I only have one day in Hanoi to pack in 1,000 years of history. It’s going to be a challenge, but if I can hit the highlights I will leave the first destination on my week-long trip to Vietnam with a feel for one of the most important cities in the country.
I’m here as a guest of Flight Centre, who has brought me out to Vietnam to experience its tailor-made Journeys. I can’t wait to visit the capital of Vietnam with them.
The company has set me up in luxury at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and put me in the good hands of Buffalo Tours, their local partner, for my guided tour of Hanoi.
I start out at the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum with my guide. He knows all about the national hero and has a great sense of humor that catches me by surprise and entertains me all day.
The mausoleum and its surrounding complex are the epicenter of the city’s visitor attractions. Long lines form each day as people from all over the world gaze upon his eerily pale figure in its monumental tomb.
I follow suit, entering the cool building to get a glimpse of the man revered for leading the country’s pursuit of independence from colonialism.
Right outside is Ho Chi Minh’s former home, which sits next to—and in stark contrast to—an opulent French colonial Governor General’s Palace.
My guide explains that the leader chose to live in a simple, traditional house on stilts to reflect his political philosophy and distance himself from his French predecessors.
After touring Ho Chi Minh’s humble home, my one day in Hanoi continues as I travel farther back into the city’s history at the Temple of Literature. It’s one of the most striking religious sites in Hanoi.
I also visit the Ngoc Son Temple, which sits on Hoan Kiem Lake in the city center. It’s equally impressive and has lovely views across the water.
But the city isn’t just history. It’s also full of culture. After visiting the temples, my one day in Hanoi continues as I discover the culinary side of its cultural offerings at a Vietnamese cooking class.
After a quick visit to a local produce market, I return to the kitchens of the Hanoi Cooking Centre and learn to make classic dishes like fresh spring rolls and banana leaf salad.
There’s a great balance of flavors and textures in Vietnamese food, from hot and cool to crunchy and smooth. The freshness of the herbs and vegetables might be the best part, though.
At the end of my one day in Hanoi, I’ve gotten a picture of the city and a look into its historic and culinary traditions. There’s plenty more to see, but it will have to wait for another trip.
Or trips. With 1,000 years of history and more good food than I could ever eat, I might have to come back more than once to fully appreciate all it has to offer.
But my day in Hanoi has given me a good foundation on which to build the rest of my trip to Vietnam, and I finish my time in the city feeling ready to explore the rest of the country.
Next stops: Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta. To be continued…
Find this post helpful? Buy me a coffee!
New here? Join thousands of others and subscribe to the A Lady in London blog via email.
One of the links in this blog post is an affiliate link. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission when you click on it and make a purchase. It doesn’t affect the way you shop, and it’s a great way to support the A Lady in London blog.
24 Comments on Lady’s Guide to One Day in Hanoi
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
This looks incredible!I’ve always wanted to visit Vietnam, it looks stunning! Looking forward to reading the rest of your posts.
Lauren xx
Thanks! Yeah, it was great!
You’re truly doing one of my dream trips right now! What a dream!
Yeah, it’s really amazing!
Wow it looks incredible, It is a place I have never thought about visiting before but will look into it more now.
xxx
Lyndsey
Yeah, it’s worth a visit!
Hanoi in a day is doable! I had 48 hours to see Hanoi and I think I did okay. Gorgeous photos – made me wish I visited Ho Chi Minh’s residence (it was raining and grey when I went, so I didn’t bother). x
Jasiminne
That’s too bad you missed the residence. Hopefully you can go next time!
Too bad you only had one day! The shopping is great…next time! You did so much in the day you had!
Yeah, I was sad to not be able to explore the shops! Hopefully I can on a future visit.
Hanoi in 24 hours I guess is better than nothing but there’s sooooo much to this amazing city that I hope you can go back and properly explore. I lived there for 4.5 years and count it as one of the most special places in the world. I haven’t been to quite as many places as you but I have been to 63 countries and lived in 9 so I speak from some experience.
Nice!
Only one day in Hanoi, that must have been tricky to pack so much in. I’d love to do a cooking class in Asia, perhaps I’ll fit one into my Bali trip!
Suze
Yeah, cooking classes are a lot of fun!
All pictures are beautiful as always!
I would love to visit Hanoi someday. For a short stay you seem have had seen many great things 😀
Happy travels Julie.
Thanks!
Hanoi is a beautiful city and my preferred compared to HCMC. I’ve visited Vietnam four times now – such a diverse destination and I absolutely adore the food. Looking forward to hearing more about your trip.
Wow, that’s great! I love the food, too!
Very much enjoyed your first instalment from Vietnam. A country on my one day wish list – and looking forward to your next post!
Thanks!
What gorgeous photos, Julie! My mom and I are determined to make Asia our next goal in vacations because we’ve never been to any country there. That food looks delicious and the sights so unique.
Yeah, you would love the food there!
I am impressed by your photo of lotus. I am a Vietnamese but I haven’t been to Ha Noi yet because I live in Ho Chi Minh city. I guess I will try to make a trip to Ha Noi.
Thanks! Glad you like the photo. I hope you can get to Hanoi sometime. It’s a lovely city!