If you are about to visit Hanoi Vietnam for a week and unsure about what to do, here are some recommendations about top things to do in Hanoi for a week. The expeditions will be as wonderful as expected, maybe better beyond, when you carry out the expert tips. Once you come to the destination with the handy list of the best attractions to see, yummy food to eat, and excellent places to sleep, the vacation just goes perfect.
What to See in Hanoi for a Week
Hanoi City Tour
First of all, Hanoi City Tour is the foremost thing to do for a glimpse of the local attractions of history and culture. Going for a tour around the city, you might come across Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake or Ho Guom) which is a favorite hangout venue of the Hanoians and many expats. Within proximity from the Lake, you can keep walking to One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. A handy map will facilitate your on-foot adventure. Besides, take advantage of the double-decker bus that you can hop on and off at some places of interest. The one-day city tour will also bring you opportunities to taste Hanoi food. At night, you can unwind at Hanoi Old Quarters and stop by any bar and pub that appeals to you, such as Bia Hoi Junction, Le Pub Hanoi, Legend Beer Hanoi, Dragonfly Bar and Lounge, etc.
Hanoi City Tour (Photo by Dang Vu)
Lan Ha Bay Cruise Trip
In the next days, you can invest in the 2-day Lan Ha Bay Cruise Trip. On the Hanoi – Hai Phong expressway, it takes around 2 hours to arrive at the port from which you embark on the Lan Ha Bay Cruise. Setting sail for this hidden, pristine, and captivating Bay is the smart choice for vacationers who want a peaceful cruise trip. You will sail around and along the interestingly-shaped and green-covered islands and islets, and there will be relaxing time on the imposing Ba Trai Dao Beach. The package 2 days 1 night is available on cruises of 3 – 5 stars that your selection is unlimited. Oftentimes, getting to know Azalea Cruise, Peony Cruise, Heritage Cruise, Ylang Cruise, Cat Ba Sisters Cruise among most Recommended Lan Ha Bay Cruises Vietnam!
Stay overnight on cruise in Lan Ha Bay (Photo by Dang Vu)
Tam Coc Day Tour
Next, let’s experience Tam Coc Day Tour from Hanoi that takes you to the “Three Caves” karst formations. Getting there, the boat trip in Hoa Lu – Tam Coc can please the photo hunters who are granted with numerous photography opportunities. The stunning scenery of the caves makes it the treasure of Nature that people would love sightseeing and exploring. Have an eco-tour!
Tam Coc Day Tour from Hanoi (Photo by Dang Vu)
Mai Chau Valley Tour
On a subsequent day, Mai Chau Valley and Thai People might call for your travel to this off-the-beaten-track destination. This pristine, green, and charming valley is home to the Thai ethnic minority who build little stilted houses that look photogenic from afar. The one-day tour to this untouched destination is quite relaxing that you can meet the ethnic villagers, admire the magnificent view of the mountain, the cave, and the rice fields. This is where to live a laid-back life.
Stay at Mai CHau Hidenaways in Mai Chau
Pu Luong Nature Reserve Tour
For more opportunities to be immersed in Nature, travel to Pu Luong Nature Reserve on any day of the vacation. About 160km from the city, this Nature Reserve can serve as the “remedial retreat” for all to flee from the city stress. It has the fresh air, stunning nature, and serenity to value your days off. Often, people enjoy the 2-day itinerary in Pu Luong, including the activities of trekking, cycling to the Thai or Muong ethnic villages, and photographing. There are endless mountains, waterfalls, valley, jungle, and terraced rice fields to feast the eyes.
Pu Luong Nature Reserve Tour (Photo by The Luong)
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What to Eat in Hanoi
Hanoi is rich in cuisine and gastronomy, and amongst the most famous specialties to eat, Hanoi Pho (noodle soup with beef) ranks top. This is the cradle where “Phở” was born, and then various versions of its spread nationwide and even overseas. People agree that Hanoi Pho is differently flavored, so make sure you try it. Besides, “Bun Cha” means noodles served with grilled pork, sausage, peanut, veggies, and herbs is the delicacy of the land. How about “Bun Cha Obama?” Explore it. What’s more, make sure you savor “Cha Ca La Vong” – a well-known fish sausage of Hanoi that is worth a try, indeed. And if your stomach still asks for great food, know “Banh Mi” (Vietnamese sandwich), “Nem Cua Be” (spring rolls including minced crab meat, pork, egg, vermicelli, mushroom, etc.), and “Banh Tom” (shrimp cake). Make notes of things to eat in Hanoi!
Where to Stay in Hanoi for treveling in 2020
Without a doubt, the Vietnamese capital city does not lack excellent places to sleep. You can find a variety of accommodations to sort out those of the best. Before finalizing a choice, get to know some Boutique Hotels in Hanoi like Apricot Hotel, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Somerset Grand Hanoi, InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, Pullman Hanoi, Sheraton Hanoi Hotel, and so on. Within the Old Quarters area, there stand out numerous lodges that have proximity to the pedestrian streets for the exciting nightlife.
Regarding the night in Lan Ha Bay, if the budget says YES, let’s just invest in the luxury cruises namely Era Cruise, Perla Dawn Sails, Indochina Cruise, La Pinta, Orchid Cruises, Azalea Cruises, Mon Chéri Cruises, O’Gallery Cruise, and more. The more luxurious the cruise is, the more excellent the facilities and services aboard are. Therefore, pick up the most suitable option for your voyage.
For the nights in Mai Chau and Pu Luong, expect to experience a homestay with the local family and study their culture as well as life activities. Oftentimes, you’ll sleep in the stilted houses of the Thai minority group in Mai Chau. Meanwhile, Pu Luong provides the nice homestay experiences in the stilted houses amid the rice fields or the mountainside huts, besides the choices of lodges and retreats. Via homestay, you get deep insights into the local culture and lifestyle, which bring unique knowledge.
This will be a valuable vacation that many of you might be longing for, so make it the most out of the things to do in Hanoi for a week and create the memory of a lifetime.
