Ho Tay Lake Water Park

Ho Tay Lake Water Park

In summer the Ho Tay Lake Water Park is a great place to take the kids. The heat of Hanoi can be draining so it is comforting to know there is a place to relax, cool off and keep the kids happy. The park has an assortment of rides, pools, slides and even water games. It is a big attraction for the locals so if you are all about some fun in the sun then the Water Park is the place to be. Entry is from 30,000-50,000 VND depending on your height. There are snack foods available so it’s easy to make a day out of it.

Things to consider
It is fair to say the conditions are perhaps not up to western standards. The toilets are not the best and even though there are guards on watch I would keep an extra eye on the kids when they are in the water, especially if they are not strong swimmers.

Where
The Water Park sits on the cities West Lake and is about a 15 minute taxi ride from the centre of town.

When
The Park is only open in the hotter months from April to November with operating hours of 9am to 9pm.

Thu Le Park & Hanoi Zoo

The Hanoi Zoo, a small zoo, sits within the boundaries of the vast Thu Le Park. The zoo has a range of monkeys, big cats, birds and reptiles which will keep the kids interested. The animal cages are dotted throughout the park so you can wander around looking at different animals while enjoying the park at the same time.

The surrounding park is a great escape from the busy and polluted streets of Hanoi and you will feel you can breathe easier there. The kids can enjoy the pedal boats around the lake as well as the nearby fun park.

Admission is very cheap at 2,000 VND.

Things to consider
The cages are somewhat smaller than you might be used to, however the animals situations aren’t terrible as you can find in other Asian zoos. The rides in the fun park are quite run down in appearance but they generally look safe.

Where
The Hanoi Zoo & Thu Le Park is around 5km west of the city centre on Bach Thu Le and will take around 10 minutes in a taxi.

When
The Park and Zoo are open daily from before first light to around 10pm at night.

Megastar Complex

The Hanoi cinema is an extremely modern setup showing the latest films in the comfort we are used to back home. This is a great place to take the kids, giving them a break from the streets outside. The complex shows all the films in English with Vietnamese subtitles. There is the option of 2D and 3D viewing for some films and also plenty of drinks and snacks to choose from.

Prices are between 40,000-80,000 VND and for the quality you receive the cost is more than reasonable. Check the website for discount days and times if you want to save a few dollars. On the 5th floor of the complex is a massive games arcade which will leave the kids drooling. Before or after the film you can shop and eat in any of the up market shops found throughout the four floors of Vincom City Towers.

Things to consider
It is hard to find a problem here and my only issue is that the Vietnamese have no qualms in having a detailed conversation in the middle of the movie. I wouldn’t let this discourage you, as often there are plenty of free seats, and if they do start chatting away you can easily move to another area of the cinema.

Where
You can find the cinema at 191 Ba Trieu Street on the 4th floor of the Vincom City Towers, only a 5 minute taxi ride heading south from the city centre.

When
For viewing times I suggest you check out the Megastar website http://www.megastarmedia.net/index.aspx?visLang=2 which has an English translation option.

Hanoi Star Bowl

The Hanoi Star Bowl is the cities answer to ten pin bowling and can make for a fun few hours. There are plenty of lanes available as well as a range of snacks and drinks. Downstairs there are a bunch of video games the kids can play if they have had enough of the bowling. The price per game is from 15,000-25,000 VND.

Things to consider
The balls are not in great condition and it is sometimes hard to find the lighter weights which can be a problem for the little ones.

Where
The Hanoi Star Bowl is at 2B Pham Ngoc Trach Street in Dong Da District about 15 minutes by taxi, south west of the city centre.

When
The bowling opens from 10am everyday and closes late at night.

Water Puppet Theatre

If you are looking for something a little more authentic then you can’t go past the water puppet show. You won’t find this form of theatrical art anywhere else in the world so I suggest you add this to the list of musts while in Hanoi.

Tickets cost from 20,000-60,000 VND; a little more if you want to take in a camera.

Things to consider
The shows are very popular and can book out so save disappointment and book in advance.

Where
The best Water Puppet show in town is at 57B Ding Tien Hoang Street on the North-east side of Hoan Kiem Lake. For anyone staying in the Old Quarter you can make your way on foot.

When
Performances take place every day of the week. Starting times are 15:30 PM – 17:00 PM – 18:30 PM – 20:00 PM – 21:15 PM. For more information have a look at their website which has an English translation http://www.thanglongwaterpuppet.org/homepage.asp

Best of the Rest

Hanoi Central Circus: The circus runs Tuesday to Sunday (8-10pm) in a large tent on the northern side of Lenin Park. On Sunday morning at 9am there is a special performance for kids. It is around 40,000 VND per person.

Swan Pedal Boats: As well as Thu Le Park the swan pedal boats can also be found on the southern side of Ho Tay Lake and Truc Bach Lake. Prices are 30,000 VND for 30 minutes and 60,000 VND for one hour.

Fanny Ice Cream: For most kids there isn’t a better attraction than some tasty ice cream. Fanny’s ice cream is located on Le Thai To Street on the south-west side of Hoan Kiem Lake. Prices start from around 15,000 with an abundance of choice available. The first Friday of the month has an all you can eat buffet for 75,000 VND per person.

Street food at Hanoi: Food stalls in the small alley ways of the Old Town of Hanoi
Photo by kirksiang

From the early hours of the morning ladies begin preparing their specialty dishes on their allotted street corners waiting for the sun to rise and the customers to start flowing… and flow they do: rich and poor, young and old… street food is for everyone and its principle fits perfectly into the pace of the city.

Approaching the small plastic tables and chairs filled with buoyant locals can be a daunting prospect especially as the menu, usually written on a large board at the front of the restaurant, is only in Vietnamese. The locals will usually speak little to no English as well which begs the question “What are they going to bring me”? Fear not, as with a small bit of preparation and a general understanding of the street food in Hanoi you will soon be ordering and eating like a local.

Despite the variety of street food available most places will serve only one or two dishes. If the person sitting next to you is eating something that looks appealing, just point at their meal and the job is done. Nonetheless, I still think that knowing the words of the dishes you want to try is invaluable while quite easy to learn.

Below is a list of some of the popular street foods offered in Hanoi. You may find that once you start your street food adventure you will not want to stop and will happily skip on the western seats and air conditioned rooms for quick and tasty meals served on the sides of busy roads.

Phở

Photo by shok

Phở bò – beef noodle soup (Phở bò tái: half cooked beef, Phở bò chin: well done beef).
Phở gà – chicken noodle soup

Bún

Photo by nicole1980

Regarding bún dishes, you will be spoilt for choice in Hanoi and below are only some of the varieties you can choose from:

Bún chả – grilled pork noodle
Bún bò – beef noodle
Bún riêu – crab noodle
Bún ốc – snail noodle
Bún đậu – tofu noodle

Xôi

Photo by herethere

Xôi gà – sticky rice with chicken

Bánh cuốn

Photo by stylelab

Lẩu

Photo by superciliousness

BBQ

Photo by fireforge_photo

Bread and pâté

Photo by martywindle

Chè

Photo by jenmaiser

Costs

Street food as a whole is extremely inexpensive. Most dishes will not cost more than a few dollars. The hotpot and BBQ can cost a little more however with a few friends you won’t be paying much at all.

Where to go

Half the fun is trying any random place you come across and with stalls on virtually every street you will not have to look far to find them. If you don’t want to take the risk and are looking for some proven performers have a look at the below two blogs as they have some great suggestions:

Savour Asia
Sticky Rice

How you decide to eat in Hanoi can shape your memories of the place so my suggestion is ignore any inhibitions you might have and embrace the street food experience. You won’t regret it.

Halong Bay

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, situated in the Golf of Tonkin, is without a doubt one of the main attractions in Vietnam. The sheer beauty of the thousands of limestone islands and islets makes this a scenic wonderland.

Tour operators offer day trips from Hanoi which includes all transfers to Halong Bay, access to the boat and a tasty seafood lunch. Depending on your tour you will get the option of spending your time kayaking or seeing the caves or possibly stopping at a small beach.

The Kangaroo café www.kangaroocafe.com offers some great small group options which don’t break the bank. You also have the choice to book a private tour for those romantics out there. For two people the all inclusive cost is around the US $120 mark. Each person after that drops around US $15 so if you have extras or are happy to join a group the price is very reasonable.

Things to consider
Halong Bay is a beautiful part of the country and you could find the return trip a bit on the lengthy side if done on the same day, so if you have the time you may consider a two day one night option. If however you only have the day, then you should definitely fit this trip into your plans.

Halong Bay
Photo by Andrew Hux

Competition for your money is rife amongst the tour operators and the end result is cheaper prices. The problem is that many operators can’t provide the service they advertise and do not offer any follow up service, often because they act purely as ticket sellers for other companies. I suggest paying a bit more and staying away from the budget options.

For those who don’t care about the service and just the end result will be plagued with choice in Hanoi’s Old Quarter as every couple of shops offer day trip tours to Halong Bay. Hunt around and you won’t pay much at all.

Buffalo tours www.buffalotours.com is another good choice which offer good trips to Halong Bay.

Jewel of the Delta

Travelling along the Red River on a private boat is definitely a good way to see the countryside of Northern Vietnam. After cruising down the river in the morning you make a stop and transfer onto bicycles giving you the chance to ride through the surrounding villages. The twisting roads will take you to some of the better known handicraft villages. Once back on board you are treated to a five course meal before stopping at Bat Trang Ceramic village, on your way back upriver.

Things to consider
The tour definitely allows a hassle free adventure along the Red River where everything is organised. Buffalo Tours sells this tour for around US $80 per person as a private option. If discovering the countryside is your main aim and you want a bit of adventure then I would recommend hiring a pushbike and making the trip yourself. Hiring a bike is no more than a few dollars and is a great way to escape the tourist path and feel a part of Vietnamese society. A trip from Hanoi to the ceramics village of Bat Trang is approximately 10km southeast from the centre, over Long Bien Bridge.

Ninh Binh

Travel a few hours south east of Hanoi and you will reach Ninh Binh. From there a 9 kilometre drive will take you to some of the most striking scenery in Northern Vietnam: Tam Coc. A stunning 2 hours boat ride takes you through the magical limestone landscapes often referred to as the Halong Bay on land. Also not far from Ninh Binh is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Day trips to this region can also include stops at the Phat Diem cathedral and the Bich Dong pagoda.

Tam Coc Caves
Photo by TTVo

Things to consider
As with Halong Bay, decide what you want out of the experience and book a tour accordingly. There are private and group tours available for US $65 for which the service levels are high. You can pay half that and hope for the best.

Perfume Pagoda

Around 70km from Hanoi among the limestone rocks you will find a truly striking and spiritual setting. Here you will have the chance to view many of the pagodas and shrines of the area. The Perfume Pagoda is found within a cave built into the cliffs and you can only access by boat (90 minutes) followed by a steep mountain walk. There is now a cable car taking you to the top but if you can handle the walk it is worth it. The experience of getting to the pagoda is one in itself with the amazing landscape a wonder to enjoy.

Perfume Pagoda
Photo by alejandroglobal

Things to consider
The pagoda is not only a big tourist attraction but is extremely popular for the locals as well. For this the area can get very busy so check before booking a trip if the Buddhist pilgrims are there in numbers. This can make for an interesting experience but if you prefer some peace and quite out of Hanoi Ninh Binh might be a better option.

Surrounding Villages

Once you leave the busy streets of Hanoi you may be surprised to find the contrasting lifestyles of the people. Travel only 10-20km out of town and the city is replaced by the village. Here you will be surrounded by agriculture and usually for each village they have a specialty.

For Bat Trang, the area of expertise is ceramics and here you will find nothing else but ceramic shops. Once you reach the market you will find a mass of choice from giant vases to life size ceramic animals, tea sets, artworks and any kind of kitchenware. Bat Trang is approximately 10km southeast of Hanoi, over the Long Bien Bridge.

Van Phuc is everything silk so if you want to fill up the suitcase this is definitely an option. Many of the silk items sold in Hanoi were made in Van Phuc so if you are interested in finding the source of the many beautiful garments you see in town this short trip is worth it. Van Phuc is approximately 8km southwest of Hanoi.

Le Mat is a snake village and if you are game is a good place to try out snake cuisine. The snakes are prepared in a number of different ways and for the adventurous the village can be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Here you can watch the snake being killed by the handlers, drink its blood and for one person, usually the oldest male, swallow the heart. As you can imagine this is not for the faint hearted. Le Mat is approximately 8km northeast of Hanoi.

Things to consider
Many tour operators offer day trips including all villages. For Bat Trang and Le Mat there is the option of hiring a pushbike. The scenery over the Long Bien Bridge takes you away from everything Hanoi and cruising on two wheels can be fun. For Van Phuc the ride there is not so beautiful so if you are not on a tour grab a taxi or if you are up for the challenge hire a motorbike.

The above list is by no means exhaustive and some other alternatives are the Ho Chi Minh Trail Museum, Thay & Tay Phuong Pagoda and Ba Vi National Park.

Sights

With only 24 hours in Hanoi the best place to start is the Old Quarter. Clearly the heart of Hanoi, here you will find a mass of activity and great opportunities to cater all tastes. The web of narrow streets and alleys is bustling with traffic and the concept of navigating your way around can be daunting at first. Travelling by foot is the best way to view the countless small shops, cafes, restaurants and street vendors. Have a quick break at a café and try the Vietnamese coffee: it’s strong and will give you a boost for the rest of the morning. As you stroll the streets you will definitely find that gift you are after be it clothes, souvenirs or a traditional artwork. There are many art galleries in the Old Quarter and they are definitely worth a look inside. If wandering the busy streets is not your cup of tea then you can hire a cyclo driver to peddle you around the Old Quarter. They usually offer rides for one hour and will only cost a few dollars. Don’t worry about finding them; they will find you.

Old Quarter
Photo by Jared Kelly

After a walk around the Old Quarter the next stop on the agenda should be Hoan Kiem Lake. A stroll around the lake is a relaxing contrast to the hustle and bustle of the Old Quarter streets. At the northern side of the lake you will find the Ngoc Son Temple, situated on an island over the little red bridge. It is a picturesque setting so have your cameras ready.

Hoan Kiem Lake
Photo by Andrew Hux

Express Old Quarter visit: Allow a minimum of 1 hour
Old Quarter, take your time and shop away: 2-3 hours

Museums/Temples

Hanoi is full of history and if your time here is short the best way to learn about its past is to explore one of the many museums/temples on offer.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Photo by danaspencer

If there is one place to visit it is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a grand and powerful structure displaying the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh himself. It is the main attraction in Hanoi and the lines will curl around for hundreds of metres (although the waiting time shouldn’t exceed 20 minutes). The lines are in constant movement so you will be in and out within a minute. Security is on hand continually watching proceedings and they expect respect from those visiting. Wear long pants and cover your shoulders and don’t plan on taking any photos. Despite the constraints it is definitely worth the visit. The mausoleum is free and will only allow people in between 8am and around 10am so arrive early. It is a perfect next stop after visiting the Old Quarter. If you are travelling between October and December you will unfortunately have to leave this one off your list as the mausoleum is closed.

Nearby you will find the Ho Chi Minh Museum, Ho Chi Minh Stilt House and Presidential Palace as well as the One Pillar Pagoda.

Allow 2 hours

If you prefer the beauty of the Vietnamese architecture and are a bit of an art lover I would strongly suggest the combination of the Temple of Literature and the Fine Arts Museum. The temple is beautiful and the tranquil setting is a welcome change to life on the other side of the wall. As for the Fine Arts Museum you will find a mixture of sculptures, painting and ceramics from a range of periods. Usually one floor displays a collection of modern art which often impresses.

Temple of Literature: Quoc Tu Giam Street
Fine Arts Museum: 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street

Allow 1-2 hours

The Army Museum has a good display of weaponry with tanks, helicopters and downed aircraft from the war. The museum follows the history of the Vietnamese army concentrating on the French and American wars. There is a huge amount of information here and would be one of the better museums for the kids.

Allow 1 hour

Army Museum: Dien Bien Pho Street

If you’re interested in the Vietnamese minorities then the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is a must. Here you will find a great collection from the numerous minority tribes that situate Vietnam. You will find the typical objects from the village and the materials used to make them. The museum explains clearly the difference in location and culture of the many minority groups. Outside the museum you will find a number of full scale replica houses, typical of those found in tribal areas. If your next stop is to any of the villages in Vietnam then you should put this museum on your list.

Allow 1.5 hours

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: Nguyen Van Huyen Street

Nightlife/Entertainment

If your night is free go and check out the traditional Water Puppets show held daily at the Municipal Water Puppet Theatre. There are shows from late afternoon into the evening. The tickets are cheap and it will leave you with a truly authentic Vietnamese experience. Otherwise there is ample choice for bars and nightclubs; a vast supply throughout the Old Quarter. A famous hangout is the Bia Hoi Junction in the middle of the Old Quarter. Here you can sample the local microbrew beer on small plastic seats watching the world go by. This place is popular with the tourists and at 3,000 VND a glass it is easy to know why.

Water Puppets
Photo by richard vignola

The Puppeters
Photo by richard vignola

Water Puppets: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street
Bia Hoi Junction: Intersection of Ta Hien Street and Luong Ngoc Quyen Street

Eating

First and foremost you must try the traditional and famous Vietnamese dish pho. Pho is a noodle soup with either beef or chicken. Pho can be bought on the street for around 20,000 VND per bowl. You don’t have to go far to find a pho and the best way to try it is at one of the street stalls. If that doesn’t appeal to you or the tiny plastic chairs are not accommodating then most restaurants will serve the dish as well.

If you want to eat with the locals I would suggest trying the BBQ on the side of the street. Again you are sitting not far off the ground on small plastic chairs but the food is great and the experience not to be missed. There are many options but Ma May Street in the Old Quarter is a winner.

If you don’t want to go to the street food then let the street food come to you. Quan An Ngan is a large restaurant offering street food in a beautiful courtyard setting. The centralised menu means you can pick your dish from all the options and the waiters will order it from the relevant stall for you. It’s a three stars way to try what the locals eat everyday. This place is always busy with locals and travellers alike. You will find Quan An Ngan at 15 Phan Boi Chau Street.

Getting Around

By far the best way to get around the Old Quarter and surrounds is on foot. Hitting the streets at a slow pace gives you a great view of the culture and commerce around you. If walking the streets is a little too daunting or your legs need a rest you can grab a cyclo driver who are only to willing to show you their town.

Cyclo – Value for money!
Photo by Blue Barnacle

Taxis are in abundance and it is never too hard to find one in Hanoi. No city is without its shortcomings and for Hanoi it must be said that many of the taxi drivers will try to scam tourists on the fare. This is mainly done by rigged metres randomly jumping in price. I have had many friends tell me how they have been charged over 100,000 VND for a taxi fare that should cost around 40,000 VND. This can be frustrating and put a damper on your short time in Hanoi. My advice is to stick to the companies you can trust and for me they are Mai Linh Taxi (green emblem on the side of the car) and Hanoi Taxi. If you are pressed for time and need a taxi right away negotiate the price first and tell the driver not to use the metre. For short to medium trips the cost should be 20,000-60,000 VND. Any more than this would probably mean that the driver is being cheeky!

If you are feeling a bit more adventurous I suggest taking a xeom (motorbike taxi). They will take you anywhere you want to go starting from 20,000 VND. It is the next best way to driving the streets after driving a motorbike yourself (if you felt up for this, ask your hotel to organise you a motorbike rental for the day for approximately 100,000 VND) and it gives you the chance to experience the Hanoi traffic from within. The xeoms are amongst the fastest riders on the streets but I have not met anyone who hasn’t enjoyed themselves on one. As with the cyclos, the xe om are plentiful and drivers will offer their services on nearly every corner of the city.