When living in Vietnam as an expat, I found the city of Hanoi to be a wonderful mix of old and new. From the Old Quarter with French influenced architecture and egg coffee to the neighborhood of Tay Ho where nearer businesses were known to take shape. My experience living in the city was highly positive and deserves some explanation. Here, I’ll dive into a few things to see that are less touristy and more of a local look at the city. Have you been to Hanoi? Please comment down below with your own recommendations. A follow up article with even more things to do (in addition to this article) in Hanoi is also in the works.
St. Joseph Church
This famous landmark in Hanoi is a Catholic church that stands as a landmark within Old Quarter, a section of the city frequented by tourists due to its unique vibe. However, this church is sometimes overlooked.
The church is free to enter and a beautiful example of French Gothic architecture.
Hours range daily from 8 AM to 11 AM and 2 PM to 5 PM.
Address:
40 P. Now Chung, Hang Trung
Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
Hoan Kiem Park
An additional delightful thing to check out is a park known to locals and others alike. With ample opportunities for people watching and enjoying views of Hoan Kiem lake, this spot cannot be missed!
I would suggest using the landmark of Den Ngoc Son, a temple-like structure in the lake as a way to find your way to this park. I’d also recommend grabbing a coffee or a some local street food and enjoying the atmosphere as people pass – this was one of my favorite weekend activities.
Truc Bach and Tay Ho Lake
This small island is part of a larger lake called Tay Ho, a place common among expats who live in Hanoi. This small section of that area is usually less busy and more of a slice of local life. From cafes to bars, this is a fun location to sit at night and watch the lake among good company. A landmark you can use to find this island enclave is Standing Bar – Hanoi. This spot is also great for seeing some lights and getting a local perspective of Hanoi.
These are some highlights and useful information on things to see within Hanoi. I will write a follow up piece with some classic cannot miss places to explore next week!
Stampchaser Photography 