3 Days Hanoi Travel Guide

More than 1,000 years old, Hanoi is an enchanting ancient city that has retained its rich culture and diverse heritage. Vietnam's capital is blessed with a range of influences, from classical Asian shrines and temples to elegant French colonial architecture, and the exquisite Old Quarter features a maze of narrow streets and markets selling an amazing array of household goods, souvenirs and street food. Autumn is one of the best times to visit Hanoi, as the vibrant colours illuminate the city's streets, lakes and parks.

A walking tour of the Old Quarter is an unmissable element of any trip to Hanoi. This labyrinth of ancient streets was named after the 36 trades and crafts that supplied goods to Thang Long Citadel.

At the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake is an iconic attraction and an idyllic setting to stroll at any time of day or night. Set on a small island in the middle of the lake. Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain") was built in the 18th Century and houses the preserved remains of a 250kg turtle - the symbolic animal of the lake. The island temple is connected to the mainland by the beautiful. bright red Huc Bridge.

Hanoi's largest lake features 17km of shoreline, which makes it a wonderful place to relax. Hire a bike and cycle around the lakeside paths and gardens, then visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest in Hanoi, which dates from the 6th Century and is considered a symbol of Vietnamese Buddhist heritage. No trip to West Lake is complete without a walk down Thanh Nien Street, which is famous for its shrimp cakes, which must be made with shrimps caught from the lake.

Just across the bridge from West Lake, Truc Bach is home to Quan Thanh, the 11th Century Taoist temple, and beautiful Buddhist pagodas. This is also a great spot to eat and drink with a series of coffee shops, lakeside bars and local eateries. Don't miss the famous pho cuon - a large white noodle rolled with beef and fresh herbs. A more indulgent option, pho chien phong, uses deep-fried noodles with strips of pork or beef, topped with a thick sauce.

Named after one of Vietnam's most prominent revolutionaries, Phan Dinh Phung Street is a charming street lined with ancient trees that lay a carpet of red and yellow leaves in autumn. The wide footpaths and French colonial architecture make it among the most popular and photogenic avenues in Hanoi.

Founded almost 1,000 years ago by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong as a temple to worship the Chinese philosopher Confucius, the Temple of Literature is considered to be Vietnam's first university. Over the centuries it has educated hundreds of well-known scholars and mandarins.

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Reference: Travel Aggregator