Hanoi - What To Do

The must-do's in Hanoi are just like the same list that you'd do with any other city--theatre, museums, temples, food and shopping.  But each place has its own quirks and charm that makes it worth visiting. So here are my Hanoi must do list. 

1. HOAN KIEM LAKE

Located in the Old Quarter, this lake is full of folklore (which you can ask the locals about during a glass of beer). At the center of the Hoan Kiem is an islet called the Turtle Pagoda, a monument to the golden turtle, one of Vietnam's mythical animals. Nice photo ops for camwhores at the bridge with the lake behind you. Would've been romantic if weren't filled with too much people. The surroundings of Hoan Kiem Lake is also a sight during the dawn with senior citizens doing their synchronized exercises. 

It's open from 7:30 to 18:00 and costs 12,000VND or 80 cents.

2. CHECK OUT THE TEMPLE OF LITERATURE

The best example of ancient Vietnamese architecture and is one of the city's best cultural sights. Built in 1070, it was the country's first university.  It has big courtyards, gardens and lily ponds and it's very quiet compared to the rest of the city. I loved the big red pagoda that flanked the entrance. 

It's open from 8:30 to 11:30, 13:30 to 16:30 and costs about 10,000VND or around 50 cents to get in.

3. WATCH THE THANG LONG WATER PUPPET SHOW

This was a bit creepy but cute for me.  I don't like human-like puppets.  They freak me out (think Chucky).  But there's something fascinating about these puppets that tell the story about Vietnamese life and folklore. And I admire the puppeteers for being in the water all that time. The live band that uses local instruments was also great.  

I watched the 20:00 show and it costs 60,000 VND or around 4 USD.  We had seats right in front of the theatre which was good but got splashed. 

4. GO TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH

A really old church with French architecture (reminds me a bit of the Notre Dame, well just a wee bit).  No entrance fees.  It is also surrounded by nice shops and cafes that have al fresco dining. 

5. SEE THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF VIETNAMESE HISTORY

A lovely museum that features beautiful artifacts and antiques from Vietnam's past.  Well-maintained and clean, too. I also loved the architecture except for its yellow color. 

Entrance fee is 20,000VND or around 1.50 USD.  Open from 8:00 to 16:30 everyday.

6. EAT PHO BO AND FRESH SPRING ROLLS FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH OR DINNER

Available everywhere, I can eat these two dishes for every meal.  Pho Bo is an exquisite beef noodle soup and fresh spring rolls are made of crunchy vegetables and shrimp. I tasted the best spring rolls at Koto on Van Mieu restaurant (thank you, Lonely Planet, for the reco) and the best Pho Bo is found on the streets of the Old Quarter.  Eat it while watching the busy Hanoi traffic for a real Vietnamese experience.  Yum!

7. VISIT THE HO CHIN MINH MUSEUM AND MAUSOLEUM

This Museum is the noisiest that I've ever been in. There were too many people so I was not able to enjoy it. Don't go during the weekends because people from other towns go to Hanoi and this is usually their first stop.  Entrance fee is 15000 VND or around 90 cents. It's open from 8:00 to 11:30, 2:00 to 4:00.

The line to see the dead body of Ho Chin Minh was a kilometer long so I decided not to waste my whole day standing in line.  But a lot of great photo ops around this mini Tiananmen Square. 

8. SHOP

Lots of silk dresses (some of them you can have custom-made), ties, bags, hats, toys, shoes, lacquer ware and everything you can think of are available in the shops of the Old Quarter of Hanoi. 

If you want luxury goods, Burberry, LV, etc are located near the Opera House and Hilton Hotel. But I recommend going to the Old Quarter for a totally different (and cheap!) shopping experience.