Discovering Hanoi in a day is way too short of course, but look at how you can do it really well from the back of a motorbike! When I went on my first solo trip in October 2012, I started in Hanoi, Vietnam. I explored the city on foot and fully enjoyed the Asian life around me.
On one of those days, I hired a guide and he showed me the highlights of Hanoi.
The City of Hanoi
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and with its old town is really a must to discover! The city is known for its South Asian, Chinese and French influences. You can expect a wonderful mix of these three in the architecture, the people and the street food, of course!
How Many Days in Hanoi
I ended up staying there for almost a week, but I understand you don’t want to hang around here that long. Make sure you can spend at least 2 full days here. The city has a lot to offer historically, but you can also indulge in street food here.
Hoan Kiem Lake
My hotel was nicely located in the center and about a few hundred meters walk to the famous Hoan Kiem Lake. Along the way, of course, all kinds of shops and certainly not a punishment to walk every day and feast my eyes! I went to Hoan Kiem Lake several times early in the morning to see the Vietnamese awaken with their rituals.
For that, check out: Tai Chi at Hoan Kiem Lake
When you’re standing there, also read the story behind the turtle pagoda that you see in the photo in Hoan Kiem Lake.
Arranging a Guide for a Day Discovering Hanoi
I wanted to explore the city more and I stood in the busy streets near Hoan Kiem Lake wondering how I could get to the typical tourist attractions. Of course, it didn’t take long before I was approached by a motorbike rider. He was willing to take me to a number of attractions and could also tell me about them, he said.
He mentioned One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, etc. When I heard that, I was already sold. I had of course read about those in my Lonely Planet, so I decided to do this with him!
You can of course also book a walking tour in old town Hanoi. I would have done that now, but in my early years I wasn’t so much into walking, so I hopped on the back of the motorbike. The advantage of that, of course, is that your reach goes a bit further.
Discovering Hanoi in a Day – Vietnam
My Driver/Guide for the Day
Afterwards, he would take me to a good restaurant where I could have a late lunch. It was a good local restaurant and he thought I should try it… They had the best Pho, Vietnam’s famous soup! I thought it was perfectly fine, and after we agreed on a price, he gave me a helmet and we set off!
Riding Through the Busy Streets of Hanoi!
Through the Busy Vietnamese Traffic
I actually didn’t dare take photos on the busy stretches, so the above photo doesn’t do justice to what the traffic is really like… I was afraid I would drop my camera 🙂
Literature Temple
The Temple of Literature is a Confucian temple and served in its time as Vietnam’s first university. So you can imagine that it’s a whole complex of buildings and squares. Really worth walking around and soaking up the atmosphere of old Hanoi.
Discovering Hanoi – Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
At the time I was in Hanoi, they were renovating the mausoleum, so I couldn’t go inside. The building itself was already quite imposing to see! I did visit the museum briefly, very good to learn a bit more about Ho Chi Minh. His life story, where he was born and raised and how he became who he became. I understood a bit more of the Vietnamese enthusiasm about HCM. He actually meant quite a lot to the country.
Ho Chi Minh’s House
Ho Chi Minh’s presidential palace, the place where Ho Chi Minh worked as leader of North Vietnam, from December 19, 1954 to September 2, 1969.
And then the small wooden house where HCM actually lived, the Ho Chi Minh Stilt House or Uncle Ho’s Stilt House. This house stands in the presidential garden of the palace. You might wonder why Ho Chi Minh lived here and not in the palace? He was too much reminded there of Vietnam’s colonial period and thus the French domination.
One Pillar Pagoda
This beautiful pagoda belongs to the architectural complex called Diên Hựu tự, which means ‘pagoda of extensive blessings’. Here the Goddess of Mercy is worshipped. It’s a lovely spot to walk around, away from the traffic hustle and bustle and among the greenery.
Cup of Coffee with a View Over Hồ Tây
Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake, Hồ Tây or also called West Lake. A nice peaceful conclusion to this beautiful tour of Hanoi.
Having a cup of coffee at Hồ Tây Lake in Hanoi city.
Back in the Busy City, I Had to Eat the Local Soup, of Course.
Tasting Delicious Pho!
Just after noon I was taken to a small restaurant in the Old Quarter Hanoi and he told me how to get back to Hoan Kiem Lake. I tried the Vietnamese Pho here on his advice. Since it was my second day in Hanoi and I hadn’t tried the soup before, they helped me out 🙂
I think it’s delicious soup and really think this is the best meal soup in the world! During the rest of my trip through Vietnam, I ate many different types of this delicious soup and can definitely recommend eating it on the street.
The Small Local Restaurant
Go Discover Hanoi Too – Vietnam
The day wasn’t over yet and I of course still had time to wander around myself. I can really recommend you to continue walking anyway. Just walk as much as you can in this city and be amazed!
Train Street in Hanoi
A truly unique piece of Hanoi. A train that races through the narrow streets of Hanoi. A very famous photo and place that you see popping up everywhere. And when you think that you can actually sit here along the tracks while a real train passes by!
You probably want to experience that! Then book this street food tour
When you’re back at Hoan Kiem Lake, you should of course also visit the temple on the lake. Also an oasis of calm in the busy center of Hanoi.
Ngoc Son Temple
And of course there are many other must-visit spots…
If you have one, let me know…
I would love to go back to this wonderful city!
After Hanoi, I continued to Halong Bay for a 3-day trip.
Where to Stay in Hanoi
As I wrote at the beginning, I stayed in the area around Hoan Kiem Lake. I had to walk about 10 minutes to get there, so I was there quite quickly. Just outside most of the bustle but still nice and close enough. Are you also looking for a hotel in that area?
Check out the Little Charm Hostel or would you prefer a hotel? Then check out the beautiful The Silk Boutique Hotel. Both are within walking distance of Hoan Kiem Lake, a perfect starting point for discovering Hanoi!
Did you like this post? Share it!
Want to read more about my Vietnam travel?
- The Famous Cu Chi Tunnels – Vietnam
- Canyoning in Dalat – Vietnam
- The Fairy Stream and Sanddunes of Mui Ne, Vietnam
- Cookingclass at Red Brigde in Hoi An – Vietnam