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

Source Chaptertravel

Top activities in Hanoi at night

There is never a dull moment in Hanoi, especially at night. This vibrant city is teeming with fun activities once the sun has set, and only a few of those involve alcohol. Here are some of the best activities to do in Hanoi at night.

Explore the Old Quarter

One of the best activities to do in Hanoi at night is to just stroll around the beautiful Old Quarter. Half of Hanoi seems to hang out here at night, making it a little hectic with so many motorbikes congesting the streets. Walk around the 16 streets, do some souvenir shopping, hop in and out of stores, snap some pictures and join a group of locals for a street side meal. It will be a great way to introduce yourself to the local culture, or even to end your journey in Hanoi.

Stroll Around Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is just by the Old Quarter, and this is a fun place to walk around and snap some pictures at night. The lights on the buildings and houses surrounding the lake turn on after sunset and get reflected on the water surface, creating a colorful sight. In the center of the lake is an island on which Ngoc Son temple is built, connected by a scarlet bridge. Around the lake is a pedestrian path that becomes popular for health enthusiasts come sundown. You will find joggers and cyclists, and even some elderly using outdoor fitness equipment. It’s also a popular spot for a date — you will find more than a few young couples sneaking kisses on park benches when they think no one is watching.

Chug Beer at the Bia Hoi Junction

The Bia Hoi Junction is in the center of the Old Quarter and is the absolute classic night time activity in Hanoi. Over here you’ll find several shophouses that have turned their entrances into street-side bars with plastic tables and stools spilling out onto the sidewalk. They serve fresh beer for as little as VND$10,000 (less than USD$1.00). Street vendors walk around selling steamed peanuts, beef jerky and other exotic snacks.

Dine at the West Lake

West Lake, called Ho Tay in Vietnamese, is a popular residential area for expats. This is also where you’ll find most embassy residences. Around the lake you get many high-end restaurants and bars catering to crowds looking for a nice night out. Depending where you are around the lake, you will get to see the stupa of Tran Quoc Pagoda standing tall at 50 feet (15 meters). It is the oldest temple in Hanoi, built in 544 by Emperor Ly Nam De.

Visit the Quang Ba Flower Market

We understand that finding a flower market as a night-time activity may be a little weird, but hear us out. Just like produce markets that supply restaurants, the Quang Ba Flower Market reaches its peak right after midnight, around 2am. This commercial market supplies all the floral shops and vendors of Hanoi, so to get the freshest flowers they can for the day, the owners enjoy browsing this market in the wee hours of the morning. There are so many colors and fragrances thanks to the many species of flowers sold here — it’s a little bit like walking into a giant outdoor garden, but at night.

See more: 5 cooking classes to attend in Hanoi

Source: theculturetrip