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HANOI
Hanoi is a charming city in Vietnam that is home to historical attractions, scenic landscapes, and delectable cuisine. Whether you are a culture vulture, a foodie, or an adventure-seeker, Hanoi has something in store for you. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the top things to do in Hanoi that should be on your itinerary. Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is an enchanting blend of traditional, colonial, and contemporary influences. The city is steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for anyone who wants to explore Vietnam's rich heritage.
Best Things to Do in Hanoi
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HANOI
things to do
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1. Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is the heart of Hanoi, and it is a great place to begin your exploration of the city. Take a stroll around the lake and enjoy the scenic views, watch locals practicing Tai Chi or feeding the ducks, or visit the Ngoc Son Temple. The Temple is located on an island in the lake's center, and it is accessible via a red-painted wooden bridge. Hoan Kiem Lake is a tranquil oasis nestled in the heart of the city. The lake is surrounded by parks, gardens, and historic sites, including the Ngoc Son Temple. According to legend, a giant turtle once surfaced in the lake and gave a sword to a Vietnamese Emperor to help him defeat the Chinese army. The sword was later returned to the turtle, and it is said to reside in the lake until this day. You can also see the giant turtle statue that commemorates this legend.
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Tickets
are $37 for 1 day, $62 for 3 days, or $72 for 7 days,
and can be bought online.
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2. Explore the Old Quarter
The Old Quarter is one of the most iconic and vibrant neighborhoods in Hanoi. There, you'll see the bustling streets filled with vendors, local eateries, and markets. The Old Quarter is famous for its 36 streets, each named after the goods sold there. It's a great place to get a taste of Hanoi's street food, shop for souvenirs, and walk around the narrow alleys. The Old Quarter is the heart of Hanoi, and it's the perfect place to start your Hanoi tour. The area is a maze of narrow streets, each dedicated to a particular trade such as silk, silver, and even spices. The streets are buzzing with activity day and night, and you can find everything from street food to souvenirs. One of the must-try snacks is the famous egg coffee – a local specialty that pairs egg yolks with coffee to create a smooth and creamy beverage.
Tickets:
R245 for one of five routes and R655 for the Table Mountain combo, or
R320 in the afternoon and R390 in the morning for just Table Mountain
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4. Water Puppet Show
Water puppetry is a traditional form of entertainment in Vietnam that originated in the rice paddies of the Red River Delta region. The shows are performed in a waist-deep pool of water and depict the daily lives of rural Vietnamese people, folktales, and legends. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is one of the most famous places to watch a water puppet show in Hanoi. The art of water puppetry is a traditional Vietnamese performance that dates back to the 11th century. It is a fascinating and unique art form that involves puppets performing traditional folklore and legends in water. The shows take place at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, and you can enjoy a cup of tea while watching the performance.
Tickets:
R245 for one of five routes and R655 for the Table Mountain combo, or
R320 in the afternoon and R390 in the morning for just Table Mountain
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6. Market
There’s no better way to get to know the city than from the Red Bus. Hop on at the V&A Waterfront or Long Street, and take in the sights from the top deck. Buy your Red Bus and Table Mountain tickets together online to save money and skip the queue.
Tickets:
R245 for one of five routes and R655 for the Table Mountain combo, or
R320 in the afternoon and R390 in the morning for just Table Mountain
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meganthetravelingwriter.com
7. Train Street
China Town in Kuala Lumpur, which is a haven for street food lovers. You can find a variety of hawker stalls serving traditional Chinese cuisine, such as dim sum, dumplings, and noodles. The highlight, however, is the roast pork and rice. In Malaysia, roast pork is a delicacy, and no one does it better than the street vendors in China Town. The crispy-skinned pork is sliced and served on a bed of steaming rice, drizzled with sweet soy sauce, and accompanied by a side of pickled vegetables. It's a meal that's simple yet satisfying, and it costs next to nothing. Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown is known for its vibrant streets, bustling markets, and mouth-watering street food. Take a stroll through the colorful stalls and shops, where you can find trinkets, souvenirs, and traditional Chinese medicine. Be sure to visit the iconic Sri Mahamariamman Temple, which is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Kuala Lumpur.
Tickets:
R245 for one of five routes and R655 for the Table Mountain combo, or
R320 in the afternoon and R390 in the morning for just Table Mountain
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8. Central Market
The colorful market houses a variety of traditional Malaysian crafts and souvenirs, from batik prints to handmade jewelry, pottery, and leather goods. The market also has a food court serving some of the best local dishes in the city.
Tickets:
R245 for one of five routes and R655 for the Table Mountain combo, or
R320 in the afternoon and R390 in the morning for just Table Mountain
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9. Banh Mi - the best in Vietnam!
There’s no better way to get to know the city than from the Red Bus. Hop on at the V&A Waterfront or Long Street, and take in the sights from the top deck. Buy your Red Bus and Table Mountain tickets together online to save money and skip the queue.
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Tickets:
R245 for one of five routes and R655 for the Table Mountain combo, or
R320 in the afternoon and R390 in the morning for just Table Mountain
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meganthetravelingwriter.com
10. Nasi Kandar
There’s no better way to get to know the city than from the Red Bus. Hop on at the V&A Waterfront or Long Street, and take in the sights from the top deck. Buy your Red Bus and Table Mountain tickets together online to save money and skip the queue.
Tickets:
R245 for one of five routes and R655 for the Table Mountain combo, or
R320 in the afternoon and R390 in the morning for just Table Mountain
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9. Day Trip to Ninh Binh
There’s no better way to get to know the city than from the Red Bus. Hop on at the V&A Waterfront or Long Street, and take in the sights from the top deck. Buy your Red Bus and Table Mountain tickets together online to save money and skip the queue.
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meganthetravelingwriter.com
Tickets:
R245 for one of five routes and R655 for the Table Mountain combo, or
R320 in the afternoon and R390 in the morning for just Table Mountain
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9. Leave a Note at The Note Coffee
There’s no better way to get to know the city than from the Red Bus. Hop on at the V&A Waterfront or Long Street, and take in the sights from the top deck. Buy your Red Bus and Table Mountain tickets together online to save money and skip the queue.
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Tickets:
R245 for one of five routes and R655 for the Table Mountain combo, or
R320 in the afternoon and R390 in the morning for just Table Mountain
meganthetravelingwriter.com
meganthetravelingwriter.com
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9. Try Bun Cha
Hanoi is famous for its culinary scene. The local food is a combination of Chinese, French, and Vietnamese flavors, making it unique from the rest of the country. The city is home to some of the best dishes in Vietnam, such as Bun Cha (grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles and herbs), Pho (rice noodle soup with beef or chicken), and Banh Goi (fried dumpling stuffed with minced pork, mushroom, and vermicelli). Don't leave Hanoi without sampling these dishes. Vietnam is known for its delicious cuisine which is a mix of fresh herbs, spices, and meats. Hanoi boasts some incredible food options, from street vendors to upscale restaurants. You can try Bun Cha – grilled pork with noodles, Banh Mi – a Vietnamese sandwich, and Pho – a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup. Going on a food tour not only lets you try the delicious food but also helps you learn about the local dishes and culture.
Tickets:
R245 for one of five routes and R655 for the Table Mountain combo, or
R320 in the afternoon and R390 in the morning for just Table Mountain
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9. Street Food at Jalan Alor
No visit to Kuala Lumpur is complete without trying the local street food. From savory dishes like Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, and Satay to sweet treats like Cendol and Ice Kacang, you'll be spoilt for choice. Head to Jalan Alor, Petaling Street, or Taman Connaught night market to sample some of the amazing food the city has to offer. Kuala Lumpur is known for its diverse cuisine, which ranges from mouth-watering street food to high-end restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to try some of the local favorites, like Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, and Char Kway Teow. For a unique dining experience, head to Jalan Alor, which is a famous street food destination with over 200 stalls serving a variety of cuisines.
Tickets:
R245 for one of five routes and R655 for the Table Mountain combo, or
R320 in the afternoon and R390 in the morning for just Table Mountain