Hanoi, Vietnam
For five days in Hanoi, here’s a list of dos and don’ts to make the most of your trip:
Dos:
1. Explore the Old Quarter: Stroll through the narrow streets, try local street food like pho, bun cha, and banh mi, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
2. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake: Take a relaxing walk around the lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple, and enjoy the morning Tai Chi routines by locals.
3. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Pay respects to Vietnam’s iconic leader at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Don’t forget to visit the nearby One Pillar Pagoda and Presidential Palace.
4. Temple of Literature: This historic university and temple is dedicated to Confucius and is a beautiful, peaceful spot to explore.
5. Try Egg Coffee: Hanoi is famous for its egg coffee (cà phê trứng)—a delicious, creamy coffee topped with egg yolk foam. Café Giang is a great spot to try it.
6. Visit Train Street: A unique street where a train passes just meters from homes and cafes. Check train times before visiting for a safe experience.
7. Water Puppet Show: Experience this traditional Vietnamese art form at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, an interesting cultural highlight.
8. Day Trip to Ha Long Bay: If you have time, book a day cruise to this UNESCO World Heritage Site to marvel at the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters.
9. Explore Hanoi’s Markets: Visit Dong Xuan Market for a taste of local life, or the weekend night market for souvenirs.
10. Enjoy a Street Food Tour: Join a local guide to explore hidden gems and taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Don’ts:
1. Don’t Skip Crossing Streets: Traffic in Hanoi can be overwhelming. Walk slowly, maintain eye contact, and let the scooters flow around you—don’t stop abruptly.
2. Don’t Expect Every Place to Take Cards: Always carry cash (Vietnamese Dong), as some smaller places don’t accept credit cards.
3. Don’t Miss Out on Local Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting temples or religious sites. Shorts and sleeveless tops may not be appropriate.
4. Don’t Haggle Too Much: While bargaining is common, especially at markets, be respectful and avoid being too aggressive.
5. Don’t Fall for Scams: Be cautious with taxi drivers and street vendors offering tours or services. Use reputable taxi services like Grab or book tours through trusted agencies.
6. Avoid Drinking Tap Water: Stick to bottled or filtered water. Also, be mindful when eating uncooked food from street vendors.
7. Don’t Underestimate Traffic: Be aware of your surroundings when walking or riding in the city, as motorbike traffic can be chaotic.
8. Don’t Visit During Rush Hours: Avoid visiting crowded places, like the Old Quarter, during rush hour (around 5-7 PM) if you want a more relaxed experience.
9. Don’t Be Impatient with the Heat: Hanoi can be quite hot and humid. Stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and take breaks indoors to cool off.
10. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance: Make sure you’re covered in case of any emergencies, as health services for tourists can be expensive.
Enjoy your time in Hanoi—it’s a city full of history, culture, and amazing food!
If you're going to visit train street. Here's a tip.
There will be people blocking your way saying you can't enter unless you but coffee on their stall.
Do not ignore them because it will anger them and may cause fights , just tell them you already have a friend inside waiting for you, so that you can choose a cafe that you want.
Also, a friend who's a local said skip the mitchelin starred places - locals don't even eat there. Eat where the locals eat and you'll be fine, an example of this would be the Bahn Mi 25 that's always full of people - a few steps from there is the place called Banh Mi Paté that is just way better.