhere else can you experience the contrast of modernity and revival versus tradition and decay like here; and the street food is wonderfully authentic and delicious! Tip: Definitely visit the night market on weekends. An authentic taste of Vietnam!

After learning more about the 'Father of Vietnam' in the Ho Chi Minh Museum, I recommend a visit to the National Museum of Vietnamese History. For an entrance fee of about €1.70, you will learn more about the thousand-year-old history of the country, its independence, and the Vietnam War, which held the country in its grip until 1975 and brought unimaginable suffering to the population. An interesting story that comes alive in this museum. If you are interested in the history of the Vietnam War, the Vietnam Military History Museum offers more intriguing insights. War equipment, documents, and photographs illustrate the horrors of war and show the means used to fight.

Not far from the National Museum, you will find the Vietnamese Women's Museum, another noteworthy museum that, as the name suggests, focuses on the history of women in Vietnam.

On the way to the French Quarter of Hanoi, a true gem of my Hanoi tips awaits you: Hoan Kiem Lake. This recreational area is popular among both tourists and Vietnamese, especially on weekends when crowds of relaxation seekers gather. In the middle of the lake of the returned sword, as its official name translates, stands Hanoi's landmark, the Turtle Tower, dedicated to the lake's guardian spirit, a golden turtle.

Tip: Not far from Hoan Kiem Lake, you can visit St. Joseph's Cathedral, one of the Catholic churches in Vietnam. The cathedral, where masses have only been held again since the 1990s, presents a contrast to the rest of Hanoi, where temples and hundreds of scooters dominate the streets. Worth a visit!

What follows is the complete opposite of Old Town. We are speaking of the French Quarter, which strongly evokes the times when Vietnam was a French colony. Splendid buildings, luxury hotels, an opera house, and a shopping street lined with expensive brands come together here, almost making one forget that we are in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. A stark contrast to the rest of the somewhat chaotic city.

Another must-see in Hanoi is the Thăng Long Citadel, which was formerly the seat of Vietnamese emperors. The citadel was only rediscovered a few years ago and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its importance. Today, you can visit the working place of former dynasties for €1.30.

The best is saved for last - so it should be with the sights in Hanoi. After an exciting day in the Vietnamese metropolis, you should definitely find a spot by the water to experience the sunset. I particularly enjoyed the sunsets at Tran Quoc Pagoda. The temple is located a bit outside the city and is one of the better-known sights of Hanoi. Even if it may get a little crowded here: the view over West Lake and the city is unique! In general, I recommend finding a spot by West Lake or the Red River in the evening, as you can best unwind here after sightseeing and enjoy the beautiful sunsets.

Vietnam is a true paradise for foodies! Delicious dishes like Pho, Goi Cuon, and Bun cha have long made it to Germany.

So, if you find yourself in Hanoi, don't hesitate to try the delicious, fresh street food that is offered at the (night) markets in the city. You usually don't have to worry about hygiene, as the food sold at the small street stalls is also suitable for Europeans. Those looking for good street food will find it quickly in Hanoi. Around Old Town, typical Vietnamese food is offered at small, authentic stalls at a fraction of what you would pay in a Vietnamese restaurant. I particularly recommend the night markets that take place in some alleys of Old Town on weekends. Lastly, I will reveal my top 5 dishes you must try in Hanoi:

If you were to ask me whether Hanoi is truly a city that you either love or hate, I would say that while Hanoi may not be a classic beauty, it has wonderful spots, delicious food, and a great nightlife. Take some time and explore the capital of Vietnam in all its facets! It truly is worth it. And thanks to the comfortable flight connections with Emirates, you can reach Hanoi in no time.