6 Alternative Things to Do in Hanoi

Most visitors to Vietnam travel will begin their holiday by flying into Hanoi. With it's atmospheric old quarter, lantern-fringed lake and an abundance of bustle and noise resonating from the local stalls and mopeds, it's easy to spend a happy couple of days experiencing this vibrant Asian city.

Any guide book will give you the lowdown on the tourist spots, such as the  Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum and the Museum of Ethnic Minorities (both well worth a visit) but if you wish to see another side of Hanoi on your Vietnam holiday, read on...

1. Get lost amongst the steamy streets of Hanoi's old quarter

Hanoi's old town is a myriad of sights, smells and noise. Give yourself time on your Vietnam holiday to wander into the heart of the city's narrow streets, finding 

pop up

 stalls on every corner selling delicious cuisine, and dodging mopeds as they wind lazily in and out of strolling pedestrians.

2. Attempt to cross a road

When you first arrive in bustling Hanoi the sheer amount of mopeds (and lack road rules) can be slightly daunting. However, once you realise that you won't get much sightseeing done without crossing a road or two, just start walking across slowly and you'll find that the drivers will just wind around you and you'll get to the other side with no problems.

3. Get ripped off by a cheeky pineapple seller

Spend any time in Hanoi on your Vietnam travel and you are bound to be approached by a fruit seller offering you the chance to hold their pineapple carrier and wear a conical hat for a photo. However, it will cost you so be prepared to be pestered for money as soon as that shutter clicks. If you are up for a comedy photo then by all means go ahead- it's one for the family album after all.

4. Visit the Huc Bridge & Hoan Kiem river at night

This famous bridge is definitely worth a visit on your Hanoi trip. In the daytime the bridge is flanked by emerald water, but at night the waterside becomes lit by lanterns hanging from the trees and the bridge glows a firey red, adding to the reflections in the lake. It really is a not to be missed sight on your Vietnam travel.

5. Visit a temple during Tet (Vietnamese new year)

If you manage to book your Vietnam travel over TET, you will find it is a great time to experience this spiritual city. All through February the smell of incense fills the air and you'll spot shrines and offerings all around. If you decide to visit a temple or two you will more than likely discover a religious ritual occuring and brightly coloured flowers on display. If you see a statue of a turtle, don't forget to pat it on the head for good luck, and if you're feeling flush, tuck a couple of dong under it as your own personal offering. 

6. Get an impromptu haircut

If you've got a spare half hour on your Vietnam travel why not treat yourself to a spot of sprucing? The streets are full of barber shops who will transform your look and give the gents a proper shave, all for a fraction of the price you would pay in the UK.