Planning a trip to Southeast Asia is one of the most exciting experiences for any traveler. On this occasion, we focus on visiting Hanoi, the vibrant and chaotic capital of the country. For us, the starting point of a 13-day itinerary in Vietnam. A city where ancient tradition merges with the incessant roar of thousands of motorcycles.
If you are traveling from Spain, the starting point is usually the Madrid-Barajas airport (T4S) bound for Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), usually making a comfortable stopover at airports such as Doha. Below, we break down the definitive guide to discover Hanoi step by step, optimizing your time and budget.
Entry procedures: Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
One of the best news for Spanish travelers is thevisa exemption for short stays. If your trip to Vietnam will last 15 days or less (counting both the day of entry and the day of departure), you do not need to obtain a prior visa or pay fees upon arrival.
Upon landing at Hanoi Terminal 2, you will only have to go directly to the immigration area, show your passport (with at least 6 months of validity) and they will stamp your entry stamp for free. Fast, simple and hassle-free “Visa on Arrival”.
What struck me most about my arrival in Hanoi is the immense traffic. Every time you go out for a ride you will see hundreds of motorcycles. The traffic culture there is not like in the rest of the world. If you come to an intersection or a pedestrian crossing, the swarms of motorcycles do not stop to let you pass (except if there is a traffic light).
What you have to do is cross, with caution. But the motorists don’t stop, there the motorists avoid you.
It is something shocking and in fact when you start to cross the street they take into account your step to avoid you and if you stop you can confuse them and create danger. In case you are not safe enough, the guides recommended us to raise our hands so that they are more attentive when you are going to cross. We looked very carefully at Maps to try to avoid the crossings to be made as much as possible.
Traditional shows and Train Street
Once settled in your hotel, it’s time to take the pulse of the city with two of its most iconic activities.
Hanoi’s famous Train Street
You can’t say you’ve been to Hanoi without visiting the iconic Train Street. It is a narrow residential alley through which the train tracks pass just centimeters from the doors of houses and small local cafes. Sitting down to have a Vietnamese coffee while you wait for the convoy to pass by, brushing against the tables, is an unparalleled adrenaline rush.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
To close your first afternoon in the city in the best way, we recommend attending the famousThang Long Water Puppet Show(water puppet show), a traditional Vietnamese art that dates back to the 11th century.
Pro tip:The 6:30 pm pass is ideal. Remember to redeem your entry voucher at least 30 minutes in advance at the Crossing Vietnam Travel office (located at 47 Hang Bong St). It is highly recommended to take the audio guide so as not to miss any details of the popular legends that are represented on the water.
Essential temples to see in Hanoi
Hanoi stands out for its immense spiritual heritage. Spending a day visiting its temples and pagodas will allow you to connect with the historical soul of Vietnam.
The Temple of Literature (Van Mieu)
Built in the year 1070 in honor of Confucius, this beautiful complex of garden courtyards housed thefirst university in vietnam. It is a haven of peace and traditional architecture in the middle of the city.
- Schedule:From 8:00 to 17:00.
- Price:30,000 VND (approximately €1.20).
- Strict dress code:Hats, caps, short skirts, tank tops or shorts are not permitted inside places of worship. Dress with respect!
Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple
Located on the shores of the immense West Lake, theTran Quoc PagodaIt is the oldest in Hanoi, with more than 1,500 years of history. Its iconic multi-level brownstone structure is simply spectacular.
Open from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. We suggest visiting first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds and midday heat. Very close by, crossing the lake, you can take the opportunity to visit theQuan Thanh Temple(entrance: 10,000 VND), famous for its gigantic black bronze statue of Tran Vu.
Ho Chi Minh’s Legacy: Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda
The north of Hanoi is marked by the figure of the country’s historical leader. The Ho Chi Minh Monumental Area is a must-see stop to understand modern Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The mummified remains of the revolutionary leader rest here. Although it is not always worth waiting in line for a kilometer to see the interior (where the rules are extremely rigid), walking through the imposing outdoor plaza next to the National Assembly is quite an experience.
Rules of conduct in the Mausoleum:If you decide to enter, you should know that you walk in a row of two, rigorously following yellow lines on the ground, without stopping. It is totally prohibited to take photos or videos, talk, laugh, have your arms crossed or your hands in your pockets.
The One Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot)
Located just behind the mausoleum, this wooden pagoda built on a single stone pillar in the middle of a lotus pond imitates the shape of a lotus flower, a symbol of purity in Buddhism. Visiting hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Free Tour of the Old Town and Hoan Kiem Lake
The best way to squeeze out the heart of Hanoi is to book a free walking tour in Spanish through the livelyOld Quarter. An ideal itinerary usually starts at 9:00 in the morning in theLy Thai To Monument.
Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
Hoan Kiem Lake is the nerve center of Hanoi’s social life. In the middle of its waters stands the mythicalTurtle Tower.
Crossing the beautiful red wooden bridge (Puente Huc), you will access theNgoc Son Temple, located on a small islet in the lake (entrance: 30,000 VND). The temple is dedicated to military heroes and wise philosophers.
Visiting the commercial district
The tour continues entering the labyrinth of the 36 guild streets of the old town, where each street is specialized in a type of trade (tin, footwear, spices, etc.). During the walk, you will be able to admire the traditional architecture of theMa May Historic House(entrance: VND 10,000) and breathe in the aroma of fresh spices from the Thanh Ha street market.
There is no better way to crown your adventure in Hanoi than by saying goodbye to the city by trying its most famous drink:egg coffee (Egg Coffee). A delicious and creamy blend of robusta coffee with whipped egg yolk and condensed milk that will give you the strength to continue your journey to other incredible destinations in Vietnam, such as the spectacular Halong Bay or the mountainous landscapes of Ha Giang.