Today, Hanoi provides a rich blend of new and old Vietnam, from the thousands of young workers on scooters streaking down the wide Parisian-style boulevards, to the chic fusion restaurants housed in former colonial buildings. Even as the city buzzes with heavy development and modernization, it retains its idyllic charm. Enjoy Hanoi's tranquil parks and lakes, peruse galleries filled with emerging Vietnamese artists and fashion designers, and sample the city's amazing cuisine and bustling street life.
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Peek behind the scenes at the Opera House, a smaller scale version of Palais Garnier in Paris and a remarkable example of French colonial architecture. Depending on the opera’s schedule, you will have a chance to chat with performers during breaks in rehearsal for an upcoming show.
One of the most notorious sites from the Vietnam War is the Hoa Lo Prison, better known by its ironic nickname of "Hanoi Hilton." It was built by the French in the late 19th century to house Vietnamese political prisoners – those opposed to colonization – and called Maison Centrale. Its Vietnamese name is derived from the street it is located on, and is far less sarcastic; it literally means stove but can be translated as “fiery furnace.”
Go for an early morning bicycling or walking tour of Hoan Kiem Lake (which means “Lake of the Returned Sword”), a tranquil and scenic spot where locals come to relax and socialize. The surrounding park is a popular spot to practice the ancient, meditative art of tai chi.
Hanoi’s Museum of Ethnology offers a comprehensive overview of the country’s 54 ethnic minorities through its colorful, interactive displays. Examine the similarities and differences in tradition, clothing, language, and other markers of cultural identity among these diverse groups of people. Meet with a senior curator for deeper insights on the exhibits.
Explore the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, with its small shops and charming cafés. You will notice that some of the alleyways are named for the guilds that established themselves in this area as far back as the 13th century. For example, Pho Hang Gai translates to “Silk Street,” and silk products are still sold here, although that is not the case on every street.
In addition to locally made handicrafts, you will also find all manner of goods – herbal medicines, plumbing supplies, wooden carvings and boxes, textiles, rice paper notebooks, greeting cards, and more. If you wish, explore the Old Quarter by traditional rickshaw.
Stop in the Hanoi Sports Department to learn how to play sepak takraw, which combines elements of volleyball, gymnastics, martial arts, and soccer. The sport is called da cau in Vietnam, but is known internationally as sepak takraw, from the Malay word sepak for “kick” and the Thai word takraw for “woven ball.”
Visit the serene Temple of Literature, built in the 11th-century to honor academics. The Temple grounds also housed Vietnam’s first university, in operation there until the 19th century, and include Hanoi’s best-preserved buildings and immaculate gardens.
Visit Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, which, if you can forgive the canned music, is a good opportunity to see this traditional Vietnamese art form. Various puppets, be they dragons, dogs, or people, are brought to life with grace and precision on the surface of the water in this 20-minute show.
With an expert guide, visit the stunning Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda, perhaps the oldest pagoda in the country. Purportedly founded 1,400 years ago by King Ly Nam De, the building was originally named “Khai Quoc,” which translates to "Establishing the Nation."
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Experience the best of Vietnam on this 13-day journey that takes you from north to south, tracing the country's stunning coastline to its must-see destinations. You’ll take a walking tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, see the famous Cu Chi tunnels in Saigon, and discover one of Vietnam's most active floating markets in Can Tho.
Delve into the taste sensations of fresh Vietnamese cuisine on this sensually-stimulating 14-day trip. You’ll learn cooking secrets from a top chef, dine on freshly-caught seafood in Mui Ne, sample local favorites from fresh markets, and dine at some of Saigon’s top restaurants, while staying in Vietnam’s best hotels.
This 20-day classic journey to Southeast Asia is a great way to experience the best of what this diverse region has to offer. With an extended trip, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the cities, villages, and beaches of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Lap up the best of Vietnam and Cambodia on this 15-day luxury tour, taking you from Hanoi to Siem Reap. You’ll be mesmerized by Halong Bay’s limestone karsts, exchange cultural insights in the Black Tai villages, and step into the ancient Khmer Kingdom at Angkor Wat, while staying in some of the region’s best hotels.
Travel into the lush Vietnamese countryside and discover hilltribes with fascinating customs and traditions on this 6-day luxury trip. You’ll travel from Hanoi, where you’ll tour the city’s age-old landmarks, to high in the Sapa hills, where you’ll make friends with locals and learn about their unique way of life.
Get off the beaten tourist-trail with an unforgettable journey from colonial Hanoi, along the brand new highway to the beautiful northern regions of Lao Cai and Sapa. Marvel at the scenery and get immersed in local life in the villages nestled into the hills.
Explore Vietnam’s northernmost province and experience the true local culture. Home to endless rocky plateaus and romantically-named mountains dotted with tiny villages, Ha Giang is a less-traveled land of beauty and adventure.
Take an incredible 19-day luxury journey through Vietnam and China, seeing local life in villages to big cities as you stop in Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Yuanyang, Lijiang, and Kunming. You’ll ride a traditional Vietnamese junk, make friends in a Black Hmong village, and wander through the Stone Forest.
Experience the best that Northern Vietnam has to offer on this exciting 7-day luxury journey. You’ll visit museums and temples in Hanoi, cruise the karsts of Halong Bay on a private junk, take a roadtrip through Ninh Binh, and explore Vietnam’s first national park, while staying at luxury hotels along the way.
Experience Indochina in style and comfort, aboard a luxury private jet. Starting off in Bangkok, you’ll take in some of the city’s most ancient temples, before taking off for the ever-charming Lao city, Luang Prabang. From here, you’ll head to Vietnam, where you’ll take in some of the country’s most...
The tradition, culture, beauty and essence of Vietnam are captured beautifully in every aspect of the Muong Thanh Hotel. From design, décor, cuisine and detail, down to the sincere hospitality of the Vietnamese staff, it is the mission of Muong Thanh to make sure you have an exceptional and authentic Vietnamese experience. Visitors enjoy a balance of a multi-millennia-old culture, traditional practices and hospitality all within a modern 4-star hotel. Situated conveniently within the ancient city limits, stepping out for a stroll through the maze of beautiful, ancient streets and alleys is easy and convenient. The Muong Thanh Hanoi offers three restaurants, three styles and three diverse culinary experiences. Guests can explore traditional Vietnamese, European-style or Asian fusion cuisine. Between delicious meals and tours of the city guests can take care and pamper themselves at the hotel’s Savasana Spa, beautiful pool and fitness center.
Guests traveling between Hanoi and Lao Cai can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience through Northern Vietnam aboard a luxurious overnight express train. Premium sleeping cabins feature wood-paneled and equipped with air conditioning and reading lights.
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