Cheap Airfare Vietnam: Flights Hanoi Destination Guide

Do you want to book flights Hanoi and visit one of the most beautiful cities in the world? This small guide will provide you with all the informations needed.

Flights Hanoi Destination Guide

Hanoi Holidays

Hanoi, Vietnam, has held its title as capital for more than 1,000 years. It's where old and new Asia meld. You can hear it amid the cries of street hawkers and swarms of motorbikes, see it in the French colonial architecture and feel it in the tai chi on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake. If you're feeling game, jumping on the back of a taxi motorbike is a good introduction to the road rules. Let your tastebuds be tingled by the food and allow the tropical heat to defrost you if you're taking a break from colder climes. Hanoi has several charms – you might enjoy the wander to find them...

Top Attractions

One of Vietnam's most popular historical sites is in Hanoi: the Temple of Literature. It's the country's first university – and a monument to scholars – built in 1076. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum has an eerie orange light over the leader's glass coffin and for a grizzly historical insight, visit Hoa Lo Prison – the 'Hanoi Hilton' (as dubbed by American prisoners during the Vietnam War). The Old Quarter is replete with attractions: night markets, water puppets at the theatre on Hoan Kiem Lake, French colonial architecture. Propaganda and a collection of artefacts at the Museum of the Revolution comprise a curious collection.

Eat and Drink

The best food won't necessarily be found in a Hanoi restaurant – try eating on the street first. As one writer has said, a visit to Vietnam without tucking into a streetside bowl of chicken noodle soup ('pho ga') is like visiting Italy and abstaining from pasta. When you do try the street stalls, best to just order the food you can see. The gastronomically adventurous might like to try snake at Le Mat (Snake Village) 6 kilometres east of Hanoi. Not for you? The French influence here means you can find fine pastries and the traditional version is called 'banh' – rice mixed with savoury ingredients, wrapped in leaves and boiled. To drink? Tea! (Or coffee or try a Hmong cucumber and mint cooler. A Hmong cucumber is a cross between a cucumber and a melon.)

Where to Stay

You'll find Hanoi accommodation is very budget friendly, whichever end of the spectrum your budget sits. This is a city where you'll find most hotels over $20 per night will have air conditioning, safes, hair dryers so you may find your budget will go further than you were anticipating! The Old Quarter has a swarm of hotels and hostels (if you choose a property down an alleyway, you'll escape the traffic noise). If you're seeking a luxurious city property, still within walking distance of many attractions, try the Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi or Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.

Shopping

Lovers of silk and tailor-made apparel will enjoy Hanoi shopping. Silk of high quality is easy to buy – if you're unsure of the quality, a good way to check it is to burn a few strands; if it smells like burned hair, it's silk. The unofficial Silk Street is actually named Hang Gai Street. Hanoi is also good for buying silver and embroidered goods. In the Old Quarter, the night market usually opens around 7pm and has all sorts of wares, from bootleg DVDs to ornaments. Remember to wear your haggling hat at any market you attend – offering 50 per cent of the original price is a good start.

Hanoi like a Local

Crossing the road here can be an experience in itself. Don't assume motorbikes will stop for you, even if you make eye contact or hold out your hand in a stop motion. Allow the locals to be your cue for guidance here. Don't be afraid to ask the price of food/taxi fares/souvenirs and haggle if you don't like what you hear, or just walk away. If Hanoi is feeling like it's a bit too much, consider jumping on the overnight sleeper train to the mountain town in north-west Vietnam, Sapa. It's a good idea to come during the week though as it's very crowded for the Saturday market. (There are smaller markets on weekdays too.)

Knowledge is power. Now, you're ready to pack you stuffs, book flights Hanoi & enjoy the city ASAP!

Cheap Airfare Vietnam

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