Ah to visit Vietnam, memories to last forever. The people, the cultural and the food!
Hanoi, Sapa - the place that captures your mind, enriches your senses and when you thought you've seen it all, there is always more… This is our recommended way of joining Hanoi Sapa tour and in our opinion by far the best things to do in Hanoi and Sapa lies in discovering the local way of life!
- The best itinerary of Sapa homestay tour you can consider
- What Are The Best Places To Excursion In North Vietnam?
At Hanoi Capital
Today, I will show you what really happens behind the scenes; where the interesting places in Hanoi are hidden and what is really important to see and learn about this amazing city! In my opinion these are the best things to do in Hanoi, although we do recommend you see the typical Hanoi tourist attractions too!
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| Photo by maxpixel |
Discover the real Hanoi!
I didn’t know what to expect of Hanoi. I was just like you, searching the web for information, reviews and the typical “what to do in Hanoi?” questions.
But the best way to really see this city is to open you mind for new things and make your way to the heart of it all. To me the heart of Hanoi is the Old Quarter.
Once you look out of the window of you comfy hotel, the journey to discovery begins. The air was filled with gentle sweetness, smells of the various food enticing you to run down and try it all.
The Busy Streets of Hanoi Old Quarter
Once you step outside, you are right in the middle of it all. People going in all different directions, seemingly no rules on the road, but perfectly coordinated traffic. Beeping of the horns everywhere, locals and tourists talking all different languages all around you. The sweat dripping down your shirt reminding you that you are in South East Asia.
Apart from using our maps on the iPhone so we could get back to the hotel later or to find the recommended areas to eat at, all we wanted to do was to get a little lost.
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| Photo by maxpixel |
Sometimes you have to take a road less travelled to see where it leads you. Sometimes it is the only way to discover some awesome places of interest in Hanoi, away from the crowds and typical tourist hot spots. With authentic things to do in Hanoi in mind, we criss-crossed the streets to see it all.
Sometimes you have to take a road less travelled to see where it leads you. Sometimes it is the only way to discover some awesome places of interest in Hanoi, away from the crowds and typical tourist hot spots. With authentic things to do in Hanoi in mind, we criss-crossed the streets to see it all.
Behind the Scenes
What is really behind the busyness of this city? I think it is the people. The people that drive this city, the locals, the masses that travel in the early hours of the morning to work. Those never-complaining, hard working people who provide us with the food they grow; who welcome us to their homes; to their city. I always thank them for their hospitality and treat them with respect.As we wondered about the Old Quarter, we found alleyways that were perhaps more obscure in comparison to the bright lit shop streets. However, this is exactly what we wanted to find and I’m glad we did. Picture perfect little spots everywhere! We love taking time to see things through the lens of our camera. The world looks different through a photo. Sometimes, it creates something much more then the eye can see. Captures a memory that will live forever…
The Markets in Hanoi
Ah, Markets… They don’t make them like this everywhere. I grew up in Poland in a small town called Ketrzyn, where the weekend markets were very popular for buying all fresh produce and more. Nothing in comparison to these markets though.
The variety of colourful spices, freshest veggies and fruit is intoxicating here. The wonderland of flavours and aromas play with all your senses. I believe there is a hidden chef in all of us, just give me a recipe and I will make you something delicious.
At Sapa
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| Photo by maxpixel |
Different from life in Hanoi, Sapa gives you a more exotic feeling. Large space with spectacular mountains, ethnic minorities groups with colorful costumes and typical dishes of the mountains of Northern Vietnam.
Trek and visit fascinating tribal villages: Tribal trekking is commonplace in Sapa wherein visitors are guided through the many villages to immerse in authentic cultural experiences, enjoy local cuisine and surround themselves with the beautiful folds of rice terraces. If you are keen on traversing the cultures and traditions of the tribal groups, this experience will provide a hands-on and unmediated experience, contrary to merely visiting landmarks and points of interests.
To engage in a more fulfilling immersion, you can trek the villages in the day and spend the night at a local home, then continue your journey the very next day! This homestay experience appeals not only to travellers who are keen in the tribal cultures but also those who wish to avoid the throngs of tourists at popular sights.
Bask in the green rice terraces of Muong Hoa Valley: No trip to Sapa is complete without treading on the bright green rice terraces – a manifestation of the livelihood of the Sapa hill tribes who are heavily dependent on rice cultivation. If mountain treks are over-taxing and arduous for you, then a trek along the rice terraces of Muong Hoa Valley is perfect!
Savour the flavour of traditional Hmong-style cuisine: Ah, food! Time to replenish your energy! You can enjoy traditional Hmong-style cuisine at The Hill Station Signature Restaurant, renowned for its spring rolls, tofu, traditional Hmong pork confit, smoked buffalo and black pudding. Unwind with some house wine and craft beer if you’d like! The price is extremely reasonable and excellent service is provided. This restaurant is also perfect for vegetarians.
Shop at the local Sapa Market: The hustle and bustle of the Sapa market is emblematic of the vibrant lives of the tribal people. It is a mere 20-minute walk from Town Square, so if you’re in the area then drop by to get a glimpse of the frenetic atmosphere and buy some clothing, utensils or handcrafts. Some haggling skills are essential and be sure to stay firm as vendors may get a bit pushy! If you get too tired and hungry, a warm bowl of beef pho at a local stall is certainly consoling.
Besides Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay is also an interesting destination that you can combine with Hanoi and Sapa during your Vietnam holiday packages. Please connect with us if you need support, we are always ready!
