Enjoying Hanoi’S Unique Charm on Vietnam Tours
As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is brimming with history and cultural attraction€"it's almost a sin to skip it if you're in the country on a Vietnam tours itinerary. The city has a charm that can be described as €Old World€€"after all, the French left a strong legacy. But apart from that, the city retains much of its natural beauty, and exploring its alleys and by-ways always makes for an unforgettable trip.
The French Quarter
A former colony of the French, Vietnam presents a compelling reminder of its past with aspects of the French culture deeply integrated in still extant structures and also in its cuisine. In Hanoi, for example, there's the so-called French Quarter€"an area marked with wide avenues, five-star swanky hotels, fine dining places and majestic buildings. Visiting the French Quarter is a must as part of your Vietnam tours package€"if you miss it, you'll be missing things such as a chance to see what's playing at the Opera House, or a visit to some of the country's important museums (National Museum of Vietnamese History and the National Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution). The French Quarter is also home to several quaint bookshops and fancy dining places. And no visit to the eclectic area would be complete without taking a ride on a cyclo at least once.
Unwind at Hoan Kiem Lake
A Hanoi-focused Vietnam tours itinerary would be much less interesting if it did not include a trip to the breathtaking Hoan Kiem Lake. Regardless of time of day, there is always something to see and enjoy in the park around the lake, although merely sitting on a bench and admiring its beauty may be enough activity for your perfect afternoon. Moreover, aside from watching people and taking great photos (the locals, did we mention, are very friendly), you can stroll through the well-manicured gardens that line the lake's banks. And if you happen to visit during one of the country's major festivals (such as the one they celebrate in the middle of autumn), expect lively festivities taking place in the area.
Having a Sip of Latte
The Vietnamese, like many others around the world, love their coffee. And, as such, the coffee drinking culture is a huge thing here, especially in a coffee-conducive place like Hanoi. Strolling along the streets of the city, especially Hanoi's so-called €36 streets€, you won't walk more than a block before chancing on some sort of a street cafe. Your Vietnam tours itinerary will undoubtedly make time for enjoying this culture in the more urban places around the country. The coffee culture is especially interesting here as the locals have their own take on the coffee-drinking experience€"and some of their concoctions are fascinating! They love to add their own ingredients, which range from good old milk, to egg, tea, even yoghurt. And make no mistake about it, Vietnamese coffee is strong€"it leaves a kick that can keep you awake for hours. When you're in Hanoi, make sure to make a quick stop at one of those cafes€"you may need the energy to enjoy all the sights on offer!
The French Quarter
A former colony of the French, Vietnam presents a compelling reminder of its past with aspects of the French culture deeply integrated in still extant structures and also in its cuisine. In Hanoi, for example, there's the so-called French Quarter€"an area marked with wide avenues, five-star swanky hotels, fine dining places and majestic buildings. Visiting the French Quarter is a must as part of your Vietnam tours package€"if you miss it, you'll be missing things such as a chance to see what's playing at the Opera House, or a visit to some of the country's important museums (National Museum of Vietnamese History and the National Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution). The French Quarter is also home to several quaint bookshops and fancy dining places. And no visit to the eclectic area would be complete without taking a ride on a cyclo at least once.
Unwind at Hoan Kiem Lake
A Hanoi-focused Vietnam tours itinerary would be much less interesting if it did not include a trip to the breathtaking Hoan Kiem Lake. Regardless of time of day, there is always something to see and enjoy in the park around the lake, although merely sitting on a bench and admiring its beauty may be enough activity for your perfect afternoon. Moreover, aside from watching people and taking great photos (the locals, did we mention, are very friendly), you can stroll through the well-manicured gardens that line the lake's banks. And if you happen to visit during one of the country's major festivals (such as the one they celebrate in the middle of autumn), expect lively festivities taking place in the area.
Having a Sip of Latte
The Vietnamese, like many others around the world, love their coffee. And, as such, the coffee drinking culture is a huge thing here, especially in a coffee-conducive place like Hanoi. Strolling along the streets of the city, especially Hanoi's so-called €36 streets€, you won't walk more than a block before chancing on some sort of a street cafe. Your Vietnam tours itinerary will undoubtedly make time for enjoying this culture in the more urban places around the country. The coffee culture is especially interesting here as the locals have their own take on the coffee-drinking experience€"and some of their concoctions are fascinating! They love to add their own ingredients, which range from good old milk, to egg, tea, even yoghurt. And make no mistake about it, Vietnamese coffee is strong€"it leaves a kick that can keep you awake for hours. When you're in Hanoi, make sure to make a quick stop at one of those cafes€"you may need the energy to enjoy all the sights on offer!
