Go With Gabbs to Hanoi’s Must See Spots!
Hanoi is the largest city in the North of Vietnam, we spent a total of around six days here, using it as a base to explore other areas in the north. Two to three days is the maximum you will need in this city.
Tips for Hanoi
Grab: Download this app – Or click here for The Best Travel Apps. But basically, it is the Uber for South East Asia. Hanoi runs on Grab and allows you to travel the city without worrying about transport. It’s so cheap and works on both scooters and cars.
This also works at Hanoi’s Airport: Noi Bai International Airport and getting from here to areas such as the old quarter can cost as little as $11 in comparison to $40 for taxis etc.
Old Quarter Hanoi
The Old Quarter is where I would recommend to base yourself when in Hanoi. Its pretty central and close to tourist spots. Its a lively area with lots of backpacker hostels, restaurants, shops, bars, markets and lots more!
Things to do in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Hoan Kiem Lake
& its surrounding areas is what we used as our central spot for Hanoi. It has a commercial kind of square based around a roundabout and all of the lanes and market streets lead down to this area. The Lake surrounds this area and is a beautiful way to spend a morning or evening.
Dong Xuan Market
Not one to miss when in Hanoi. We spent a good four hours in here searching for Christmas presents for each other. We did find it quite hard to haggle in the north in comparison to the south, but give it your best shot!
Nightlife
With the Old quarter housing a lot of backpackers hostels – the bars and surrounding areas of the OQ gives it a lively atmosphere!
Ta Hein is also the main road for side street Vietnamese food cuisine whilst sitting on small stools and having local dishes! Mixed between restaurants and bars this road is one to head to.
If you want a quiet night however, make sure when staying in the OQ you aren’t next to it as it can be loud way past 12AM.
Beer corner! 8cent beer from the barrel on the side of the road. It taste like shit but its 8Cents so who cares.
The Note Cafe
Grab a coffee, find a pen and write your note to go on the wall! Not just a cool place to visit but they also do CHEESECAKE!
Baked by Julie
Baked Delicatessens which, if this isn’t a selling point enough, I hate to point out the obvious but its PINK!
Train Street & Surrounding Area’s
Train Street is one of the main tourist spots to come out of Hanoi recently – mainly because of social media and the amount of posts regarding this pretty cool place. Make sure to check times online for when the train goes down this road and you have to pin yourself against walls either side. You can walk on the tracks and follow the road down to Phùng Hung Street.
Other places to check out whilst in Hanoi
Hanoi Social Club for amazing Vietnamese Ice Coffee’s and tasty breakfasts
Hoa Lo Prison learn about the turbulent past of Hanoi from the Vietnam War and previous history
Bun Bo for some of the best Banh Mi’s you will come across for 33Vietnamese Dong $1.
The Citadel, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and The French quarter
(Est. Time: Half Day)
HCM Mausoleum costs around 25 Vietnamese Dong and is only open at specific times – make sure to check opening times before walking/heading there.
The French Quarter is home to some beautiful architecture and has some good photo opportunities.
There is also a beautiful church near by the HCM Museum, but for the life of me I cannot remember the name but it had a beautiful nativity scene out the front when we visited in December.
Where to stay in Hanoi
You will not be short of choices of places to stay regardless of your budget for Hanoi.
Babylon Garden Hostel and Spa
Right in the centre of Hanoi’s old Quarter we paid around $3 per night for this hostel.
Dorm rooms of four to six beds with thick privacy curtains, private light, Charging points with USB Connection and bed desk / safety cupboard. All Cupboards are electronic key fob operated which added an extra element of security for your belongings.
Free Wifi, Air con rooms, Rooftop Bar & Indoor Pool and Netflix movie room and a great breakfast this was a find and a half for Hanoi.
Available on both booking.com and Hostel world: Cheaper on Booking.com.
