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Browsing through my neewsfeed, I stumbled upon this magnificent view which I thought was just a manipulated image. Turns out, this one's legit! 

Welcome to the Golden Bridge in Vietnam! This newly opened attraction had instantly drawn hundreds of tourists every day. The Golden Bridge is situated inside Ba Na Hills, a huge amusement park in Da Nang, central part of Vietnam.

Finally, the Golden Bridge



So, where's Da Nang?  Read on. 

Transportation

By plane 

As of this writing you can take a direct flight to Da Nang from Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, UAE, Taiwan, Hongkong, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, China and Laos. 

If your country is not in the list, you're actually in for a more exciting trip as you'll get a chance to see more of what Vietnam has to offer by exploring other cities. 

Most tourists enter the country through its major cities, Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. Fortunately, domestic flights from these cities to Da Nang are quite cheap. Promo fares are always available on the major airlines of Vietnam, Vietjet and Vietnam Airlines so this itinerary still jibes the budget. 

You shouldn't miss visiting nearby attractions in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh before flying to Da Nang. 

By Bus 

This option requires ample time. From Ho Chi Minh, it'll take 19-24 hours and from Hanoi, it'll take 16-18 hours. Sounds excruciating? This isn't going to break your purse but it'd somehow break your neck. It's a hyperbole but it's really cheaper to travel by bus. The bus fare is around 400,000₫(16 USD) to 600, 000₫(26USD) one-way. If you enjoy travelling and sleeping on a bus, there are a lot of sleeper bus you can take. The cost varies on the comfort you'll experience. For instance, there are buses that don't have their own toilet inside so you'd probably have to pull up your Google Translate app to tell the driver to stop for a 'pee break'. 

By Train

Train rides in Vietnam may be long but the scenic countryside view can ease the boredom away. I personally like to travel by train but only for short distances. When travelling to Da Nang, the travel hours are similar to that of the bus rides. While buses are quite cheaper, some seat options on the train could almost match to that of a plane ticket. Trains have berths that would cost up to 900,000₫ (39 USD one-way) depending  on the type of cabin you'll have. If you don't mind being seated for the entire ride, then there are soft or hard seats which cost the same with sleeper buses. The trains are equipped with toilets and portable food carts. 

Accommodation

Ever since Da Nang has become touristry, cheap youth hostels and inns have popped out everywhere so it's not a challenge to find a budget-friendly hotel in the city for around 7 USD per night. Da Nang also boasts of its luxury hotels and resorts which are still quite cheaper than other five-star accommodation in other countries.

If you plan of getting the most of your time in Ba Na Hills Resort without the flock of tourists, then staying inside the resort would be the best option although you still need to pay for the amusement park ticket for a lesser price. The hotel accommodation may cost up to $200 USD/night for a double room. Booking online would be a smart option to get discounts. 

Currency

The currency in Vietnam is called VND: Vietnamese Dong (locals pronounce it as 'dom'). Most business people in Da Nang accept VND but some tour agencies may accept dollars. It's always smart to change your local currency with USD because most money exchange shops in the provinces of Vietnam don't accept any other currencies but USD. 

On a personal note, I had to travel to Hanoi (the capital) and take that 6-hour train ride so I can have my Philippine Peso (PHP) exchanged with VND. I learned my lesson to always have USD in my purse when travelling to other countries. 

Taking a City Tour

By Taxi

As soon as you step out of the terminal in Da Nang (bus, train, or airport), taxi drivers will be on the lookout. They can be a little aggressive but you can just firmly say no if you've got a plan to follow. There are some taxi-hailing app (like Grab) which can be used in Da Nang. Some taxi drivers even offer to check your Grab app and pay the fare as shown in your app. Fair enough.  This is only ideal if you're travelling from the terminal or airport to your hotel. For city tours they will charge differently. You can try to haggle.

By Private Car

In my case, I took a private car which happened to be a Grab car, too.  It was less expensive because it was more of a rideshare. I paid 50,000₫ (2 USD) for a 10-minute ride from the terminal to my accommodation. I met the driver just outside the terminal. No prior bookings were made.

I also hired the same driver to take me and my friend to Ba Na Hills the next day for just 600,000₫ (25USD). He helped us reserve tickets and get a little discount.

By Motorbike

You read it right! If you know how to drive a motorbike and you've got an International Driving Permit, you can rent one where you stay. Can you drive without a license in Vietnam? Although this sounds illegal, I've known a lot of foreigners who drive motorbikes without a license. aw enforcement in this country is also very lenient when it comes to motorbikes.

The staff of the hotel where I stayed offered me a motorbike-for-rent without even asking if I've got a permit or if I even know how to drive.

Weather

Generally, the northern provinces of Vietnam experience four seasons. Be prepared with your sun screen and shades if you plan to visit from May to September. December is probably the coldest month so prepare your jumper or jacket. For the rest of the months, the weather may be rainy or warm. Rain gears will be a neccessity especially in September or October. The climate system has drastically changed over the years so better check the weather forecast. 

Nearby Attractions/Cities

Most tourists visiting Da Nang will also consider nearby tourist destination like Hue and Hoi An. It takes less than an hour by bus to go to Hoi An from Da Nang. Hoi An is one of the many cities in Vietnam known for its culturally rich tourist spots which are quite accessible. Aside from cultural trips, you can also experience paddling or boating in their rivers. 

From Hoi An, it will also take less than an hour to reach Hue, another historically rich city in Vietnam. Apart from sightseeing and boating, you shouldn't miss authentic Vietnamese cuisine in Hue. 

The Golden Bridge is a newly opened attraction that had instantly drawn hundreds of tourists every day. It is situated inside Ba Na Hills, a huge amusement park in Da Nang, central part of Vietnam.

Golden Bridge | Ba Na Hills | Da Nang 


It's actually quite far from the major cities of Vietnam. I know most tourists would visit Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City upon entering Vietnam. Even if Da Nang has its own international airport, its destinations/flights are limited. On this note, it's more convenient to travel from the major airports of Vietnam to Da Nang.

Travelling from Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi to Da Nang? Read more about it here.

You can quit thinking about long travel hours in sleeper buses or trains and just - read on.


How do you get to the Golden Bridge?

The Golden Bridge is right inside Sunworld Ba Na Hills. You have to take at least 2 cable car rides to get to this majestic view.

You have to buy a ticket for the cable car rides. The ticket cost for unlimited cable car ride is 700,000₫ (30USD). You don't need to buy tickets to get inside Ba Na Hills but you'd have to pay extra for museums and other rides.



Once you get the tickets, you'd have to take a little stroll and follow the signage leading to the cable car station. The escalators may seem endless so it feels exciting to finally get to the part when you have to take a 25-minute cable car ride over jawdropping landscapes and thickets.

The first stop will be the French Village. You can walk around the area since most of the attractions are just surrounding the French Village. You may also go directly to the cable car station called the Louvre Station to head to The Golden Bridge. It's a short ride this time. Walk through a lobby and you'll see right through the glass walls the huge hands that seem to cradle a golden bridge.

Travelling from Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi to Da Nang? Read more about it here.

Where is Ba Na Hills?

Ba Na Hills is a mountain resort which is an hour-drive from Da Nang City center. You can take a taxi or a private car. I tried using my Grab app but it took a long time for a driver to respond so I negotiated with a driver I met just after I disembarked at the bus station. I made quite a fair deal with a Grab driver for 600,000₫ good for 4 people from my hotel to Ba Na Hills. It was early in the morning so we've arrived in less than an hour.

Do I need a guide inside the resort?

Absolutely not! Just make sure you know where you could buy the tickets and you can stroll around all by yourself. Make sure you get yourself a map so you won't waste time getting lost or walking aimlessly. Although I've seen some guided group tours,  mostly comprises Koreans and Chinese, a lot of tourists just freely walk around enjoying the place at their own pace.

Are there food places?

The last thing you'd worry about is where to eat. Food stalls can be found everywhere that it's almost  impractical to get the lunch buffet ticket.

I was lured at getting the lunch buffet for only 200,000₫ (9 USD) along with my cable car ticket since I thought it was quite cheap. The buffet was literally huge. There were an overwhelming vareity of food to choose from that I eventually lost my appetite roaming around the buffet area. There were other Asian cuisines but  the menu was mostly Vietnamese food so if you're into the Vietnamese cuisine, this is the best option for you. 

Honestly, I enjoyed food stall hopping around Ba Na Hills more than the lunch buffet. I found quite a variety of delectable food choices from snacksize nuggets to fresh fruit juices. 

Is there a hotel in Ba Na Hills?

Yes. It's a four-star hotel that cost up to 200 USD/night for a double room. It's recommended if you choose to explore more of Ba Na Hills and avoid the crowd. Most tourists though only take a day tour and stay in the city center for more nighttime activities. There's a wide range of choices of hotels in Da Nang may it be a luxury hotel or backpackers' choice for as low as 7 USD.

When is the best time to visit?

Generally, the northern provinces of Vietnam experience four seasons. Be prepared with your sun screen and shades if you plan to visit from May to September. December is probably the coldest month so prepare your jumper or jacket. For the rest of the months, the weather may be rainy or warm. Rain gears will be a neccessity especially in September or October. The climate system has drastically changed over the years so better check the weather forecast. There might be rains in early January. The view at the Golden Bridge can be very foggy especially when it rains so some tourists complained about not having a clear view nor a good photo of it.

During the Vietnamese New Year Holiday (Tet Holiday/Chinese New Year), tourists would flock the resort. Going there early like around 7 AM would be a good idea to avoid the crowd.

How much will you spend? 

Depending on your needs, you may spend 80 USD to 400 USD. Choosing a hotel at the city center is quite economical. 

Here are the major expenses you might want to consider:

Hotel:  150,000₫ to 7Million₫  (7 USD - 300 USD)
Transportation (to and fro Da Nang - Ba Na Hills): 600,000₫/25USD (one car good for 4)
Ba Na Hills cable car ticket: 700,000₫/30USD
Lunch Buffet: 200,000₫/ 9USD
Snacks (sold at food stalls) - 30,000 to 70,000

What are the places to see in Ba Na Hills?

Ba Na Hills is a mountain resort with different fantastic themes or stations perfect for picture taking, sightseeing, and whatever that feeds your imagination.

Some of the impressive stations you shouldn't miss:

  • French Village - FREE - you'll get to this right after the first cable car ride. This is the biggest attraction. Inside this enormous themed parks, you can find a wax museum and a fantasy park with rides that are great for kids. 
  • St. Denis Church - FREE - right inside the French Village

  • Wax Museum - 150.000₫ /person - get to meet some famous personalities up close + a jurassic doze of anthropology, paleontology and history 
  • Fantasy Park - varied rides for kids (ticket costs vary)


  • The Golden Bridge - FREE - cross the bridge and get to a garden with more huge body sculptures.
  • Pagoda and the Gigantic Buddha - FREE - it's quite a long walk from the Golden Bridge but it's a great place to relax your feet while looking over a thick vegetation covering the mountain slopes. 

  • Flower Garden - FREE - a jawdropping landscape of colorful flowers
  • Maze Garden - FREE - found in between the Golden Bridge and the Flower Garden. I was literally lost and I almost cried because it felt like the maze was unceasing. Luckily, I found the exit or entrance. lol!



Although you could get a brochure map once you get there, here's Ba Na Hills map for your reference. 






The best thing about travelling in Asian cities is the possibility of going to neighboring countries by bus. Because of Asia's geographical features, it's easy and cheap to hop from one city to another. Three of the cities that I've been eyeing on to visit can easily be reached through a bus. Just recently, I got a chance to visit the major cities in Vietnam and Cambodia in three days!

travelling to Cambodia from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

I first arrived in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and booked a bus bound for Phnom Penh. I would have prefered a bus direct to Siem Reap but there were no trips available. The tour agent assured that getting a bus going to Siem Reap was a piece of cake despite the holidays and he didn't dissapoint me. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, I booked a bus to Siem Reap which departed in about 10 minutes. I even had to hasten to get my things in the bus luggage compartment. No sweat! 

Where to book bus tickets 

District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City is a haven of tour agencies offering different tour packages. They also accommodate sleeper bus trip reservations to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. From Ho Chi Minh, it takes around 6-7 hours to reach Phnom Penh this is because the immigration queue may be a little unpredictable. Usually it takes 30 minutes to an hour of wait time at the immigration. 

Upon reaching Phnom Penh, passengers are usually dropped off at the tour agency office. From there you can either hire a tuktuk to go to your hotel or get bus tickets for Siem Reap. Buses bound for Siem Reap depart every hour. While there are also vans, buses are more comfortable for another six-hour bus ride. 

From Siem Reap going back to Phnom Penh or Ho Chi Minh City, it is even easier to book a bus ticket. In my case, I booked on the same bus company I took from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap . You can also ask help from hotel staff to in reserving bus tickets. They are often more reliable since they've somehow created partnerships with these companies.



Night buses are really comfortable so I always choose to travel at night. It spares my day time for exploring tourist spots instead of spending it for travelling. 

Phnom Penh Immigration 

Part of Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh travel time should also include the time spent for queueing in the immigration. Normally, the bus conductors collect the passports of all passengers and prepare them for immigration. The passengers are asked to go down and wait. You literally don't need to do anything since it's the bus driver/conductor who takes care of the rest. Once all passports are stamped, everyone is asked to go back to the bus. Just after a couple of minutes, you'll be asked to disembark again to cross the borders. For most Asians, entering Cambodia for up to 30 days is visa free. 

Transportation in Cambodia

Tuktuk is the major means of transportation in Cambodia. It's the most popular public ride in the city. Most of the tuktuk drivers though, prefer tourist services so their rates are tour package based. Although I took a tuktuk ride from the bus dropoff to my hotel for a fixed rate which was around 2 USD but really, my hotel was actually just a 5-minute walk from the tour agency office.



Getting to Phnom Penh airport by tuktuk was my worst nightmare. I had to take the tuktuk ride for lack of option. It was slow but sure; I know I'll get to my destination safe and sound but I didn't expect that traffic in Phnom Penh to be really bad. I had to rush like I was running for my life but still ended up missing my flight. Sad story, I know right? Lessons learned.

Don't worry about money exchange

One of the things I like about travelling to both major cities in Cambodia is that I didn't have to exchange my USD with Cambodian Riel. Even small store owners would prefer USD. I just had a few riel bills from change. Sometimes, I ask for riel instead of dollars  so I could keep at least one bill for my travel collection. Some parts of Phnom Penh also accept Vietnamese Dong especially those stores near the borders. Vendors just do a quick conversion which I'm not sure if it was accurate. If you're travelling from Ho Chi Minh and you'd want to spend your remaining VND, you can spend it with food in Phnom Penh. The bus actually stops for dinner in a restaurant with a convenience store few minutes after crossing the borders.

The only thing that I noticed though was that everywhere you go, in Cambodia, a dollar (1USD) seemed to be the cheapest price even for a small bottled water. It was kinda expensive compared to the 5VND (.22USD) bottled water in Vietnam.

Worth it?

The long hours of travel were all worth it. Just an advice though, travel at night so you won't waste day time by travelling. If you aren't a budget traveller, a plane ride could be a much more convenient option. There are international airports both in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Just don't miss your flight especially in Phnom Penh Airport; it's not open 24 hours. Yes, it's closed from 12 (midnight) to 6 AM.

Despite the unpleasant circumstances I had in Cambodia, I definitely want to come back in the future. Cambodia is a plethora of culture and history. I'd say you've never really toured Asia unless you've stepped on the historical grounds of Cambodia.





Ever wondered what to do in Ho Chi Minh City aside from visiting some historical places and night markets? I really thought there was nothing more to do except walk on pavements, shop for souvenirs, and pig out. I didn't expect I'll find paradise in Mui Ne, just four hours away from the city. It's not in Ho Chi Minh but it's worth the travel. When I planned for this trip, I thought I would just be spending my time around the city just like other tourists do. Well, I actually spent less than a day in Mui Ne. I took advantage of the night bus trips to maximize the day time.



This trip wasn't planned as I didn't have bus or accommodation reservations. This trip was some sort of optional since I had other plans I've already set and budgeted but it turned out, my Mui Ne trip was the highlight of my holiday!

Since this was an optional itinerary, there were some issues I have encountered but had been sorted out with some luck and a load of determination.

Trip to Ho Chi Minh City

I'm not based in HCM so I had to take a two-hour ride on a plane from Vinh City (airport) in Nghe An to HCM. My Mui Ne trip was rather half planned because I didn't have prior bookings whatsoever because my whole trip was dependent on the bus schedules. It was a long holiday in Vietnam and the buses are expected to be fully-booked even weeks before the trip. I was able to book the tour, with a friend, by chance. I just had to try my luck in booking for a bus ride to Mui Ne and the odds were in my favor.

Last-minute Booking 

I booked a sleeper bus to Mui Ne on the same day of the departure. The hotel staff advised me to look for a tour company before 1PM so my friend and I could still catch the night bus.  Booking a bus ticket to Mui Ne was a piece of cake since HCM has an array of tour companies offering different tour and transfers to the neighboring provinces.

Night Bus to Mui Ne

I expected fully-booked buses but ended up with only three other passengers. The bus left HCM at around 9 PM, an hour late. My friend and I waited at the tour agency office for more than an hour before the bus came. I was asleep the whole time so I didn't feel how dragging a 4-hour ride could be. The bus only drops off at the city center so we had to take a taxi to Long Son Beach, which we also booked on the same day. I'm just so grateful there are helpful and friendly people anywhere in Vietnam. We were able to hail a taxi because a Vietnamese helped us. It took more or less 30 minutes to reach Long Son and we didn't have troubles locating this place since it was famous and it was along the road. 

Accommodation




Booking a hotel the last minute was a piece of cake since there were a lot of options - good price and excellent location. We booked Long Son Beach Campground for a day. It was a perfect place for backpackers  and budget travelers. Although I really loved the vibe of this place, I've also known some people who didn't like its unique features. We've all got our own choices! I happened to like this place. Here's why.

We arrived at the resort at around 2AM. Their 24-hour front desk service was really a bonus point. In Vietnam, most accommodations don't have this feature. In some cases, I had to knock and wait till the owners wake up with my phone calls. In worst cases, they simply refused so I ended up with no choice but to wait outside.  I've always hated this part - waking up people at the wee hours of the night.

Anyhow, we were ushered by the attendant to the shared cottage and we were able to get our locker keys right away. The transaction was swift and hassle free. The staff / managers also speak English well so there were no communication barriers whatsoever.

Beds in open cottages. How cool is that!?
The staff was very helpful, too. We didn't have an idea where to book our tour so we kept in touch with them as we were travelling and they responded positively. There were few problems at the start since the tour groups are all filled in on that day but they were able to book us a day tour with two other tourists. That was last minute booking!

Going Home

Getting a sleeper bus reservation wasn't easy during the holidays. My friend and I almost didn't get a ride back to Ho Chi Minh. We already checked out of the resort and decided to take the local bus from the resort to the city center.

We were told there were a lot of tour agencies offering bus rides to HCM but they were fully booked. We walked around and finally succeeded! It was a holiday so we just settled for the normal seater bus, not the sleeper bus.

Generally, the tour went well except for some transportation issues which were all sorted out, maybe not with the best option but with better ones!


Till our next laag*!

*wander, saunter






Mui Ne is a perfect holiday destination situated in the southeast of Vietnam. The most common jumping-off point when you're headed to Mui Ne is Ho Chi Minh City. It only takes a four-hour bus ride from HCM to this paradise. 

Places to See (Day Tour)

The tour kicks off at sunrise so you should jump start at 4 AM. In my case, I stayed at Long Son Beach and from there the van left at exactly 4AM for the White Sand Dunes where a crowd of tourists anticipates the magnificent sunrise. Although I'm not a morning person and I just had less than 2 hours of sleep on a 'real bed' (after I traveled on a night bus), I truly enjoyed the trip to the sand dunes. The scenic landscapes in rich orange hues seemed to stimulate my lethargic mood. The car windows were rolled down and the wind surged like it was drowning me.

5 Destinations: 1 Day | Vietnam


1st stop: White Sand Dunes

The throng of tourists seemed like ants against the overwhelming vastness of the sand dunes. As we arrived, a couple of tour guides or staff greeted us with some sort of offers for going up the sand dunes. For us to see the sunrise, we had to reach the highest point of the desert. Going up is no easy task. The best option was to take the ATV ride. Hiking is an option but we would have missed the sunrise if we took that option.

Sand Dunes | Mui Ne
ATV ride | Mui Ne


There were two options for the ATV ride, each bearing a different price tag.

          Option 1: Take the ATV ride to and fro the highest point of the desert - 500,000 VND / 21USD / 1100PHP good for two

           Option 2:  Take a ride to and fro + get to drive the ATV - 1M VND / 43USD /2200 PHP good for two


To spice up the experience, I tried the sand sledding which was totally invigorating. An old couple was offering a sand sled for 30,000VND.  I thought my facemask could prevent the sand to get in my face but I was wrong. There was sand all over me!

After about 45 minutes of strolling and gliding on the sand, the ATV guy picked us up and drove us down the desert.

Climbing up was a struggle for my weak knees but it was awesome.

the smiles in between struggles



2nd stop: Fishing Village

From the White Sand Dunes, we travelled about 30 minutes to the Fishing Village. If you're a fan of fresh seafood, this is the right place for you. This place is basically a marketplace of seafood situated on the beach. This is where you meet local vendors and fishermen.

Fish Village | Mui Ne




It's just sad to note that most people come there just to drop by or to see the place and not really to buy. Most tourists there are travelling from far places and buying fresh goods wouldn't be an ideal thing to do.

This stop was rather quick. I was actually imagining of dining in one of the restaurants there and enjoying a sumptuous seafood buffet but we had to hasten for the next destination.

Fish Village | Mui Ne


3rd stop: Fairy Stream

The idea of walking barefoot and walking across the stream really delighted me. This is my favorite part of the itinerary. Though it was scorching hot and the streets could have burnt our soles if we walked longer, I (with my friends) left my sandals in our van and crossed the street, walked down to the entrance of the stream, barefoot!

At the main entrance of the stream, there were makeshift shops selling fruits, refreshment, and souvenirs. Entrance fee is at 30,000VND.


The stream seemed unending with its rich orangey colors. The best experience was the squishy feeling of the tangerine mud against my feet. I enjoyed every bit of it! The trail ended with a mini waterfall. Yes, it was literally small unlike the gigantic ones I've seen in the Philippines.

Don't worry, if you forgot to grab a drink at the start of the walk, there are restaurants and cafes alongside the stream so you could take a break anytime. The trail is really easy and safe. The only thing you have to be prepared of is the heat of the sun.

I took my best travel photos here!

Fairy Stream | Mui Ne

4th stop: Red Sand Dunes

The heat of the sun felt like it was on full blast. We couldn't stand the heat for more than 10 minutes.  We had to hurry up as it was unbearable to walk on the desert. It was around 10:30 AM and we couldn't withstand the scorching heat of the sun. We took a few photos and stayed at a refreshment area just along the road.

the scorching hot Red Sand Dunes | Mui Ne


This stop is the nearest to our resort and we made it back to the resort just in time for lunch.

Finally, I'd like to add one more place in the itinerary although this wasn't really part of the tour package. Even though I just stayed there for less than a day, I definitely recommend this not-so-typical beach resort with the coolest island vibe.

5th stop: Long Son Mui Ne Beach - Campground Resort

Definitely a must-visit! I always travel on a budget and looking around some cheap hotels in travel websites has become more of a habit for me. My friend, who travelled with me, found this resort online. Honestly, we booked this place because of the price and its high ratings and not for its features or ammenities - and it didn't disappoint! The vibe and the service, not to mention its affordability, made this resort a top-rated one.



Till our next laag*!

*wander, saunter




Never have I imagined travelling to this country and actually enjoying every bit of my time here. Vietnam, unlike other Asian countries, didn't gain that much popularity in terms of tourism back in my home country. Although it's often one of the destinations in tri-city tours, I've never had as much enthusiasm as I did when I was planning my Singapore and Seoul trip. While I can imagine modern infrastructures, diverse tourist population and magical theme parks in SG and Seoul, I couldn't really think of such for Vietnam. Yes, this country is more than the state-of-the-art mise-en-scène.

Vietnam has several cities and provinces that are brimming with beautiful scenery, historical heritage, good people, and fresh produce. I may not have found the greatest infrastructures or the most fantastic theme parks but I honestly didn't expect to dive into a plethora of cultural diversity.

I visited Hanoi for the first time and here are the places I've been to and some must-dos within the city. The list isn't in particular order. I'm just writing spontaneously. 

1. Hanoi Train Street

Literally the railway in Hanoi where you can hang out, have some coffee, walk on the railway and take photos. Coffee, full meal, and souvenirs are all over the place.

The frequently asked question of tourists: When does the train come? 7PM is always the ready answer of locals.

Hanoi Train Street


2. St. Joseph Cathedral

This is the fortress of Catholicism in the city. Despite the fact that most citizens here are non-Christians, this place is often visited by tourists and locals alike. Its Gothic Revival architecture has made this structure a city tour destination. With its very favorable location, I didn't even had to get a city tour package to see the place. I was simply walking around when I found this popular landmark and so I couldn't just walk past this conspicuously captivating structure.

St. Joseph Cathedral | Hanoi



3. Hoan Kiem Lake 

Another major attraction situated at the very core of the city is the Hoan Kiem Lake. You haven't really gone to Hanoi if you didn't visit this iconic tourist spot. The surrounding of the lake is also flocked with locals doing exercises especially in the morning and in the afternoon. Withing this lake is the Ngoc Son Temple which is also a tourist destination. The lake is surrounded by stores where you could dine or shop for souvenirs.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem at night


4. Ngoc Son Temple 

Situated within Hoan Kiem Lake, this is the most accessible temple in Hanoi. What's inside this temple? Let's cross the bridge when we get there. Yes, you need to cross the red bridge to get to the temple. At night, the bridge illuminates in red lights that create a magical reflection on the lake.

Ngoc Son Temple | Hanoi





5. Water Puppet Theater

Take a glimpse of the classic musical show in Vietnam with the Water Puppet Show. The comic depiction of the Vietnamese tradition along with a live accompaniment.


Water Puppet Show | Hanoi



6. Temple of Literature 

One of the fascinating temples I've  been to in Hanoi. There's so much to see and know in this place. It's indeed brimming with stories of the past, not to mention the 'instagrammable' photos you can take here.

Temple of Literature | Hanoi



7. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh in Hanoi? I was so naive before I realized that every province or city in Vietnam has their own Ho Chi Minh square in honor of their revolutionary leader. Later did I know that this is actually a mausoleum of the great Ho Chi Minh. This is also known as the Ba Đinh Square

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum | Hanoi


8. Bach Ma Temple - Hanoi

As I got inside this old citadel, I felt a sense of solemnity. Hearing the chanting and prayers was absolutely spine-tingling even if it was all done in Vietnamese. I had to take a few more gazes at the old lady singing in adoration while striking the gong. Words aren't enough to describe the atmosphere in that temple. I honestly just wanted to stand there as I listen and watch. I almost forgot taking photos of the place. Really.

Bach Ma Temple | Hanoi


9. Royal City (Vincom Megamall) 

Seriously, a mall? That was my first reaction when someone recommended this place. I was on a DIY tour and I felt that visiting a mall for a tour is quite irrelevant of why I came to Hanoi. How is a mall even a tourist spot? Well, it isn't exactly a tourist destination given that it's quite far from the center and the traffic gets really crazy during rush hours. Despite my second thoughts, I gave it a try. The place is so huge. Its attraction lies outside the mall. It looks like a royal family opened its gates to outsiders. It has a vast garden with ancient-looking sculptures with skyscrapers as the backdrop. 

Royal City | Vincom Megamall | Hanoi




10. Try the egg coffee and bánh mì


Food takes a great chunk of culture. To fully experience the place, trying out their food no matter how weird or unappetizing it could be is almost mandatory.

Known as the second best producer of coffee in the world, Vietnam has somehow made a twist in serving the coffee with egg. It's not gross, really. It tasted the same only that it's extra foamy because of the egg on top.


Bánh mì is the Vietnamese sandwich stuffed with vegies, spices, and a variety of meat. It's satisfying for a starving tourist on a DIY like me.


I just have to weed out the coriander (cilantro) from it.
Sorry folks!

Vietnam egg coffee: a must-try


11. Take the rickshaw ride 

If Thailand and Cambodia have tuk-tuk, Vietnam also has the rickshaws. Tourists are often offered a city tour while enjoying the ride on a three-wheeled cart. The ride is often costly especially among tourists. Ask or negotiate first before saying yes to the offer. Some drivers can be a little pushy. Just be friendly and haggle nicely if you must.
rickshaw ride in Hanoi


12. Join the free walking tour 

Some university students have formed groups or communities offering free city tour services to foreigners. This project is just a blessing for budget travelers but these students also benefit from these tours as they can have an avenue to practically use their English communication skills to native speakers of the language. The participants are preregistered. You can find them online and on Facebook.


13. Street food tour

Although you can simply do this yourself by literally walking through the streets of the Old Quarter, it's also recommended to join a group with a proper guide so you just don't get your tummy stuffed but also your brain with knowledge imparted by the tour guide.
What to eat in Hanoi? the list doesn't end for options



14. Old Quarter Hanoi

I didn't even realize I was already standing in one of the old streets in Hanoi. Although most infrastructures have been modified due to the business needs of the people, there are still some parts where the structures have been kept untouched. The streets aren't that remarkable though, as they have been jammed with shops of all sorts of commodities and ambulant vendors.

15. Hanoi Walking Street


The night gets young, free, and fun! Hanoi Walking Street brings life and music on the streets. Presentations of all sorts bring a throng of people around the area. Though it's not done every night, the streets are closed to give way to the crowd.


How do you get to these places?

Most of the places mentioned are situated close to the center so the best and inexpensive option is to get ride-hailing services (Grab, Aber, FastGo, GoViet). Cars are more expensive than the motorbikes. If comfort is your priority, then taking the car/taxi is unarguably the best option there is; however be mindful of the traffic conditions in Hanoi. Since most people have their own rides, you'd expect a swarm of motorbikes on the roads on top of the jammed private cars during rush hours. 

For me, I'd still go for motorbikes. I was scared at first especially after seeing how Vietnamese drivers swivel like a pro with their bikes. I was curious then so I tried using a ride-hailing service to get a motorbike. I was thrilled but I wasn't disappointed. In fact, I'd recommend riding a motorbike if you're on a DIY tour. It's fast and economical. 


Can I just hail a taxi on the road?


I've learned my lesson. The 25000₫ (1USD) worth of Grab car ride has skyrocketed to 130000₫ (6USD) after I got in a taxi from the railway station to my hotel. The taxi meter was speeding up like a heartbeat! The worst is the taxi driver didn't even drop me off in the right address. I disembarked 5 blocks away from the hotel. This happened twice to me and from then on, I promised I'll never get a taxi ride if not from a ride-hailing service app. 


While there are more places in Vietnam you would itch to go to, you got to start somewhere! Hanoi could be a good place to start understanding and exploring the Vietnamese culture. 

The list doesn't end but the blog does. What are some places or things you'd recommend others to see or do in Hanoi? 

Let me know!



Till our next laag*!

*wander, saunter




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AUTHOR'S NOTE




Sharing my personal travel stories
as I explore places,
meet people and
experience diverse cultures
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Travelsome Chic is a teacher by profession, a student in life, a blogger by heart, and a soprano ballerina in her dreams ❤

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