Everyone knows Vietnam has gone through a tough timeline in history. From the daunting past of the Mongol Invasion, and the French colonialization to the recent ideological war against the USA. Regardless of its past, Vietnam has bounced back, as an economic superpower of the South East Asia! Since the past decade, Vietnam has been swarming in with foreign tourists and Hanoi is no exception. Hanoi, the cultural and political heart of Vietnam, offers a unique blend of innocence, historical struggles, authoritative influence, and a touch of modernization. Vietnam’s capital Hanoi has taken essentials from the past which can redefine the humbleness of the Vietnamese value to the core.
Lifestyle in Hanoi
Hanoi still hooks up with its hardcore Communist lifestyle, waking up early, starting offices by 8:00 AM, siesta time that can vary from 12-2 PM. It’s not uncommon to see people sleeping off on their duties. Make sure to get your food by 12, or it will be hard to find afterward. It’s nice to see fresh foods are preferred. Pho is a staple dish throughout Vietnam, but you can also enjoy many other fantastic dishes. Evening time is full of rush. The official hours end by 6 PM. And, the city sleeps by 9 PM. But worry not, areas like Old Quarter never sleep, as a tourist, life starts here after 9 probably.
Hanoi has a weather which is rather gloomy and rainy. But the rain does not stop Hanoians to enjoy, the municipality organizes events every weekend around the road segment of Hoan Kiem Lake and the central district of Hanoi for street activities. This has become a lifestyle for Hanoi dwellers. From flea market that offers branded clothes at the cheapest price, fun activities, and street food all over, it’s like a weekly carnival show. Despite the rain, people still come out for a weekend celebration, which takes place every week from Friday evening to Sunday. You may feel some taste of European carnival!
Cultural experience in Hanoi
Hanoi’s culture reflects influences from the Mongols, Chinese, and French, creating a unique blend that is especially evident in the city. The city boasts a temple dedicated to Confucianism “Temple of Literature”. The French-era buildings still serve as places for government administration. Also, Russian support can be defined in the style of shops and markets like Dong Xuan Market.
Hanoi’s culture reflects influences from the Mongols, Chinese, and French, creating a unique blend that is especially evident in the city. The city boasts a temple dedicated to Confucianism “Temple of Literature”. The French-era buildings still serve as places for government administration. Also, Russian support can be defined in the style of shops and markets like Dong Xuan Market.
You’ll encounter a multitude of art galleries and sculptures that proudly reflect their French influences. Picture a passionate painter clad in a French beret, offering you a painting infused with French artistry for millions of dong. Vietnam has embraced Latin texts, a gift from its French colonizers, which can be seen in the cultural tapestry of the nation. From the iconic Banh Mi to the elegant silk fashion, Hanoi exudes the influence of its French heritage. The culinary scene is infused with a delightful French touch, and the Opera Houses stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of European civilization left by the French colonial era. Today, the people of Hanoi joyously perform Ballet, keeping the flame of artistic tradition alive.
Cost in hanoi
After the hyper inflation post the US-Vietnam war the currency value has reduced to a lower significance. The currency note that starts is 5000 dong and goes up to 5 hundred thousand dongs. That’s quite confusing for a a foreigner visiting Vietnam. And, Hanoi offers the cheapest accommodation, foods also the shopping. And, what as a tourist might attract you is probably the cheapest “Bia” (local language for Beer) in the world . If food is your concern, then Vietnam is a country of street side eateries. The cost are so cheap, international chain restaurant are scared to venture into Vietnam. Likewise, the vehicle rentals, fuel, cabs, buses are too are so pocket friendly.
Things you can do in Hanoi
As a tourist, you might want to stay in the Old Quarter. Most of the tourist sites are around Hoan Kiem District or Old Quarter
- Stroll around Old Quarter
- Partying at Beer Street
- Visit the Shrine at Hoan Kiem Lake
- Visit to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum
- Temple of Literature
- Train Street, only operates in the noon, check the timings
- Statue of Lenin
- Shopping in Old Quarter : Shoe Street
- Take a bus city tour, which takes you to the attraction of tourist significance
- Further you can take a day trip to Ha Long bay, at pacific ocean (highly recommended)
- Hao Lo Prison Museum, Must Visit!
Among the above list, visit to Hao Lo Prison is a must. This prison turned museum takes you through the atrocities that Vietnam and specially Hanoi has went through from it’s colonials past to the civil war with USA. Museum showcases stories of the horrific past like the guillotine to chop of dissent against the colonializes and captured airplanes from US-Vietnam war, the photographs of the carpet bombing done in Hanoi, and how it has stood from the rubbles to a burgeoning metropolis. A visit to Hanoi cannot be complete without going to Hao Lo Prison Museum. This is not only a tourist attraction but a time machine that takes you to the struggling past of Hanoi. You are definitely to be humbled by this museum.
Humbled in hanoi
Hanoi’s gloomy past and it’s path to success is a story that impacts any traveler. Apart from the place, it’s the people that makes Hanoi so special. While the weather is unpredictable for Hanoi, people are living with joy. You will also be humbled to learn the meaning of freedom, quest for independence, act of resilience and thrive for happiness from your Hanoi experience.
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