Top things to do in Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, its second largest city and is often called “Paris of the East”. Hanoi is an impressive and fascinating mix of old traditions and active modern lifestyle, where East and West are bound; where people have big hearts and warm smiles; where food is delicious and the streets are old… This is a pulse of modern Vietnam and we are about to tell you how not to lose yourself in the variety of things that Hanoi is offering! North Vietnam tours

How to Get There?

By plane: Noi Bai International Airport is about 35 km north of the city and is the largest airport in the North of the country. It serves domestic flights operated by VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines, international flights from major Asian airports and international flights from Helsinki (seasonal), Frankfurt, London, Moscow and Paris. The airport is relatively small comparing to its importance and size of the city. The new terminal is being under construction now and is expected to be put into operation in 2015.

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From the airport you can reach the centre of Hanoi by taxi. Before November, 2014 there was a fixed price for a ride. However, now most of the drivers use meters, so your total cost depends on the distance and is usually between $15 – 25 (350,000 – 450,000 VND).

• Bhaya Legend cruise, Halong Travel

Top things to do in Hanoi

Another option to get to the city is to use a public bus that departures from the airport. Bus #07 crosses the Thang Long bridge and goes to the Daewoo Hotel on the western part of Hanoi. Bus #17 crosses the Chuong Duong bridge and goes close to the old quarter, to Long Bien. It is actually not allowed to take your luggage with you to the bus, but you may take it as a challenge and try to negotiate with a driver!

By train:
Hanoi, is very well connected with the major big cities of Vietnam, so you can use the train to reach the it from other parts of the country. The price for the ticket will be different, depending on the type of the seat you choose. Pay attention that it is strongly recommend to avoid private travel agents. After all, you may end up in a hard-sleeper instead of the soft one, for which you have actually paid.
You can book a ticket on the website of Vietnam Railways System. Children under the age of 2 can travel for free. For children from 2 to 9 years old the price will be 50% of the adult price.

By car: Another option how you can reach the Vietnamese capital is to hire a car. When doing it, remember to hire a private driver also: in Vietnam visitors can’t rent a car and drive. It will cost nearly $50 – 60 per day.

What’s Next?
When you come to a big city, it is always hard to take the bearings and choose the right places to see and right things to do that are really worth your time and attention. That’s why we chose for you TOP activities in Hanoi for any taste and preferences in spending your free time. Everything you have to do is… to trust us!

Temple of Literature
Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu) is an impressive example of Vietnamese architecture that was built almost 1000 years ago. In the beginning of the XI century it became the first country’s university. In its courtyard you can see the tables, each mounted on the back of a tortoise, with the names of all its graduates. The admission is $1 (20,000 VND).

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake for Hanoi is the same like the Central Park for New York. Located in the very centre of the city, this is a favourite leisure spot of local people. In the morning you can even watch here people practicing the old martial art of ta chi on its shore. The legend of the lake says that gods gave to King Le Loi a magical sword, that he used to drive the Chinese from Vietnam. Later, a giant turtle grabbed the sword and returned it back to the gods. Since then the lake has a name Hoan Kiem, which means “returned sword”.

Vietnamese Women's Museum

The museum had been recently renovated and is indeed a very exciting place to visit, if you are interested in understanding culture and history of Vietnam even deeper. The museum presents the stories of the most prominent women in the history of the country. Also it has great collections that represent local traditions, customs, everyday life and problems of a Vietnamese woman from centuries ago till nowadays. Moreover, it has a brilliant collection of hand-made ethnic costumes. Admission is $1,5 (30,000 VND).

Hao Lo Prison 

The prison was built in the beginning of XX century by the French. Here the Vietnamese revolutionaries were imprisoned and executed. Nowadays, this is a museum that exhibits the brutal French colonial regime and focusing on Vietnamese struggle for independence. The place represents the black page in the history of the country and makes take another look on history itself. Admission is $1.

Hanoi Street Food 

Vietnam is famous for its unique and absolutely delicious cuisine all over the world and this is a fact. In Hanoi there is a plenty of fine restaurants, where you can have a dinner and taste any kind of local food. However, its streets are also full of small kiosks in the sidewalk, and we believe that it may be even a better way to explore the local cuisine! Take a walk through the Old Quarter and discover the diversity of the unique Hanoi’s street food!

Dong Van Karst Plateau Ha Giang Vietnam

Dong Van karst plateau has an area of 2.350 square kilometers, spreads over four districts of Ha Giang province: Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van and Meo Vac at an average height of 1.400 - 1.600 meters with a number of beautiful limestone and winding road. Here, scientists have found 33 tectonics heritages, 45 geomorphology heritages and many unique fossils in sedimentary rock, which creates opportunities for the tourist attraction, brings income for indigenous people. Mai Chau Valley 2 days

From Ha Giang town, along 4C Highway about 50 kilometers, tourists step into Quan Ba districts with spectacular and grandeur mountain scenery. In the journey to the rocky plateau, visitors can enjoy the beauty of Can Ty Pass. Dong Van karst plateau has 80% limestone, is one of the most distinctive karst in Vietnam with black and majestic boulders. The shapes of boulders are created by environmental conditions and different stages of development. Here, the whole scene is rocks with various shapes such as petals, flowers, flower branch (Khau vai rock garden, Veo Vac District) or the shape of tiger (Lung Cu rock garden). Van Chai rock garden has green grass that creates the majestic and grandeur beauty for landscape. PANDAW CRUISE

Besides the geological value, Dong Van karst plateau also attracts tourists by the unique cultural and spiritual values associated with the ethnic Mong, Dao, Lo Lo… living on the plateau. They picked up stones to build house, walls. They carved stone to grow corn. They renovated the mountainside into a vast of rice. The beauty and grandeur of Dong Van plateau comes from not only the huge natural boulders but also the fair of the H’mong, Dao, Lo Lo… In the morning, ethnic people from neighbor districts come to fair with colorful costumes.

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Dong Van Karst Plateau Ha Giang Vietnam

From the geological unique, in the end of 2010, Dong Van karst plateau was recognized as the first geological park of Vietnam and Geoparks of the world. Dong Van karst plateau is one of the special limestone mountain, including the marks of the history of the earth’s crust process and tradition of indigenous communities.

Dong Van karst plateau has all elements convergence to become global Geoparks. Rocky plateau also has national relic such as: mansion of Vuong family, Lung Cu flag pole, Dong Van ancient, Ma Li Peng pass, Quan Ba Twin Mountain…

Top 7 Brilliant Things to do in Nha Trang Vietnam

Nha Trang is Vietnam’s best known beach destination: golden sand beaches are lined with palm trees. This is a prime spot for watersports, in particular scuba diving and surfing. The pristine beachfront and low-key city are backed with looming mountains, whilst small islands beckon from the sea. It’s time to discover for yourself just what entranced the French who made this their premier beach resort over 100 years ago. Centre Vietnam tours

Dive with the sharks and rays

Nha Trang has been the ‘serious’ home of scuba diving within Vietnam for the last ten years, ever since the government established a protected marine park region just off the coast of Nha Trang in 2003. The island of Hon Mun is one of the top dive spots within Southeast Asia. Local operators will transport you out to Hon Mun Island, which is a short boat ride away. Here you can snorkel and swim, although it’s the superb diving that most come for – the myriad of colorful corals are very close to the coast. The waters are teeming with tropical fish including devil scorpion fish, clown fish and nudibranches. And although rare, sighting the odd reef shark, turtle or manta ray is a distinct possibility. Hon Mon is perfect for abilities: from beginners to those looking to take their PADI training amidst the breathtaking surroundings. Alova Gold Cruise

Top 7 Brilliant Things to do in Nha Trang Vietnam

Explore the Po Nagar Cham Towers

The four brick towers that make up the Po Nagar complex (pictured above) date back to the Cham Kingdom period who ruled this region between the 7th and 12th century. These particular towers were built to honour Yang Ino Po Ngar, who was regarded as the matriarch of the Cha Kingdom. Located about 2km north of Nha Trang itself, the towers are strategically located at the mouth of the Cai River. Visitors will catch the intense and heady scent of the incense sticks burning within the towers, which attract Vietnamese Buddhists, Cham and ethnic Chinese to pray and make offerings. In fact, this site has been used as a place of worship since 2AD. PANDAW CRUISE

Sample the local watersports and glorious beaches

As well as superb diving facilities, the glorious golden beaches along the Nha Trang coastline also offer fantastic opportunities to indulge your passion for various watersports. Try your hand at windsurfing, wakeboarding, sea kayaking and water skiing.

Nha Trang beach itself is rather built up and is lined with an abundance of shops, bars and restaurants, which is great if you like plenty going on. However if you’re looking for a little bit of peace and quiet, head a little way out of the city to Bai Duong Beach, which has calmer waters: perfect for swimming and snorkelling.  Nui Hon Chong Beach is as gorgeous as the scenic route that leads to the hidden rocky stretch of coast. And over the mountains is the pretty Bai Dai Beach which is clean and largely explored by tourists.

This is also the perfect base for a boast trip out to one of the many outlying islands. Make the journey to Hon Yen, aka Bird’s Nest Island and you’ll be amply rewarded with sightings of thousands of switflets, who are busy building their nests within the caves on the island. The two islands that make up Hon Yen; Hon Noi and Hon Ngoai are about 20km off the coast of Nha Trang.

Discover stunning Long Son Pagoda

Established in the late 19th century, the Long Son Pagoda is a beautiful example of a Buddhist temple. The roof of the pagoda is adorned with colorful glass mosaics depicting dragons. Behind the pagoda sitting atop a small hill is a giant sparkling white Buddha statue, which is visible across Nha Trang.  The scared Buddha rises to 79 feet (24 meters). Don’t forget to cover your knees and shoulders and contrary to what waiting touts may tell you, the pagoda is free to enter.

Admire Nha Trang Cathedral

The imposing French Gothic Nha Trang Cathedral, aka Nha Tho Nui, is a stunning example. The catholic cathedral was built atop a small hill between 1928 and 1933, during French colonial rule. The sumptuous architecture boasts stained glass windows and features three large bells within its tower. Regular mass sessions are still held here thanks to the strong local French Catholicism influence.

Spend a few hours at the Vinpearl Amusement Park

Many others destinations within Asia have branches of Disneyland and Universal studios, and this is Vietnam’s version… sort of. The independent Vinpearl Amusement Park covers some 200,000m2 and highlights include a stunning Orchid Garden, Underwater World and Cable Car System. There are also arcade games, funfair rides and various waterpark rides. Built by Vietnam’s first billionaire, Vinpearl is located on its own island, Hon Tre Island, which is reachable via the Vinpearl Cable Car, which is actually the longest cable car system to run over a body of water – some 3,320 meters long in total! It’s supported by nine pillars which were built to resemble miniature Eiffel Towers, which are lit up at night. Those afraid of heights can opt for the local ferries or powerboats to hop over. The main draw with kids of all ages are the abundant waterslides, of which there are 20: perfect for watery adrenaline seekers. Vinpearl is also home to the biggest wave machine within Southeast Asia. Don’t miss the pretty Truc Lam Pagoda which sits atop a mountain and catch a show in the 5,000 seater Vinpearl Amphitheatre, which is dubbed the most modern of its kind within Vietnam. And as an interesting bit of travel trivia, Hòn Tre Island was formerly used as a jail but is now solely used as a resort island!

Explore the surrounding countryside

The region around Nha Trang is rich with lush rice fields and refreshing waterfalls. Hire a bicycle or motorbike and head out of the city. Head to the Ba Ho waterfalls which are close to Ba Ho village. The series of three intense waterfalls make for a decent light climbing location, followed by a soothing dip in the falls afterwards. Take the jungle path to the Fairy Spring waterfalls, which are filled thanks to the cool waters coming off the Hồn Bà Mountain. There are also thermal waterfalls, hot springs and mud baths locally.