Things to do in Ha Noi during Tet Holiday

Here are the top things to do during Tet Holiday in Ha Noi. Lunar New Year is probably the most-awaited eve of the year when people in the country finally get to lay down their back after a full year of hard working.

If summer is “the time for holiday” to most people, Tet in Vietnam is just like another “party time” when people eventually find themselves good places to make a getaway. Now follow us to discover your own Tet in the capital.

Explore Ngoc Son Temple

At Hoan Kiem Lake, you can find Ha Noi’s most visited temple Ngoc Son temple, meaning “Temple of the Jade Mountain”. Ngoc Son Temple was built in the 18th century in commemoration for General Tran Hung Dao, scholar Van Xuong and Confucian master Nguyen Van Sieu. It is located on a small island on the lake, and is connected to the shore by the iconic Rising Sun Bridge. The bridge is often lit at night. Also, the pagoda has two towering posts decorated with Chinese writing.

Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is a popular place for a weekend hang out, especially at Tet. Annually, there will be big flower festival around the lake at Lunar New Year. There is also Tet Flower Market in Hang Luoc Street if you want to enjoy the beauty of peach blossoms or buy some to bring to your hometown. Tet in Ha Noi always bring home to mind, especially to Hanoians, this is the time when they can truly return to their childhood. Hoan Kiem Lake’s Flower Festival will not be a bad choice if you want to find the breath of Tet around the capital.

Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda

The Tran Quoc Pagoda is a Buddhist center located on the East side of the West Lake. It has a history of more than 1500 years. Although it is definitely worth a visit, it is crowded there during Tet. It was busier at Tran Quoc Pagoda than at Ngoc Son Temple. A lot of local people went to say their prayers, which creates a walking line to get in. If you are interested in seeing the praying, it is definitely worth a visit. However, if you are a bit claustrophobic, go early and avoid the crowds.

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Started in 1973, the construction of the mausoleum was modeled on Lenin's mausoleum in Russia and was first open to the public in 1975. The granite building meant a great deal for many locals as it ensures that their beloved leader ‘lives on forever’.

Security is tight and visitors should dress with respect (no shorts, sleeveless shirts and miniskirts) and everyone has to deposit their bags and cameras before getting in. Visitors are not allowed to stop and hold the constant queue up as the place is constantly busy. Uncle Ho’s remains are sent yearly to Russia for maintenance therefore the mausoleum is closed usually from October onwards. It’s best to recheck with your hotel tour desk before visiting. Admission is free but donations are accepted.

Enjoy street food

It is one of the things Ha Noi is known for awesome street food. A good way to spot a good street food restaurant is if you see a lot of (local) people eating there. Simple as that. Also, if a lot of people are sitting there, you can also sneak peak how the food looks like.

During Tet there are still enough street food vendors open, although less than normally. However, this really was not a problem, because there were enough options.

See more: Discover Ha Noi through its famous structures

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6 tranquil coffee shops in Ha Noi

Have you ever get fed up with your studying or working corner? Have you ever wanted to bring your laptop or books out but not finding anywhere, except the library? Below are the tranquil cafes in Ha Noi that help you have the inspiration to work or study.

Nola

Although Nola is right in the centre of the Old Quarter, it is surprisingly quiet. The labyrinth of houses and buildings surrounding it create rather successful sound-proofing, and the café even has a selection of art which can be enjoyed silently.

The seating is extremely comfortable and it is easy to spend an entire evening here either by yourself with book or with some friends for some quiet conversation. Drinks are good, too. Nola is definitely perfect place for travelers to experience and relax.

Address: 89 Ma May street, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem District

Fuku

Photo HaNoi HideAway

Like Nola, Fuku is slap-bang in the middle of the Old Quarter. Squeeze down the alleyway and you will find yourself in a café that feels a little bit like being in an underground bunker.

Address: No1, Lane 107 Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem District

RAND Moroc & Coffee

A super-quiet address always! The shop is located on the second floor of an old block on Tran Thanh Tong Street, a street which itself is very peaceful.

Decorated in a nostalgic style, RAND owns a deep and warm color scheme with old wooden furniture but “quality”. Unlike many other cafes, RAND does not usually play music, even the pianissimi. There will only have birdsong in the branches, the sound of the making-coffee machine vibrating slightly, the breathing, the sound when you open your books. Maybe that makes a RAND so strange.

Address: 2nd floor, 2B Tran Thanh Tong Street, Hoan Kiem District

Tranquil

Right from entering the cafe on the small Nguyen Quang Bich street, you have instantly been mixing in the quiet, relaxing with jazz deposition. Not only create a sense of warmth, gentle, Tranquil longer “Footbinding” living by the book extremely interesting, diverse in genre and is lined on the higher prices to the ceiling.

Coming here, you like being back in time, looking for old memories with pretty quiet space. In addition to Tranquil to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with good books, you can also choose this place to meet with friends, review together a couple of stories of his childhood was also extremely interesting, just to think about it is in your heart flutter see.

Address: 5 Nguyen Quang Bich, Cua Dong, Hoang Kiem District

Xoan

Photo SM

Xoan is hidden behind a stack of buildings in Thanh Xuan, Ha Noi. Walk down the alley and you will find a peaceful and cubby-hole cafe. Make sure you have a good look around before finally settling on somewhere to sit as there are plenty of options.

Address: No 5, Lane 411 Truong Chinh street, Nga Tu So, Thanh Xuan

Manzi

Manzi is a brilliantly peaceful haven tucked down a quiet street off Quan Thanh. Furnished with several good tables and chairs, this bright and spacious cafe cum gallery also offers a deal for freelancers where you pay one price for unlimited coffee and tea throughout the day.

Manzi is Hanoi’s independent art space, café and bar. Housed in an elegant turn of the 20th century French villa with a shady yard in a quiet lane near the Water Tower, it is your perfect living room to spend your day reading or working on your laptop among paintings and art installations of well-known and emerging Vietnamese visual artists. Come in the evening for a drink, and you may well catch an exhibition opening, a book introduction, a film screening or a music performance.

Address: 14 Phan Huy Ich, Nguyen Trung truc, Ba Dinh District

See more: Where to try the best Pho in Ha Noi, Vietnam

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A vegan guide to Ha Noi

You might not believe it but it can be hard to find decent vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Ha Noi. Here are the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Ha Noi to make sure every meal is a winner.

Peace Vegan

Situated in a French-inspired maison overlooking the iconic west lake (Tay Ho), Peace Vegan certainly earned its moniker. Sit in the chilled, communal style ground floor, or peek upstairs at the elegant rooftop, where local expats and Vietnamese chat over coffee and delicious vegan food. Peace Vegan offers a fairly extensive and buffet option, as well as coffee and tea for extremely competitive prices.

As such, it has become one of Tay Ho’s trendiest hang-outs. On a weekday, you can grab yourself unlimited food including soup for only 40,000 VND, about 1.75 USD.

An Lac - Buffet Chay

How about a vegetarian buffet? For just VND 99,000 (USD 5), you are able to eat as you please and try all of the over 50 delicious, healthy vegan dishes at An Lac. This is great for a group meal as the restaurant is spacious. However, seats and food do run out thanks to the restaurant’s popularity and, of course, the extremely attractive price tag, so we recommend you reserve yourself a table in advance. Also, do make sure you keep an empty stomach before you head over.

Jalus Vegan Kitchen and Café

A small shop in an old, worn-out building located right in the heart of the Old Quarter, Jalus serves all kinds of healthy dishes in a cozy environment. This is a popular spot for the Western vegan community, and even seems to attract locals who are looking to take a break from their carnivorous diet. Enjoy a nice meal on the cute balcony while watching people wandering aimlessly on the street below, or stay under the A/C in the wooden-themed interior.

Loving Hut

This is the second Hanoi outlet for this international vegan restaurant chain, also known as Com Chay Thien Phuc. Located in an alley, with three 90-degree turns, this branch is located just outside of the Old Quarter. There are small signs to guide to in at both alley entrances, but the restaurant is easily visible from Hoang Ngoc Phach. Like all Loving Hut’s, you can expect a clean dining room, English language menu, and the typical mock meat and vegetable dishes. Prices are very reasonable, and you can also pick up some great whole foods such as whey powder, honey and dried fruit.

Quan Chay Bo De

There is a small vegan supermarket downstairs with a variety of noodles, mock meat and vegan sauces, we were excited to find this but to be honest the selection was limited and lots of it included MSG, which might be a problem for some travelers.

Read more: 5 best Banh My shops in Ha Noi, Vietnam

Uu Dam Chay

Welcoming you with a green garden and water stream that makes you surprised. Uu Dam is a cozy eatery located on Hang Bai street that connects the Old Quarter to the other districts in Ha Noi. The place is very spacious, spanning multiple floors, and almost feels as if you are dining in an art gallery. Uu Dam serves the vegetarian take of a wide variety of dishes ranging from southern to northern cuisine, including local favorites such as pho, bun cha and banh xeo. Every dish is vegan-friendly and the portions are so beautifully presented that you will feel a little guilty when you start to chew.

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Taste the iconic dishes in Ha Noi

The best Ha Noi dishes are inexpensive yet tasty treats that can be found within Ha Noi Old Quarter’s narrow alleyways and bustling street markets. Compared to other cities in Vietnam, Ha Noi food tends to be on the sweeter side and utilises freshwater ingredients such as prawns, squids, shrimps, crabs, clams, and mussels.

And your trip to Ha Noi is not complete without sampling its traditional delicacies, here is a list of the top must-try dishes in Ha Noi.

Cha Ca La Vong

You think you have read about this name somewhere and yes, you are right. Cha ca La Vong is listed as one of the top 100 things you must try before you die by many cuisine experts. It is exquisitely grilled fish served with bun, peanut, green onions, dills and shrimp paste. The fish is carefully chosen so that there are not too many bones and fishy smells. A glass of bia hoi or tra da will definitely give your meal more flavour.

Bun Cha

Bun cha, is one northern Vietnamese food that quickly became our favorite. It is one of the best Ha Noi food specialty not to be missed.

The dish consists of grilled pork strips and balls or cha served over a bed of rice vermicelli noodles or bun. It typically comes with a plate of fresh Vietnamese herbs and a bowl of dipping sauce.  Pickled vegetables, like cabbage, carrots, onion or green papaya served with additional meatballs on the side. The sauce is made of the famous Vietnamese fish sauce or nuoc mam combined with vinegar, lime, sugar, garlic and chili.

Bun Thang

Bun thang or rice vermicelli with chicken, egg and pork can be enjoyed at any time of the day. The clear yet flavourful broth is made with 20 ingredients, including dried shrimp, squid, shrimp paste, spring onion, coriander, ginger, mushroom, beet, fish sauce, sugar candy, and vinegar.

It is also a particularly attractive Ha Noi dish as the noodles, chicken, eggs, pork slices, and a dollop of shrimp paste are carefully arranged to resemble a flower.

Banh Tom

Banh tom is a shrimp patty specialty original from the area around West Lake (Ho Tay) in Hanoi. First, the dough is made with wheat flour, cornstarch, fresh water, egg, salt, pepper, turmeric powder and sweet potato. This is dipped into cooking oil and the shrimps are placed on top.

The whole thing is deep fried for about 5 minutes until the shrimp pancakes become golden brown. The patty is usually served with fish sauce. You will find this specialty at Banh Tom Ho Tay.

Xoi Xeo

Image Anh H

You will encounter this dish in almost every outdoors market. There are even two restaurants dedicated fully to this dish in the Old Quarters. Xoi xeo is sticky rice topped with ground de-hulled mung bean and fried onion. Sometimes it can be served with eggs or steamed chicken breast on request. The serving is really filling and it is good for any time of the day but most Vietnamese have it for breakfast or lunch.

Read more: Top 7 best coffee shops in Ha Noi

Pho Xao 

Pho may be best known as rice noodles served in soup, but you can also enjoy it in the form of pho xao, which is stir-fried with onions, beef slices, and assorted greens. The flat noodles are usually crisp on the outside with a smooth glutinous texture, and most restaurants sometimes add fried eggs and chili sauce to this simple yet satisfying dish. Thin is a family-run restaurant within Hai Ba Trung District, where you can savour pho xao for only VND 50,000.

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36 streets for 36 trades of Ha Noi Old Quarter

The Old Quarter of Ha Noi is a must-see place for anyone visiting Vietnam. It is located at the north of Hoan Kiem Lake and is where many economical hotels, tourist shops and cafes in Hanoi are concentrated at. In Ha Noi Old Quarter, there are about 36 streets, but the actual streets are up to 70. The number 36 has rooted from the 15th century when the streets developed from workshop area into streets. Each street has a different function and characteristic.

Busy 36 Streets

Interestingly, Old Quarter is also known as the ‘36 Streets’ because of the famous streets that make up the place, all named for the type of goods or service they were originally known for. There are streets which are named for selling silk, shoes, jewelries etc. Some of these streets still retain their original purpose so do not be surprised when you come across streets with most or all stores selling similar stuff or service.
Let explore most famous streets out of thirty-six to have a closer look at the Ha Noi Old Quarter.

Hang Bac

Bac means silver and till today, the street is still lined with silver shops, although some have expanded their wares to include jade bangles and other jewelleries. Although this is a street that is located near our hotel and we walked on it several times, we hardly patronise the jewellery shops here since we were not intending to buy any jewellery in Ha Noi.

Besides jewelleries, the shops are also known as a good ‘unofficial’ place for money exchange. However, with recent crackdowns, this might be less easy nowadays. Hotels and travel agencies have become the ‘legal’ money exchangers now instead.

Cau Go Street

Cau Go Street is a commercial street specializing in women’s accessories, and is situated just beside the huge eatery building that houses Thai Express, City View Cafe and Highlands Coffee, just to name a few.

Hang Be Street

In the mid-19 century, Hang Be street was the place where the craftsmen made bamboo rafts. Each raft consisted of 12 to 15 bamboo poles lashed by the bamboo bark. The bamboo poles were sold in Hang Tre street. Bamboo raft played an important role in the traveling and fishing of the residents because they could easily move through Ha Noi’s shallow river, swamps and lakes.

Hang Dao Street

Hang Dao street is one of the main streets in the Old Quarter running from the north to the south, dividing the quarter into two halves. “Dao” refers to the pink peach blossoms, the symbol of Tet in Vietnam. At that time, there was a huge demanding for this color, so the street was named after that story. In the past, the street was a center for silk products. On the first and sixth days of lunar months, there were fairs that people tried to try silk products for French and Ha Noi local people. When there was a turn from 19th to 20th century, the street sold not only silk but also western clothing products. Nowadays, this street is specializing in ready-made clothes.

Hang Mam Street

The name of Mam rooted from “fish sauces”, which is a kind of ingredients commonly used in Vietnam's dishes. The street was originally located on the riverside near the day’s catch. After the sauce was made, it was stored in barrels that were made on Hang Thung Street. From 1940, a ceramics industry including memorial stone etching, tombstone and coffin appeared and replaced the fish sauce business.

Read more: 5 homestays to find peace in the heart of Ha Noi

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Cu Da, vermicelli village in Ha Noi

Cu Da is located on the side of Nhue River, so Cu Da Village became very bustling villages by port and boats to get together here for buying and selling goods. The villages strongly developed at ending of 19th century to beginning of 20th, coming here traveler to see with a lot of gates as village’s gate and house family’s gates that are unique character of Red River delta’s culture.

There are more than tens of ancient houses these were built by French style architecture, the most house was made by precious wood and the roof covering by red tiles. Travelers can visit Mr.Pham The Sung’s house which was built in 130 years ago, the house to have been used for 4 generations. Although, his house was passed a lot of things to up and down because he wants to keep up the tradition and culture of his ancestor, therefore he does not break down for new house.

Vermicelli noodle paradise

Vermicelli noodles are called “mien” in Vietnamese and come in white and yellow versions. They are used mainly in noodle soup and in fried spring rolls.

In Cu Da, white and yellow vermicelli noodles dangle everywhere, covering rooftops and walls,pretty much any surface that noodles can be hung from. The unusual scene dates back about 60 or 70 years, when residents first started hand-making noodles for their own consumption. But the noodles' high quality attracted interest from all over Vietnam, and vermicelli soon became the village's calling card.

Both white and yellow versions are made with arrowroot. The arrowroot is ground and mixed with water to make a paste which is spread onto large bamboo trays and dried. It is then cut into thin strips, the vermicelli and dried again before being packaged. Although machines are now used for the spreading and cutting, it is still a very labour-intensive process. Half of the village’s income comes from vermicelli production.

Many people know the village is also because of the traditional handicraft village. Every day, 9-10 tons of vermicelli are produced, making the lives of the people here are extremely busy. On sunny days, the roads in the village are dyed yellow by the plates of vermicelli. Improved cars racing to sell vermicelli made Cu Da village bustle as bustling as old.

As a long-standing brand, Cu Da village is also famous for its delicious dishes. To have delicious batches need a lot of elaborate phases. Plates of sticky rice are scooped out and dried on each hot, placed on the rigs to prepare for the process of soy sauce.

Read more: A journey through peaceful villages in Hoi An

Ancient architecture

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the village benefited from a thriving economy, thanks to its position on a bustling trade route along the Nhue River. This relative prosperity enabled residents to build and maintain beautiful homes, gates and temples.

The ornate Cu Da Temple, for example, is a national heritage site that showcases precious stones and colorful motifs of dragons, unicorns and phoenixes. Also notable are the countless French-style villas, many of which were built as community centers where residents would gather to make decisions.

If you are looking for short vacation Ha Noi, Vietnam. So, spending a day trip to Cu Da Village should in your travel list.

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Top 6 budget-friendly destinations for travellers in Asia

Asia is home to some of the most epically beautiful and culturally amazing destinations on the planet. While some of Asia’s nations, including Japan and Singapore, are known for being pretty expensive places to travel, there are those at the other end of the spectrum that offer terrific opportunities for budget travellers to explore.

Ha Noi, Vietnam

Vietnam's cheapest city for backpackers is also one that gets high marks from most visitors with its unique combination of French colonial and Asian post-communism. The food is also top-notch, especially when you are sitting amongst locals at one of the thousands of plastic-chair cafes throughout the city. Keep costs even lower by sticking with Bia Hoi, the world's cheapest beer. Hostel beds are cheap, but private rooms are too, so don't automatically book a bunk.

Currency: Vietnamese dong
Daily Backpacker Index: VND422,430 = US$18.60/day

Pokhara, Nepal

Nepal is near and dear to shoestring travelers. The mountainous terrain is lined with guesthouses that appeal to every kind of visitor, whether you are a backpacker or more of a luxury traveler. Set out on the Annapurana Circuit trek and stop in Pokhara, where you can find gorgeous home rentals on Airbnb for an average of $24 per night.

Currency: Nepalese rupee
Daily Backpacker Index: NPR2,092 = US$20.31/day

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Thailand's “capital of the north” is certainly one of the world's great travel bargain destinations. Filled with ancient temples and surrounded by a moat and city walls, Chiang Mai is a major stop in the region and a highlight for many. Much less crowded than Bangkok, and quite a bit cheaper as well, this is also booming with expats and creative people living cheaply while they work.

Currency: Thai baht
Daily Backpacker Index: THB668 = US$20.44/day

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh, as it is still usually known, is far more sprawling and modern compared to Hanoi. Hotel and food prices tend to be a bit higher than elsewhere in Vietnam, but compared to almost anywhere else in the world, you can bargain in this city. Hostel beds can be quite cheap in Saigon, but hotels are more expensive than almost anywhere in Vietnam.

Currency: Vietnamese dong
Daily Backpacker Index: VND473,865 = US$20.87/day

Sri Lanka

After civil war ended in 2009, new visitors are flocking to Sri Lanka’s beaches and nature reserves. Visitors of Yala National Park, a hot spot for those interested in wildlife and adventure, receive admission, a safari car rental and driver $60 per full day with Yala Safari Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's popular for its rich Buddhist culture, ancient sites, breathtaking terrain, beach destinations and fish curry dishes.

Currency: Sri Lankan rupee
Daily Backpacker Index: LKR4,570= US$29.81/day

Taipei, Taiwan

Nestled in the more expensive region of Asia-Pacific, Taiwan stays budget friendly because of its low-key rep, particularly in Taipei. Unlimited full-day subway passes are less than $5, and you can enjoy heaps of delicious food at the endless night markets. Travelers boast about the budget-friendly cuisine, ranging from local Taiwanese to flavors from nearby China and Japan.

Currency: Taiwan dollar
Daily Backpacker Index: TWD992.65 = US$33.29/day

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Bun Cha, specialty of Ha Noi

In Ha Noi, capital of Vietnam, you can find many delicious local dishes, especially- Bun Cha. This simple dish is a great combination of savory and fresh, it has vibrant colors and the harmony of the meat and vegetables makes this dish special.

So, what makes Bun Cha so special and become a must-try dish when visiting Vietnam?

Find out about Bun Cha

Bun cha is a local dish originally from Ha Noi, the capital of Vietnam. Throughout Vietnam you can find a lot of dishes that has the same formula as bun cha (like Bun Thit Nuong in Saigon), however, Ha Noi’s Bun Cha is very different.

It does not matter if you eat bun cha in a restaurant or a small cart on the the street, you will be served by a plate of vermicelli (bun), a bowl of broth with grilled pork and a basket of fresh greens.

Bun, the vermicelli noodles, is served on a plate. To make a decent bowl of bun cha, the the vermicelli has to be thin, soft and chewy. Cha is the meat part of this dish, served in a bowl. The meat is made from pork and cooked in 2 styles: cha vien (ground pork) and cha mieng (grilled thin slice pork). It is served with the broth. Without vegetables and herbs, Vietnamese dishes are not be complete. In the big basket of greens on the table, you will find fresh lettuce, Thai basil, cilantro, fish mint, banana flower and coriander.

The way people eat Bun Cha

The way you eat Bun Cha is also quite simple. Just dip an amount of rice noodle directly into the meat sauce. Add chilies and fresh herbs according to your preference. And then slurp your yummy bowl. The rice noodles will soak up the broth, the fattiness coming from the pork and the natural aroma of uncooked vegetables. All in one mouthful. Like any other noodle dishes, Bun Cha is meant to be eaten with chopsticks. So remember to leave your knife and folk at home.

Bun Cha can be found in every corner of Ha Noi, from small street vendors to fine-dining restaurants. But if you want to eat like a Hanoian, come to the Old Quarter. Maybe start with a strong shot of vodka first to prepare your stomach. And then get ready to eat in places that in your home country would not pass any food hygiene regulations. Believe me or not, you would not regret it.

The places to enjoy Bun Cha

Ha Noi
Bun Cha Tuyet: 34 Hang Thang
Bun Cha Dac Kim: 1 Hang Manh
Bun Cha Lan Beo: Alley 74 Hang Quat (opens from 10 am to 2 pm)
Bun Cha Huong Lien (Bun Cha Obama): 24 Le Van Huu street

Saigon
Bun Cha Ho Guom: 135 Vo Van Tan Street, Ward 6, District 3

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