Explore the Old Quarters of Hanoi
The Old Quarter, also referred to as the “36 Streets”, is not only one of the largest shopping areas in the city but is also a narrator of the capital’s history. It contains all the Buddhist temples and pagodas, colonial architecture, and modern urban development.
Artisans have inhabited the Old Quarter since ancient times when they were made up of 36 guilds, including a silk guild, a paper guild, a silver guild, and more. While new goods might have replaced the old ones, the previous guild names are still reflected in the street signs.
The Old Quarters
There’s always an abundance of people and motorbikes here, so it’s hard to pick the best time to visit if you only have a one day trip in Hanoi.
Learn history in Hoa Lo Prison
After that, a few minutes' walk from the Cathedral lies the Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the 'Hanoi Hilton' by the American prisoners of war who were imprisoned here.
Hoa Lo Prison
The museum focuses on the sorrow and suffering of Vietnamese revolutionaries who were imprisoned and killed in this prison during the French occupation. The remaining part of the museum contains information on how American pilots and prisoners of war were treated during the Vietnam War.
Only a small section of the prison is currently utilized as a museum, with the remaining demolished to make room for the Hanoi towers. Hoa Lo Prison is an ideal destination for a one day trip in Hanoi for those who are interested in history.
Have Bun Cha for lunch
Bun cha
Bun Cha, like Pho, became famous when Anthony Bourdain and Barack Obama dined on it during their visit to Hanoi.
Grilled pork belly slices are served in a flavorful hot broth with thin rice noodles, dipping sauces, a plate of herbs like coriander and mint, minced garlic, and sliced chilies, and a plate of herbs like coriander and mint.
Equally famous as Pho, Bun Cha can be found almost anywhere in Hanoi, and the Bun Cha at Hang Quat is conveniently located in the old quarter.
A Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son temple
Hoan Kiem (Lake of the Restored Sword) is a popular hangout for locals and one of the top things to do in Hanoi in the evening. If you come here in the morning, you'll see individuals not just relaxing, but also exercising and traveling to work. One of the greatest ways to end your one day trip in Hanoi is to watch the sunrise or sunset by the lake. You may even begin your Hanoi day trip by going to the lake before you have your bowl of Pho!
Hoan Kiem Lake
According to mythology, Emperor Le Loi was boating on the lake when the Golden Turtle God arrived and requested his magical sword, which had been lent to him by the Dragon King God. After defeating the Chinese, the emperor returned the sword and renamed the lake to commemorate the event.
The Turtle Temple (Thap Rùa), dedicated to the Turtle God and home to giant endangered soft-shell turtles, is in the center of the lake but is inaccessible.
The Red Huc (Morning sunshine) bridge spans the lake and connects the temple to the Ngoc Son (Jade Mountain) temple on Jade Island.
During the day, the temple is generally crowded, but the ideal time to come is in the evening, when the temple lights up and the throng disperses.
It's much more festive to visit Hoan Kiem on weekends, when the area is closed to traffic and filled with children playing, hawkers selling their products, and artists performing.
Visit Dong Xuan Market
Dong Xuan Market is the oldest and most famous market in Hanoi located in the Old Quarter. It focuses on a variety of products and goods such as clothes, shoes, confectionery, household appliances, toys, fabrics with traditional motifs, souvenirs, food, etc. most are still fabrics and clothes. Visiting Dong Xuan market, you will witness a bustling, bustling scene, crowded with buyers and sellers.
Dong Xuan market
Stop by Dong Xuan market, don't forget to take a look at the alley of Dong Xuan market located right next to the market because this is the coordination of many restaurants and eateries. You can spend one day trip in Hanoi just to discover and taste our cuisine, there is nothing more wonderful than enjoying a bowl of rib porridge (chao suon), a bowl of hot eel vermicelli (sup luon) or sipping a plate of shrimp cake (banh tom), bun cha, a bowl of sweet soup (che)...
More specifically, if you visit Dong Xuan market on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, you will have the opportunity to explore the night market here too. This is a miniature corner of the bustling life of Hanoi at night. Immerse yourself in the crowded atmosphere of the night market with all kinds of items and choose the cutest souvenirs for your loved ones and friends.
Fresh beer at Bia Hoi junction
The best part of having a city break is the abundance of nightlife in most. Hanoi comes alive every day at a few sections in town with ad-hoc short performances.
Bia Hoi Old Quarter
This ever-bustling beer paradise, also known as Bia Hoi Junction or Bia Hoi Old Quarter, is a renowned junction of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen Street, attracting not only visitors but also young residents to hang out and chat over ice-cold Bia Hoi while sitting on small plastic stools. It is not an exaggeration to claim that this crossroads is the best option for party goers or anybody looking to drink fresh beer in a carnival environment in Hanoi. It is generally acknowledged as a memorable preferred nighttime destination for both international tourists and Hanoi residents. Bia Hoi - Vietnamese draught beer is definitely the perfect end for a one day trip in Hanoi.
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