Traversing Vietnam from South to North in 10 Days – Day 6
Hanoi is a 1000-y old city flanked by Red river – the principal river of Northern Vietnam. It is the capital of Vietnam and its second largest city, Ho Chi Minh City being the first. Hanoi is an enthralling blend of East and West, combining traditional Sino-Vietnamese design with French panache. It was the main center of Vietnam’s imperial power until the late 18th century. Later it turned out to be a French colony. Luckily, it was untouched from the war miseries,. However, now it is booming to be a rapidly growing city in Southeast Asia. It is one of the most beautiful colonial Indochinese cities. It remains true to its essential personality. We had only one day to experience this amazing city.
Highlights of the Day
- Check-in at Hanoi City View Hostel
- West Lake
- Brunch at Maison de Tet Decor
- Hoan Kiem Lake
- Old Quarter
- Dinner at Homestay
Hanoi City View Hostel
We arrived Hanoi by the overnight train SE4 from Dong Hoi. The train arrived on time. It was around 5.30 AM. The weather was cold; it was drizzling. August is the rainy season in Northern Vietnam – it pours often during this time.
Make sure to avoid getting overcharged by taxi. Hanoi’s Old Quarter is just 2.5 km away from the railway station. It should not cost more than 2-3 $. If the taxi drivers at the train station are asking for more, then walk few steps outside the station. Flag down a running taxi for a fair price.
The hotel had an elevator and an attached breakfast area where there was access to hot water and beverages.
We had previously booked 3 rooms with Hanoi Family Guesthouse. But depending on our early arrival time, our kind host Perfume Nguyen arranged our rooms in their sister hotel. It is called Hanoi City View Hostel, just 200 m away from her guesthouse. This is done so that we can get our rooms early when we arrive, without waiting for other guests to check out.
No matter how comfortably you sleep in the train, nothing beats a good sleep on comfortable beds in a room. We slept off for few more hours, so that we can start our day afresh in Hanoi.
West Lake
West Lake is Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake located in Tay Ho district. The southern part of the shoreline is flanked by historical sites. For example, Tran Quoc Pagoda – Vietnam’s oldest temple – and Quan Thanh Temple – one of Vietnam’s ancient Four Sacred Temples are the eminent sites here. While the northern part of the lake is lined by luxurious hotels, stylish restaurants, cafes, and nightlife venues.
Brunch at Maison de Tet Decor
We chose to enjoy brunch in a beautiful French villa tucked away in a corner of West Lake, called Maison de Tet Decor. The place is known for its sumptuous, healthy and organic wholefoods.
On the Way to Hoan Kiem District
We got a taxi from West Lake, Tay Ho district to Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoan Kiem District and asked him to route via Ba Dinh district.
Ba Dinh is the political center of Vietnam, housing the president’s palace, the national assembly building, Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, and most embassies. It not only houses Vietnam’s most iconic temple – One Pillar Pagoda, but it also houses the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. The citadel represents cultural complexity as it was first built during the Ly Dynasty. However, later it was expanded by other dynasties like the Tran, Le, and finally the Nguyen.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Also known as Lake of the Returned Sword, Hoan Kiem Lake marks the center of Hanoi. Its northern shoreline is flanked by Old Quarter while its southern part is lined by French architecture with large shady boulevards.
The “Turtle Tower” stands with pride amidst the lake.
Hoan Kiem Lake has an interesting history. The legend tale goes that in the mid-15th century, Emperor Le Loi was gifted a magical sword from the Heaven. It helped him ward the Chinese away from Vietnam. After the war, a giant golden turtle grasped the sword and vanished into the depths of this lake. This is done to restore the sword to its godly owners, hence the name.
Ngoc Son Temple is Hanoi’s most visited temple. It sits on a small island in the northern part of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Other notable places to visit near Hoan Kiem Lake are the neo-Gothic Hanoi Grand Cathedral, Eiffel-designed Long Bien Bridge, Hoa Lo prison, Hanoi Opera House, and several museums.
Old Quarter
If you are in Hanoi, then the area that you must not miss exploring is the Old Quarter of Hanoi – it is the eternal soul of the city. You would be amazed to see how an antique quarter exists amidst a modern and dynamic city.
It is better to explore the Old Quarter by walking or hiring a cyclo for an hour or the newly introduced new electric cars that zig-zag through its streets.
We hired an electric car from the northern corner of the Hoan Kiem Lake for an hour. If you are alone, then you have to wait till the buggy is filled up with other passengers. We did not want to wait, hence we booked the whole buggy for an hour. Each car can carry maximum 8 passengers. The non-pollutant buggy was driven by a guide who actually showed us few interesting streets of the Old Quarter.
Finally, the guide dropped us at Hanoi Family Guesthouse as requested by us. We had an invitation for dinner by our lovely host, Perfume Nguyen.
Dinner at Hanoi Family Homestay
Perfume Nguyen is a lovely host. We were overwhelmed as we were called upon dinner with other guests of her.
After dinner, we walked back to our hotel which was just 200 m away from Perfume’s homestay. Comfortable sleep awaiting!
NET EXPENSE FOR 1 PERSON (IN USD)
Let us have a look at the expenses of Day 6 in Vietnam – Hanoi.
- Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for twin sharing (1 night): 10
- Getting around: 5
- Entrance fee of the places in the city: 1.5
- Food: 10.5
Total expense (roughly): 27 USD
For an overall idea of itinerary and expense of the trip, whether for solo or couple or group of any number of people, feel free to contact me on Contact Us page. You can also have a look at Traversing Vietnam from South to North in 10 Days – Itinerary and Expenses.
If you are planning for a much-organized, tastefully-curated, stress-free yet exciting vacation, consider booking your holidays at Travel Love Repeat. It is going to be a treat for sure!
Seems a great place to visit what I learned about this place specialty is old architecture and a rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences and an expense of a person is also looks econimical.
That’s true.
Love how your post is structured!
Isn’t it nice how accommodating the hosts in Vietnam were? We recently visited and also had special timing request based on our schedule. Everyone was so accommodating. I’m surprised you had an elevator! That’s a rare find!
Totally agree Old Quarter is easy to walk than drive. We stayed near there and having our taxi drop us off was difficult.
I wish we explored more of Hanoi that you described. We mostly stayed around Old Quarters ?
Old Quarter is one of my favorite places in Hanoi.
Did you try the Giang Egg coffee in the Old Quarter of Hanoi?
Oh no no, I completely wasnt fascinated by that.
Vietnam is definitely in my bucket list. I’m taking a note of this post! How nice was of the host to arrange a room for you in the sister hotel so that you didn’t have to wait for other guests to check out! The dinner you had at Hanoi Family Homestay looks amazing!
Yes, most of the Vietnam people we came across were too kind and caring.
Quite a way to spend a day in Hanoi. I think you highlighted as much as one can cover in 24 hours. Great job!
Thanks Daniel.
I would directly head to the Old Quarter. The place looks charming yet chaotic, not sure if I would like the place or not but I would really want to explore it! Also, the Hoan Kiem and West Lakes look really nice, peaceful and serene. Can’t believe I haven’t made it to Vietnam yet but my next trip to Asia will definitely be there 🙂 But do you think one day in Hanoi is good enough?
Medha, you need at least 2-3 days in Hanoi. One day ain’t good enough.
Vietnam is in my list for upcoming holidays, and Hanoi is obviously a part of the itinerary! So good to hear about the things that you enjoyed visiting, I’ll definitely be copying a lots of this when I visit 🙂
Sure, why not!
The macro bowl looks delicious! I’d also love to try a Bahn Mi in Vietnam they are so good! Love the color of the Huc Bridge — makes for beautiful photos.
Bahn Mi’s are yummm.
Very nice hostel! I like stylish furniture, I would really like to stay there. I’d love to try the Macro Bowl you ordered. I really like colorful dishes in which there is a lot of vegetables. Ngoc Son Temple looks really amazing, but if it’s the most visited temple in Hanoi, I would be a little scared of crowds of people. I prefer to explore off the beaten path places.
Ahh, nice to know.
You had me at the macro bowl and Vietnamese spring rolls. I would love nothing more than to do a food tour in Hanoi, I’m such a big fan of Vietnamese cuisine. I’ve read a lot about Hanoi and would love to visit here one day. I imagine it’s quite the adventure with all those scooters I keep reading about!
Vietnamese food is love.
If I had 24 hours in Hanoi I would do very few things differently. I think this article gives a great idea on how to spend a day in Hanoi for people that don’t have a lot of time to spend before heading to their next destination
Oh, what you liked most about Hanoi?
We were in Vietnam for a month and although we had planned to go to Hanoi, we had to change our plans. We really wanted to explore the city and the old quarter especially. Next time we will fly in to Hanoi first and this post would be a good guide to spend a day in the city.
Sure, hope this post helps.
I would love to follow your steps and visit Ha Noi this way. Ngoc Son temple cought my attention as it looks stunning. Have you tried the unique coffee made with eggs there?
I am a vegan, Anita. But I am aware of that coffee with eggs, and I feel disgusted.
Ngo Son temple has stopped me to re think my next trips. your article is really great and now I am thinking to visit Hanoi soon.
You must visit Ha Long Bay when you are visiting Hanoi.
Ha Noi looks quite an interesting place to explore- I love that there are so many lakes and the one with the giant tortoise sounds pretty cool. Also, I’d love to try the food, it looks pretty amazing. I’m not vegan myself but the Macro Bowl looks like I’d something definitely enjoy eating anyway!
Yes, the food is so tasty. Need not be vegan for that.
Did you have chance to try Bun Cha Huong Lien where Obama and Anthony had dinner? I am sure you will like it next time in Hanoi.
This one seems interesting!