Amidst the bustling streets of Hanoi and the countless mopeds and bicycles moving around, you may soon find yourself overwhelmed and quite lost in the city.
Some get discouraged and immediately hop on the nearest van and set off to the more tranquil and eerily beautiful Halong Bay. It may not be obvious at first glance, but Hanoi has several attractions worth seeing and its charm will grow on you if you give it a chance. So, rather than escape the hubbub straight away, do get lost in the city for a while and you will notice yourself enjoying what it has to offer.
Its modern developments may be completely devoid of beauty and allure but the charm of Hanoi's rich cultural and historical heritage more than make up for it. Check out the city's Old Quarter and experience what it was like to live in the 13th century in this part of the world.
Its narrow and winding roads were not just ordinary thoroughfares but a representation of the social status of those residing therein back then. Merchants were grouped together, so were the carpenters with their fellow carpenters and sculptors with the other sculptors. Check out the street names and you will have a pretty good idea of the guild it was specially designated for.
Walk around the compact area and discover wonderful enclosed markets as well as ancient structures now housing charming cafes, boutiques and shops. Notice how the shops are very narrow at the entrance but seem to go on and on in length. That is how merchants tried to escape taxes back in the day. These shops are not just for show, there are actually plenty of interesting and lovely merchandise you can buy here such as intricately designed jewelry, exquisite silk textiles and superb handicrafts among others.
If you go south from the Old Quarter, you will soon discover the laid-back calm of Hoan Kiem Lake right at the nucleus of the city center. This is a perfect place to get your bearing while you enjoy the picturesque view of the placid waters and lakeside atmosphere.
For a bit of history, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. His remains are encased in glass and are open to the public. Do note that he is an esteemed and beloved hero so expect rigid security measures and a non-negotiable dress code. If you don't care for mausoleums, you can just visit the nearby Ho Chi Min Museum.
Another popular attraction in Hanoi is the One Pillar Pagoda at Ba Dinh District. It was built in honor of Emperor Ly Thai Tong. The pagoda is artistically built to resemble the shape of a lotus flower. Also a major historical and religious landmark in the city is the Temple of Literature. It has served disciples of Confucius for centuries and still continues to be a major pilgrimage site for believers. It dates back to the 11th century but it has retained its grandeur and splendor to this day.
The major attractions of Halong Bay, Sa Pa and Bac Ha are just hours away from Hanoi. So, you can easily be on your way after your short tour of the city.
Sunee is author of this article on Hotels in Thailand. Find more information about Phuket Hotels here.
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