Hanoi is a lovely city divided into two main areas. The Old Quarter which is based around Lake Hoan Kiem, and the French Quarter where government departments, embassies, and those that work in them tend to live. The lively, bustling tourist area in the Old Quarter has plenty of hotels at very reasonable prices, tucked in between shops, restaurants, markets and motorcycles, which tend to line the tree lined footpaths, making walking something of a mission. It is a good base for a stay in Hanoi, as much of the city will be within walking distance.
Three days in this vibrant city is not enough to see everything there is to do. You could easily fill a week. I have outlined an itinerary that gives you a good cross section of sights around Hanoi that you could achieve in three days. Take into consideration the heat, which will slow you down if you are not used to it. The best way to really absorb the vibes of this fascinating city is to walk.
MISSIONS TRIPS AFRICA
Day 1 - The streets of the Old Quarter are truly a fascinating experience. You need to allow a day for wandering, map in hand. You will get a close up view of the life of working Vietnamese today. The streets all specialise in one type of commodity. So you have shoe street, towel street, tin-maker street, toy street, paper, rope - the list goes on.........and on, it certainly makes for easy shopping! If you want to ensure you don't miss some of the best streets, follow the map from a Lonely Planet, or the local tourist information maps from your hotel.
Hanoi Walking Tour Outline - I will start from the ice cream shop by Lake Hoan Kiem opposite the Highland Building. Wander round the lake edge and cross the bright red Huc Bridge to visit Ngoc Son Temple. A little further on, you'll come to the Martyr's Monument near the Water Puppet Theatre. Cross the road here and you can start to follow around the street system. Be sure to go via Memorial House - an old restored Chinese merchant's house that is very interesting. Then walk on via Bach Ma Temple. We found this shut. Most museums in Hanoi are closed between 12.00pm - 2.00pm, and on Mondays. Something you need to keep in mind when planning your days. If you are following the guide books, you will go past the East Gate to the Dong Xuan Market - a three storied market with hundreds of stalls. We preferred the open air market where flowers, local produce, fruit, vegetables, meat and fish were being processed and sold. It was interesting to see there were no flies, despite the meat and fish being out in the open uncovered. At the end of Herb Street there is Baguette et Chocolat - a good stop for some delicious cakes and pastries, and all for about a dollar! Finishing back at the Highland building, take the lift up to the rooftop restaurant for a wonderful view over Lake Hoan Kiem, and a cooling drink. Or give your weary feet a treat and indulge in a foot massage next door, with stunning views to soak up, while you are being treated to a relaxing massage for less then .
A taxi ride out to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex will take up the afternoon. Be sure to dress appropriately, and show respect. This is a place of great reverence for Vietnamese people. Finishing off the day at the Water Puppet theatre - will round off the day nicely. It is worth paying to have a front seat.
Day Three - This is a good day to take a one day tour out of Hanoi. I highly recommend the day tour to Perfume Pagoda which is not actually one pagoda, but an area with 38 pagodas, Buddhist shrines and temples. It is very important for the Vietnamese people, and Buddhist pilgrims come to stay, at a special festival around March-April. Expect it to be very busy at that time.
You will be picked up from your hotel and travel through some very scenic rural countryside to the boats at My Duc. From here you take a relaxing 60 to 90 minute boat ride down the Yen Vi River. While you are rowed by one of the boat women, you can enjoy stunning views of the karst cliffs of the Huong Tich Mountains, swathes of shocking pink waterlilies, and spot small pagodas tucked into the river banks, as you drift along. You arrive at the wharf, and walk up wide steps to the base of the mountain. Lined with stalls and restaurants, you will have a meal here after you have seen the pagodas. Thein Chu is at the base of the mountain. At the moment they are building new sleeping areas, and it is intriguing to watch the craftsmen at work. While you can walk up the mountain to Huong Tich Chu - the pagoda in the cave, there is a gondola I suggest you take at least one way, for the wonderful views. The path can be slippery, and narrow, but it may be a challenge you want to take up. But do save some energy for the steps into the fascinating pagoda in a cave. Most tours include a full meal, before the return boat and bus trip.
We did this trip to Perfume Pagoda with Ganoa Tours, which we organised at the front desk of our hotel, Golden Sun. There are several tour companies you could go with.
A Three Day Itinerary in Hanoi - Northern Vietnam MISSIONS TRIPS AFRICA
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