Hanoi has changed leadership hands so many times in its past, all of which had left their mark in this vibrant city. For more than a thousand years, it has been the capital of Vietnam, starting from the Chinese who changed its name from Thang Long to Tong Binh. Le Loi took over and called it Thai To. The modern name Ha Noi was given in 1831 by the Nguyen Dynasty, but by then they had moved the capital over to Hue.
Years later when the French was leading the country, they moved the capital back to Ha Noi. When Ho Chi Minh took over, Ha Noi became the capital of North Vietnam and when the country was reunified, it became the nation’s capital.
Arriving in Hanoi
If you’re coming to Hanoi from outside the country, you will arrive at the Noi Bai International Airport (HAN). Several countries offer direct flights to here, including Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Korea, China, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore.
Taxi cabs outside the exit will take you the the city’s center. While prices are higher than regular cabs, the rates are fixed and saves you the price of haggling. You can also take the public buses or shuttle services from the airport to the city center. However, if you want a hassle free trip, see if you hotel offers pick-up services to and fro the airport.
Travelers from anywhere in the country can take the bus or train. If you’re coming from Hue to Nha Trang, the main Hanoi train station will be your stop. For the longer trip from Ho Chi Minh City, take the Reunification Express.
There is also a train from Nanning, China should you be coming from there.
Getting Around
You can get around Hanoi through several means. Unfortunately, Hanoi has no metro train just yet, but you can take your pick from taxi cabs, buses, motorbike driver, cyclos or car rental.
Buses have fixed routes and rates, which is convenient but may be a little confusing to navigate for the first time visitor. However, there are maps that show routes and stops, which may help. Taxi cabs are also good choices, but be prepared to haggle with the driver for a flat fee rather than rely on the meter. Take note of these reputable services to lessen the hassle: Hanoi Taxi, Taxi CP and Mai Linh Taxi.
You can also ride on the back of a motor, or hire a cyclo but always remember to settle the price first before you get on as many are prone to jacking up the price once you reach your destination.
Old Quarter
It’s impossible not to mention the Old Quarter when talking about Hanoi. Composed of more or less 40 streets, the Old Quarter is the oldest surviving neighborhood in the country and gives you the best look into old Vietnam, but with a modern twist. It used to be a place where artisans converged into guilds, each of which is now the names of the streets. While the place has adapted to modern changes and is now a busy part of Hanoi, it still holds pockets of history and old-world charm. While many travel guides and writers have their own specific recommendations, it is easy enough to just walk around Old Quarter and find a place to dine or relax in.
Water Puppets
Water puppetry is a unique form of Vietnamese entertainment that originated in Hanoi a thousand of years ago. Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is the most known of all of these, and the place itself is as interesting as the show. Puppets perform in a shallow pool and are full of random jokes that refer to cultural facts.
Coffee and Beer
Two beverages that you’ll find plenty of in Hanoi: beer and coffee. When it comes to beer, the official “bia hoi” is fresh from the Habeco factory where it is brewed and fermented the whole day. This results in a varying flavor with each vendor, but it still gets sold out by the day’s end.
As for coffee, take your pick from any of the numerous coffee shops that litter the streets. The Vietnamese love coffee, and they tend to make it strong. Sweeten it with condensed milk to balance the taste. Or take your pick from the selection of hot and iced variants. It’s enough to make a coffee lover weep in gratitude.
Experience France, Asian-style
The long period of French colonization has left its mark. Walking around Hanoi you’ll see many buildings similar to what you may find in Paris. However, the best way to experience this combination of cultures is by trying out the food. The aforementioned coffee is a French heritage that the Vietnamese have taken to their own. Many sidewalk cafes offer French dishes with a Vietnamese twist, such as the banh mi, French baguettes stuffed with uniquely Vietnamese fillings which vary on the region. These cafes offer outdoor seats that spill out on the sidewalks.
Historical Hanoi
Of course, it’s not a full trip if you don’t take a look at the places around Hanoi. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is always a popular stop, which hundreds of people lining up each day just to get in for a glimpse of the leader’s embalmed remains.
For a unique stay, check out “Hanoi Hilton”. While its moniker brings to mind luxury hotels, it is in reality the Hoa Lo Prison. The French colonizers used it to keep their political prisoners, and later the North Vietnam used it for prisoners of war. It was during that time that the name “Hanoi Hilton” was coined. While the prison was torn down in the 1990s and is now the site of two high-rise buildings and a commercial duplex, a part of it serves as museum with artifacts from the war era displayed.
Side trip
If you want to get out of the city, there are plenty of places to escape to. Ha Long Bay is probably the most known and offers a fabulous view of the ocean. The Sapa mountain region is a great place for trekking and is home to various ethnic Vietnamese minorities. Visit the oldest ancient capital of the region, Co Loa. For heritage tours as well as captivating natural views, take a day trip to the Hoa Lu in the Ninh Binh province.
There are many stories about Hanoi, its business and the persistence of its people to peddle their wares, it is not something that you should be daunted with. Hanoi is rich in culture and history, and its people will fascinate you to a point. Take your time in exploring it and enjoy the surprises that it will bring.
