Experience the best things to do in Hanoi with our personally curated guide, including what to see and do, where to stay and eat, how to get there, and around.
Overwhelmingly claustrophobic, especially in the tangled streets of the Old Quarter , it also hides pockets of tranquillity at places like Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature. As a traveller, you very quickly have to make a decision on whether you get swept along by its frenetic pace and allow the chaos to captivate and excite, or rally against it and find yourself spat back onto its ochre-hued streets. We found ourselves oscillating between the two for most of our time there.
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The historic heart of the city and the centre point of thousands of years of Vietnamese history is chaotic. The streets hum with life; every nook and cranny is filled with street vendors selling just about anything - fruits, cooking utensils, textiles, silver. The weathered colonial buildings, towering trees, and constant noise also make it feel a little claustrophobic at times.
The origins of this quarter can be traced back to the 11th century when King Ly Thai To moved the capital to this area, transforming it into a bustling centre of trade. Where to start? Choose a street, any street, and start walking. Float through and follow your nose. Stop by a street food vendor for a snack, head deep into the markets and witness the clamour of commerce, spot ancient pagodas and architectural delights, and end the day on a blue stool sipping Bia Hoi by the dozen.
