What to see in Hanoi, three tips for a cheap and surprising trip to Asia, here's what not to miss in Vietnam, read the travel tips here.
THEAsia that's how it is: it fills you with noises, colors and flavors and once discovered it is difficult to let go. Among the various countries, Vietnam was a succession of emotions for me, and one city in particular struck me for its people, for its food and for its history: Hanoi. Come, I'll tell you what you shouldn't miss in this city.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
We are in a country that has marked contemporary history, in the presence of a people who stood up to a world power and right here in Hanoi the funeral monument to their leader was erected: Ho Chi Minh.
The mausoleum is located in the large Ba Dinh square, a few kilometers outside the old city of Hanoi. You can easily reach it on foot, while enjoying the life of the city.
The mausoleum has a style that is very reminiscent of the impressive Soviet buildings and is open all year except November, when the body is transferred to Russia for restoration.
Hanoi old quarter
Like any self-respecting city, Hanoi also has its suburbs and its historic center, better known as the "old quarter": a maze of streets where it is easy and beautiful to get lost.
It is all a succession of smells, tastes, noises and images: it is unthinkable not to try one of the typical Vietnamese soups, the famous Pho, perhaps in an improvised "restaurant" on the sidewalk; or be attracted by the colors of the fabrics hanging from the various stalls on the streets.
You cannot come to Hanoi and not experience the beating heart of this city. You will be enchanted.
Hanoi night market
All the cities of Southeast Asia come to life with the sunset thanks to the extravagant night markets and Hanoi is no exception. When the heat and humidity finally decrease, the market comes to life. The streets of the center are more or less closed to traffic and a myriad of people start shopping. On the stalls you will find everything: clothes, typical products, souvenirs and various trinkets. And if at some point you get tired of the asphyxiating bargaining, which is another beauty of these places, sit down somewhere to sip a iced glass of Bia Hoi (the typical Vietnamese beer) and admire the spectacle that people can create when they are looking for everything and nothing, because that's what you find in this market.
These are 3 things chosen for you that from my point of view represent Hanoi, but as you can certainly imagine this metropolis, like any city in the world, has a myriad of things to offer the traveler. So pack your bags and satisfy your curiosity!
