There are many sights in Hanoi and some great trips, ranging in length from a day to several days, that you can do by using Hanoi as a base. Different people have different interests and priorities, below are some of my recommendations of things to do and see.In Hanoi:
Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) was founded in 1070 to honor scholars. If you're in central Hanoi, taking a cyclo is a fun way of getting here. Afterwards, you can walk across the street to shop at Craft Link, a non-profit providing an outlet for products from ethnic minority groups, and/or eat at Koto (Know One Teach One), a non-profit that takes in and trains street children.
Museum of Ethnology- This museum focuses on Vietnam's ethnic minority groups and is by far the best museum in Hanoi. If you're planning a trip to Sapa or Mai Chau, you should definitely visit the museum before you go to learn more about various groups history, culture and customs. Its located on the outskirts of Hanoi so you'll need to take a taxi.
Take a walk around the ancient quarter. Just wander around some of the streets, particularly those away from the central tourist shopping areas.
If you're an early riser, walk around Hoan Kiem or Bay Mau lakes in the mornings to observe how locals start their day. Walking, badminton, and tai chi are everywhere, as exercise is a very public activity.
If you're an early riser, walk around Hoan Kiem or Bay Mau lakes in the mornings to observe how locals start their day. Walking, badminton, and tai chi are everywhere, as exercise is a very public activity.
Water puppetry is an art form originating in the Red River Delta and traditionally performed in flooded rice paddies. The Municipal Water Puppet Theatre (57B Dinh Tien Hoang), located on the northeast edge of Hoan Kiem lake, has two performances nightly. Buy your tickets in advance; you'll have a better view from the first class seats (avoid rows 1&2 if you don't want to get wet).
If you're in Hanoi around Tet (Vietnamese luna new year), take a walk around some of the areas selling cumquat trees and peach blossoms- these are used to decorate houses for the new year. The spectacle of all the trees, flowers, seller, shoppers, and cyclos and motorbikes being loaded down with trees and branches is amazing. Nghi Tam, located in West Lake, or on Tran Nhan Tong in front of Lenin Park, are two good places to observe the scene.
The Opera House (Trang Tien) is a beautiful building built in 1911with periodic performances. Check The Guide (monthly magazine) or the Vietnam News (English language daily) for a listing of scheduled performances.
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