Uniquely Hanoi

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

VERY OFTEN, when faced with the dilemma about traveling to a new destination, we ask ourselves, what does this place have to offer?

Take Hanoi for example, this was one city I had no idea what to expect. Not many people I knew had been there, so there were not many tips I could get, first hand. So, I did a bit of research.

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Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is the second largest city of the country. It is located in the northern part of the country and is about 1,760 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh. It is an interesting city with a blend of the mostly old and the recently new. You will experience this as you go around Hanoi.

Based on my research, there are no direct flights to Hanoi from Cebu, as of the moment. You may want to check with your travel agent or if you have the time, on your own, find out which airline you would prefer, based on your budget and schedule.

Also, I would suggest that you read up on some basic facts about Hanoi. This is a relatively big city, but the tourist spots are concentrated within the city center, so study its lay-out and note where the major attractions are located. Getting around by taxi was quite easy and affordable. Ask your hotel to book them for you as they know which taxi company is more reliable. Going around by foot can be tricky because of the confusing city lay-out. For more information on Hanoi, one may check out www.vietnamtourism.com.

If your time is limited, I suggest you do the major tourist spots first, such as Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) , the Old Quarters, Ho Chi Minh’s Residence (Nha Bac Ho), Temple of Literature and National University, Hanoi Hilton (Hoa Lo Prison), Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda and the Hanoi Flag Tower.

One of the most memorable aspects of my trip was the cuisine. Just walk around most city blocks, and you will see pho stands, serving white noodles in a steaming meaty broth. I prefer pho ga (chicken noodle soup) over the pho bo (beef noodle soup), but each to his or her own. Chau is another typical morning meal.

If you are looking for the familiar Western-style food, there are several restaurants along the periphery of Hoan Kiem Lake.

If shopping is more what you seek, there are so many places that offer good buys and bargains. Dong Xuan is a huge interesting market but it closes early, so do your shopping before nightfall. There are other places like the Night Market in the Old Quarter (near Hoan Kiem Lake) and also Cho Hom.

I would advise anyone going on a trip, to always note some important facts about your destination, such as telephone numbers and hotlines of the police, hospitals, banks, credit card companies, ports, airport, airlines, bus stations and the tourist office.

Hanoi is a destination which was unique and one of a kind. The unique culture, organized chaos and busy streets were things worth experiencing.

If you have heard the expression, “there is no other place like it in the world”, well, Hanoi made me feel that way. Plus, I enjoyed the kindness and warmth of the people, and I hope you too will experience this on your trip to Hanoi.