Blog Vietnam Travel Guide

Discover Hanoi! - Part 1/3: Popular Sights...

?Vietnam is an amazing puzzle, we are happy to assist you to puzzle your amazing trip for Viet  nam

F?riends Travel Vietnam the Travel Company Turning Travellers Into Friends Since 2013

Subscribe Newsletter?

Newsletter subscription Real Hanoi Bicycle Experience

Search & Read more...?

25+ Daily Bicycle Tours

24/7 Support for? Questions

Best Hanoi Bicycle Experience

?Thousands of Reviews

Sidney van Meenen • Mar 21, 2020

The Best Ways to Get Around in Hanoi

There is never enough time to discover this thousand-year-old city which is why smart transportation can lessen travel time and increase your enjoyment. It will save you hours of getting trapped in traffic, or even grant you a good time traveling leisurely around the city within your limited stay.

Discover Hanoi! - Part 1/3: Popular Sights...

Vietnam’s capital of Hanoi is a litany of colours, tastes, sights, and experiences just waiting to be explored and discovered. The challenge for any traveller visiting this chaotically beautiful city is that they can quite easily feel overwhelmed by the sheer energy of the place. On any of her countless streets and alleyways you’ll find hundreds of scooters zigzagging their way to their destinations; a plethora of small restaurants whose fragrant dishes fill the streets with mouth-watering aromas; and just as many hawkers and small shops, selling everything from souvenirs to a new pair of flip flops. Needless to say, travellers very seldom know where to start when it comes to exploring Hanoi. Luckily for you, that’s what we are here for.

In the next couple of blog posts, we’ll be looking at some of the best sights that Hanoi has to offer. In part one we’ll look at some of the most popular sights, while in part two we’ll look at the temples and places of worship. Lastly, we’ll look to stimulate the grey matter by having a look at all the Hanoi’s museums in part 3. If you want to make sure that you do not miss any of our blogs be sure to sign-up to our mailing list!

Take a Stroll Around Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem lake is known as the lake of the returned sword. The legend states that when Vietnam was facing a time of great peril, a magical sword descended from the heavens. Emperor Ly Thai To wielded this sword and vanquished Vietnam’s foes. After establishing a new peaceful period the emperor decided that he’ll spend some time relaxing around the lake. A huge golden turtle appeared, asked for the sword back, and promised that it shall be returned during Vietnam’s times of trouble. So Emperor Ly Thai To gave the sword back, after all, one does not argue with a giant golden turtle, especially when it’s capable of talking.

Today you can walk around the tranquil heart of Hanoi, enjoying the tree lined lanes, small cafe’s, and various monuments on your stroll. Ngoc Son Temple is also situated here, as well as one of the most popular water puppet theatres in Hanoi. For a complete change of pace, try visiting Hoan Kiem at night over weekends, when the entire lake area is a designated walking area with no cars or motorbikes allowed. One lap around the lake is 1,6km, so make sure you plan your walk during the morning or the late evening – the lush shadows of the trees can only give that much protection against the Vietnamese midday sun.

Enjoy the Sunset Over West Lake

Tay Ho or West Lake is Hanoi’s biggest lake, and as a residential area filled with bohemian coffee joints and bars it offers something completely different to Hoan Kiem lake or Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Here life is a bit more laid back with a mixture of locals and ex-pats going about their daily lives in their own Tay-Ho-way. The best way to experience this welcome change of pace is by taking a walk around Tay Ho in the early morning, or settling down for some coffee or sundowners and watching the amazing sunset that the lake has to offer. This area also features some of Hanoi’s most important religious sites and monuments.

Take in the View from the Lotte Skyscraper

The Lotte Centre dominates Hanoi’s skyline and has become an icon of the cities economic growth and progressive outlook. Although it’s not the tallest building in Hanoi, it is the tallest building in Hanoi’s inner city, reaching an impressive 270 metres. The top of the Lotte Tower is open to tourists, complete with a glass-floored observation deck. This is the perfect spot to get an eagle-eyed view of Hanoi, but be warned, the sensation of standing on thin air is one that will make even the most robust knees quake.

Address: 54 Lieu Giai, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Business Hours: 9AM – 10PM

Visit Uncle Ho’s Stilt House

Ho Chi Minh, or Uncle Ho as Hanoians fondly refer to him, is very much the father of modern Vietnam. A celebrated statesman who fought for independence against the Japanese, French, and Americans, you’ll see his face everywhere throughout Vietnam, from banknotes to murals and huge portraits outside of schools and government buildings. When visiting his stilt house you get an idea of the type of man that Ho Chi Minh was. He forsook the opulent residence of governor of Indochina for a humble traditional stilt house where he lived while leading his country. Although the residence itself is not open to the public, the garden and surrounding area is still worth visiting.

Address: So 1 Ngo Bach Thao, Ngoc Ho, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Business Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 8AM – 4PM; Monday: 8AM – 11AM

Enjoy a Show at Hanoi's Famous Opera House

Remnants of Vietnam’s colonial past are visible all over the country, from the influence in the cuisine to the different styles of architecture on display. In the Hanoi Opera House, you’ll find maybe the most impressive example of French architecture in all of Hanoi. This beautiful neoclassical building is a landmark in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Today it hosts various Vietnamese productions that are well worth the effort of booking ahead and taking in a show! A ticket to a performance is roundabout $30.00 per person, but the shows are highly recommended, especially the traditional Vietnamese Bamboo shows!

Address: So 01 Trang Tien, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem
Business Hours: Dependent on shows.

Watch the Flag ceremony at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is one of the most imposing sights in all of Vietnam. The massive marble Monuments stands in front of a huge and well-kept lawn, with a jumbo size Vietnamese flag waving in the wind. The ceremony of hoisting and lowering of the flag is truly one to be experienced, with hundreds of locals stopping their motorbikes next to the road to witness the military precision with which this task is completed. The ceremony takes place at 6 am and 9 pm every day.

Please Note: It is possible to visit the Mausoleum itself, but visitors should keep in mind that they are visiting the burial site of a National Hero, so proper reverence is needed. Dress modestly, with no open shoes, bare shoulders or bare knees on display. Also, do not attempt to take any photographs, wear a hat, or stand with your hands in your pockets. These are all signs of disrespect.

Address: 2 Hung Vuong, Dien Ban, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Business Hours: These hours indicate the accessibility of the mausoleum itself: Monday – Closed. Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday – 7:30 – 10:30. Friday – Closed. Saturday & Sunday – 7:30AM – 11AM.

Rediscover history at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long


The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long was the official seat of Vietnamese governance until 1810 when the emperors of the Nguyen dynasty chose to move their capital to the city of Hue. With the citadel in disuse, it fell into quick disrepair, being used by the French and the Japanese as barracks and prisoner camps. In recent times, more and more interest in the history of Hanoi has caused organised excavations to take place, and the renewed interest caused the Citadel to be named a UNESCO world heritage site on 31 July 2010 – coinciding nicely with the 1000 year celebration of Hanoi as the capital of Vietnam.

The Citadel is still well worth a visit, with various ancient relics being discovered there and some of the best examples of medieval Vietnamese architecture being on display. Some of the sights that are worth exploring are the Doan Mon Gate, the Flag Tower, The Dragon Steps of Hinh Thien Palace and the Hau Lau, or The Princess’ Palace.

Address: 19C Hoang Dieu, Dien Ban, Ba Dinh.
Business Hours: Monday – Closed. The rest of the week: 8AM – 5PM.

Visit Quan Chuong City Gate - a portal to another time.

Just around the corner from our offices at 62 Hang Buom Street, you’ll stumble upon a curious sight. At the end of Hang Chieu street stands a monument to an age long forgotten, the imposing figure of the old east gate. This moment stands as a reminder of Hanoi’s imperial past, an age where carts being pulled by buffalo was the norm, instead of thousands of zigzagging motorbikes. The juxtaposition of the ancient and the modern Hanoi meeting at this ancient gate is so striking that it almost verges on the surreal. The Old east gate is a perfect opportunity for both the expert and amateur photographer to hone their skills, or even just to snap that perfect Instagram post, if that’s what you’re into.

Address: O Quang Chuong, Dong Xuan, Joan Kiem
Business Hours: Not any, but it is advisable that you should visit at night when the gate is lit.

So that wraps up part one of this three-part blog post! Remember to look out for part two, in which we’ll be having a look at Hanoi’s temples and places of worship. If you want to make sure you don’t miss out, sign up to our mailing list!
Sign Up Newsletter

Wooohoooo!

Thanks for reading and supporting our blog, we hope you enjoyed it! At "Friends Travel Vietnam & Biking Around Vietnam" it is our mission to make your stay in our beautiful country as unforgettable as possible. One of the ways we do that is by providing high quality and informative blogs, like the one you just read! 

Please support us by sharing this blog, liking our Facebook page, or signing up for our mailing list. Your support means the world to us!
If you are a guests blogger for Vietnam your are welcome to contact us

?We Love to Hear your comment ;-)

?Keep Up To Date And Be Entertained With Our Blog!

Increase Your Savvy With Our Favourite Blog Articles?

Thanks for reading & supporting our blog, we really hope you enjoyed it! At "Friends Travel Vietnam" it is our mission to make your stay in our beautiful country as unforgettable as possible. One of the ways we do that is by providing high quality and informative blogs, like the one you just read! 


Please support us by sharing this blog, liking our Facebook page, or signing up for our mailing list, keep yourself updated! Your support means the world to us! 

Enjoy your holiday preparation for Vietnam & we do hope you fail in Love of Vietnam as we do? 


Thanks & Greetings,
Sidney and Thao Van Meenen
Owners & Founders

Friends Travel Vietnam

Pssst.... We are looking for ?Guest Bloggers here in Vietnam, contact us

Blog "Real Hanoi Bicycle Experience"

Tay Ho - Hanoi’s (other) lake of myths and legends

Tay Ho - Hanoi’s (other) lake of myths and legends

By Sidney van Meenen • 26 Mar, 2020
So much about your experience in Hanoi depends on where you decide to explore the city from. Don’t get us wrong, the Old Quarter is definitely a must-see when visiting this beautiful city, but it’s rather difficult to escape the chaotic beauty when you’ve booked a 4-night stay in said same chaotic beauty. That’s why more and more travellers are forsaking Hoan Kiem lake for it’s bigger, but lesser-known brother – Tay Ho. And at Friends Travel Vietnam we are always looking to enrich people’s journey through Vietnam. That’s why we’ve gathered some of Tay Ho’s legends and myths for your reading pleasure – you know, just to give you something to think about while you’re watching a majestic Tay Ho sunset!
Hanoi market lady selling fruit

What’s the point of a street food tour, anyway?

By Jakus Eloff • 26 Mar, 2020
A while back I was sat at one of my favourite Bia Hoi (If you want to know more about the glorious institution that is a Bia Hoi, check out our “What is a Bia Hoi, exactly?” blog post) having a few beers with some of my friends. This weekly meeting has become somewhat of an unintended tradition, due to the fact that this particular Bia Hoi is on the way to each of our respective homes. So it almost always happens that one of us stops for some quick refreshment on their way home after a long day’s work. The next punter on his/her way home would then see one of our merry little crew already having a beer and join them. This process will repeat itself until we are a party about ten or fifteen souls strong. What happens next is inevitable, given the constant flow of beers and good company – someone will order some food. This will create a chain reaction during which we all suddenly realize that we are a bit peckish, with our bellies now sufficiently lined by the light and refreshing Vietnamese lagers.
Vintage Vespa in Hanoi

A Pedestrian's hands on guide to Hanoi's Traffic

By Sidney van Meenen • 26 Mar, 2020
There are certain things that stand out when one visits a foreign country. For brevity’s sake, let’s call them destination idiosyncrasies. These idiosyncrasies may contribute either positively or negatively on one’s travels in a foreign country. To avoid leaving a destination with a load of negative emotions a traveller needs to accept one cardinal rule: “Foreign countries are full of foreigners…” That is to say that people tend to do things differently in different cultures. Differently does not mean right or wrong, it just means different. This seems obvious, but when one scours the TripAdvisor and google reviews of certain travellers, the only thing that is really obvious is that this feature of travelling to strange and different lands needs to be explained at length to some people.
Show More

Visit also our booking website for more information
  ?www.friendstravelvietnam.com

?We do More Crazy Stuff...

We don't believe in going the extra mile at Friends Travel Vietnam, we believe in completing the entire journey. That’s why we offer our guests an entire host of extra services, ensuring their stay is as hassle free experience. We take pride in the wide variety of destinations in Vietnam that we offer. Each and every destination in Vietnam on offer is carefully selected, sourcing and visiting personally by our team of destination specialist as service providers and accommodation that meets our exceptional standards, it's all about the details!

Experience an unforgettable escape and discover more what to do & how to get around in Vietnam, with our special "Destinations" section, or wonder around great detailed articles on our "Travel Blog", or you are more interested to find the right "Travel Package" for your group or family, perhaps you like Lego and would like to build your own holiday with our "Holiday Travel Building Blocks" yourself, you like to know what great "Excursions & Tours" you can do together, or you sitting with your hands in your hair to find your way to your next destination but not sure which "Transportation" for sure jump on the backseat of the motorbike with our Easy Riders for the adventures travellers. From amazing hotels selections to stay, romantic day or overnight cruises and last and no least train tickets or bus ticket to get around Vietnam, you see it's enough to choose from for a successful Vietnam Holidays with us. No worries, we got you! 

In short, there isn’t a destination in Vietnam, sight or experience out of reach for our team of travel experts . Whether you are traveling solo, with friends or with your family; whether you are young or old; whether you want adventure and excitement or rest and relaxation, we’ll have single tour options or complete tailored travel package for you!.

FAQ's

Got Questions? Great, cause we’ve got the answers for you! We’ve put together commonly asked questions to give you more information about “traveling in Vietnam" and the cover we offer. Follow the link below and we bring to FriendsTravelVietnam.com our booking website. Feel free to contact us if any question that you can’t find the answer to.

We Got The Answers?

Planning on Booking Your? Trip To Vietnam?

?Friends Travel Vietnam got you, ashas been inspiring travellers with curious-minded love & passion for Vietnam since 2013. With our on-the-ground-secret destinations & our netwerk of human-human partners and our passionate knowledge team of our "Real Local Travel Experts" on the office and in the field you can book unique, authentic experiences with ease. We’ll take you off the beaten path in no time as all you wish!  Let us us help you? We've done tons of homework & experiences just create the ultimate trip for you!  Just simple, all as you wish!“


This is what we do! Making your holiday dreams in Vietnam coming true with us! Is the excursion, tour or trip of your choice not listed? No worries, our Team of local destination experts will be happy to assist you.
Sidney and Thao Van Meenen
Owners & Founders

Friends Travel Vietnam

?Dreaming of your very own adventure in Vietnam? 

We don’t blame you! Just don't follow the crowd - find your own path in with us in Vietnam for your next holiday. 

Plan to Design my Trip
Share by: