Although there are few famous tourist attractions, Hanoi’s Capital still has unique things that have yet to be available anywhere. Its rich history and cultural diversity have formed many exciting features about Hanoi.

Hanoi is the country’s important cultural, political, commercial and tourist center. With Hanoi’s thousand-year history of civilization, this place has become a famous global destination. The city has over 4,000 monuments and beautiful landscapes, including over 900 nationally ranked monuments, a large-scale museum system, and unique and diverse architectural works.

1, “Hanoi” means middle of the river

The city’s name, Hanoi, was born in 1831, replacing the old name Thang Long when King Minh Mang introduced a series of reforms in administrative geography in the Bac Ha area. The name Hanoi of this place is composed of two words: “ha” meaning “river” and “noi” meaning “inside”. Thus, Hanoi means “inside the river“. Coming here, many of you will wonder why it is like that, no matter how you look at it, Hanoi doesn’t look like an island.

2. Hanoi 36 streets

Hanoi 36 streets are a familiar saying, from everyday to poetic. Previously, to make it easier to remember, streets in Hanoi were named after the goods sold there. Hang Bac Street sells silverware, Hang Thiec Street sells tin, Hang Quat Street sells fans, etc. Today, these streets no longer sell only one such item. However, some streets still retain their traditions, such as Hang Ma Street and Thuoc Bac Street,…

Hanoi’s Old Quarter has been honored many times in major international newspapers. The old town also impresses with its small alleys and alleys where it is easy to get lost. What are you waiting for? Let’s go to the ancient city to visit!

3. Flag raising and flag lowering ceremony

The flag-raising and lowering ceremony at Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum is one of the proudest moments of the Vietnamese people every day. The flag-raising ceremony started at precisely 6 am. The flag-lowering ceremony will take place at 9 pm every day. All over Ba Dinh Square, there was solemnity and emotion when the loudspeaker announced the flag-raising ceremony was about to take place. These rituals become more solemn than ever, especially on holidays like September 2, April 30, or Uncle Ho’s birthday. Visiting Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum to watch the flag-raising and lowering ceremony is something you should do when in Hanoi!

4. Railway street

The railway cafe neighborhood has attracted many foreign tourists because this place has been honored in international newspapers. This area is where ships pass very close to people’s living areas. Watching the train pass by at close range makes many tourists excited.

In addition, this train line is also a tremendous virtual living place for those who love photography. Many photographers, from amateurs to professionals, have brought their tools to the train station to work. Some sections also have train cafes where you can enjoy sipping coffee right on the tracks.

However, the authorities recently decided to close this Train Street coffee shop because it is dangerous. Have you checked into this coffee street yet?

5. Egg coffee

Egg coffee is a unique coffee dish, the pride of the people of the Capital. Many places have imitated this type of coffee but still cannot have the unique taste in Hanoi.

Mark Lowerson, who runs Street Eats Hanoi, once said, “Most customers like this drink. They can’t imagine how eggs combine with coffee when I describe it. I haven’t seen anyone who doesn’t like it. Almost all tourists want to come back to enjoy it, even those who don’t drink coffee are surprised by the taste of egg coffee.“

This typical drink of the Capital was also served to international reporters during the US-North Korea Summit 2019. Famous international newspapers have continuously praised this special drink…

The most famous egg coffee is at Giang Cafe. In addition, there are also some similar egg cafes in the old town for you to enjoy, such as Lam Cafe and Ba Khanh Egg Cafe.

5. Hanoi has 12 flower seasons

The exciting thing about Hanoi that cannot be ignored is the 12 flower seasons of the year. Every month, almost Hanoi has a flower blooming. Musician Giang Son even composed the song “Hanoi’s 12 Flower Seasons” to express this beauty. In January, the capital blooms with peach blossoms. By February, the purple color of banyan flowers again floods the entire street. March is the month of white milk flowers, April is the month of calla lilies, then summer comes in May with bright red poinciana and purple magnolia flowers.

The fragrant lotus season of West Lake lasts all through June. The passionate smell of milk flowers is associated with autumn in Hanoi. The season of daisies and heather is in October and November. In December, the yellow mustard bushes along the Red River bloom brightly, marking the last days of the year.

6. Quang Ba Night Flower Market

Exploring Quang Ba night flower market is one of the exciting things about Hanoi that tourists always want to experience. American newspaper CNN once voted this place as one of the most beautiful places in the world to celebrate Lunar New Year.

The market is on Au Co Street, Tay Ho District, one of the city’s largest and oldest wholesale flower markets. The market is open all night but is usually busiest between 1 and 3 am. Flower traders often have to pick flowers at night to ensure they are as fresh as possible. So even though it’s night, this place is always bustling with the sound of people buying and selling.

7. The first steel bridge across the Red River

Considered a historical witness, Long Bien Bridge was built from 1899 – 1902. Architect Gustave Eiffel, the designer of the Eiffel Tower, designed the bridge. Long Bien Bridge is 2,290 m long and is the first steel bridge across the Red River. Today, trains, motorbikes, and pedestrians regularly pass by on the bridge.

This famous bridge is also excellent for tourists to take sunset photos. Many couples also choose this historic bridge to take wedding photos. Pictures on the steel bridge are always much more unique and attractive.

8. Com Hanoi

One of the exciting things about Hanoi that cannot be found anywhere else is the fragrant packages of green rice. Only Hanoi has this sticky rice wrapped in aromatic lotus leaves. Com is usually only sold at street vendors, stored in baskets by mothers. It’s so simple, but this gift encompasses the entire autumn of Hanoi. Whenever people go away, they often buy beautiful little packages of green rice as gifts for friends and relatives.

Hanoi has many exciting things waiting for you to explore. Every corner and street contains unique memories and characteristics. What are you waiting for? Get on the bus and explore exciting things about Hanoi!

9. The world’s largest ceramic painting

Stretching nearly 4 km along the Red River dyke, the ceramic road currently holds the Guinness record for “Longest ceramic painting in the world“. Colorful paintings using ceramics produced in Bat Trang stand out on the busy highway. Paintings depict different periods in Vietnamese history. The artists began working on this project in 2007 and completed it in 2010 to welcome Thang Long’s 1,000th anniversary. 

10. Get around the city by double-decker bus or cyclo

Besides riding electric cars and motorbikes, many tourists have used double-decker buses and cyclo services to visit the city. The common point of these two forms of enjoyment is the extremely airy space and the ability to interact and directly view Vietnam’s ancient monuments and works. With a double-decker bus, you can see the entire city from above and listen to explanations about the history of the formation and development of the famous landmarks you will visit on the tour. Besides, many tourists, especially foreign tourists, are interested in the cyclo model. When traveling in this form, you will not only hear introductions to places to visit but also listen to significant “career” stories of the uncles.

11. Diverse street food

If you can’t get up early to witness the flag-raising ceremony, you should join the flag-lowering ceremony at Uncle Ho’s mausoleum at 9 pm every day. This is a sacred ritual that many domestic and foreign tourists, even Hanoi residents, are waiting for. All activities at Ba Dinh Square stopped when loudspeakers began announcing the preparation for the flag-lowering ceremony. The National flag will be lowered by a group of 34 soldiers walking steadily from the right side of the mausoleum with the music “Uncle still marching with us” in the background. Many tourists visiting Hanoi were surprised to see many people around standing solemnly, watching the flag slowly being lowered.

12. Orderly traffic in chaos

Road traffic in Hanoi is “crazy” but it is organized chaos, and one way or another, pedestrians still find a way to cross the street. Everything always goes smoothly. While walking, it is a moment that tests your faith in fellow human beings as you fall into the wild world of motorbikes. Believe that motorbikes will avoid you when you cross the street! And when riding a motorbike, it’s like jumping into a river and rushing through rapids.

Indeed, once you leave the sidewalk and take your first step onto the road, there is no way to turn back. You can only continue walking steadily and hope the motorbikes will avoid you instead of rushing straight at you. Crossing the street in Hanoi is unlike anywhere else in the world. It is almost like Bungee jumping (wearing a rope and jumping from above). When people say, “Just keep walking, it’ll be okay“, believe it even though your instincts tell you not to move.

13. One of the largest capital cities in the world

After expanding its administrative boundaries in 2008, Hanoi is now one of the largest capital cities in the world, with an area of more than 3,530 square kilometers.

14. One of the cheapest tourist cities in the world

Did you know Hanoi is the most affordable city in the world regarding hotel accommodation and taxi transportation according to TripAdvisor‘s Trip Index? Not long ago, Hanoi was ranked 14th in the top 25 destinations in Asia (chosen by tourists).

15. Nightlife in Hanoi

Nightlife in Hanoi is divided into two types. One is for those who love to eat and explore night markets, and delicious Vietnamese dishes are abundant in these places. Another category is for those who like to chill out at a local bar or club to experience the local nightlife.

16. Outstanding historical sites

Due to its long history, with many ups and downs, Hanoi also stands out with many different types of museums and historical sites. Currently, there are 3,840 historical relics in Hanoi, the most in the country.

17. Hanoi people are elegant

Hanoi people have a vast vocabulary, a big heart, a simple life, and a humble appearance, but they communicate well. Hanoi people always dress elegantly and luxuriously but still discreetly.