5 free things to do in Hectic, tranquil Hanoi
December 1, 2012, Saturday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
AT first glance, Hanoi is a hornet's nest of motorbikes swarming Vietnam's capital city. But look beyond that and a land of old-world Asian charm awaits, with wide tree-lined streets and old French colonial-style villas.
Vietnam remains very cheap by Western standards, so it's possible to grab a big bowl of pho - a brothy, aromatic beef or chicken noodle soup that serves as the country's staple dish - for the price of a coffee.
Still, in a city dotted with sleepy lakes and Buddhist temples where much of life is lived on the street, some of the best experiences truly are free. Here's five picks:
Temples and cathedral
Hanoi is packed with beautiful Buddhist temples, many of them ancient. Just follow the scent of burning incense and step away from the chaotic streets to take a moment to reflect and soak in the calm. The One Pillar Pagoda is among the city's most famous sites, but many Vietnamese flock to the Tay Ho Pagoda overlooking the city's large West Lake to leave offerings and pray, especially on auspicious days. Another option is to visit St Joseph's Cathedral or attend a mass inside the landmark neo-gothic Roman Catholic church with its weathered facade and stained glass windows.
Old Quarter walking tour
The 36 ancient streets that make up Hanoi's Old Quarter are a maze of madness filled with treasures. The streets are narrow and so are the houses, but that doesn't stop the constant crush of motorbikes and the increasing number of cars mixing with bicycles, tourists and rickshaws known as cyclos. Despite the chaos, the Old Quarter should not be missed. Its lanes are overflowing with everything from touristy trinkets to fine silks, along with the wares for which each street is named. Locals still go there to buy everything from bamboo to buttons. Tuck into a small traditional market within the Old Quarter or a big one, such as Dong Xuan, for a colorful glimpse of daily Vietnamese life.
Ho Chi Minh mausoleum
The embalmed body of "Uncle Ho," as Vietnamese affectionately call their late founding President Ho Chi Minh, can be viewed inside an enormous granite mausoleum. For many Vietnamese, the trip to Hanoi to see the famous revolutionary who liberated them from French colonial rule is a must-do. The mausoleum offers changing of the guard ceremonies. Proper dress and a respectful attitude are required. Cameras are not allowed inside.
French architecture
Close your eyes on many wide, leafy streets in Hanoi, and it's easy to be transported to another century. A short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake stands the French-built grand Hanoi Opera House, which has been beautifully restored and is a favorite spot for wedding pictures. Just across the street is the landmark Sofitel Metropole Hotel - where Graham Greene penned parts of his famous novel, "The Quiet American" - and the nearby Government Guest House, great examples of French colonial-style architecture.
Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake
The lake is the centerpiece of central Hanoi. Its shady banks are a meeting place for young teenagers chatting on mobile phones alongside aging war veterans playing chess. Early in the morning, the lake comes alive with crowds of Vietnamese doing an array of exercises, ranging from serene tai chi to booming aerobics. Take a walk around the water and look for the famous turtle that many Vietnamese believe is sacred. If you spot it surface, make a wish because it's considered good luck!
Vietnam remains very cheap by Western standards, so it's possible to grab a big bowl of pho - a brothy, aromatic beef or chicken noodle soup that serves as the country's staple dish - for the price of a coffee.
Still, in a city dotted with sleepy lakes and Buddhist temples where much of life is lived on the street, some of the best experiences truly are free. Here's five picks:
Temples and cathedral
Hanoi is packed with beautiful Buddhist temples, many of them ancient. Just follow the scent of burning incense and step away from the chaotic streets to take a moment to reflect and soak in the calm. The One Pillar Pagoda is among the city's most famous sites, but many Vietnamese flock to the Tay Ho Pagoda overlooking the city's large West Lake to leave offerings and pray, especially on auspicious days. Another option is to visit St Joseph's Cathedral or attend a mass inside the landmark neo-gothic Roman Catholic church with its weathered facade and stained glass windows.
Old Quarter walking tour
The 36 ancient streets that make up Hanoi's Old Quarter are a maze of madness filled with treasures. The streets are narrow and so are the houses, but that doesn't stop the constant crush of motorbikes and the increasing number of cars mixing with bicycles, tourists and rickshaws known as cyclos. Despite the chaos, the Old Quarter should not be missed. Its lanes are overflowing with everything from touristy trinkets to fine silks, along with the wares for which each street is named. Locals still go there to buy everything from bamboo to buttons. Tuck into a small traditional market within the Old Quarter or a big one, such as Dong Xuan, for a colorful glimpse of daily Vietnamese life.
Ho Chi Minh mausoleum
The embalmed body of "Uncle Ho," as Vietnamese affectionately call their late founding President Ho Chi Minh, can be viewed inside an enormous granite mausoleum. For many Vietnamese, the trip to Hanoi to see the famous revolutionary who liberated them from French colonial rule is a must-do. The mausoleum offers changing of the guard ceremonies. Proper dress and a respectful attitude are required. Cameras are not allowed inside.
French architecture
Close your eyes on many wide, leafy streets in Hanoi, and it's easy to be transported to another century. A short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake stands the French-built grand Hanoi Opera House, which has been beautifully restored and is a favorite spot for wedding pictures. Just across the street is the landmark Sofitel Metropole Hotel - where Graham Greene penned parts of his famous novel, "The Quiet American" - and the nearby Government Guest House, great examples of French colonial-style architecture.
Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake
The lake is the centerpiece of central Hanoi. Its shady banks are a meeting place for young teenagers chatting on mobile phones alongside aging war veterans playing chess. Early in the morning, the lake comes alive with crowds of Vietnamese doing an array of exercises, ranging from serene tai chi to booming aerobics. Take a walk around the water and look for the famous turtle that many Vietnamese believe is sacred. If you spot it surface, make a wish because it's considered good luck!
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
