HANOI- 5 THINGS TO DO AT THE OLD QUARTERS
The Old Quarters
This nostalgic charming maze of 36 streets is littered with shops dedicated to various trades such as silk, toys, ceramic, jewellery etc. Our boutique hotel was on the toys street
( More on that at the end of the post).
With the gloomy weather and muggy air in the morning, we experienced a different pace and atmosphere once we stepped out from the hotel.
The traffic was a dangerous endless stream of motorbikes and the locals were about their daily chores in mere nonchalant.
Erosion of culture?
Have the locals felt the impact from the influx of tourists and foreign faces?
For them, life goes on and is a welcome change.
I simply loved what they serve only 1 dish Cha Ca La Vong, going by the same name — grilled fish slices, thrown in with dill, shrimp paste, turmeric, fish sauce, chilli, peanuts cooked on the sizzling pan, accompanied with rice vermicelli.
In my opinion, the fragrance of the stirred fried along with the condiments was a wonderful marriage that kept me salivating and could not stop eating with vermicelli.
The store seemed to have renovated, looking more modernized and sporting a larger shop front compared to past photos.
Here it is! Cooking and preparation will be done by the staff.
Price & Address
845 000VND for 3 pax.; 280 000 for 1 pax
14 Cha Ca Street, Hang Dao, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
+84 438253929
They served a range of local food from Pho to Banh Mi but we only ordered snacks to chill, along with Saigon Beer
There are many restaurants lining up along around the main fountain, but if you want to get something simple and enjoy the panoramic view, then head to Highlanders Coffee like we did.
One of the most acclaimed theatres in Hanoi and conveniently located with sold-out puppet shows.
** Be there early to snap the tickets!
We missed once when the show was full and thank god we had one more night in Hanoi to try again and managed to buy the tickets.
No reservations are allowed and no advanced purchases and no photography inside the theatre.
I love the show for its local folk elements and music.
Address: No. 3 Hang Quat Street, Hoan Kiem Distirct, Hanoi, Vietnam
[TRAVEL VIETNAM 1] WHAT TO SEE IN HO CHI MINH CITY
[TRAVEL VIETNAM 2] HO CHI MINH - VISITING CU CHI TUNNEL (BEN DINH)
[TRAVEL VIETNAM 3] HANOI- WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A 2D1N HALONG BAY CRUISE — DAY 1
( More on that at the end of the post).
With the gloomy weather and muggy air in the morning, we experienced a different pace and atmosphere once we stepped out from the hotel.
The traffic was a dangerous endless stream of motorbikes and the locals were about their daily chores in mere nonchalant.
Erosion of culture?
Have the locals felt the impact from the influx of tourists and foreign faces?
For them, life goes on and is a welcome change.
1. Eat at Cha Ca La Vong
Cha Ca La Vong Restaurant is what I will recommend if you are pressed for time and yet wanna experience local cuisine.I simply loved what they serve only 1 dish Cha Ca La Vong, going by the same name — grilled fish slices, thrown in with dill, shrimp paste, turmeric, fish sauce, chilli, peanuts cooked on the sizzling pan, accompanied with rice vermicelli.
The shop is pretty 'subtle' with no signage or lightings, however, you will be able to spot the 'Petmart' just opposite as a will be on the right track.
In my opinion, the fragrance of the stirred fried along with the condiments was a wonderful marriage that kept me salivating and could not stop eating with vermicelli.
The store seemed to have renovated, looking more modernized and sporting a larger shop front compared to past photos.
Here it is! Cooking and preparation will be done by the staff.
Price & Address
845 000VND for 3 pax.; 280 000 for 1 pax
14 Cha Ca Street, Hang Dao, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
+84 438253929
2. Walk Hoan Kiem Lake
At the background, northern end of the lake lies Ngoc Son Temple, built in the 18th century. It was a pity we were not able to be there during the day to witness its serenity and authentically humane nature. I would suggest you to make a visit to the temple if time allows to capture the charming temple architecture and that red bridge.
Operating hours:8am to 5pm.
3. "Squat" by the road side
'Lim' ( singapore colloqial for drinking) Kopi (coffee) by the hipster area of Hanoi intersection along Pho Ta Hien.
One side is where the pubs, discos, clubs are ( think expensive spendings) and the other corner lies the traditional kopi shops. The night never ends.
Chill and people watch.
They served a range of local food from Pho to Banh Mi but we only ordered snacks to chill, along with Saigon Beer
4. Scale the highest point
This roundabout has got to be the centrepiece at The Old Quarters.There are many restaurants lining up along around the main fountain, but if you want to get something simple and enjoy the panoramic view, then head to Highlanders Coffee like we did.
We simply ordered a cuppa Highlanders Coffee take in the bustling night scenery of the Old Quarters. There are lots of people clamouring for those 2nd level outdoor seats. Good luck with that!
5. Watch a Water Puppet Show
Just diagonally across the street from the Hoan Kiem Lake is where Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre lies. Watch scenes of Vietnam's history performed by puppets in elaborate costumes accompanied by folk music.One of the most acclaimed theatres in Hanoi and conveniently located with sold-out puppet shows.
** Be there early to snap the tickets!
We missed once when the show was full and thank god we had one more night in Hanoi to try again and managed to buy the tickets.
No reservations are allowed and no advanced purchases and no photography inside the theatre.
I love the show for its local folk elements and music.
Where We Stayed
Victory Hotel is a small boutique hotel with basic facilities, nice friendly staff and breakfast provided. The rooms were cleaned and the bed comfy enough. A budget accommodation for those who don't need too much of a fanciful stay.Address: No. 3 Hang Quat Street, Hoan Kiem Distirct, Hanoi, Vietnam
Breakfast prepared on the spot by the staff.
That's all for now! Thank you.
[TRAVEL VIETNAM 2] HO CHI MINH - VISITING CU CHI TUNNEL (BEN DINH)
[TRAVEL VIETNAM 3] HANOI- WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A 2D1N HALONG BAY CRUISE — DAY 1
1 comments
From the title I 've already thought you will mention the Ta Hien corner :), we also call it "beer street" and I also visit there sometime. I love your story and photos. That will be what I do when go to somewhere: wander around, taste local foods and culture. I saw your photos in Ha Long as well. If you have next time plan to travel Vietnam I might suggest Danang or Nha Trang city in the Centre of Vietnam. They are two beautiful cities with great beaches not too crowded like Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City. If anyone need visa procedure and Vietnam Airlines ticket our office in Canada can help: http://minhtravel.ca - we are GSA of the airline company.
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