The population of Hanoi for the year is. Hanoi - a guide for tourists. Tours from Vietnam Awesome Travel

And the business fuss of today. According to the magazine Travel & Leisure, Hanoi is included in the list of the 10 most interesting Asian cities from a tourist point of view.

Hanoi is located on the banks red river, and in translation the name of the capital means "a city between two rivers." The city acquired its current name only in 1831, and until that time it was called Thang Long, that is, "the stronghold of the flying dragon."

Hanoi can be safely called the most beautiful city in Vietnam: there are many ancient temples and pagodas and the French colonial influence is still felt, moreover, the city was not spoiled by the socialist buildings of the 1970s and 80s.

The capital of Vietnam is of interest primarily to those who appreciate a rich sightseeing holiday. There are many historical and cultural attractions here. But there are no beaches at all: from the city to the ocean about a hundred kilometers. Nevertheless, there is no shortage of entertainment here, while the tourist infrastructure is very developed. The very atmosphere of Hanoi is attractive - travelers fall in love with this city at first sight.

Climate and weather

The climate of Hanoi allows travelers to come to this city all year round, however best time spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are considered for the visit.

In the capital of Vietnam, the dry and wet seasons are clearly distinguished. The wet season lasts from May to early October. During these months it is very hot in Hanoi (up to +39 °C) and heavy rains. In September, the weather changes: clear days come, the air temperature drops to a comfortable (+30 ° C), a light cool wind blows.

The dry season lasts from late October to April. At this time, it is cool in Hanoi (in December the air temperature is +14...+16 °C, in January it can drop to +8 °C), precipitation is very rare.

In April and May the weather is sunny, the air warms up to +30..+35 °C.

Nature

The nature of Hanoi and its environs cannot but impress. Surprising is the fact that there are about a hundred lakes in the city itself. These are, first of all, natural lakes, such as, for example, Lake of the Returned Sword, Chukbat and Thien Quang Lakes, West Lake. Also in the capital there are many artificial lakes that refresh the city in the summer heat: Ngoc Khanh, Van, Thanh Cong and others. The lakes form the unique scenic landscape of Hanoi.

Attractions

Hanoi is a storehouse of attractions: there are more than 600 pagodas and temples, each of which has its own history. In the architecture of the city, Chinese and French styles merge in amazing harmony, and even socialist monuments that suddenly appear against the backdrop of pagodas and palaces do not violate it.

Without exception, travelers strive to see One Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot), which was built in 1049 by order of Emperor Li Thai Tong. Nowadays, it is also a place of pilgrimage for childless couples who come here to pray to the gods to give them children.

In the Old Quarter is memorial ComplexMausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, one of the four mausoleums operating on the planet. It is the national shrine of the Vietnamese. The body of Ho Chi Minh lies in a glass sarcophagus, which is surrounded by a guard of honor in snow-white military uniforms. You can visit the Mausoleum from December to October on all days except Monday and Friday. The Mausoleum is open from 08:00 to 11:00.

Among the temples, the most famous is considered Quan Thanh Temple, which is located near West Lake. It is dedicated to the legendary sage Chan Wu, who, according to legend, drove out a ghost that interfered with the construction of a fortification in the town of Ko Loa. The temple was erected in the 11th century, and a 4-meter statue of Chang Wu, cast in black bronze in 1677, sitting barefoot with a sword in his hand, has survived to this day.

There are several interesting museums in Hanoi. Recommended to visit Ethnographical museum, History Museum Vietnam War and the Women's Museum.

Nutrition

In terms of gastronomy, Hanoi is a real cosmopolitan: cafes and restaurants thrive in the local culinary traditions cuisines around the world. Here you can enjoy the masterpieces of Italian, French, Indian, Chinese, Spanish, Thai and even Ukrainian cuisine. And of course, there are a lot of establishments in the city where you will be offered delicious national dishes.

Worth a try pho soup beef with rice noodles, lotus rice, fried seafood and rice flour pancakes. The most daring gourmets are also waiting for a real exotic in the form of fried grasshoppers or roast snakes.

In traditional establishments, it is customary to use chopsticks, but a fork and knife will also be brought to you if you ask.

The best restaurants in Hanoi are concentrated in the area Quan Thanh streets(Quan Thanh). But be prepared for the fact that the luxurious interior and the sophistication of the dishes will also be reflected in the amount on the bill. The cost of an average dinner per person in high-end restaurants is $20-30.

But in small colorful Hanoi cafes, everything is very cheap, authentic vietnamese cuisine here it does not hit the wallet and pleases the stomach. In addition, there are a great many coffee houses in Hanoi: the townspeople are very fond of drinking a cup of aromatic coffee with croissants (the French influence on coffee traditions in Hanoi is very strong).

Accommodation

Hanoi has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious five-star hotels to modest guest houses and family-run half boards.

Interestingly, it is not necessary to leave the city center if there is a need for decent affordable housing. The Old Town is full of decent hotels with all amenities, and the cost of living here varies between $ 10-40 per person.

And the most famous hotel is "Metropol-Hanoi". His luxurious apartments are reminiscent of French Indochina. At the hotel rich story: Comedian Charlie Chaplin, French President Jacques Chirac stayed here, and writer Graham Greene, they say, worked as a bartender. Guests have to pay for luxury and history: room rates start at $600-700.

Entertainment and recreation

Hanoi traditionally amazes tourists with the variety of entertainment offered.

Very popular here sea ​​cruises. The most sought after, of course, to Halong Bay. Mostly one-day cruises are offered. The trip includes landing, walking through ancient caves, swimming in the bay and visiting an unusual floating village.

lovers water activities and families with children will appreciate Hanoi's huge Dam Sen water park. The playground, for example, offers rides such as Multislide, Fountain Square, Kamikaze, and Wave Lake. There are attractions for adults too.

Don't miss the shows when you're in Hanoi puppet theater on the water. Particularly famous for its art theater troupe "Thang Long". The plots of the plays are usually simple, but the spectacle of the action captivates both children and adults.

For fans active species holidays in Hanoi there are safari tours around the area, diving, kiting and windsurfing in the Halong Bay area.

Purchases

Hanoi always surprises shoppers with surprisingly low prices and a range of products. The main rule is to bargain. At the same time, you need to respect the seller, politely justify the price reduction, and the result of the bargain will please you: even in shopping centers you can buy things 25-50% lower than the declared value, and even in markets and small shops you can bring down the price by 2-3 times!

The quality of local products will also pleasantly surprise you. Shoes made of genuine leather are especially valued, which, by the way, is exported to Europe and the USA. Also, tourists buy clothes and accessories made of silk, jewelry made of gold and silver, natural pearls.

The main "fish" shopping places are concentrated in the center of Hanoi. There are many craft workshops and shops in the Old Quarter, where you can find a wide variety of souvenirs, interior items and even works of art. You should definitely visit the Silk Village, which is located 10 km from Hanoi: it is the most profitable place to buy silk products. Of the modern shopping centers, the most popular are Vincom City Towers and Trang Tien Plaza.

Transport

Public transport in Hanoi is represented by buses. True, the routes are very confusing, and the schedule is not always respected. Tourists are advised to use the services of private small minibuses, which are much more comfortable, while the fare is not significantly higher. The average bus fare in Hanoi is approximately $0.1-0.3.

Bicycle and motor rickshaws are very popular. A 15-minute ride will cost $2.

The most convenient way, of course, is to travel by taxi. In Hanoi, it will not be a problem to catch a car, but we recommend using the services of official taxis, otherwise there is a risk of paying for a trip at a double or even triple rate. Remember that it is better to negotiate the fare before boarding.

Be careful when crossing the road in Hanoi: drivers here never give way to pedestrians, even at zebra crossings or traffic lights.

If you want to rent a car in Hanoi, be prepared for the fact that you will have to take a car with a driver: there are no international driving licenses. And although foreigners are very rarely checked, in the event of an accident, the fault is clearly shifted to the guest of the country. So a Vietnamese driver will save you from problems on the road, while his presence will hardly affect the cost of renting.

Connection

To call abroad, in Hanoi, you can use both street payphones and the services of special call centers. From hotels it is also possible to call anywhere in the world, but it will cost many times more.

To call from Hanoi to Russia, you need to dial 007, then the area code and the subscriber's number.

Mobile communication is actively used in the capital of Vietnam. For Russian tourists there are no inconveniences, since the operators Beeline, MTS and Megafon have agreements with Vietnamese companies. In addition, you can purchase a SIM card from one of the local mobile operators (Vietnamobile, G-Tel, MobiFone, Viettel Mobile, S-Fone, VinaFone). The card costs about $5 and already includes 30 minutes for local calls.

There will also be no problems with the Internet in Hanoi. Internet access is available in almost all hotels, and there are numerous Internet cafes in the city, where a full range of services is provided.

Safety

In Hanoi, the safety of tourists is ensured at the proper level. But still, as in any metropolis, there is a certain risk of becoming a victim of scammers. Tourists may experience pickpocketing, especially in crowded places. It is best not to carry large cash and documents with you.

Never drink tap water - buy drinking water V plastic bottles and check the integrity of the package before opening. Wash vegetables and fruits with disinfected water. Avoid drinks with ice - it can be made from running water.

Business climate

capital of Vietnam and modern metropolis, Hanoi cannot but attract investors from other countries. And although the undisputed leadership in the business sphere belongs to " southern capital» Ho Chi Minh City, the number of new companies in Hanoi is steadily growing.

The influx of foreign investment in Hanoi is facilitated by such factors as cheap labor, a stable political environment, non-interference of the state in the activities of enterprises. Investments in construction are considered the most profitable commercial real estate and development of tourism infrastructure.

On the other hand, opening a business in Hanoi is not as easy as it might seem, if only because the country is in 99th place in the world in terms of the complexity of the procedure for registering and obtaining licenses. And despite the fact that foreigners are not threatened by many bureaucratic obstacles, in Lately in Hanoi, there is a decline in business activity. At the Vietnam Business Forum 2012, which was held in Hanoi in early December, it was noted that the degree of confidence in business circles has significantly decreased. The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed concern over the fact that 15,000 foreign entrepreneurs are not planning to expand their business at present. In this situation, the Vietnamese government announced its intention to take measures to support business, including the optimization of the legal system, tax cuts and the provision of preferential loans. Therefore, in the near future, the business climate of Hanoi may become more attractive to foreigners.

Real estate

The interest of investors in real estate in Hanoi is understandable: the capital of Vietnam is developing. Today it is not only the political center of the country, but also a large modern metropolis. There is a large-scale construction of shopping centers, hotels, office buildings, social housing. Back in 2008, the National Assembly passed a law thanks to which the territory of Hanoi grew 3 times at the expense of nearby provinces. The reconstruction of the city began and the active construction of housing and commercial real estate continued. However, the bankruptcy of a number of major players in the market led to the fact that real estate prices at the end of 2011 fell by 25%. Currently, the price reduction continues, the cost of 1 m 2 of housing averages $ 1,700. Analysts predict that the trend will continue in 2013.

Investors wishing to invest in Hanoi real estate must be patient. But in the long term, investment in construction tourist complexes and apartments will pay off in full. It should only be borne in mind that a foreigner can only purchase an apartment and only for 50 years (in fact, all purchase and sale transactions in Vietnam are long-term lease agreements), then it must be sold or donated. Wherein Foreign citizens must either be married to a Vietnamese citizen, or invest in the country's economy, or work in strategic enterprises. By the way, having bought an apartment, a foreigner must live in it himself - it is impossible to rent out such living space.

The locals are quite tolerant and friendly towards tourists, but remember that many things that are familiar to us here can be considered an insult. For example, it is extremely indecent to walk around the city in beachwear. And if you plan to visit a temple, shoulders and legs should be covered. Before entering a Buddhist temple, take off your shoes and leave them outside. You can not turn your back to the temple when leaving it.

Photographing Vietnamese is not allowed without prior permission. For him, by the way, most likely, you will have to pay.

Tipping in government hotels and restaurants is usually included in the bill at a rate of 5%. In private establishments, promotion is usually left to the discretion of the client.

Keep in mind that only foreigners can gamble in Hanoi and only in special establishments. An attempt to involve the Vietnamese in the game is punishable by criminal prosecution.

Special attention in Hanoi deserves the problem of street trading and the incredible obsession of the local population. Although the city authorities are trying to limit the presence of merchants with bales and trunks for at least central streets, you are unlikely to be able to avoid persistent offers to buy the “most beautiful” product here and now. If you don’t want problems, don’t respond to calls and don’t contact such sellers: at best, buy low-quality products, and at worst, you won’t notice how great you are cheated.

Hanoi is located in the north of the country. This is one of largest cities country with over 6.5 million people. The city is also called the cultural capital of the country. There is no sea here, however, there are always a lot of tourists in Hanoi. This is where all the lovers go. educational rest, as the city has the largest number of attractions. You can learn more about interesting places in the city in the ““ section.

Hanoi on Vietnam map

Best time to go to Hanoi

The ideal time to visit Hanoi is from October to April. This is a period of high tourist season when the weather pleases tourists with not too high temperatures and lack of precipitation. April and May are the hottest months of the year. The air during this period warms up to +36 degrees, so making excursions in such weather is not very comfortable. The summer months are the rainy season. Precipitation here is quite long, and sudden rain can ruin all plans. Therefore, you should not go to Hanoi in the summer. Although budget tourists often choose this particular period for a trip, since prices for tours fall significantly in the summer months.

How to get to Hanoi from Moscow

Hanoi has its own international airport, which receives direct flights from many countries of the world, including from Russia. Direct flight from Moscow to Hanoi is carried out by several airlines. Flight time does not exceed 10 hours. You can also fly to the city with transfers, which is usually cheaper. The airport is located 30 km from the city. You can get to the center of Hanoi by taxi or bus.

The cheapest tickets from Moscow to Hanoi and back

The main attractions of the capital of Vietnam

Hanoi - sightseeing city. There are a huge number of historical and natural attractions that make your vacation interesting and bright.

Lake of the Returned Sword

One of the main attractions of the city can be called, located in the very center of the tourist area. The lake is shrouded in secrets and legends, and has an important historical meaning. Of great interest is not only the lake itself with its legends, but also the island with the jade mountain temple located on it. It was built in the 18th century to commemorate three legendary figures in Vietnam: Tranhung Dao, Van Xuong, and Nguyen Van Xie. They did a lot for the country, so the Vietnamese decided to perpetuate the memory of them.

Temple of Literature

Another unique place Hanoi - built in 1070 in honor of Confucius. A university was immediately opened here, where the children of Vietnamese mandarins studied. At the present time, classes in the classrooms are also continuing here. But now the building is included in the UNESCO heritage list. The main attraction of the temple are the steles of turtles, which immortalize the names of those who received a degree in the walls of the Temple of Literature.

Cathedral of Saint Joseph

Another attraction of Hanoi, which is definitely worth a visit - located in tourist area. It was built at the end of the 19th century, and its appearance has many similarities with the famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The walls of the fence are decorated with drawings of a religious orientation. On Christmas holidays, a service is held here, at which anyone can attend.

Hanoi Cristina & Travel Hotel is located in Hanoi's Hoan Kiem Scenic Area. It offers air-conditioned rooms, a bar and free Wi-Fi. An excellent value for money hotel. The renovations had already been completed and it was quiet. Everything is new in the rooms. We took the most budget room, in principle, it was where to turn around. There was even a closet with a safe. In the shower set of all accessories + hair dryer. TV did not work - they did not bring the antenna up yet, and it is not needed. There is an elevator. The staff is super, ready to help in everything, speaks good English. Cleaned up every day. The pastel was fresh and clean. There is a kettle with coffee and tea in the room. Water is brought every day. Great location, close to everything party places, right around the corner. However, the hotel is quiet. Super breakfast with buffet in a nearby star hotel. Good wifi signal. The only negative, but this is already a feature of the climate - humidity. There was dew on the window in the morning and there was a feeling of dampness.

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Average price/night: RUB 3,233

9.2 Excellent 1,029 reviews

Hoankiem, Hanoi

Located just 300 meters from Hanoi Citadel, My Moon Hanoi Hotel offers luxuriously designed rooms. The hotel has a restaurant and a bar. At first we took a cheaper room, without a window, but as it turned out, it was hard without a window, so we asked for a room with a window (with a surcharge) and then the room exceeded all expectations! Huge bed, huge window! Noise from the street didn't bother us, when we closed the window we didn't hear anything We went to bed late Breakfast was not bad, all requests were fulfilled very quickly Responsive staff The location is excellent!

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Average price/night: 2 690 rub.

9.0 Excellent 1,390 reviews

Hoankiem, Hanoi

Hanoi Golden Holiday Hotel is located in Hanoi's Hoan Kiem district, 300 meters from Dong Xuan Market. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi. Guests can attend a free cooking class. For the center of Hanoi, this is a very quiet street. Nice cozy room with a balcony. Very attentive staff, all requests are met.

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Average price/night: 2 916 rub.

9.6 Exceptional 1,076 reviews

Hoankiem, Hanoi

Hanoi La Storia is located in the Hoan Kiem district of Hanoi. Guests can enjoy various meals at the hotel's restaurant. All rooms have free Wi-Fi. The main thing is location. Is in interesting place- block of 36 streets. Not noisy. The staff is friendly, they will always come to the rescue, help, tell you what's what... The room in which he lived is good, clean, well-groomed. The rooms have everything. hot and cold water. Safe. Mini bar with cold drinks and water. Kettle, tea. Air conditioner. Silent. Controlled from the remote control. Sleeps perfectly. A bunch of options for backlighting numbers - light or full. Breakfast from 6.30 am. European. Tasty. Special thanks to the hotel manager, Mr. Tiep Le, for help in organizing a good rest.

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Average price/night: RUB 3,181

9.5 Exceptional 1,214 reviews

Hoankiem, Hanoi

The Light Hotel is located in Hanoi's Hoan Kiem district, 300 meters from St. Joseph's Cathedral. It offers elegant rooms decorated in modern style and an outdoor pool. I liked absolutely everything! The hotel is new (we were told that it opened under a new sign and after renovations in December 2016) and it shows. The staff is friendly and helpful. Excellent concierge service. I would especially like to note the work of the Travel desk employee Tom (as he introduced himself to us)! He picked up and helped book tours to Halong Bay and Sapa at an excellent price, and also helped with booking rooms in this hotel for the days after returning at the booking price with all discounts (we checked out every time, and then settled again. A large suitcase was left in their locker). Several rooms have been changed during this time, all were spacious, with windows overlooking the city. Once we lived in a room without windows, in principle, it’s also normal, just fake windows on the next wall. In a word, each time we returned to the hotel as to our home. The rooftop pool is small but adequate. After a whole day of walking in the Hanoi heat - this is a real salvation! And what views of the city! There are several tables and chairs. Very tasty and varied breakfast!

Near Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam and former capital French Indochina, many names. In the 11th century it was called Thanglong - "Soaring Dragon", then Dongkikh - " northern capital"And only in 1831, having temporarily lost the status of the capital, he received his current name, meaning "City in the bend of the river."

Hanoi really stands on the Red River, the water in which from time immemorial has a dirty brown color. It owes its diversity to a 1000-year history that has absorbed the traditions of the West and the East. His Old city, soaked in exoticism, is like one big market. And just a few minutes walk is the French Quarter with green boulevards and Opera House built on the model of the Parisian Grand Opera. Someone will find here a socialist reserve with monuments to Lenin and the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, someone will find an ideal city of colonial times. And for everyone, Hanoi is the gateway to Halong Bay - a UNESCO site and one of the most amazing landscapes in Southeast Asia.

How to get to Hanoi

The capitals of Russia and Vietnam are connected by Aeroflot, which operates in Hanoi daily flights, and Vietnam Airlines departing every other day. Do not discount flights with transfers. Comfortable transfers with transfers in Dubai and Doha from Emirates and Qatar Airways, although they will increase total time travel for a few hours, but will allow you to save a little.

Read more about how to get to Hanoi in this article.

Search flights to Hanoi

Transport

About 60 bus routes where clean, comfortable and air-conditioned cars ply. Fare payment - to the conductor or driver at the entrance to the bus. A trifle is better to prepare in advance. On different routes fare is different. With a large number of trips, it is more convenient to issue a monthly Xe Buyt pass for all routes. This can be done on final stops for which you need to fill out an application, submit a photo, make required amount and in 3 days to receive a ready-made travel card. To understand the intricacies of the roads, Hanoi's land transport scheme - Xe Buyt Hanoy (in Vietnamese), which is sold from conductors in buses and kiosks at terminus stops, helps. You can download it online in PDF format or install the Hanoi Bus app (in English) on your smartphone.

Taxi in Hanoi is a popular and inexpensive form of transport, the cost of a trip around the city is 60,000 VND, payment is cash only. Prices on the page are for November 2018.

A great way to explore the center of Hanoi and its surroundings is by bike or scooter. Most hotels and guest houses offer them to their guests for rent: a non-motorized pedal (aka a bicycle), buzzing and needing gasoline (aka a scooter).

The only caveat: the traffic in Hanoi is crazy, there are few traffic lights and parking lots, but there are a lot of thieves and reckless drivers who do not comply with traffic rules.

Hanoi Hotels

The number of different hotels in Hanoi is amazing, especially in the Hoan Kiem area around the legendary Lake of the Returned Sword. South of the lake lies the French Quarter - once administrative center French Indochina with wide streets, regular layout and 4-5 * hotels. Among them are the international Hilton Hanoi Opera, Sofitel Legend Metropole, etc. They attract with quality service European level and developed infrastructure.

A labyrinth of tangled streets to the west of the lake is the picturesque Old Town, dominated by 2-3* hotels and youth hostels such as the Hanoy Party Backpacker. Living conditions here are sometimes spartan - as a rule, without pools and saunas, in half the cases - without air conditioning and restaurants. Regardless of the number of "stars", the undoubted advantage of Hanoi hotels is the availability of free Wi-Fi and affordable prices.

A double room in the "five" can be rented for 2,000,000 VND, in the "treshka" - for 600,000 VND, a place in a shared hostel room costs 110,000 VND.

What to bring

Visiting Hanoi and not visiting one of its markets is like not climbing the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Find everything imaginable at Hang Da (Phung Hung, Duong Thanh and Ly Nam De streets). Secondhand clothes, animals, insects, plants, food, household goods, a genie lamp and a viper's eye in skunk syrup are in stock and for pennies.

At the Cho Hom market, you can buy equipment and factory goods - from extra-class for sane money to a terrible fake even for Vietnam for ridiculous pennies. Trade is appropriate. Wholesalers and those interested can look at the collapse of Dong Xuan. And, finally, you should definitely visit the night market, which, as a rule, opens not earlier than 19:00.

The most popular Hanoi souvenir is strong tinctures with snakes, scorpions and other reptiles, which are considered a powerful medicine. They are found everywhere - from expensive supermarkets to markets, and the place of sale does not affect the quality of the drink.

In the markets, it is worth taking a closer look at carved caskets, wall decorations, trays and mahogany figurines. There you can also buy a cone-shaped hat "nonla" - plain or varnished. Quite original are the “Ho Chi Minh sandals” - ordinary-looking flip flops that leave footprints backwards.

Large shopping centers are preferable when buying pearl or sapphire jewelry - they are cheaper on the market, but can easily turn out to be a fake. The same applies to clothes and accessories made of silk, shoes, bags, belts and purses made of crocodile skin, which are accompanied by quality certificates.

Scorpion with Cobra tincture 0.5 l costs VND 400,000, pearl bracelet - VND 200,000, silk robe - VND 250,000, handmade mahogany box - VND 500,000, crocodile skin bag - VND 1,100,000 .

Souvenirs for the sweet tooth are toffee-like candies with coconut milk and candied fruits. For connoisseurs of tea - a variety of tea blends with lotus, ginger, mountain herbs. Best gift for yourself and your loved ones - elite coffee Kopi Luwak, which is sold in specialized stores. Its grains, which have been in the stomach of the palm marten, are saturated with musk, which gives the drink a unique taste.

Cuisine and restaurants in Hanoi

Half of the local cuisine consists of all sorts of variations on the theme of rice and noodles. The second half is meat, seafood, vegetables and everything else that can be put in the mouth without risk to health. In a form adapted for tourists, you can join it in expensive restaurants in the French Quarter.

Those who want to get acquainted with all the diversity should look into the restaurants and cafes of the Old Town, which seem to have no number. Their menu will definitely include the traditional beef soup "pho bo" with noodles and ginger, noodles with minced meat "boon cha", "bankuon" flatbread stuffed with meat and mushrooms. Cozy coffee houses with delicious coffee and fresh pastries, which are a dime a dozen in Hanoi, are a great option for breakfast or an afternoon coffee break. For an on-the-go snack, banh mi, French baguettes stuffed with meat, cheese, fish and seafood from countless street carts, is best.

Light breakfast in a coffee shop - VND 40,000 per person, lunch in a cafe - VND 240,000, a good dinner with wine in an expensive restaurant - VND 800,000, street fast food - VND 20,000.

For a real exotic, head to Nhattan Street in the Taiho district with establishments specializing in dog meat dishes, or to the snake-breeding village of Le Mat 5 km east of downtown Hanoi. The menu of local restaurants includes dishes from cobra meat - raw, boiled, stewed with vegetables, in batter, fried to a crisp on the grill, in the form of a filling for sweet pancakes. From drinks - a mixture of cobra blood and vodka. True, the price of a "snake" dinner is quite high - 1,000,000 VND per person.

Guides in Hanoi

Entertainment and attractions

In the palette of Hanoi there are colors for Europeans who love the spaciousness of avenues and parks and the height of skyscrapers, and for lovers of cramped quarters with colonial mansions and enchanting temples. One of the most ancient and beautiful is the Confucian Temple of Literature, founded in 1070. Its thick walls surround 5 courtyards with gardens, ceremonial pavilions and a square pond of Heavenly Purity. The Imperial Academy was located in the farthest courtyard, where for many centuries not only children of nobles, but also talented boys from the lower classes received education. After they received the title of mandarin, and their names were carved on stone steles - the most valuable relics of the temple.

A favorite place for walking tourists and Hanoi is Hoan Kiem Lake, where Trang Thi Avenue leads quite European-looking. They say that in the 15th century a huge turtle lived in it, from which the local hero Le Lou received a magical golden sword. With the help of it, he expelled the Chinese who invaded the country, and then returned the sword to the mistress of the lake. In memory of this event, the Vietnamese built a three-tiered Turtle Pagoda on a tiny island.

Giant tortoises still live in the lake today. The largest of them, which died in 1968, was 2.1 m long and weighed 250 kg. Her lacquered effigy is kept in the Tap Bat tower.

The story of the magic sword and the turtle can not only be heard, but also seen at the Water Puppet Theatre, located on the northern shore of the lake. Originating in the Red River Delta nearly 1,000 years ago, this ancient theatrical art is unknown outside of Vietnam. It uses a large pool as a stage, and the puppeteers stand waist-deep in water, hidden behind a bamboo curtain.

In the northern part of the lake, on the island stands the Temple of the Jade Mountain, dedicated to the deities of medicine, earth and literature. One of his buildings is crowned with a stylized inkwell, and next to it is a tower built in the shape of a traditional writing brush. The island is connected to the shore by a red wooden bridge called The Hook. This graceful bridge is one of the symbols of Hanoi and favorite place photo sessions of the newlyweds.

Travel to Hanoi

Museums in Hanoi

A must visit point for all official delegations is the Ho Chi Minh Museum (19 Ngoc Ha Street). The lotus shape of its building symbolizes the spiritual purity of the first president of independent Vietnam, the hammer and sickle over the entrance - his commitment to the ideas of Marxism-Leninism. The exposition contains personal items, photographs and documents that tell about the life of Uncle Ho, as the Vietnamese themselves call him in a family way.

Most of Hanoi's museums are open Tuesday to Saturday from 8:00 to 11:30 and from 13:00 to 16:30. Entrance fees: 20,000-30,000 VND.

Many of Hanoi's museums are military-themed, including the Ho Chi Minh Trail Museum (Quoc Lo 6, bus no. 2 terminus). Weapons and ammunition were transported along the legendary transport route, which to a large extent contributed to the victory of North Vietnam over the South. On the territory of the Hanoi Citadel there is a very interesting Museum of Military History, where you can trace the history of the country's armed forces, starting from the period Chinese wars. But the main place in it is given to the Vietnam-American War. Among the exhibits are a downed American B-52 bomber, standing nose down and a tank of the National Liberation Front, which on April 30, 1975 was the first to break into Presidential palace in Saigon.

Numerous examples of Soviet and captured American military equipment- airplanes, helicopters, tanks, army trucks, air defense systems can be seen at the Air Force Museum (171 Truong Chinh Street), located on the site of the former airfield. Most of exhibits presented here were transferred to Vietnam by the Soviet Union.

December

Spring is a great time of the year to visit Hanoi: despite the short rains, the weather is wonderful, nature gives the aroma of blooming flowers and fresh wind. But going here in the summer is not the best idea: hot and mosquitoes, mosquitoes and hot.

There is something unique about Hanoi autumn. Perfect weather comfortable temperature, the flowering of the cay hoa sua tree, which occurs only at this time of the year. Only Russians can endure the local winter (we are not afraid of the cold), because it is not only cold here, but also damp.

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and the second most populated city. We always knew that sooner or later we would visit Hanoi. On own experience wanted to feel the difference between the north and south of Vietnam. Hanoi is truly different. Moreover, in better side. As different from other cities in Vietnam as Sapa.

Hanoi and one of its main attractions - Hoan Kiem Lake

Our observations about Hanoi and features of the north of Vietnam

During this short two-week trip through North Vietnam, Hanoi left behind the most memorable moments. Although, before the trip, we were sure that they would be remembered as something unrealistically fabulous. You assume one thing, but it turns out differently. So, how is Hanoi different from other Vietnam and how he could surprise us.

Pleasant weather in Hanoi

In Hanoi from October to March Nice weather for walks. It is not as windy here as in Dalat, and not as cold as in Sapa. We arrived at the end of October and the air temperature at this time of the year is very comfortable. In October-November, you can wear shorts and a T-shirt. There is no heat and no rain.

Green Hanoi

That's what, but such greenery, so many flowering trees, we did not expect to see in Hanoi. Green color is common. You walk, and around you there is noise, rumble, crowds, bikes, bikes, and at the same time, wherever you look, you will definitely see a large tree. The old quarter of Hanoi, despite its tightness, is overgrown with trees. Trees create shade and somehow feel more comfortable with them.

Many parks, which is not typical for Vietnam

We are not Vietnamese to sit like this near the road

Drinking a coffee with a bun in a nice place is not a problem, but to eat normally, you already have to look

Few people will dine on the roadway, eating not the most appetizing Vietnamese soups and noodles.

It would seem that the embankment, romance, but these eerily uncomfortable low chairs

Light, clean, beautiful, inexpensive and tasty. So it can be in Hanoi too!

I repeat once again, you will be incredibly lucky if you leave your hotel in Hanoi and immediately find a good cafe where European dishes are prepared beautifully and tasty at affordable prices.

Less patriotism and communism than Ho Chi Minh City

It is believed that northern Vietnam is a stronghold of communism. But in reality, it turned out that this was not the case. Probably, when I arrived in Hanoi and was not in Ho Chi Minh City, it would seem that patriotism is being promoted at every step in the country, and there is no getting away from red posters with local slogans. But compared to Ho Chi Minh City, we can say that there are not so many red flags and slogans here. As for patriotism, we only noticed that the North Vietnamese often pronounce "my country" and not Vietnam.

During the first days there was only one poster. And then with our Lenin

Public transport in Hanoi

There is an inexpensive one. There are city buses. What we like about Vietnam is the developed public transport. For those who are going to live in Hanoi, city buses will be a great alternative to taxis and renting your own bike. If you get confused, you can find out the bus routes. Buses, by the way, are modern and air-conditioned, as in Nha Trang and Da Nang.

Dense housing, thin houses

It is believed that Hanoi has always been dear earth and therefore buildings and residential buildings have been built and continue to be built in height. For this reason, in Hanoi, almost any building is so "thin", narrow and elongated.

I doubt the statement about such an expensive property. Otherwise, how else to explain the fact that in all of Vietnam they build mainly only such thin and small-sized buildings? Maybe the Vietnamese are just more accustomed to and more comfortable to live. Either land is expensive throughout the country, and the Vietnamese themselves are very economical.

On the outskirts of Hanoi, high-rise condominiums

If the central areas are crowded and shabby huts, then it is worth driving a little, as new high-rise condominiums can be seen in the distance. It would seem, how cool, rent an apartment and live in good conditions. Surely renting an apartment will cost $ 500. But on closer inspection, all these condos are in some kind of apartment. There is zero infrastructure around them. The track, fruit vendors, construction sites and wastelands glimpse in places along the sides. Not an option without your own transport.

New districts in Hanoi

Ruin outside the center of Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, but the capital is modest, we would describe it like that. The old quarter and the French - the whole life of the city is concentrated here. And even further, without even leaving Hanoi, you find yourself in some kind of slums, construction everywhere, dusty houses with no windows, garbage dumps, dirty children play with bricks. Not metropolitan landscapes at all.

Outside of Hanoi there is nothing at all. For example, on the way to Ha Long, there will always be endless construction and road repairs outside the windows. Between the dusty villages you can see fields with cows, in some places there are lonely and again narrow houses. There is more than enough land, but residential buildings are built in their repertoire.

Take note that it is better to stay in Hanoi only in the old or french quarter. There is nothing further.

High ratings in Hanoi hotels

Hotels and hotels in Hanoi, like, try to please visitors in order to get a high rating and positive reviews on booking sites. And it doesn't matter if it's old or new, most hotels on Booking will have at least a rating of 8.3 - 8.5 with very good, great and excellent marks. Probably, the reason for this is also the mass European tourists, who are always happy with everything and write highly recommended for everything. We now trust reviews in Russian more than in English.

Good hotels in the center of Hanoi

• Splendid Hotel & Spa
• Maro Hotel
• Hanoi Chic Hotel
• Hanoi Buddy Inn & Travel
• Hanoi La Story Hotel

For ourselves, we chose a hotel in which we lived a total of about 10 days. We can recommend it. Paid 22 USD per night with breakfast. Centrally located, clean and English speaking staff. Also in this hotel bought excursions to Halong and Ninh Binh at a discount.

Hanoi on the map

The map shows the old quarter in the Hoan Kiem Lake area, where you should stay and look for hotels.

How do we prepare for the trip

• First, buy tickets for Aviasales
• Next, we rent hotels through Booking, and apartments on Airbnb
• We then insure Cherehapa
• Airport transfer via website Kiwi Taxi
• Bank card - Tinkoff(withdrawal abroad without commission, you can make an account in dollars and receive cashback in foreign currency)