Let’s discover the beauty of Vietnam’s capital in less than 48 hours. From culinary highlights to architectural gems, historic sites to rooftop bars or from quiet streets to crowded noisy places, this two-day Hanoi itinerary will give you a well-rounded taste of Hanoi.
When in Hanoi, do as the Hanoians do: greet the day with a steaming bowl of “pho”. For more than 40 years, “Pho Thin” owner Nguyen Trong Thin has been serving up bowls of “pho” with a special flair that has made his version of “pho” one of the most popular in Hanoi.
Next, take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. A 15th-century legend says a giant turtle in the lake recovered the magical sword Emperor Ly Thai To used to defeat the Chinese. On the northern side, the picturesque Ngoc Son Temple sits on a small island.
Give your feet a break and see the Old Quarter by way of cyclo, a type of pedal-powered rickshaw. If you’re keen to do a little shopping, you’ll find several enticing boutiques tucked away on Silk Street (Hàng Gai).
Saturday afternoon – discover fascinating and mystery history.
Time to eat! Make your way to the Sofitel Legend Metropole for a tantalizing Vietnamese buffet lunch at Spices Garden. Priced at 780,000 VND, it’s well worth the chance to sample a wide variety of fantastic Vietnamese dishes. Afterwards, check out the hotel’s beautiful interiors.
Tips for you: For a less pricey lunch option, take your pick from the street stalls on Ngõ Tràng Tiền, where tasty noodles, fried rice and real Hanoian Bún Đậu go for two dollars a plate.
After lunch and maybe a street-side coffee, set off to your next stop, the Temple of Literature. Built in honour of Confucius and established in 1076, this is also the site of Vietnam’s oldest university. Admire the traditional-style architecture, the ponds, and ancient stone stelae.
Saturday evening – like a Hanoian
If you fancy street food, take a quick stroll to Lý Văn Phức for barbecue chicken with a side of grilled honey bread and spicy chilli sauce. Or grab a cab to Ngũ Xã street on Truc Bach Lake to try the capital’s famous “Pho Cuon” and other local favourites.
As night descends, head back to the intersection of Tạ Hiện and Lương Ngọc Quyến. This is “Bia Hoi Corner,” where pubs spill out onto the street in true Vietnamese fashion. Park yourself on a little stool and order a glass of freshly brewed beer (15,000 VND) straight from the barrels.
Sunday morning – Integrate into Hanoian traditions
Kickstart day two with a brew unique to Hanoi, egg coffee or cà phê trứng. The founder father of Giảng Cafe is none other than the creator of the recipe himself. Giang’s substitution of fresh milk for whisked eggs during French War food shortages birthed this famous hybrid.
Quickly make your way to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing marble stronghold situated in the centre of the grandiose Ba Dinh Square. If you want a chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, dress modestly and come early: the last entry is at 10:15 a.m.
Noted: The mausoleum shuts down annually between September 4 to November 4, when the body is sent to Russia for upkeep.
Bún chả became an overnight sensation after Anthony Bourdain and President Barack Obama lunched at Bún chả Hương Liên on the show ‘No Reservations’. Dip the cold rice vermicelli and the fresh herbs in the bowl of sauce, pork belly and grilled pork patties, and enjoy.
Sunday afternoon – Vietnamese culture is shrunken in a snapshot.
A 20-minute taxi drive from the centre, the Museum of Ethnology is dedicated to the traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. A first-class experience, the 40,000 VND ticket covers all areas of this three-part complex, including a garden with full-scale replicas of ethnic homes.
On your way back to town, stop by West Lake. The 17-km shoreline is lined with hip cafes, ancient pagodas and picturesque gardens, perfect for cyclists. The Hanoi Bicycle Collective is your one-stop for bike rentals (60,000 VND for up to six hours.)
Sunday evening – Ha Noi in a new perspective
Conclude your Hanoian adventure at Highway 4. With four locations, quirky decor and an even quirkier menu, you won’t be disappointed. Indulge in the local tipple, a Vietnamese spirit called rượu, made from sticky rice and flavoured with local fruits.
Make your last view of Hanoi one from the top. A number of fantastic rooftop bars are sprinkled around the city, but for classy cocktails and a mesmerizing view, look no further than the well-placed seat at The Summit, on the top of Pan Pacific Hotel. Have a perfect weekend in Hanoi!!!
Cat Ba Island, located 145 km east of Hanoi, is the main island in Northern Vietnam and the second-largest island in the country, after Phu Quoc. Cat Ba Island – This beautiful destination has it all, from stunning landscapes and beaches to exciting outdoor activities. Discover the best experiences Cat Ba below.
Hiking in Cat Ba National Park is a favored activity among the top things to do in Cat Ba for adventurous souls. The trails here wind through diverse ecosystems teeming with wildlife. Whether you prefer exploring caves or ascending peaks, Cat Ba National Park offers a rich tapestry of natural wonders for visitors to behold.
Lan Ha Bay
Once belonging to Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay was named an independent Archipelago in an effort to maintain the natural biodiversity.
It is quite a surreal experience to cruise amongst the ageless cliffs and let your eyes explore the picturesque horizon.
Traveling as a group, including children and seniors, is best done by booking a bay tour, which typically includes swimming. However, this option is significantly more expensive, costing around 1.1-1.3 million VND.
Soak in Viet Hai village
The largest floating village in Vietnam (Cai Beo) can be accessed via the Cai Beo port.
The floating houseboats and inviting smiles of local villagers will be an everlasting memento.
The local might invite you to visit their houses or mingle with you to experience the unique way of life here.
You should visit the mountain village of Viet Hai and do your very own walking tour around.
Here you will learn about the local lifestyle and the surroundings, bringing more meaning and appreciation to what you experience in Cat Ba.
There are three ways to enter the village: Doing a kayak, using a boat, or trekking throughout the Cat Ba National Park.
Go swimming
On a scorching summer day, one of the most exciting things to do in Cat Ba is diving into the clear, blue waters of Cat Ba Beach. While the popular Cat Co beaches can get crowded, there are secret spots for a more peaceful swim. Tourists can hire boats to move to Monkey Island or Tung Thu Beach to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and gentle waves. For the adventurous, the wild beaches at Lan Ha Bay offer a chance to connect with nature. Whether it is tranquility or excitement you seek, being immersed in the sea here will definitely be one of the most unforgettable experiences in your Cat Ba trip.
Observe langurs’ life in Monkey Island, Cat Ba
Monkey Island, once known as Cat Dua Cat Ba Island for its wild pineapples, offers a chance to observe langurs in their natural habitat. With unspoiled beauty and over 20 friendly monkeys, it is rightly called Monkey Island. Here, you can play, feed, and watch these intelligent creatures perform tricks. It is a unique and enchanting experience that brings you close to nature and the island’s inhabitants.
Try night squid fishing
Trying squid fishing at night in Cat Ba adds an interesting twist to your entertainment options, though it can be a bit pricey at around 500,000 VND for a short trip. To give it a shot, you can ask your hotel to set it up or approach the local rafters and boat folks at the town’s main wharf. As the sun sets, the waters come alive, offering a unique chance to enjoy the serene beauty of the nighttime sea and perhaps even catch some squid.
Experience Cat Ba rock climbing
Cat Ba Island offers tourists some great spots to experience Cat Ba rock climbing. Among the favorites are Dau Be Island and Ben Beo Mountain Cliff, conveniently located near the town center. For a unique experience with stunning sea views, it is suggested that you check out the cliffs at Ba Trai Dao Island, a bit further down. You can rent climbing gear here, but if you are new, it is smart to have a certified guide. They will make sure that you are safe and have a good time.
Watch the sunset at Cannon Fort
One of the most popular things to do in Cat Ba is watching the sunset from Cannon Fort. Situated on a strategic hill, it offers a stunning 360-degree panorama, especially during sunrise and sunset. The hill’s historical importance adds depth to the experience. You can reach the fort by motorbike, car, or a short walk. The fort is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, with an entry fee of 40,000 VND per person.
Explore mystic caves in Cat Ba Island
Another activity that attracts numerous tourists is discovering the mysteries of Cat Ba Island’s enchanting caves. Two remarkable ones, Hospital Cave and Trung Trang Cave, have stories to tell. Quan Y Cave was a wartime field hospital built from 1963 to 1965. Inside, you will find a surprising layout with 17 rooms across three floors, including treatment and rehab areas and even a movie room. The bomb-proof door design is a relic from those times.
Trung Trang Cave, in the same direction, stretches about 300 meters through the mountain. You will be in awe stepping into a world of sparkling formations made by dripping water over 6 million years. Plus, there are fascinating stalactites and stalagmites of all shapes. The cave also holds ancient Vietnamese remnants that add to its allure.
Enjoy a feast of fresh seafood
When on Cat Ba Island, tourists should not miss out on the seafood feast. There are a bunch of yummy options like geoduck clams, lobster, snapper, and more. You can get them grilled, stir-fried, or steamed at the restaurants, or you can savor these tasty dishes at Cat Ba Market. For a special experience, you can try dining on rafts by the sea. Imagine enjoying seafood while feeling the sea breeze – it is not just a meal, it is a whole island vibe on your plate.
Dien Bien Phu is a city in northwestern Vietnam, best known for the decisive Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954, which marked the end of French colonial rule in Indochina and led to the Geneva Accords, dividing Vietnam into North and South. Dien Bien Phu is renowned for its historical significance and natural beauty.
Today, the city is a growing regional hub with improved infrastructure, tourism, and a deeper emphasis on preserving its wartime history.
Here are some top attractions to consider during your visit:
Dien Bien Phu Victory Museum
The museum, located on Võ Nguyên Giáp Street in Điện Biên Phủ City, houses thousands of documents and artefacts associated with Việt Nam’s historic victory over French troops in 1954, which “resounded across the five continents and shook the globe”.
The exhibition area is arranged on the first floor of the museum on a space of 1,250sq.m. It houses nearly 1,000 documents, artifacts, photographs and maps, making it a modern exhibition space.
The highlight of the museum is a large panoramic artwork, one of the world’s largest war-themed oil paintings, depicting the Điện Biên Phủ battlefield at different times from late 1953 to May 7, 1954.
The extraordinary circular oil on canvas is 132m long, 20.5m high and 42m in diameter. Featuring 4,500 characters, the artwork depicts the entire army going to battle, the opening combat at Him Lam Hill, the A1 Hill battle, and the final triumph.
It was created by nearly 200 painters, architects, musicians and technicians, starting in November 2019 and completed in May 2022.
A1 Hill (Eliane 2)
In the spring of 1954, the Battle of Điện Biên Phủ raged in northwestern Việt Nam as Việt Minh, or the Vietnamese Resistance forces, besieged French troops entrenched in a valley surrounded by mountains.
Among the fiercest fights was the assault on Hill A1 (identified as Strongpoint Eliane 2 by the French), a heavily fortified outpost that General Võ Nguyên Giáp [commander-in-chief of the Vietnam People’s Army] described as “the key” to breaking the French “Hedgehog”.
The 56-day and night siege of Điện Biên Phủ ended in a decisive French defeat leading to the Geneva Accord restoring peace in Indochina. But victory came at a tremendous cost, with the brutal struggle for Hill A1 exemplifying the sacrifice required to prevail against colonial forces.
Colonel de Castries’ Bunker
Located on Hill A1 of the Dien Bien Phu stronghold, the De Castries bunker was built with the sturdiest materials of the time capable of withstanding various types of firepower and surrounded by barbed wire. The bunker served as the working and living quarters for General De Castries and his French command staff.
After 56 days and nights of heroic combat, at 17:30 on May 7, 1954, Company 360 of Regiment 209, Division 312 captured the French General De Castries in his bunker.
Today, the bunker is preserved as a national historical site, attracting visitors to learn about the Dien Bien Phu victory.
The De Castries bunker stands as a testament to the resilient spirit and unity of our people and soldiers during the war against French colonialism. It is a must-visit for those who want to explore and understand the nation’s heroic history.
Dien Bien Phu Victory Monument
A grandiose monument was installed on D1 Hill in Dien Bien City on the 50th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory (1954-2004), to remind the viewers of this significant historical event. Generations of Vietnamese people will have a chance to enjoy this artistic work while recalling the merits of their forefathers, who, half a century ago, filled more glorious pages in the nation’s history.
The monument is 16.2 m high (the sculpture is 12.6 m and its base, 3.6m). It was re-produced according to the original statue by famous sculptor Nguyen Hai, which has been displayed at the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts and was awarded three national-level prizes. At present, it is the biggest bronze statue in Vietnam.
Muong Thanh Bridge
Muong Thanh Bridge, also known as “Prenley” bridge by the French military, is a bridge across the Nam Rom River, built by the French. The bridge is a military project located in the central subdivision of the Dien Bien Phu base group.
Initially, Muong Thanh bridge was built by the French after parachuting to occupy Dien Bien Phu. In the end, the bridge became a means of guiding the way for our soldiers to attack, planting the Decisive Victory flag on the roof of the bunker of defeated General De Cat.This was the biggest victory in the long resistance war against the French colonialists and American interventionists, and also the most famous victory in the history of the Vietnamese people against foreign invaders.
Pa Khoang Lake
Located in Muong Phang commune, Dien Bien district, the position of Pa Khoang lake is very convenient, near the road 279, about 20 km from Dien Bien Phu city, linking Dien Bien Phu city with Muong Phang historical and cultural forest where the relics of the Command of Dien Bien Phu compaign remains.
The total area of 2,400 ha, in which 1,320 ha of forest area, 300 ha of farming land, 150 ha of basic construction, and 600 ha of water surface area (the lake contains about 37.2 million m3 of water), the Pa Khoang tourist complex has many favourable conditions for tourist activities such as diverse plants, various topography, mountainous tropical weather, etc.
Pha Din Pass
Pha Din Pass has a total length of 32km. It’s located on Highway 6, which is divided between Son La and Dien Bien provinces. The old Lai Chau (now Dien Bien) and Son La also handed down a story about dividing the two provinces by a horse race over Pha Din.
The highest point of the pass is 1648m above sea level. The terrain of the mountain is very dangerous, uneven, one side is steep and one is deep. The contiguous place between the land and sky, according to the language of the Thai people. It’s also the beginning of the journey of dragging high-level artillery with the strength of the Vietnamese soldiers in the campaign that led to the victory of Dien Bien Phu history. 7-5-1954.
Pha Din is also a pass with a great slope from 12% to 19%. The mountain pass is meandering in figure 8. There are many sleeves with high slope and curve radius of less than 15m. Geology here is also very weak in the rainy season often occurs sliding, blooming, slipping and landslides. And it is challenging the adventurous people to get the beauty that is hard to resist on the top of the pass.
These attractions provide a blend of historical depth and natural beauty, ensuring a memorable experience in Dien Bien Phu.
Dien Bien, situated approximately 450 kilometers from Hanoi, shares its borders with Son La and Lai Chau, and has frontiers with China and Laos. The capital city is Dien Bien Phu, which includes Muong Lay Town and eight districts.
The region experiences a tropical monsoon climate characterized by high mountains, cold winters with minimal rainfall, and hot summers with abundant precipitation, influenced by dry and warm westerlies.
The average annual temperature ranges between 21 to 23 degrees Celsius, with the lowest recorded at around 13 degrees Celsius and the highest reaching about 25 degrees Celsius.
The dry season extends from October to April of the following year, while the rainy season typically spans from May to August. The sunniest months are March-April and August-September.
Dien Bien is home to a collection of historical sites commemorating Vietnam’s victory at the battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954.
Additionally, Dien Bien features numerous caves, mineral water sources, and lakes that contribute to its natural tourism resources, such as the Muong Nhe primeval forest, and the U Va and Pa Khoang lakes.
The Dien Bien Phu Battlefield Relics Complex is a key stop for exploring historical sites in Dien Bien Province. Conveniently situated close to each other, these locations allow tourists to explore them in a single visit.
Hill A1
Situated in Muong Thanh Ward, Dien Bien Phu City, the capital of the province, A1 Hill stands as a crucial battleground of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu.
Originally known by various names, the slope was officially designated A1 Hill by the Vietnamese military. Surrounding A1, the French army built a system of barbed wire fences. At the hill’s summit lies a fortified cellar, once serving as the French legation’s wine cellar before 1945.
The cellar, divided into two compartments, one of them housed the radio information department. Constructed with solid brick walls and a thick concrete roof, the tunnel could shelter dozens of people. A1 Hill still bears witness to a blast hole created by 960 kilograms of explosives.
Today, visitors to A1 Hill can not only enjoy sightseeing but also partake in hands-on activities. These include cooking soldiers’ rice using Hoang Cam stove, a stove intake and chimney system designed to disperse and dissipate cooking smoke. Visitors can also partake in activities such as assisting with bicycle transport for necessities, and hearing stories about the Dien Bien Phu campaign and the soldiers’ lives in combat.
General (Christian Marie Ferdinand de la Croix) de Castries’s bunker
General de Castries’s bunker was built by the French colonialists in the center of the Dien Bien Phu Fortress. The bunker, recognized as “the most solid tunnel in Indochina,” is positioned approximately 1 kilometer from Hill A1. The surrounding area is protected by a defensive fence featuring a barbed wire system and four tanks.
Currently, the structure and arrangement of the bunker are well-preserved for visitors to explore. The tunnel itself is 20 meters long and 8 meters wide, containing four rooms that served as both living and working quarters for General de Castries and his soldiers.
Dien Bien Phu Museum
Located in Muong Thanh Ward, the Dien Bien Phu Museum, inaugurated on May 5, 2014, following 19 months of construction, stands as a monumental achievement of historical, cultural, and artistic significance.
Built with an outer facade of decorative elements that resemble diamonds, the design symbolizes the camouflage net of army helmets. The museum comprises a basement and an upper floor.
The basement serves as a welcoming space for visitors, providing an environment for learning, interaction, and entertainment services. Meanwhile, the upper floor is dedicated to thematic exhibitions centered around the victory of Dien Bien Phu, featuring an area of 1,250 m2 displaying nearly 1,000 documents, artifacts, images, and maps.
A notable highlight is the panoramic painting, boasting over 4,500 characters. This artwork is 132 meters long, 20.5 meters high, with a 42-meter diameter, covering a total area of more than 3,200 m2. Executed in oil on canvas, the painting was started in November 2019 and was completed on May 1, 2021, with the collaboration of approximately 100 artists. It portrays the stages of the 1954 Dien Bien Phu Campaign.
Dien Bien Phu Victory Monument
Inaugurated on May 7, 2004, marking the 50th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, the monument stands on Hill D1 in the city center. This collection of monuments represents the tallest, largest, and heaviest assembly of bronze statues in Vietnam to date. The main statue stands at a height of 12.6 meters and was crafted using 217 tons of bronze.
A1 National Martyrs Cemetery
Situated on Vo Nguyen Giap Street, just a few hundred meters from A1 Hill, this cemetery serves as the final resting place for 644 officers and soldiers who lost their lives in the Dien Bien Phu Campaign. The majority of the site is occupied by unmarked graves. The main building features the stilt house architecture of the Thai people in Dien Bien, while the exterior ceremonial platform is designed in accordance with Khue Van Cac, an architectural feature of the Temple of Literature in Hanoi.
Campaign headquarters in Muong Phang Commune
The Dien Bien Phu Campaign headquarters relic in Muong Phang Commune is situated over 1,000 meters above sea level, nestled at the base of Pu Don Mountain and concealed within the forest canopy, more than 30 kilometers from the center of Dien Bien Phu City.
The Command Post’s structures are arranged in a continuous system, enveloped front and back, incorporating bunks and camps for secrecy and safety. This location served as the working and resting place for General Vo Nguyen Giap during the campaign.
From the highest vantage point, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Dien Bien Phu City, Muong Thanh Valley, and French army bases such as Him Lam Hill, Doc Lap Hill, D1 Hill, C1 Hill, and A1 Hill. The Victory Monument cluster at Muong Phang Park is a recommended stop for visitors.
Additionally, Muong Phang boasts a cherry garden that blooms during spring, situated on an island in the middle of Pa Khoang lake.
Pha Din Pass
Stretching 32 kilometers along National Highway 6, Pha Din Pass serves as the gateway to Dien Bien Province. The pass reaches an elevation of 1,648 meters above sea level, with one side featuring a cliff and the other an abyss. This location marks the beginning of the journey undertaken by Vietnamese soldiers and civilians during the Dien Bien Phu Campaign, involving the manual transportation of artillery, food, weapons, and ammunition.
Pha Din Pass, now safer with wider roads, features winding paths and a tourist area for resting and enjoying the scenery. It also facilitates exchanges between people from Dien Bien and Son La Provinces.
Muong Thanh Field and Nam Rom River
In Dien Bien’s heart, Muong Thanh Field is like a large “storehouse” filled with corn and rice. By late September, the rice in the Muong Thanh basin starts ripening.
The field is more than 20 kilometers long and about 6 kilometers wide, situated over 400 meters above sea level. When seen from above, it looks like flower petals along the Nam Rom River, surrounding the historical sites of the Dien Bien Phu Battle.
Muong Nhe District
Muong Nhe, situated in the northwest of the province, hosts the westernmost point of Vietnam at the Vietnam-Laos-China border junction, approximately 250 kilometers from the center of Dien Bien Phu City.
The region is covered by forests, constituting 55% of its total area. Additionally, Muong Nhe is home to the Muong Nhe Nature Reserve, one of Vietnam’s largest special-use forests, featuring a diverse ecosystem.
A Pa Chai, located in Muong Nhe, is renowned as the most prominent destination. It houses the milestone zero coordinate atop Khoan La San Mountain, installed by the three countries on June 27, 2005. Crafted from granite, each side of the milestone is engraved with the respective country’s name and national emblem. Market days at A Pa Chai, occurring on the 3rd, 13th, and 23rd of every month, highlight the cultural richness of the border region.
The journey to A Pa Chai is relatively straightforward during the dry season but can become challenging and even hazardous in the rainy season. It is advisable for visitors to have a guide to ensure safety.
Muong Lay Town
Muong Lay Town, known as the capital of the White Thai people, lets visitors take a boat ride on the Da River to enjoy nature and learn about Thai culture. A must-visit in Muong Lay is the Hang Tom Bridge, connecting Dien Bien and Lai Chau provinces.
The original Hang Tom Bridge, constructed in 1967, once held the distinction of being the largest cable-stayed bridge in Indochina. However, in November 2012, the Son La hydroelectric dam overflowed, submerging the entire old Muong Lay Town, along with the Hang Tom Bridge, which was then beneath the waters of the Da River.
Near the former Hang Tom bridge site, a new bridge has been constructed, positioned 70 meters higher than its predecessor.
Dien Bien Dong District
Situated in the southeast of Dien Bien Province, Dien Bien Dong is a district characterized by towering peaks, making it an ideal destination for trekking adventures.
The Chop Ly Peak, located 35 kilometers from Dien Bien Phu City, offers a view of mountain scenery with clouds. The best time for cloud hunting is from April to September.
Dien Bien Dong also features Noong U Lake, a natural lake in a green mountain setting, covering about 4 hectares, attracting visitors for its beautiful scenery.
Additionally, neighboring districts like Muong Cha, Muong Ang, Nam Po, Tua Chua have ecotourism areas and destinations suitable for tourism, such as trekking mountains or learning about the lives of indigenous tribes.
U Va Hot Spring
Located around 15 kilometers from Dien Bien Phu City in Dien Bien District, U Va Hot Spring covers an area of 73,000 m2. The best time to visit is from November to April when it’s cooler. The hot mineral spring offers various services for relaxation.
If you want to soak in hot minerals, it’s best in the early morning or afternoon. Afterward, you can partake in other activities like tennis, cycling, badminton, as well as enjoy traditional music performances from the Dao and Hmong ethnic groups.
Entrance tickets range from VND20,000 to VND120,000 (US$0.80-4.90) per person, and stilt house accommodations range from VND120,000 to VND220,000 per room.
Ban Phu Citadel
Ban Phu Citadel (also known as Chieng Le Citadel) in Dien Bien District, 8 kilometers south of Dien Bien Phu City center, was built 200 years ago. The citadel was built by Hoang Cong Chat (1706-1769), who led local people against village tyrants, robbers, and northern invaders.
Despite damage from past invasions, the citadel retains historical, cultural, and scientific value. In 1981, it was designated a national historical and cultural relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
When thinking about Hanoi, tourists often consider it as a colonial capital and as a melting pot of cultural influences – Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French – and stunning architecture. But wait till the night comes, and you’ll see the nightlife here is getting a new coat with a rise of bars and night clubs. It’s very convenient that the best bars and pubs in Hanoi are gathered within the Old Quarter or West Lake areas, getting more attentions among tourists and expats. Just read on to discover the best bars in Hanoi where you can mingle with the city’s friendly locals and other tourists.
Located at Ta Hien Street – the center of Hanoi’s Old Quarter and the street beer junction, 1900 Le Theatre Bar has been a popular hangout place for youngsters in Hanoi in recent years. The bar was established on the base of the old Quang Lac Theatre, which was destroyed more than 100 years ago through ups and downs of history. Based on the spirit of the old theatre’s name (Quang Lac means “spreading the joy”), the new bar was born from the idea of combining the classic values with modern electronic music trends and styles and reviving the moribund place by a group of talented Vietnamese youngsters.
People are impressed by an emerging playground with great music, impressive space and unique feelings compared to the contemporary luxurious night clubs in Hanoi. From its opening in the beginning of 2016, the name of 1900 Bar has been continuously spreading on social media networks among Hanoi’s youngsters about an exciting place for weekend hang out. Its familiarity is featured from the saying: “There’s no boundary between tables here as long as you are willing to play hard”. Coming here, visitors will not feel alone because they can easily grasp a beer, dance in the music or walk around to make new friends without hesitation.
Address: No. 8 Ta Hien Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Lighthouse Sky Bar
Lighthouse Sky Bar occupies the top three floors of La Siesta Premium Hang Be Hotel – one of the best boutique properties in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The name “Lighthouse” itself was originated from an interesting story of Hang Be Street. In the past, the main product was traded in Hang Be Street are basic types of wooden boat called “bè” in Vietnamese. In addition, the design of the bar is simulated on a boat facing the direction of Red River.
Climb up to steps leading up to the “ships bridge”, visitors will pay attention to modern and stylish design. A perfect combination of materials such as glass, metal and wood match with a monochromatic color of black, granite grey and hints of cream. The terrace areas are designed in lush and open-air, well equipped with comfortable lounge sofas and front-row bar stools. The bar menu offers from well-made and unique signature cocktails to classic ones, or local craft beer and premium spirits.
You can come here from 4 PM – 6 PM to enjoy a relaxing afternoon cocktail while enjoying the amazing sunset over Hanoi’s skyline. Or simply immerse in the stylish al-fresco vibes at night time with background chill-out music.
Address: No. 27 Hang Be Rooftop, La Siesta Premium Hang Be, Hoan Kiem District. Hanoi.
La Plume Bar & Lounge in Hanoi Press Club
Just a five-minute walk from Hanoi Opera House, Hanoi Press Club is best known for its excellent service and sophisticated setting, which are suitable for more affluent clientele. However, this is not only the best place of French dishes in Vietnam but also offers a special gentleman’s style bar which has exotic dancers performing. La Plume Bar & Lounge in Hanoi Press Club’s décor was inspired by the design of the legendary Long Bien Bridge. The shining lights shining, the soft and luxurious sofa, the precious wooden doors all create the cozy atmosphere. Guests can have chance to enjoy the best cocktails in town, made by world champion Master Mixologist Phạm Tiến Tiếp. Don’t forget to try Pham’s standout Pho cocktail, fusing gin and Cointreau with traditional pho flavors like star anise, cardamom, cinnamon and lime.
Moreover, the bar offers a very explanatory wine menu with 600 labels from the most famous producers of the world, many French wines, all stored in the open cellar on site. In the evening time, the lounge becomes an exciting venue with jazz performance on Wednesday and Friday evenings as well as other live entertainments.
IP Club Hanoi is the largest and most popular nightclub in Hanoi. Set on the sixth floor of Hanoi’s Capital Building, IP Club Hanoi’s terrace offers its guests with a great view of Hoan Kiem Lake and downtown Hanoi. It’s home to three venues, which playing three different upbeat tunes via top name DJs and equipped with an impressive sound system imported from London. The bar’s interior design reflects the party nature of the venue with an array of strobing neon lights, glittering disco balls and dripping chandeliers.
Crowds of locals, expats and tourists come here to let off steam, dance around their hi-top tables (space is at a premium), down premium spirits and smoke shisha. Its music policy comprises hip-hop, top 40 hits, lounge, deep house, and house tunes while drinks here are relatively inexpensive compared to most nightclubs in Hanoi.
Address: 6th floor, Capital Building, 41 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hanoi. Opening Hours: 20:45 – 00:00
Binh Minh’s Jazz Club
Binh Minh’s Jazz Club is located right behind Hanoi Opera House along Trang Tien Street, just a five-minute walk from the legendary Sofitel Metropole Hanoi Hotel and the Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi. Binh Minh’s Jazz Club as established in 1998 by Quyen Van Minh – a Vietnamese famous saxophonist. As its name suggests, tourists can go there to enjoy live jazz music performances (between 21:00 and 23:30 every night) by local jazz talents, as well as prominent international musicians in some special occasions.
It’s really a legendary nightlife spot for jazz lovers to escape from bustling cityscape. The club welcomes guests with an intimate ambience, features minimal décor, cosy seats, warm lighting, and efficient service. The drink menu comprises classic cocktails, imported beers, whisky, and coffee, as well as a selection of Western and Vietnamese delicacies.
Summit Lounge of the Pan Pacific Hanoi is among one of the most luxurious rooftop bars throughout Hanoi. It gets fame due to its spectacular panorama view of the city’s skyline, West Lake and Red River, especially at sunsets. Besides fabulous view, this rooftop bar offers great drinks, luxury furnishings, and a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Tunes of soft house music from the live DJ echos from the speakers. Guests can order tasty signature cocktails and Pan Pacific Hanoi own classics. There are classic barbites with Asian gourmet character for those who are hungry. Even the drink and food menu here are pricey, it’s still a must to come for those who like luxury, fine dining and majestic views among rooftop bars in Hanoi.
Hero Club Hanoi is an industrial-style nightlife club where party-loving locals and expats dance the night with the tunes of EDM and deep house to hip-hop and R&B. The club’s interior is decorated with colorful murals of popular super heroes and propaganda posters, while the DJ booth is embedded in an old Soviet truck cabin. Themed nights with great drink promos, in combination with regular visits of international DJs at Hero Club Hanoi always create the loud and fun party scene there. Coming to Hero Club, you can take an extensive mixology list of brand-name spirits to accompany assorted mixers, as well as a choice of imported bottled beers.
Just 10-minute drive from downtown Hanoi, Hero Club is a good option for those who want to continue the party whereas Hanoi’s Old Quarter nightlife shuts down at midnight.
88 Lounge is a four-story upscale wine lounge in Hanoi’s West Lake area. It showcases an extensive wine list from wine-producing regions all around the world, from France and Italy to South Africa and New Zealand. Set over several floors, 88 Lounge has an architectural layout that is a mixed bag of oriental culture and traditional French country style. In addition, the flexible furniture can be rearranged with various seating styles to suit different events or clients’ preferences. You can dine at a table or relax and lounge in one of several areas on a couch or comfy chair very much like their own living room. In 88 Lounge, everything combines creating a unique lounge experience second to none.
Address: No. 88 Xuan Dieu Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
To sum up, top best bars and pubs in Hanoi are more than enough to keep you busy if you’re looking to party during your holiday. If you’re a culture vulture, ticking off all the 8 best bars above, which help shape Hanoi’s vibrant nightlife. Ask our travel experts to add at least one of these bars, or other names you have in mind, into your itinerary while you are in Hanoi.
Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural, or Hanoi Ceramic Road (Vietnamese: Con đường Gốm sứ), is a ceramic mosaic mural built along the walls of the Red River dike system in Hanoi Capital, northern Vietnam. In other words, it stays on the Eastern boundary of the city centre, within walking distance of most hotels known to casual travelers.
With a length of about 3.85 kilometres (6,950m2), the ‘Ceramic Road’ is one of the major projects that were developed on the occasion to celebrate the Millennial Anniversary of Hanoi in October 2010.
The concept of the Ceramic Road was first developed by Vietnamese journalist Nguyen Thu Thuy in March 2007. She won a prize in the Hanoi architecture contest for her idea of transforming the dike system around Hanoi Capital into a ceramic mosaic. She wanted to mark the city’s millennium with an artistic mural which reinvigorated urban Hanoi and brought local communities together through public art.
With the support of the Hanoi’s People Committee, the project began on the mural in 2007 and involved 35 professional artists from Vietnam and from 10 countries including Denmark, France, Holland, Spain, Italy, Britain, America, Argentina, New Zealand and Australia. In addition, over 100 artisans from traditional ceramic villages in Vietnam joined the project and were supported by 500 Vietnamese and international children, and students from fine arts colleges throughout Vietnam. Foreign embassies and culture centres in Hanoi are also participated in the consultation process such as the Goethe-Institut, Alliance française L’espace, British Council, Società Dante Alighieri Dalte Centre, and other cultural centres of Russia and South Korea.
On 5th October 2010, Guinness World Records adjudicator, Beatriz Fernandez, undertook an official review of the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic to confirm its dimensions and ensure the strict guidelines relating to the record had been followed. Ms. Fernandez confirmed that at 3,850m linear meters (6.950m2) of the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural was the world’s largest ceramic mosaic and awarded a Guinness World Records certificate. The dyke along the Red River is 6km inside Hanoi centre and the ceramic mosaic mural is nearly 4km long.
Each artist has brought their own creative ideas and techniques to the mural and expressed these using ceramic tiles measuring just 3x3cm. Each meter square contains 1000 of these tiny tiles. The ceramic mural runs along the road of Âu Cơ, Nghi Tàm, Yên Phụ, Trần Nhật Duật, Trần Quang Khải, Trần Khánh Dư and terminates at the pier of the Long Biên Bridge. The main material used to create mosaic mural was ceramic tesserae, a type of tile used in the mosaic which is made from the Bat Trang village. People may be familiar with using ceramic to decorate houses, social constructions, and the art of using ceramic have been popular by its endurance. Therefore, the idea of using ceramic to create a mosaic mural seems strange and distinctive. But it became into Hanoi ceramic mosaic mural – the first public collective artwork in Vietnam. Obviously, we can recognize that the technique of mosaic has been the best evidence for the project, as it has an ability to connect many crucial things – the tradition of local ceramics, excellent durability and exceptional expressive potential.
This public artwork reflects Vietnamese culture and history. The mosaic mural was divided into 21 sections and portrays of the different decorating styles throughout the flow of Vietnamese history, which have considered as a visual narrative of country’s history and harmonized to fit Vietnam’s eclectic cultural identity. The ceramic mosaic mural represented the decorative pattern from different periods in the long historic flow, such as Phung Nguyen and Dong Son culture, the myriad of the dynasty as Ly, Tran, Le, Nguyen. Also incorporated on the wall follow the traditional architectural designs of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, performed by modern delicate artworks and paintings of Hanoi and children’s drawings also.
Part A1: a mural of the historical period from the era of Dong Son to dynasties of Ly, Tran, Nguyen, Le. Part A2: a mural of 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam. Part A3: the theme of a peaceful Hanoi inspired children’s drawings. Part A4 to A9: performance of modern arts of Vietnamese and foreign artists.
From its inauguration, the ceramic mosaic road contributed to bring a new appearance for Hanoi Capital. Instead of the boring grey concrete road-trip along the Red River, people can travel with joy and contentment while looking at the well-designed walls on the road. The mural reflects the Vietnamese culture & history, transmits the hope for a better future. Therefore, this channel fence stands out and inspires for its spectators.
Tourists can bike or stroll along the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Road, stop at any time you want to listen about Vietnam’s history and culture via beautiful mosaic pictures. From there, your journey can continue to visit the most highlights in Hanoi City Tour: Long Bien Historic Bridge; West Lake including Quan Thanh Temple and Tran Quoc Pagoda.
Chau Doc located in the northwest part of the Mekong Delta, close to the river border of Vietnam and Cambodia, about 250 km west of Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon). All tourists who want to visit Vietnam’s Mekong Delta and continue the trip to Phnom Penh without coming back to Saigon are highly recommended to stay at least one night in Chau Doc. The city lies between the Hau Giang River, a branch of the Mekong River, and the man-made Vinh Te Canal.
Even being a little town, Chau Doc is one of the two cities in An Giang province that play important roles in the economic development of the Mekong Delta due to its strategic position.
Moreover, Chau Doc is known for many other great things such as beautiful scenery, cultural diversity and a transit point to Cambodia. From Chau Doc, tourists can access to Cambodia via Vinh Xuong river border crossing and Tinh Bien International Border Gate.
Best time to visit Chau Doc?
Like other places in the northwest part of the Mekong Delta, Chau Doc is affected by tropical monsoon climate, and experiences two prominent seasons: wet and dry season. The wet season is from May until November; the dry season is from December until April. In general, the weather in Chau Doc is suitable to visit all year round. In the rainy season, Chau Doc receives heavy rain from the beginning of May but that’s the perfect time to feel the daily life of Chau Doc people in high water season. The dry season in Chau Doc, is usually sunny and hot, but the temperature is not too high and it does not interfere too much with the tourism.
Attractions in/around Chau Doc
Chau Doc is worth visiting and most tourists usually stay there for 2-3 days, not only enjoy beautiful landscape but also immerse into unique local life. A likeable little town with significant Chinese, Cham and Khmer communities, Chau Doc’s cultural diversity – apparent in the mosques, temples, churches and nearby pilgrimage sites – makes it fascinating to explore even if you’re not Cambodia-bound.
3.1. Sam Mountain
The main attraction in Chau Doc is the Sam Mountain, which is about 6km to the west of Chau Doc Town, and at the height of 230m with beautiful landscapes and many historic remains. On the way to the foot of mountain, there are rice paddy fields stretching along the road’s two sides. The mountain is mainly well-known as a sacred place for Buddhists with dozens of pagodas and temples. A strong Chinese influence makes it particularly popular with ethnic Chinese. Moreover, temples at the base and surrounds can illustrate Islamic, Indian and Khmer influences.
While climbing up to the summit, don’t forget to visit temples and pagodas dotted around the foot of the mountain, such as Ba Chua Xu Temple, Tay An Pagoda, Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb. Chua Xu Festival is annually held on the second half of the 4th lunar month and attracts lots of worshippers all over the country. If weather permits, the views from the top are spectacular and Cambodia can be easily looked out from there.
3.2. Chau Doc Floating Market
Even not as popular as the most well-known Cai Be or Cai Rang floating market, Chau Doc floating market with the unique features of the An Giang river still a must see place for tourists while they are in Chau Doc. Locals rarely use the phrase “Chau Doc floating market” but more familiar with the words “take a boat” (or “ra ghe” in Vietnamese). These are short words to refer to the trading activities in Chau Doc floating market. Especially when coming to this market, the sellers do not offer the goods by sales pitch, but by hanging the selling products up to the high pole (“bẹo hàng” in Vietnamese). By this way, the buyer can easily see what they are looking for from far distance. The most abundant and characterized products in Chau Doc floating market is local tropical fruits and vegetables. Don’t forget to get up early to visit the market at its busiest time between 6 – 7 am.
3.3. Chau Giang Cham Village
Known as the famous village of Cham community in An Giang province, Chau Giang Cham Village attracts tourist by the ethnic character and the cultural factors. For those who want to learn about Cham ethnic culture and people, this destination must be included in their trip to Chau Doc. Wooden stilt houses are the outstanding architectures in this village. The stilt houses here are small and made of precious wood with high level of durability. There is a wooden ladder leading to the entrance door. The entrance door is lower than the guest’s head, which implies that the guest must bow to the host before entering.
Most of the villagers are Muslim and they have their own praying venue called Mubarak Mosque. Mubarak is one of the oldest mosques of the Muslim community of Cham people in An Giang, and it lures many tourists to explore the culture and religion as well as architecture. Visitors are permitted, but should avoid entering during the calls to prayer (five times daily) unless they are a Muslim.
3.4. Tra Su Cajuput Forest
Tra Su cajuput forest, also referred to as Tra Su flooded forest, Tra Su mangrove forest, Tra Su bird sanctuary or Tra Su Melaleuca forest, is located in Van Giao commune, Tinh Bien district, about 23 kilometers away from Chau Doc City. For those who love the beauty of wild nature, Tra Su is an ideal place to explore the typical ecosystem of Mekong Delta. Setting foot in Tra Su cajuput forest, you will have an opportunity to enjoy memorable moments when animals, nature, and the wholesome atmosphere live in harmony. The forest blows your mind with a number of cajuput trees, wild animals, and more than 70 species of birds (like egrets, water cocks, cormorants, peafowl, storks, so on). Especially in flood season, the forest is dressed up with the appealing look of the green carpet of duckweed covering the whole large area.
3.5. Forbidden Mountain
Forbidden Mountain, also known as “Thiên Cấm Sơn” in Vietnamese, is located in An Hao Commune, Tinh Bien district. With an altitude of about 710m above sea level, that is the highest mountain of the Seven Mountain Range in Mekong Delta. With a cool year-round climate, Forbidden Mountain is considered as Dalat (the famous highland resort in Vietnam’s Central Highland) and always covered by the green forests and countless blooming flowers. You can choose to spend a night at Forbidden Mountain to fully enjoy the peaceful silence and the cool breeze of the mountainous areas.
In addition, the mountain also owns magnificent religious architecture such as Asia’s largest Maitreya Buddha Statue with the height of 34 meters.
3.6. The Lê Công “100 Years Old Big House”
In Chau Doc, everyone can show you the way to the ‘Big House’ of the Le Cong clan in Le Loi Street. It’s located opposite to Victoria Chau Doc Hotel – the most luxurious accommodation in this small town. The house was built from 1909 to 1912 and it was named as “Big House” because it was the largest house in town at that time. It is an interesting combination of designs: French-influenced exterior with solid window panes, tile roofs and intricate ornamental decorations; and Western styled interior with lustres and floor tiles. An amazing fact about the house is that it was not made of concrete but of shell powder, sand, treacle and lindera myrrha resin. The furniture and utensils are made with nacre or mother-of-pearl. The wood was bought from Laos and Cambodia. For the nacre, wild snails and masters of the craft were brought in from the North because there was no trade in the South at that time. All throughout, Asian design is dominant, intelligently and beautifully blended in with foreign architecture.
According to the clan’s history, Lord Le Cong Thoan from Thanh Hoa Province arrived at Chau Doc with his wife and decided to settle there. They tilled the land, gave money to the poor, donated land to the homeless and built communes and schools for everyone in town. The couple had such good hearts that the king accorded Lord Le Cong Thoan with the highly-esteemed decrees as a sign of gratitude and honour.
Chau Doc has ten other century-old houses but the “Big House” of the Le Cong clan is the only one that still stands as strong as it did when it was first built, proof that Asian architecture, and culture in general, is exceptionally stable and beautiful; which should be proud of all over the world.
3.7. Cow Racing Festival
If tourists visit Chau Doc in the period of Sene Dolta Day of Khmer People in Mekong Delta (from the 9th to the 10th day in Lunar Calendar), they can participate in the Cow Racing Festival. This festival has existed for a long time in the Seven Mountains Region of An Giang Province with the purpose of expressing gratitude toward ancestors.
The unique and interesting point of cow racing is two cows are tied by a special rake. After the signal whistle of referee, the driver will hit into the cows’ asses with a tow. However, this driver must be very skillful in hitting two cows with the same energy to make them run with the same speed. According to the rule, pair of cows running out of the racing course must get out of the competition. In addition, the driver must stand steadily on the rake because falling out of the rake will be considered loser. The pair of cows trampling on the rake of the front pair will be the winner.
During the race, pairs of cows and their drivers are always encouraged and urged by the inspiring and exciting atmosphere of simmering cheers and applause. Coming to Cow Racing Festival, tourists will experience unique cultural festival which are only can be seen in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta.
3.8. Tapa rice paddy
Just 1-and-a-half-hour drive by private car from Chau Doc you will get to Ta Pa hills in Tri Ton district, An Giang. Right at the foot of this hill, there is a spectacular view of the rice field. Some local photographers come for nice shot from above of the rice field dotted with palm trees. You could come any time of the year but the best view is from August to early of December.
Accommodations in Chau Doc
4.1. Victoria Chau Doc Hotel
Category: 4.5 star standard. Address: No.1 Le Loi Street, Chau Doc Town, Chau Doc City, An Giang Province.
Situated on the banks of Bassac River and close to the speedboat pier, the beautiful Indochina-inspired Victoria Chau Doc Hotel offers cozy accommodation with river views in perfect harmony with the natural surroundings. The hotel features a riverfront outdoor swimming pool from where guests can watch the ever-changing scenery, especially in sunset moments. The hotel has 92 wooden-floored rooms, including 4 suites, most offering spectacular river views. Rooms combine the elegance of traditional Vietnamese handicrafts with turn-of-the-century old world charm. Guests can unwind in the hotel’s many beautiful spaces including the Bassac Restaurant overlooking the Bassac River and the stylish Tan Chau Salon Bar, bot with indoor and outdoor seating. This hotel is the best and most expensive accommodation in Chau Doc.
4.2. Victoria Nui Sam Lodge
Category: 3.5 star standard. Address: Vinh Sam 1 Stress, Nui Sam Ward, Chau Doc City, An Giang Province.
Victoria Nui Sam Lodge belongs to the same holding group with Victoria Chau Doc Hotel, but offers cheaper room rates for mid-ranged budget travelers. The hotel is located on the flank of the granite Sam Mountain in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Staying there, passengers can enjoy exceptional views over the paddy fields below stretching all the way to Cambodia. One of the most scenic pools in all of Vietnam, Victoria Nui Sam Lodge’s infinitive pool commands unobstructed views over the surrounding valley making it the ideal place for yoga and tai chi or to simply relax.
The lodge has 40 bungalows, all with a private terrace or balcony overlooking the paddy fields, featuring terracotta tiled floors, comfortable, stylish furniture and authentic decorative fabrics. La Giang Restaurant at the hotel serves local Vietnamese dishes along with Asian and Western taste. The genuine friendliness and hospitality of the people of the Mekong Detla embodied by the hotel’s staff, which makes each stay truly a truly personal experience.
4.3. Chau Pho Hotel
Category: 3 star standard. Address: 88 Trung Nu Vuong Street, Chau Doc City, An Giang Province.
Chau Pho Hotel is located at the center of Chau Doc City which is the best 3-star hotels in Chau Doc City. Just 15 minutes’ drive from Chau Pho Hotel to tourist sites and historical – cultural sites such as Sam Mountain, Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb, Tay An Pagoda, Champa Village, Chau Pho is often chosen for budget foreign tourists for one night stay in Chau Doc. At the hotel, you will find all the rooms are equipped with a flat-screen cable TV, a desk, and a minibar. There is also a seating area and a private bathroom with shower, hairdryer, and free toiletries.
Chau Doc’s Special Cuisine
5.1. Chau Doc fish rice noodles (Bún cá Châu Đốc)
The most famous dish in Chau Doc is fish rice noodles with the stronger taste than other places. To make the sauce in the water bowl but not left the fishy smell, the artisan cook here experienced through life. They must have the secret to keep the bouillon sweet and not stinking. In addition to the goldfish broccoli, the chef also adds pork rolls, spinach meat with vegetables. Take a piece of fish sauce having the sugar with chopped chili, then take a spoon of water to enjoy all the deliciousness of this dish.
The steamed palm sugar rice cake is hot, combined with the sweetness of palm sugar, the coconut, mixed with the aroma of the jaggery is an unforgettable experience for diners. This is a specialty that should not be missed when visiting Chau Doc.
5.3. A special kind of beef sausage (Tung lò mò or Lạp xưởng bò)
This is the traditional dishes of the Cham people in An Giang. The name “tung lò mò” was originated from Cham language “tung laomaow”. “Tung” means intestine, “laomaow” means cow. This beef sausage is made from the intestines, fat, and cow’s thighs that have been cut up from the bone. After deodorizing with alcohol and ginger, the cook mixes the beef in proportion with the traditional spices of the Cham people. Then they stuff this mixture into cow’s gut and expose to sunlight for 3-4 days. The most delicious “tung lò mò” is grilled on the charcoal stove with cinnamon, papaya, cilantro and dipping sauce.
5.4. Typical dishes made from sesbania sesban flowers (Bông điên điển)
Sesbania sesban flowers are the popular ingredients for many dishes of Chau Doc people, especially in floating season. They can be cooked with sour soup, pickled or served as raw vegetables. When coming to An Giang in the rising season, tourists are highly suggested to try sesban flower sour soup. You will taste the sweet of the vegetable and fish, the sour of the tamarind and the spicy that the chili brings about.
Locals also use sesban flowers to make fried shrimps or traditional pancakes. A bowl of sesban flower sour soup and a pancake are the best combination.
5.5. Fermented seafood (Mắm)
Chau Doc is known as the capital of fermentation, or mắm in Vietnamese, and locals use many spices to preserve various kinds of seafood. Vietnamese usually eat mắm with rice. It tastes slightly sweet at first, but has a salty aftertaste.
The best place to find and try this dish is Chau Doc Market.
5.6. Indica Salad (Gỏi sầu đâu)
In Chau Doc, the bitter “lá sầu đâu” (or Azadirachta Indica leaf) is one of the most favorite vegetables to eat with braised fish, braised pork, macerated fish and steamed macerated fish. However, the best way to enjoy “lá sầu đâu” is to make salads. Collecting the early leaves and the flowers, the chef will clean them and soak the leaves and flowers with boiling water to reduce the bitterness. If you like the bitterness to be intact, you can put the leaves in ice so they can be a bit crunchier. After that, the chef will mix the leaves with boiled shredded bacon, steamed shrimps, dried fish, some slices of raw mangos, a few slices of cucumber, coriander and peanut. The most important part is the sweet-n-sour tamarind sauce. The Indica salad can be eaten with white rice, snakehead rice vermicelli, fish jam or the dangila. The fat of the bacon, the salty of the fish, the sweet of the shrimp, the sour of mango, and last but not least, the bitterness of the Indica leaf are combined to create one of the most special dishes in Chau Doc – An Giang. A dish likes no other.
5.7. Famous Seven dishes from beef (Bò bảy món núi Sam)
After visiting Sam Mountain, tourists can make a short stop to taste the famous seven-dishes of beef, which are boiled tripe, boiled meat with rice vermicelli cake, cow’s head porridge, grilled beef with bread, fried beef with Aganonerion, beefsteak, and roasted beef.
Among the seven dishes, the chefs of Sam Mountain take pride in the fried beef with Aganonerion the most. The dish is a combination of the sweet of the beef, the sweet sour of the Aganonerion leaves, the spicy of the pepper, and the fat of the peanut and coconut. The dish also has a special dipping sauce. The soybean sauce mixed with some ingredients and chopped lemongrass are the perfect companion with the fried beef. The boiled tripe is also a delicacy. The boiled tripe will have an ivory white color, and the dish is dipped with crab sauce with some garlic, chili, and lemon. Putting the tripe into the boiling hot pot, and dipping the slice of tripe into the sauce, you will instantly feel the crunchiness and softness of the gut, the liver, the lung of the cow.
Hanoi, as one of Vietnam’s busiest travel hubs, presents a diverse selection of hotels catering to various preferences and budgets. For travelers seeking exceptional comfort and service, a 5-star accommodation is an excellent choice, offering luxury and an enhanced overall experience. Here we recommends a list of the top 5-star hotels in Hanoi, ranked based on factors such as service quality, customer care, and location. This list is provided in no particular order to assist travelers in making informed decisions.
1.Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi opened its doors in 1901, thanks to two private French investors. Over the years, it has become a historic landmark in Hanoi, celebrated for its significant role in the city’s history and heritage. Known for its long-standing tradition of luxury, the hotel serves as an elegant venue for prestigious events and is a favored meeting spot for both business and leisure travelers.
Located in the heart of Vietnam’s capital, this hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the Hanoi Opera House and 10 minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake. It boasts 364 rooms and suites, blending the original colonial charm of the historic Metropole Wing with the stylish neo-classical elegance of the newer Opera Wing. Each accommodation is equipped with air conditioning, broadband internet, a flat-screen TV, and premium bathroom amenities.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi offers a range of dining options, including popular Asian and Vietnamese dishes at Spices Garden, a Parisian-inspired café at La Terrasse, the bespoke cocktail bar and whisky lounge Angelina, and the multi-award-winning French restaurant Le Beaulieu.
Address: 15 Ngo Quyen, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Number of rooms: 364. Price: ~370 – 900 USD/ room/ night.
2. The Oriental Jade Hotel
The Oriental Jade Hotel boasts 120 bright and spacious premium guest rooms and suites, each providing breathtaking views of Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and the Hanoi Old Quarter. Each room elegantly combines classic décor with modern furnishings for optimal comfort, featuring complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen satellite TVs, alarm clocks, 220V electric adapters, individual safes, minibars, air conditioning with personalized thermostats, and hair dryers. Room service is available daily until 10 PM.
The Oriental Jade Hotel has a perfect location in central Hanoi which allows guests to explore the city within walking distance. There is a traditional Vietnamese spa providing the ultimate relaxation after a full-day tour, a cozy restaurant with a wide range of Vietnamese and Western cuisines, a phenomenal rooftop swimming pool and a sky bar featuring panoramic views of the city… Last but not least, the staff here are so friendly and helpful to deliver exceptional services to guests.
Address: 94 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Number of rooms: 120. Price: ~150 – 420 USD/ room/ night.
3. Melia Hotel Hanoi
Meliá Hanoi is ideally situated close to major attractions, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking luxurious accommodations, top-notch amenities, and welcoming service. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and offers massage and sauna services for ultimate relaxation.
Guests at Meliá Hanoi can indulge in two exceptional dining options: El Oriental, which offers exquisite local Vietnamese cuisine, and El Patio, featuring a diverse array of international dishes. For relaxation, Cava Lounge provides a delightful selection of drinks, while Meliá Deli tempts visitors with a delectable array of breads, cakes, and other baked treats.
Additionally, Meliá Hanoi is an ideal choice for business travelers, as it boasts the largest conference and meeting facilities in the country. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and top-notch amenities, the hotel is the perfect venue for significant meetings, memorable receptions, and vibrant events.
Pan Pacific Hotel is situated by West Lake, Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake, just a 10-minute drive from popular attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and Dong Xuan Market. The hotel boasts 273 elegantly designed rooms and suites, alongside 56 fully equipped serviced suites ideal for long-term stays. Each room showcases a contemporary aesthetic, adorned with warm yellow and neutral tones, modern furnishings, and touches of Vietnamese design.
With 12 adaptable meeting spaces, including a spacious pillar-less ballroom that accommodates up to 450 guests, Pan Pacific Hotel is the perfect setting for corporate events and grand banquets. Guests can enjoy an indoor all-season swimming pool, a well-equipped fitness center, or relax with a rejuvenating massage at the in-house spa, which offers a variety of treatments. Dining options abound, from a tempting international buffet at the all-day dining restaurant to authentic Cantonese dishes at Ming Restaurant. For those looking to unwind with a drink, the Summit Lounge on the rooftop offers stunning panoramic city views, while the Song Hong Bar provides a cozy atmosphere.
Address: 1 Thanh Nien, Ba Dinh, Hanoi. Number of rooms: 273 Price: ~150 – 250 USD/ room/ night.
5. Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi – Mgallery
Sit in the heart of Hanoi, Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi – Mgallery is within walking distance of several famous attractions including Hoan Kiem Lake, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, Hanoi Opera House, Hanoi Old Quarter… The hotel has 107 guestrooms and suites which are fitted with European-style designer furnishings and feature walls with artwork. After a full day of activities, guests can relax at Hanoi’s only heated semi-outdoor swimming pool, enjoy soothing massages at Santé Spa or recharge at fitness center. All are located on the 3rd floor.
Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi presents its culinary offerings in exquisite settings. Café Lautrec features à la carte and buffet dining available all day, while Satine specializes in classic Vietnamese dishes, showcasing a variety of local specialties. Additionally, La Fee Verte is celebrated for its signature Absinthe.
Address: 29 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Number of rooms: 107 Price: ~180 – 260 USD/ room/ night.
6. InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
The InterContinental Hanoi Westlake is nestled on the tranquil waters of the city’s largest freshwater lake, adjacent to the historic 800-year-old Golden Lotus Pagoda (Kim Lien Pagoda). The hotel offers 293 spacious air-conditioned guestrooms and suites, with 132 situated in two distinctive Island Pavilions that rise above the scenic waters of West Lake. Each room showcases a contemporary Vietnamese design, featuring cream-colored walls and dark timber floors and furnishings. Guests can enjoy private balconies with views of either West Lake, the swimming pool, or the city of Hanoi.
The hotel features a fully equipped fitness center, along with yoga and Pilates classes. Guests can unwind with soothing massage services or plan day trips through the tour desk. There are three on-site restaurants that provide a daily breakfast, a modern French brasserie, authentic Vietnamese dishes, and Italian cuisine. For cocktails or delightful afternoon teas, the Sunset Bar and Diplomat Lounge are the perfect spots to relax.
Address: 5 Tu Hoa, Tay Ho, Hanoi. Number of rooms: 293 Price: ~150 – 360 USD/ room/ night.
7. Apricot Hotel
Just a short stroll from Hoan Kiem Lake, Apricot Hotel boasts a striking neo-classical design infused with artistic Vietnamese elements. With 123 elegantly appointed rooms, the hotel showcases original paintings and sculptures by celebrated Vietnamese artists, offering a sophisticated atmosphere for our esteemed guests. Each air-conditioned room and suite is thoughtfully designed, featuring a wardrobe, in-room safe, work desk, seating area, and a flat-screen TV.
For those seeking a tranquil escape, the hotel’s library on the 9th floor is the perfect spot. The property also boasts a stylish rooftop bar serving a curated selection of drinks, along with two dining options featuring delicious Vietnamese and Western cuisine. Special dietary meals can be prepared upon request. Conveniently located, the hotel is close to notable attractions in Hanoi, including the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, St. Joseph Cathedral, and the Hanoi Opera House.
Address: 136 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Number of rooms: 107 Price: ~180 – 640 USD/ room/ night.
8. JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi
In contrast to the hotels situated in or near the Old Quarter, the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi is located in the new town, approximately 11 kilometers from Hoan Kiem Lake. This contemporary 5-star hotel offers world-class services and carefully curated amenities, designed to meet the needs of modern travelers. Notably, the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi was selected to host U.S. President Barack Obama’s delegation during his inaugural diplomatic visit to Vietnam in 2016.
With 449 spacious and luxurious rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, guests can enjoy stunning views of Vietnam’s capital or the tranquil lake. The hotel offers a range of recreational facilities, including a sparkling indoor swimming pool, a full-service spa, a 24-hour fitness center, and several meeting venues with two grand ballrooms. Dining options are abundant, with five on-site restaurants offering diverse cuisines such as Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, and Mediterranean. Guests can also enjoy light snacks at the Lounge, fresh seafood at the French Grill, and contemporary Japanese dishes at Akira Back. Whether visiting for business or leisure, the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi caters to all needs.
For those looking to immerse themselves in the contrast between historic Hanoi and its modern skyline, a stay of one or two nights at the JW Marriott is highly recommended to witness the dynamic development of Vietnam’s capital.
Address: 8 Do Duc Duc, Me Tri, South Tu Liem, Hanoi. Number of rooms: 449 Price: ~180 – 500 USD/ room/ night.
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Located about 65 km south of Hanoi, Ha Nam is a promising gateway province with significant potential for spiritual, cultural, ecological, and culinary tourism. It is rich in history and culture, boasting nearly 2,000 relics, including national treasures, special national relics, and a variety of traditional festivals and craft villages. The province is also home to renowned natural attractions like Tam Chuc Lake, Ba Hang Lake, Doi Mountain, Chau River, and Cam Mountain, which draw both domestic and international tourists.
This year, Ha Nam won the title of “Asia’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination” at the World Travel Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of the travel industry.” The province triumphed over notable contenders such as Okinawa (Japan), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), and Sumba Island (Indonesia), with the results determined by votes from travel professionals and the public. Tam Chuc Pagoda
A must-visit destination in Ha Nam is the Tam Chuc Spiritual Scenic Complex, which features one of the largest pagodas in the world. Covering an impressive 5,100 hectares, this area is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and tranquil ambiance, attracting countless visitors each year. With its pristine landscapes and towering limestone mountains, the Tam Chuc national tourist area is part of a significant heritage site that includes Huong Pagoda, Tam Chuc Pagoda, and Bai Dinh Pagoda. In 2019, Tam Chuc Pagoda hosted the 16th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations, drawing millions of Buddhist followers and tourists from around the globe.
Another remarkable site is Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda in Ninh Trung village. Nearly 1,000 years old and recently restored, this pagoda is strategically positioned with its back against a mountain, nestled within a lush pine forest and overlooking a spacious field, making it feel almost secluded from nearby residential areas. Its beautiful architecture, set against the serene backdrop of mountains and forests, imbues the pagoda with an ethereal charm that enchants all who visit. Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda
The cuisine of the province makes a memorable impact with its signature dishes, such as Phu Ly grilled spring rolls, perch rice paper, Vu Dai village braised fish, Dam village “banh chung,” and Dai Hoang royal banana. Last year, Ha Nam was recognized at the World Travel Awards 2023 as the “World’s Leading Local Cultural Destination.”
Start planning your trip to Vietnam today by getting your visa at vietnamvisapro.net. As a trusted and reliable visa service, we’re here to help you turn your travel dreams into reality from the very first step.
Located in Central Vietnam, Da Nang, the 4th largest city in Vietnam, marks the halfway point between Hanoi capital in the North and Ho Chi Minh city in the South. It is also the center of commerce, tourism and education. Has long been recognized by locals as the most worth-living place in Vietnam, Danang was listed in the world’s top 10 worth-living cities in 2018 the famous travel magazine Live and Invest Overseas. It additionally consolidates Danang’s position in the world tourism market.
Danang marks the northern limits of Vietnam’s tropical zone and has a pleasant climate all year round. There are two seasons: wet season from August to December and dry season from January to July. The highest temperature is 30°C and the lowest one is around 18°C. The best time to visit Danang is from March to May and September to October when the weather is cool and dry. If you can, avoid the summer months from June to August when Danang becomes a popular retreat for domestic tourists. It is very hot then, but very little rain and the sea is clear and calm.
How to get to Danang
Danang is considered as a tourism hub of central Vietnam so there are many ways to reach Danang conveniently.
2.1. By Airplane
Danang has international airport within the city. There are many daily domestic flights connecting Danang with Hanoi, Saigon, Nha Trang, Dalat, Haiphong. The flight time is just over 1 hour. You can easily find the best suitable flight with reasonable price at Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways and two low-cost airlines, namely, Vietjet Air and Jestar Pacific.
Besides, international flights to Danang are available from Guangzhou (China), Bangkok (Thailand), Seoul (Korea), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Shanghai (China), Siem Reap (Cambodia), Singapore, Taipei (Taiwan) and Tokyo (Japan). This mean of transportation makes your trip to Danang easier.
2.2. By Train
Compared with the plane, the time to travel to Danang by train will be much longer, about 17-19 hours, either from Hanoi or Saigon. However, it is a best choice for those who want to take advantage of the beautiful scenery throughout the train windows. With prices ranging from 25USD (hard seats) to 50USD (air conditioned, soft berth), you have a lot of options to choose from depending on your budget. You can get the train ticket directly at train stations or contact with local agent to book in advance.
2.3. By Bus
To save money, tourists can choose travel by a local bus to Danang. The price is around 15USD – 20USD/ one way from either Hanoi or Saigon. There are many local buses serving the route Hanoi – Danang such as Hoang Long, Phuong Trang, Camel Travel… and Sai Gon – Da Nang: Hoang Long, Phuong Trang, Thuan Thao, Xuan Tung, Dinh Nhan… It also takes around 17-19 hours like a train trip.
2.4. By private car
Private car is another option you may consider when planning to visit Danang. It is more comfortable than a local bus and a train. An experienced driver will accompany with you, passing by breath-taking sceneries from North or South to Central Vietnam. You can stop anytime and anywhere along the way you want to take a short rest, take some photos and admire the Vietnam’s beauty.
Sightseeing in Danang
3.1. My Khe Beach
My Khe is recognized as the best beach in Da Nang city. It was voted as one of six most charming beaches on the planet by Forbes Magazine in 2005. With 900m in length, My Khe beach is famous for blue sky, white gentle slope sandbank, mild waves, clear warm water all year round and beautiful areas surrounded by coconut trees. It is definitely an ideal place for relaxing, sightseeing, swimming, surfing, sunbathing and taking the best photos.
For those who want to enjoy sunrise and sunset, My Khe is one of the best choices. You will immerse in the fresh air and magnificent view, which gives you a huge energy. So stay close to the beach and get in close touch with the nature’s beauty.
3.2. Non-Nuoc Beach
Stretches 5km along the shore of Hoa Hai Ward at the foot of Marble Mountains, Non Nuoc beach is famous for its seaweed, which reaches exportation standards. Many five-star hotels were built in Non Nuoc to accommodate the domestic and foreign tourists in the area. Together with its feature of wave degree, climate, weather and salinity, the beach is suitable for water sports, especially surfing. In 1993, there took place an international champion with the participation of nearly 40 athletes from many countries around the world.
Along the beach, on the white sand is a forest of age-old casuarinas which is shady, green and is waving in the whistling wind. This is an ideal place for resting and camping. When the darkness falls and the moon rises, you can set yourself free on smooth benches along the beach to listen to melodious sounds of the waves and enjoy the occult space.
3.3. Son Tra Peninsula
Son Tra Peninsula, also called a precious gem in Danang, is not only famous for the beautiful, picturesque landscapes but also a highly potential eco-tourism-oriented resort area. Just 13km away from the city center, Son Tra Peninsula is an ideal getaway from the crowded and busy life. Visiting this place, you have a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty’s nature of white sand beaches, untouched natural scene, dense green forest, and see many kinds of rare animals.
Son Tra is surrounded by many nice pristine beaches like Bai Bac, Bai Nam, Bai But and Tien Sa beach. Each of them boasts their own beauty with smooth sandbank, clear blue water and colorful coral reefs. If you want to explore the amazing life under the sea, it also provides you the best opportunity to go snorkeling or scuba diving.
3.4. Linh Ung Pagoda
Linh Ung Pagoda – Bai But is located at the Son Tra Peninsula. This is one of the biggest, newest and the most attractive of the three pagodas with the same name in Danang. The pagoda features a perfect harmony of modern and traditional architectures of a Vietnamese pagoda, especially in the three-entrance gate, the main chamber and the ancestors’ house. Situated on an area of about 20 hectares on the side of Son Tra Peninsula, this pagoda is a magnificent artwork. There is the highest Quan Yin statue (67m) in Vietnam which leans on the mountain and looks toward the sea. You can see this statue from every corner of Danang city.
With its unique architecture and mountain landscape, Linh Ung pagoda has become a popular place for worshipping, living and practicing of monks and Buddhists as well as a spiritual tourist attraction in Danang. Just 10km from Danang city center, this pagoda can be reached by motorbike, taxi or private car for comfortable. This is a must-see place on the way to Son Tra Peninsula.
3.5. Marble Mountains
Marble Mountains or “Ngu Hanh Son” in Vietnamese, are located about 8km southeast of Danang city, close to the sea. It is a group of five marble and limestone mountains named according to the five elements of nature: “Kim Son” (metal), “Moc Son” (wood), “Hoa Son” (fire), “Tho Son” (earth) and “Thuy Son” (water).
Among these five mountains, “Thuy Son” is the largest and the most beautiful one. It has become the main attraction for visiting. It has many caves and Buddhist temples, many dating back to the 17th century. A natural stone stairway leads you up to the top of the “Thuy Son” Mountain or you can take a glass elevator instead to enjoy the beautiful panoramic views from above.
3.6. Champa Sculpture Art Museum
Located at the junction of Trung Nu Vuong and 2/9 Streets, Danang City, the Champa Sculpture Art Museum was built in 1915 under the sponsorship of the French School for Far Eastern Studies in Vietnam. It is based in the Danang region which was the seat of the old Champa Kingdom and boasts many attractions like Tra Kieu, Dong Duong, My Son and Thap Mam. In 1936 the Museum was expanded and opened to the public in 1939. It conserves the last collection of the Champa Sculpture Art in Vietnam and the world. Its architecture bears the features of Cham architecture. It boasts a row of showrooms white in color with simple yet graceful decorations. The Museum exhibits 300 original sandstone sculptures and some baked clay products collected from the temples and towers that lie scattered from Quang Binh to Binh Thuan in Central Vietnam. The exhibits are statues, embossments, images, and patterns displayed in 10 rooms named after the places where they were found.
3.7. Danang’s Golden Bridge on Ba Na Hills Resort
Considered as a work of art, Golden Bridge (Cau Vang) in Danang has attracted a big number of both domestic and foreign tourists since opening to the public in June 2018. People come here to see and take a photo with a novel piece of architecture famed for its unique design. The shimmering bridge is held up by two giant concrete humans above the clifftops. During the forest, the bridge stands out in yellow and looks like a golden silk trip hiding in the clouds of Danang. Especially, the hands look aged and weathered as if they have been there for centuries.
Golden Bridge rises above the Thien Thai gardens at the Ba Na Hills Resort, about 30km from Danang city. Opened in 1919 by French colonists with around 200 villas, today this area holds attractions like an alpine roller coaster and the longest nonstop, single-track cable car, according to Guinness World Records. You have to buy a ticket to enter this resort with the price of 750,000 VND a ticket/ adult including all cable cars and theme park entrance ticket. Then you freely explore Ba Na Hills and check out the world’s most striking footbridge.
3.8. Dragon Bridge
As its name suggests, Dragon Bridge illustrates the image of a dragon flying towards the sea with the architecture inspired by Ly dynasty. It was opened on the 38th anniversary of the liberation of Danang city in 2013. This inventive design is not only a reflection of Vietnamese customs and beliefs but also highlights Da Nang’s growth and development. Due to its unique design, the bridge has attracted worldwide attention.
Having 6 lanes crossing the Han River, Dragon Bridge forms a direct way from Danang International Airport to this city’s various main routes, easier to reach My Khe beach and Non Nuoc beach, two stunning beaches of Danang. Especially, there is dragon’s fire breathing and water spraying performance at 9pm every weekend and during the holidays. This is an incredible scene you should not miss in Danang.
Danang Special Cuisine
Danang is a heaven of the authentic local cuisine. Check out some review articles about food in Danang, you will see many choices from the luxurious restaurants to street vendors. So don’t forget to try some famous specialties to complete your amazing trip here.
