Why Hanoi (Vietnam) is the Perfect Weekend Short Escape

Hanoi being the capital of Vietnam is the perfect weekend escape if one is looking for just a short getaway. When it comes to food, shopping, relax, taking in unique nature sights, Hanoi is the first destination that comes to mind.

So why visit Hanoi?

Reason #1: Cold Weather 

One is able to experience 4 seasons in Hanoi. Yes, you are right! There is winter season in Hanoi starting from December and may last until late February, with the average temperature of 17.2 degree. Being located in South East Asia Region, people often underestimated the chilliness it can get. Honestly, I was the one of them as well. I did not bring my hand glove the last time and was caught trying to warm my hands badly. Temperature may keep below 10°C during late at night or early morning hour.

So go out to enjoy the cold weather that Hanoi brings during winter!

#2 Reason: Live in Old Quarter 

There is an area in Hanoi called the Old Quarter. The obvious reason to there is because having a huge range of budget hotels, staying there will definitely be gentle to your wallet. Beside, with the multitude of shops in the vicinity from art galleries, bakeries, souvenirs, to clothing shops, it is such a great place to take a leisure walk around. One thing good about shopping is that each street or section would mostly sell the same thing. Lets say you may want to get a bag, the whole stretch of shops would be selling bags. With the diverse range to choose from, it makes shopping much easier. Please be mindful to bargain down the prices from the stall owners.

My personal loot after a day of shopping!  Tip: It is good to buy bag packs as these are local made products. Most bags around the world have it made in Vietnam. You will be surprised at how good the quality of some bags are and its relatively cheaper price.

Cool fact: Many of the streets are named for the products that they sell. In Vietnamese language, “Hang” mean something to sell.  In Old Quarter, there are street name that is: “Hang Duong” which literally mean sell sugar. “Hang Vai” which mean sell fabric. “Hang Bac” means selling silver and the street’s still lined with shops doing just that.

#3 Reason: Popular Tourists attraction nearby each other 

Being located within walking distance of Old Quarter where likely your accommodations are in Hanoi, there lies Hoan Kiem Lake which have it in history of a Golden Turtle God. Check out the famous red bridge and the surrounding alters. What makes Hoan Kiem Lake an interesting sight is during morning hour or evening time, one could witness the daily life of the Vietnamese going about their usual life.

People playing sport in Hoan Kiem lakeshore.
Hanoi, Vietnam.

#4 Reason: Amazing Street Food 

Yes, when it comes to food, our senses are all awaken up. What’s a good trip without eating good food? Fret not, as Hanoi houses what Lonely Planet calls it : The dish to try before you die – Chả cá Lã Vọng

It is a dish that best describe as stinky shrimp paste, crispy roasted peanut, flavorful, hot fish with “cold” rice noodles mix around in it.

There’s only 1 original place to have it in Old Quarter: 14, Phố Chả Cá. From the outside, it looks like a broken wooden house and one have to climb up the stairs to second level where the dinning area is.

However, although it maybe highly claimed and regarded by the local, I personally found it not living up to its fame. But as the saying goes: ” One’s men meat is another men’s poison.” Try it since it has been known as one of the dishes to eat before you die.

#5 Reason: Beautiful Natural Scenery (Halong Bay) 

Halong Bay is much prettier than Phuket from my personal point of view with more majestic limestone and the reflection of the water. Halong Bay no doubt deserve the title of being a member of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strongly recommend to visit and stay in the junk boat for 1 night! People usually visit the caves there and one can do squid fishing late at night in the area. Try out the fresh seafood and witness how the locals go about selling their stuff to tourists paddling in their small boat.

Halong Bay is located about 4 hours drive from Hanoi, the closest town being Haiphong. There are many tour agency offering tours to Halong Bay. Other than joining tour, one can reach there via Taxi (USD$85). If you are looking at more budget form of travelling, take the shuttle bus that pick up & drop off passengers in the Old Quarter area. Alternatvely, there are public and mini bus to Halong or what the local known as “Bai Chay”. Trains also operates from Oct 2015 onwards. 

#6 Reason: Experience Water Puppet Show 

There’s no other place where I have watch a puppet show performed in the water! Hanoi is the place to be in to experience this unique performance. The show is definitely a must see. Although it was performed in Vietnamese language, one could witness the aggressive fight scene and occasionally fire blowing out from the dragon. No regrets!

#7 Reason: Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum 

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is not located in the Southern Vietnam City : Ho Chi Minh. Being the founder of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh embalmed body rest in this place in Hanoi. It’s definitively an eye opening experience to witness this. Not many countries allow the public to view the dead in such a manner. Please take note to wear long covered pants and shoes. Full respect and minimum noise to be observed during the whole viewing process.

#8 Reason: Enjoy the art of having quality slowly brewed coffee 

Hanoi, in particular Old Quarter is a good place to do people watch with coffee cafes all around. Sip a cup of the famous black coffee in the old streets of Vietnam and take in the view of how others live. You can marvel the exceptional skills of the thousands of motorists zooming their way pass pedestrians.

#9 Reason: Exotic Food on offer! 

If you are game for it, try the local exotic street food. You may not get it in your own country, just in Hanoi!

If you are looking for other weekend escape in Vietnam, why not consider visiting Ho Chi Minh City located in the Southern part of Vietnam. You may refer to my previous blog post on : Perfect weekend getaway to Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam)

Categories: Asia Region