The phrase 'faded grandeur' could have been coined specifically for the city of Hanoi. Nowhere in is the architectural heritage of the past so well preserved.
Many of the grandiose villas and palaces built by the French are still in use today, mostly as government buildings. Wide, tree-lined boulevards skirt the misty lakes of the city and amongst it all are ancient temples and busy markets. is a truly fascinating and charming destination and few who visit fail to fall for the romance of the city.
The day begins in long before dawn as traders bring their goods into the city by bicycle and handcart, stocking the markets for the morning trade. The highlight is the impossibly colourful and vibrant flower market, a truly unforgettable experience for the early riser.
As the watery sun rises over the city and mist rises from the lakes, seemingly the entire population of the city takes to the lakesides, parks and streets for their morning exercise. Elderly citizens display astonishing suppleness and control as they practice Tai Chi in the dawn light.
As the sun warms the city, the real business of the day begins – business. The ‘Old Quarter’ of has been a shopper’s paradise since the 15th century, when the 36 streets of 36 Guilds were first created. The guilds of craftsmen sold rice, silk and even gravestones in those days, but today you are more likely to find boutiques selling exquisite silk clothing, intricately embroidered table cloths, hand-painted wooden sandals or a fine art gallery. Many travelers to regard foraging for bargains around the Old Quarter as a highlight of their trip to Vietnam.
Hanoi has a burgeoning scene of trendy, up-market boutiques and designers, most of whom can be found around the carming Nha Tho (Church) Street. Modern day beatniks lounge in hip cappuccino bards while shoppers hunt for interesting finds in the small, independent boutiques like Ipa Nima, Song and Mosiäque. Almost all of life in is lived out on the street, and this is a wonderful area ofr people watching. You can even see traders who, like characters from Oliver Twist, call out their traditional songs of goods for sale.
After a few days, visitors may even begin to distinguish between the song of the noodle vendor, the shoeshine boy and the rat catcher!
Having explored the shops, the markets, the temples, the lakes and the cafes, what’s next? Lunch, of course! is a delight for the epicure, with thousands of delicious secrets to discover. Bobby Chinn’s offers some of ’s finest fusion cuisine, while the Press Club and le Beaulieu tempt fans of fine French food. But is famous for one dish above all others – ‘Cha Ca Hanoi’. This spiced fish is a cultural legend in Hanoi, and must rate as one of the world’s most unusual dishes, delicately flavoured as it is with a couple of drops of perfume extracted from the scent gland of a water beetle!
Dusk again brings a wonderful atmosphere to the city as young couples congregate beneath lakeside trees and the air is filled with delicious smells as street hawkers do a brisk trade in steaming noodle soup, plump dumplings and spicy sandwiches made with fresh warm baguettes.
If you would like to go and get a taste of this romantic atmosphere in this city or other seductive cities in Vietnam, may we recommend you to view sample tours by Exotissimo which may help you get an idea of your next trip?
