It is very likely that the first thing tourists do is traveling around Hanoi’s Old Quarter when they come to Vietnam. Hanoi’s Old Quarter has been well known for the history, the architecture and diversity of products.

Located between the Lake of the Restored Sword, the Long Bien Bridge, a former city rampart, and a citadel wall, the Old Quarter  consists  of 36 old streets inside.

Although the old section of Hanoi is often called the "36 Old Streets," there are more than 36 actual streets. Some researchers believe that the number 36 came from the 15thcentury when there might have been 36 guild locations, which were workshop areas, not streets. When streets were later developed, the guild names were applied to the streets.

Visitors will certainly be eager to wander along the old streets to drop by stores and buy specialties. Tourists would like to explore the Old Quarter, with some names of specialized streets: China bowls (Bat Su), roasted fish (Cha Ca), silver or jewelries (Hang Bac), women accessories (Cau Go), shoes and sandals (Hang Dau), silk (Hang Gai), mixed fruits (To Tich), combs (Hang Luoc), jars (Hang Chinh), tour services (Ma May), candies and dry apricot (Hang Duong), fried/roasted sour pork hash (Tam Thuong lane on Hang Bong Street), bamboo products (Hang Buom).

The Old Quarter still retained much of the original traits that interests tourists, especially those with architectural passion. These houses are neither tall buildings as people normally see in cities nor stilt houses on lines of poles, which were popular in Vietnams' mountainous regions these days. They are also called "tubular houses" which are short and narrow but have great length.

Located about 10 km from Hoan Kiem Lake, Van Phuc silk village still retains the original characteristics of an ancient village of Vietnam, with age old banyan trees, wells and communal house.

The village has been renowned for its traditional sericulture, weaving, and silk products. Tourists coming here are lured by various beautiful shirts, crafts, ties, dresses and many other items of silk available in the village. What is special is that the silk is made by very simple looms, which is the genuinely traditional Vietnamese way of making silk fabric.

For centuries, silk has been considered an extreme luxury, on par with rhinoceros horn, ivory and precious handworks in Vietnam. It has long been a universal byword of luxury, often worn by the richest, most powerful citizens. Most visitors somehow have heard about the significant role of this kind of material in Vietnam, yet might wonder where the cradle of Vietnamese silk lies. The mentioned Van Phuc Silk Village is proud to be the origin of best silk and silk-making industry of Vietnam, which is attached to a long-lasting history of more than two thousand years. Though enduring many ups and downs during that time, in recent years the village’s craft has enjoyed a revival due to a surging demand for silk in both the domestic and foreign markets.

Today, the fine and lustrous cloth that originates from the cocoon of the silkworm is more affordable to "ordinary" folk. Furthermore, silk is currently enjoying a fashion renaissance, particularly since its many varieties can be made into a wide range of designs suitable for all facets of modern life. Should you intend to have a silk pair of formal clothes made, just come here and select the materials that suit you, and professional tailors will bring you satisfaction!

Like other visitors to the village, you will be surprised at this “silk shop town”, where almost all houses along the paths have been turned into shops selling silk products. The village is now home to 1,280 households, with 90% involved in silk production and business. More than 2 million meters of silk are produced here each year. Most importantly, coming here offers you a good chance to explore the Vietnamese traditional industry of silk-making.

No tourists here are left discontented when they glimpse the variety of glistening silk products. They are always confronted with an initially bewildering array of silk items, from raw materials to garments, and a myriad of silk accessories. The local silk is known for its smooth and lightweight appearance, and of qualities that enable it to be dyed more colors to suit a variety of skin tones. In order to cater to the changing demands and tastes of customers, Van Phuc silk producers are expanding their silk and garment repertoire: traditional glossy, embroidered silks, double layers, wrinkled silks, and of course, more colors, hues and weights, for which they have invented new techniques in dying and thermo-processing of the threads.

If you are going to buy something from Vietnam to bring back as a gift for those at home, all types of silk and clothes made of silk of your choice are available in the village. Though the days when Vietnam's silk was reserved for nobility are long past, what will never change is the sense of romance and luxury imparted by silk, a luminous type of cloth. With 2000 years of history behind them, the silk weavers of Van Phuc Silk village are still busy, weaving dreams.

Duration: 5Days 6Nights

Route: Hanoi - Lao Cai - Sa Pa – Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai – Su Pan – Bac Ha Market – Cat Cat – Sin Chai – Lao Cai - Hanoi

Price: From US$ 205/ person

Overview:

Welcome to Sapa Bac Ha Market and Homestay tour. You will have chane to experience colourful culture from local house to the Market. The local people is so kind and hospitaly to show you their normal life by let you join their works, sharetheir house in Ta Van village, the Tay village. The market of Bac Ha is amazing place. It has multiple parts, sale of animals, blacksmiths, meat, fruits and vegetables as well as prepared foods, and finally, crafts, what the tourists like the most.

Dong Mo resort, about nearly 40km to the west of Hanoi, is part of the Cultural and Tourism Village of ethnic Vietnamese groups and a starting point of the Tay Son-Ba Vi tourism complex.

The touristattraction also makes impression to tourist by its tourists resort anda standard golf.

Atthe foot of Ba Vi Mountain in Son Dong Commune, Son Tay Town, with a total area of 1,300ha, Dong Mo Resort is an ideal site for camping,Sunday picnics, or vacations. 

More than 20 islands emerge from the lake.There is an international 36-hole golf course in King Island. Prettyvillas partially hidden in the woods mirrored in the transparent waterof the lake. 

Kings' Island Golf

TheGolf Course is covered with velvety, verdant grass, and has 18 holes ofinternational standard. The club is located along the shores of Dong MoLake. Accessing to the course is by boat. 

Kings'Island is the first 36-hole facility in northern Vietnam, including anair-conditioned clubhouse and restaurant, driving range, pro-shop,putting greens and sand bunker. It also has a clubhouse, swimming pool,tennis courts, sauna, guest villas, and boat dock.

Many families select Dong Mo for their weekend relaxation as they enjoy fresh air, diverse entertainment services, and distinctive dishes of different regions.

With an abundance of green foliage, Phuong (Phoenix) Island is an ideal venue for children’s outdoor activities such as fishing, chicken hunting, and bamboo shoot collecting.

Most tourists visiting Hanoi would like to buy silk products as presents for their friends and relatives. Van Phuc village has been well known for various beautiful shirts, crafts, ties, dresses and many other things made of silk.

Ha Dong silk village is known as Van Phuc silk village, Van Phuc, Ha Dong, Ha noi. It is far about 10 kilometer from the center of Hanoi. This is the most famous silk village from ancient time; there are many patterns and long-stand of Vietnam.

Van Phuc silk is selected under the reign of the Nguyen. Located on the Nhue River, Van Phuc silk village retains many features ancient such as the well, lotus flower, tree… Van Phuc silk village has reputation with silk weaving tradition. 

For centuries, silk has always been considered an extreme luxury, on par with rhinoceros horn, ivory and precious handworks in Vietnam. It has long been a universal byword of luxury, often worn by the richest, most powerful citizens.

Most visitors somehow have heard about the significant role of this kind of material in Vietnam, yet might wonder where the cradle of Viet silk is. The mentioned Van Phuc Silk Village is proud to be the origin of best silk and silk-making industry of Vietnam, which is attached to a long-lasting history of more than two thousand years.

Though passing by lots of ups and downs, during the recent years, the village’s craft has enjoyed revival due to a surging demand for silk in both the domestic and foreign markets.

Though the days when Vietnam's silk was reserved for nobility are long gone, what would never change is the sense of romance and luxury imparted by silk, a luminous cloth type. With 2000 years of history behind them, the silk weavers of Van Phuc Silk village are still busy, weaving dreams.

If you are going to visit the capital city of Vietnam, the first thing comes to your mind is residing somewhere near Ho Hoan Kiem which is considered the centre of Hanoi.

You will have a chance to enjoy the beautiful view of Hoan Kien Lake or Sword Lake. When seen from high above, Hoan Kiem Lake appears in the city’s center like a striking blue gem.

The long-standing Tortoise Tower in the lake’s center reflects off the lake’s transparent blue water. Along the shore of the lake the willow tree branches sway in the autumn breezes reminiscent of young girls combing their long hair. Nearby, Loc Vung trees flaunt their branches laden with red flowers that droop down to just above the water’s surface.

 Hoan Kiem Lake is surrounded by historical sites, including the magnificent statue of King Le Loi and the ancient Ngoc Son Temple with a preserved corpse of an old tortoise. The tortoise relates to the famous legend about the King who fought invaders with the assistance of a tortoise saint who provided him with a magical sword, and his return of the sword to the saint when he returned in triumph: hence the name Restored Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem Lake).

Then there is the red-painted The Huc Bridge, meaning “sun beams,” and the Pen Tower, which is in the shape of a pen pointing toward the sky (Ta Thien Thanh). The artefacts surrounding the lake not only relate to past events but also provide a platform for modern life.

Every morning the lake awakens to arriving people and their activities that have gone on for years. Amid the fresh morning air, local residents begin a new day, each in their own way. Some do morning exercises by the lake, others having a hot cup of delicious coffee or lotus-scented tea in a shop nearby. It is all part of the lake’s cycle.

Hoan Kiem Lake is considered one of the first things to see in Hanoi when one arrives in this bustling capital city. Visitors are recommended to hire a tour guide or book a Hanoi day tour so that they can learn many interesting stories and legends about the lake and other attractions surrounding it. 

Always popular in HCM City, mobile coffee carts have recently become a common sight on the streets of Hanoi, attracting many customers.

Always popular in HCM City, mobile coffee carts have recently become a common sight on the streets of Hanoi, attracting many customers.

For the past year, many people in the Old Quarter have started to become familiar with Tran Van Trieu, the owner of a mobile coffee shop. The shop consists of an old bicycle, a speaker advertising his specialty and tools to make iced coffee.

Trieu rides through the Old Quarter and sells about 1 litre of coffee every morning. Due to the low prices and people's craving for a cool drink in the hot summer, Trieu has won over several regular customers.

Duong Lam, in Son Tay town, Hanoi, Vietnam, is the first-recognized ancient village in Vietnam. The ancient village has a history of about 1,200 years with many houses dating back up to 400 years.

Two of Vietnam’s kings, Phung Hung (761-802) and Ngo Quyen (896-944) were born in Duong Lam, giving the village its prestige. Both men led resistance wars against northern invasion and after winning national independence, were crowned kings. After their deaths, the local people built temples in their honor.

Today, Duong lam village still retains most of the basic characteristics of a village of Vietnam with port village, trees, courtyard, temples, well, water fields… The roads of Duong lam were special because they have the shape as the bones of fish. Some features are still kept in Duong Lam ancient village is the old village gate in Mong Phu village.

Duong Lam has 956 traditional houses, Dong Sang has 441 houses, Mong Phu has 350 houses and Cam Thinh Has 165 houses. Many houses have been built a long time ago (in 1649, 1703, 1850…). Characteristics of the old traditional houses are all built from blocks of laterite. The trade village here is also famous and quality of the village is not inferior to the same village such as: Ban village, Cu Da…

The communal house is a worshipping place of the god – founder of the village. The ancient village consists of 5 villages so it has 5 communal houses. Doai Giap and Cam Lam communal houses dedicate to Phung Hung – the national hero who won the victory against invaders under Duong Dynasty; Cam Thinh communal house dedicates both the founder of the village and great mandarin Cao Phuc Dien – the hero under Le Dynasty. Dong Sang communal house worshiped the God but it was destroyed by fire and was restored by financial support from people. The god Tan Vien Son was dedicated in Mong Phu communal house. So far, Mong Phu communal house is a gathering place of the villagers for cultural activities. The communal house was made carefully with sophisticated decoration details. It is considered as a flower of unique sculptural architecture.

For a tangible culture relic, Duong Lam has 21 relic sites, consisting of temples, pagodas and tombs and ten of which have been classified as national and provincial relics. For an intangible cultural relic, Duong Lam has preserved various festivals, customs and literature on the people and land of Duong Lam through different period of time. For ecological environment, Duong Lam has many beautiful scenes linked with legendary stories such as Guom Hill, Ho Gam Hill and tales on the two kings Phuong Hung and Ngo Quyen.

"Phở" (noodle soup) is not only a popular dish in Ha Noi, but also a national dish of Viet Nam. As a culinary ambassador, it promotes the city's culture around the world.

Born in the early 20th century, the Vietnamese pho has been gone together with Vietnam ups and downs. Pho is not just simply a delicious dish but it really is becoming a "culinary ambassador" contributing honor Vietnamese culture to international friends. Pho is praised in all art forms: poetry, art, movies, theater. The dish is full of homeland’s aroma.

Since its first appearance in the country, phở has been accepted and favored by even the most discriminating of people. In the early days of the 20th century, phở was sold by street vendors who carried it to every corner of the city. At that time, there was only one kind of phở called "phở bò chín" (well-done beef soup), but people later created more kinds such as "phở bò tái (rare beef phở) and "phở gà (chicken phở). 

Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup consisting of broth, linguine-shaped rice noodles called “banh pho”, a few herbs, and meat. Pho is a popular street food in Vietnam and the specialty of a number of restaurant chains around the world. It is primarily served with either beef or chicken.

According to chef Didier Corlou of Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, if you visit Viet Nam and don’t try phở, then you haven’t really experienced the country’s cuisine. “Phở is one of reasons I’ve remained in Viet Nam for fourteen years”, says Corlou, referring to the popular soup found on almost every street. Mr. Corlou is so impressive with Pho that he and other French advocates persuaded Ambassador Fre’de’ric Barono of the European Union to organize a workshop on the popular dish. “Pho”- Vietnamese Heritage attracted attention cultural researchers, poets, and Vietnamese culinary experts.

The millennial capital city is developing very fast with modern buildings, a modern lifestyle and the proliferation of foreign dishes. Ha Noi’s cuisine is also changing and there are many restaurants serving fast-food from western countries. People now can even enjoy their favorite phở in deluxe air-conditioned restaurants.

However, many Hanoians enjoy eating pho in a crowded restaurant where they have to wait a long time to be served because they think, if the restaurant is crowded, that means its phở is particularly delicious. It’s the taste that matters most.

Suggestion address:

- At 13 Hang Giay street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi city

- At 336B, Ba trieu street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi city 

- At 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi city

- At 13 Lo Duc street, Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi city

- At 1 Hang Trong street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi city

- At 105-B12, Khuat Duy Tien street, Thanh Xuan district, Hanoi city

Fine Arts Museum

This Hanoi museum housed in a fine building has exhibits of artworks from prehistory to the present day. The displays on the first floor show fine art from the prehistoric era, while early 20th century work can be found on the second floor including examples of Soviet-influenced socialist realist works with peasants striking patriotic poses. In addition there are some fine examples of bronze drums from the Dong Son civilisation and Cham sculptures. Don't miss the silk and oil paintings and ethnic minority art on the third floor. The collection is housed in a French colonial building dating from the 1930s.

Opening Times: Tue-Sun 0830-1700.

Admission Fees: Yes

Disabled Access: No

Unesco: No

Address: 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc , Hanoi, Vietnam

Telephone: (04) 3733 2131.

Website: http://www.vnfineartsmuseum.org.vn

Ho Chi Minh Museum

Designed by Soviet architects, and the shape said to represent the lotus flower, Hanoi’s Ho Chi Minh museum is dedicated to the life and achievements of the former president, with displays and photographs relating to his life and featuring many of his personal items. Inaugurated on what would have been Ho Chi Minh's 100th birthday in 1990, it depicts his epic struggle for the liberation of Vietnam from imperial powers. The museum is closed in October and November.

Opening Times: Tues-Thurs, Sat-Sun 0800-1130 and 1400-1600.

Admission Fees: Yes

Disabled Access: No

Unesco: No

Address: 3 Ngoc Ha, Hanoi, Vietnam

Telephone: (04) 3846 3752 or 3757.

Ho Chi Minh's House

This simple stilt house in Hanoi is modelled along the lines of a traditional communal house and was where Ho Chi Minh occasionally lived when he was president, until his death in 1969. The two simple rooms, a study and bedroom, still contain many of his personal effects, and his cars are on display nearby. He is said to have preferred to live and work here, next to a large pond containing carp, rather than use the stunning colonial Presidential Palace next door which was originally built for the Governor General of Indochina.

Opening Times: Daily 0730-1100 and 1400-1600 (summer); daily 0800-1100 and 1400-1600 (winter).

Admission Fees: Yes

Disabled Access: No

Unesco: No

Address: 1 Bach Thao, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam

Telephone: 0804 3226.

Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum

Former President 'Uncle Ho' lies in state here, despite his request that he be cremated and his ashes scattered around Vietnam, and people come from all over the country and the world to pay their respects. His embalmed body is displayed in a granite monolith modelled after Lenin's tomb in Moscow, and visitors have to walk round in a respectful silence. No photos are allowed inside so bags and cameras have to be checked in at the entrance. Between September and November check whether he is in situ as he is sent to Moscow every year for specialist preservation work.

Opening Times: Tues-Thurs, Sat-Sun 0730-1100 (summer); Tues-Thurs, Sat-Sun 0800-1130 (winter).

Admission Fees: No

Disabled Access: No

Unesco: No

Address: Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi, Vietnam

Telephone: (04) 3845 5168 or 3734 5484.

The Old Quarter

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is an enchanting maze of 36 narrow streets named after the products that were traditionally sold here - such as ‘paper street and medicine’ street - and home to the amazing tunnel houses which have a very narrow frontage hiding very long and deep rooms. Now the streets are more likely to have a mix of shops including places selling household items, silk clothes, funerary items and traditional medicine. Interspersed will be bars, boutique hotels and even karaoke clubs. A great way to see the Old Quarter is to cruise through the chaotic traffic in a cyclo.

Admission Fees: No

Disabled Access: No

Unesco: No

Address: The Old Quarter, North of Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam

The Temple of Literature

This beautifully preserved temple dating from 1070, originally dedicated to Confucius, became the first university in Vietnam where the sons of mandarins were educated. The temple is an oasis of calm in the heart of Hanoi. The central entrance gate was reserved for the king and the two side entrances for the mandarins. The interior is divided into walled courtyards with both sides of one courtyard lined with stone stelae mounted on the backs of tortoises engraved with the names of the students who passed their exams.

Opening Times: Daily 0730-1730.

Admission Fees: Yes

Disabled Access: No

Unesco: No

Address: Quoc Tu Giam Street, Hanoi, Vietnam

Telephone: (04) 3733 5586 or 3823 5601.

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Visitors to Asia in general often skip temples and pagodas, but a visit to the Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi is well worth your time as it is one of the oldest in Vietnam. This well-used pagoda is perfect to watch the locals performing simple ceremonies. They don't seem to mind the visitors mingling around them as they pray and make offerings. Attractively located on an islet on the West Lake, it has a tranquil garden and a spectacular centrepiece.

Opening Times: Mon-Sat 0700-1130 and 1310-1800, Sun 0700-1800.

Admission Fees: No

Disabled Access: No

Unesco: No

Address: Thanh Nien, Hanoi, Vietnam

Vietnam Military History Museum

This is one of the most visited museums in Hanoi and houses a vast array of military memorabilia in indoor and outdoor collections. The museum initially covers military history right up to the 20th century before going into more detail from 1930 until the victory at Dien Bien Phu in 1954 and then concentrating on the People's Armed Forces up to 1975, including the Ho Chi Minh Trail. In the grounds of the museum are old planes, tanks, guns and bombs, captured equipment, including a Huey helicopter, and a wrecked B-52.

Opening Times: Tues-Thurs, Sat-Sun 0800-1130 and 1300-1630.

Admission Fees: Yes

Disabled Access: No

Unesco: No

Address: 28A Dien Bien Phu, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam

Telephone: (04) 3733 4682.

Website: http://www.btlsqsvn.org.vn

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

This absorbing museum in Hanoi covers the 54 ethnic tribes that live throughout Vietnam, preserving their culture and history. The enormous collection of artefacts includes everyday objects, clothing, jewellery, musical instruments and many photographs. In the museum grounds are examples of Tay and Yao stilt houses, an Ede long house and a Garai traditional tomb. There are regular exhibitions and occasional dance performances.

Opening Times: Tue-Sun 0830-1730.

Admission Fees: Yes

Disabled Access: Yes

Unesco: No

Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam

Telephone: (04) 3756 2193.

Website: http://www.vme.org.vn