Hang Bai Street used to be a place where old Hanoi gamblers met often. This is also a street associated with many historical events that stirred up the capital …

Hang Bai Street is a street of over 600 meters, starting from the end of Dinh Tien Hoang Street to the crossroads of Hue – Ham Long Street, crossing Hai Ba Trung, Ly Thuong Kiet and Tran Hung Dao streets, at Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi.

The origin of the name of Hang Bai street was from before the French colonial period, the first part of the street gathered manufacturers and traders of playing cards. For a long time, this area was a place where people Hanoi gambling met often.

During the colonial period, the French called this street Rue des Cartes (a street selling card cards), later changed to Dong Khanh Boulevard. In 1945, the street was renamed Trieu Quang Phuc, and since 1949, Dong Khanh Boulevard was renamed. After 1954, the street came back with the name of Hang Bai.

During this time, the card-making business was stop because of large French offices and businesses. At the begin of the street, there was Hanoi’s largest grocery store, the “Indochina Trade Complex” (L’Union commercial indochinoise) which people call the “Goda brand”, nowaday the building is Trang Tien Plaza.

Another noteworthy relic on Hang Bai street is Dong Khanh school, the only high school for Vietnamese female students of Hanoi and the whole of Tonkin in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, now this is a junior high school ~ Trung Vuong Secondary School (26 Hang Bai).

Majestic Theater (now August Theater, 45 Hang Bai) is one of the most luxurious cinemas in colonial Hanoi. In the early days of the National Resistance in 1946, Hang Bai Street was a fierce battlefield, and the Majestic theater was the scene of the death battle between the National Guard and a unit of Le Duong soldiers.

Today, Hang Bai street is one of the busiest street of Hanoi. Along this street, there are many fashion shops, electronics, cafes, restaurants…

Source: kienthuc

Hang Bai Street and Hanoi’s historial pages
Nguyen Thanh Van

Spring

Traveling in Hanoi in the spring from January to March, visitors on Hanoi street food tour will enjoy both cold and warm atmosphere, very comfortable and pleasant. According to the people who have travelled Hanoi, if visiting Hanoi at this time, visitors do not need to prepare too many warm clothes, just equipped with sweaters, towels made by lightweight material to deal with cold air early in the morning and late in the night; and the weather is very cool so you can comfortably wear your favorite clothes.

Destinations tourists should visit at this time listed as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoang Thanh Thang Long, Big church, village Bat Trang pottery, Duong Lam ancient village, Huong pagoda, One Pillar Pagoda, etc.

Summer

Passing in April, the weather in Hanoi is no longer the cold like the spring days but instead of that, it will be the warm weather with light golden rays in the early morning, bright gold at noon and bright red at gloaming. In particular, the weather characteristics from April to June will be amazing with sudden short rains. Therefore, in this time, it is best to bring small umbrellas or lightweight raincoats.

A special highlight for the trip to Hanoi in the early days of April is the opportunity to see firsthand the images of bicycles full of lilies running along the streets. The flower with pure white, gentle and pure fragrance has attracted many tourists, leaving many deep impressions for many people. At the same time, Hanoi tourism this season helps visitors enjoy a lot of special dishes such as beef papaya salad, boiled snails, La Vong fish ball, chicken noodles, spring rolls, banh gio …

Autumn

In July, Hanoi continued the hot summer days, but not so that the Hanoi food tour becomes less interesting. It is this weather, visitors to Hanoi will have the opportunity to experience the feeling of enjoying a cool glass of lemon tea at the Cathedral or eating Trang Tien ice cream while watching the busy life of the people here.

In August, the weather began to become cool, more pleasant, so wandering around ancient streets for sightseeing, enjoying Ngu Xa noodle soup is a great choice. Particularly in September, the temperature began to fall so it was great to explore Hanoi. Visitors also should take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the delicious autumn specialties such as Young rice in Vong village, fried round sticky rice cake (banh chung), rib porridge, vermicelli, hot sticky rice …

Winter

October is considered the best weather of the year in Hanoi. The air started to be cold and the smell of milk flowers softly absorb into every corner. Walking around Hanoi at this time, visitors will be fascinated by the natural picture filled with yellow daisies mixed with the red of fallen leaves, so romantic and poetic. In November, the temperature will decrease, so tourists traveling at this time should prepare warm clothes to avoid colds.

Places of entertainment which tourists can visit for a picnic is Ba Vi National Park to have fun together. On the campfire and enjoy the delicious and hot barbecue in the cold weather. Visitors can also visit the scenic Tien Tien Sa eco-tourism area and participate in the motor games, visiting Bat Trang pottery village Experience the feeling of riding a buffalo to travel around the village … Regarding eating and drinking, Hanoi winter has many delicious dishes that visitors on Hanoi food tours can comfortably enjoy with different flavors such as crab hotpot, chicken hotpot, and grilled food, steak, hot snail, fried spring rolls, nem nuong (grilled fermented pork meat), banh ran (fried round doughnuts), tortillas, sweet potato cakes, hot sweet soup, hot banh duc, grilled chicken legs, etc.

Source: vietnam-travelnews

Hanoi In Four Seasons
Nguyen Thanh Van

Each country has its own symbolic national dish that is catch the whole world’s attention and nothing is more uniquely Vietnamese than Pho. Probably no one could complain after try this, even the pickest tourists. And of course there is no better place to eat Pho than in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Here are the 5 locations in the Old Quarter where you can find the best bowl of Pho, according to the local people:

No. 49 Bat Dan street

Located right at the center of the Old Quarter, this little food shop has been here since the 1960s. Selling only beef noodle, A bowl of Pho here still retains the original taste like the first time it was introduced. The broth is clear and delicate with reduced goodness of bone marrow but is not fatty. The beef is soft and tender with a pale pink hue.

When coming to the shop, one must follow the tradition: queue and self-served at the counter instead of waiting for the waiters to come to you, which is popular in many street foodshop in Vietnam. If you are in a hurry, it is not recommended to eat here since it might take a while standing in long line during high time. It can cost from 50,000 to 70,000 for a bowl

Hang Trong street (at the corner with Hang Gai street)

Probably there is nothing more Vietnamese than eating on the street side where most of the best food come from. A bowl of Pho at the junction of Hang Gai and Hang Trong actually proves no exception. You can only find the smallest type of stools instead of tables here. Those professional foodies can hold the bowl on one hand a pair of chopsticks on the others, slurping the clear broth without any difficulty. If you can’t be skillful like them, just placing the bowl on the stool. Selling only between 5 -7pm, this street vendors attracts not only frequent locals but also intrigued passerby for an afternoon snack. It only charges you 30,000 for a bowl of Pho.

Pho Suong on No. 24 Trung Yen alley

Walking off from the lake, strolling into Dinh Liet street where plenty of scarfs, souvenirs and paintings are sold, you can find a tiny alley called Trung Yen where Pho Suong is located. Like many other popular places, this little shop has been here for many years. The broth here is famous to be light but still retains the sweetness of meat and bone marrow. Beef here is sliced in big chunk but is definitely still very tender and succulent in your mouth. The shop may be a little small but the owners are friendly and always delighted to serve you.

No. 10 Ly Quoc Su street

To the food lovers, Pho at 10 Ly Quoc Su street (near the Cathedral) means the ultimate stamp of quality. If one only has one chance to eat Pho in Hanoi, it is always highly recommended to eat it here. The broth, the noodle and the beef and other spices are perfectly tuned to create an atmosphere that will give you a fantastic feeling of wonder and stimulate your mind.

There are many different types of beef you can choose in your bowl of Pho. Fried curler or Quay here are always delicious to dip into the hot delicate broth, which make it more succulent and addictive.

No. 65 Lan Ong street

While the traditional Pho is with beef, there are also the modern adapted version with chicken.  When the last sunray of light was just about to disappear completely, the stars are about to starts its dance in the sky, it’s high time for the shop to open. All the tables and chairs are set up on the pavement. Many young and trendy Vietnamese frequent this place when thinking about chicken Pho. You can have the traditional soup type but this place is renowned for its dried Pho where the broth is separated from the noodle. They have a mysterious mixing sauce that is secretly hidden under a good serving of Pho and chicken. This is the perfect idea substituting for a hot bowl of Pho when you are in a desperate fix for one in a hot summer night.

Source: graylinevietnam

5 locations in Hanoi for the best bowl of Pho
Nguyen Thanh Van

Lien Phai Pagoda is a Buddhist temple in Hanoi, Vietnam. The temple is located in Lien Phai aley, Bach Mai street, Hai Ba Trung district, promising to be an ideal destination for visitors on night food tour Hanoi who like to learn about the architecture in Vietnam.

Lien Phai Pagoda was formerly known with the name Lien Hoa Pagoda and then renamed Lien Tong. Because of the taboo of the name Nguyen Phuc Mien Tong of King Thieu Tri, the temple was renamed Lien Phai Pagoda. It is the birthplace of the Lien Tong (Lotus Meditation) – one of the Buddhist meditations of our country – appeared in Hau Le Dynasty (XVII, XVIII century). The temple also has a five-storey Cuu Sinh tower also nearly 300 years old. This is the oldest tower which has the most obvious history in the inner city of Hanoi.

The temple has been repaired many times, including major repairs in 1855 and 1869. The current scale of the temple has not changed much since this renovation.

Since 1962, Lien Phai pagoda has been recognized as a national historical-cultural monument of Vietnam.

Source: kienthuc.com.vn

Lien Phai Pagoda – the beautiful lotus of Thang Long citadel
Nguyen Thanh Van

Hang But Pho street in Hanoi used to have a rather strange name, Hang Mun Street. The name comes from a typical career of the poor living on the street.

Hang But Street is a 68-meter-long street stretching from Thuoc Bac Street to Bat Su Street, west of Hanoi Old Quarter. This is the former part of Dong Thanh hamlet, old Tho Xuong district.

This street specializes in selling notebooks, pens, and markers for students. The French call Hang But street (Thuoc Bac) as “rue Cambanère”, Hang Mun street is “rue des Chiffons”.

Despite being a street of the poor, during the colonial period, at the four corners of Hang Mun street were four superficial palaces of the Japanese and colonial government officials..

Since 1945, Cambanère Street has changed the name of Hang But street, while Chiffons Street has been Hang But alley. From 1949, Hang But street (old) became a part of Thuoc Bac street, while Hang But alley was “upgraded” in Hang But street.

Hang But street is the second shortest street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, just behind Hoan Kiem Street.

On this street no longer sells items made from fabric as the street also called Hang Mun anymore. Compared to neighboring streets, this is a fairly quiet street.

Nowaday, the main business on Hang But street is hotels and restaurants.

A notable historical site on this street is Dong Thanh Temple in No.4. The front gate of this temple is on Hang Vai street.

Source: kienthuc.com.vn

Hang But Street – The poor street of old Hanoi
Nguyen Thanh Van

If Hanoi and its lavish array of attractions still cannot satisfy your adventurous spirit or you are simply getting fed up with this noisy crowded city and want some fresh air, just pack up and move out of the inner city to explore numbers of destinations where both stunning scenery and fresh atmosphere are always welcoming you. This guide shall introduce you to five must-see sites near Hanoi for a one day trip.

1- Huong Pagoda (Perfume Pagoda)

Huong Pagoda is an immense complex of Buddhist pagodas, several Gods temples and communal houses, located on Huong Son Town, My Duc District, Hanoi. The center of this complex is laid inside Huong Son Cave, called Chua Trong (Inner Pagoda).

In order to reach this holy sanctuary, tourists are given chances to travel on boats cross a long and narrow but romantic stream. Along its side are extending patty fields where egrets flying intermittently above; grassy dunes and temples here and there. It may take ones 2-3 days to pray at all temples and explore the entire zone.

Huong Pagoda is most well-known for its festival, lasting very long from the beginning of January to early April. During the occasion, Huong Pagoda welcomes thousands pilgrims from both inside and outside of Vietnam.

Full-Day Perfume Pagoda Small-Group Tour

2- Traditional handicraft villages

Visiting traditional handicraft villages around Hanoi should be a good idea for travelers getting bored with busy life of the inner city. The tour will be divided into two morning and afternoon session with one village to visit in each depending on travelers.

Bat Trang Ceramic Village: Getting to the destination either by motorbike or bus crossing Chuong Duong Bridge, a large area of ceramic pottery workshops are open to you. In here, ones can buy the best quality ceramic products, moulded by skillful hands of craftsmen and in various sizes, colors and design. It’s even more exciting when ones are invited to create a ceramic product yourselves.

Van Phuc Silk Village: The site is undoubtedly a paradise of silk and fashion lovers with over 1,000 silk shops, offering a diverse range of delighting shirts, crafts, ties and dresses made of silk here are standing out thanks to its light weight and smooth appearance, high quality and a variety of colors that will definitely be suitable for any skin tones.

3- Duong Lam Ancient Village

The village is 60km from Hanoi center that may takes you a whole day trip. Duong Lam Village is proud to be the most ancient village in Vietnam which is still remaining its lavish array of historic relics and ancient architecture dated to 1,200 years of history. Besides, Duong Lam landscape is typical for a Vietnamese village with poetic rivers with rows of bamboo on its bank, vast patty field where several buffalo or cow digging glass nearby.

4- Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay has just been qualified to be one of the New Seven Wonders of the World is definitely a must-see destination. Located within the Gulf of Tonkin, Ha Long Bay is a spectacular formation of around 2,000 small limestone islets with the total square of 1,553 km2. The Bay’s outstanding scenic beauty promises tourists unforgettable experience.

Mimosa Cruise 01 Day

5- Ancient Capital Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh)

The Ancient Capital Hoa Lu is the first capital of feudal system in Vietnam, which associated with two prosperous dynasties: Dinh Dynasty and Le Dynasty. From 968-1010, the old capital achieved lots of glories before King Ly Cong Uan decided to move the capital to Thang Long.

Hoa Lu is a complex of ancient vestiges, which has been officially preserved by Vietnamese Government since 2003.

Spring is really a festivity season in Hoa Lu thanks to dozens of carnivals being held in this first capital of Vietnam.

Source: vietnamonline.com

5 Ideas for Day Trips from Hanoi
Nguyen Thanh Van

Before spring, the plum gardens in Pa Phach hamlet in Moc Chau district, Son La province, have begun to wake up, dotting the area with pristine white flowers.

Moc Chau has long been famous for the white flower field improvements, the tea plantation or forest gush of white plum blossom and also one of the attractions people dissipated attract tourists at home and abroad.

Moc Chau in Son La province, lies 180 km away from Hanoi, on Highway No. 6 to Son La, Dien Bien. The best time to travel around Moc Chau Tet (February calendar) is seasonal peach, plum flowers blooming around the streets so ubiquitous at this plateau is also the scenic vistas and romantic .

In the spring, the Moc Chau is flooded in white plum blossom color, cherry blossom pink and wealth. You can stop at any public gardens caught on road.

As the sun began to warm up on the plateau and the hills of tea, it’s time plum branches, twigs apricots white flowers sprung racing. Right to Moc Chau on sunny days you feel all the beauty of the flower-covered canopy lit plum under the blue sky.

Plum blossom in the period not long, lasting from 2 to 3 weeks, so if you want to admire the beauty of this flower, you should plan to travel Moc Chau in the first days of February next.

Where many of the most plum blossom in Moc Chau is an area of pine forest and uplink of Ang Sap border gate, the center of Moc Chau town about 30 km.

Plum flower brings early spring in Moc Chau
Nguyen Thanh Van

Hanoi Old Quarter is one of the oldest continuously developed areas in Vietnam that has gone through a history of 2000 years. Situated near the Hoan Kiem Lake and Long Bien Bridge. Used to be a former citadel wall, the Old Quarter became more well-known as a crafts area when King Ly Thai To decided to move the capital from Hoa Lu to Hanoi in the 11th century. Later, the area turned into a village for Hanoi local people with a round structure with thousands of houses on stilts. In the 13th century, some tiny workshop villages gathered into craft cooperatives. Skilled craftsmen moved to the Quarter and performed similar services. They lived and worked together to transform private merchandise to the designated streets.

Most Iconic Streets of Hanoi Old Quarters

Hang Bac Street

In the Old Quarter, most of the streets started with the word “Hang”, which means shop or merchandise. Hang Bac is one of the oldest streets in Vietnam which dated back from 13th century. “Bac” means silver because the street was a silver manufacture under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong. Since the 18th century, the street has performed more functions. Besides making silver ingots, the street also sells jewelry and exchanges money. If a merchant wanted a large amount of money for business transactions, they would exchange the metal bars on Hang Bac. Although the money paper was used later, the name Bac remained as the unique point of the street. Nowadays, the street mostly sells gold, silver as jewelry and exchanges money.

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 Hanoi’s shallow river, swamps and lakes.

Cau Go Street

Cau Go Street means “Wooden Bridge Street”, which is located by the lake shore. Many years ago, there was a bridge connecting Thai Cuc Lake and Hoan Kiem Lake. Under the French colonialization, the lake and stream were filled with land and the bridge was not used anymore, but it was still a regular street for local people. Nowadays, Cau Go street is a business street where specializes in women’s accessories.

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 Hanoi 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.

Dong Xuan Street/ Market Street

Located at the meeting point of To Lich River and Red River, Dong Xuan Market was the oldest, busiest and the biggest market in Hanoi. When the French occupied Hanoi, they required the merchants to sell goods inside the market in order to collect tax. When there was an increase in the number of merchants, the market was enlarged. There were five gates leading to the building, each gate was used for special goods. Nowadays, the market is mostly for wholesales and the goods sold here are more diverse than they were before.

Hang Mam Street

The name of Mam rooted from “fish sauces”, which is a kind of ingredients commonly used in Vietnam 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.

Ma May Street

The street is a combination of two streets. Hang May sold products from rattan while Hang Ma sold sacred joss. At the end of the 20th century, the streets turned into one called Ma May. Nowadays, the street does not sell any special products. It is a common spot for tourists to enjoy their vacations in Hanoi.

Hang Thiec Street

In the past, the tinsmiths were produced on this block. Originally, the craftsmen manufactured small tin cone-shape to make conical hats. Then the tins were transported to the nearby Hang Non Street where made the hats. The street also made candlesticks, oil lamps, and opium boxes.

The Old Quarter is a legacy of Hanoi through a long history, but the area is facing huge challenges due to fast development. During your Vietnam vacation in Hanoi Old Quarter, you will be busy in the morning with thousands of merchandise shops and lively in the evening with a number of restaurants and bars. Spending a few days there on a Hanoi tour will not make you disappointed.

Source: vietvisiontravel.com

Hanoi Old Quarter of 36 Iconic Streets
Nguyen Thanh Van

The image of the ancient Hoa Phong tower,  has been imprinted in the soul of many generations of Hanoi people. However not everyone knows the history of this ancient tower.

Located on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake, opposite the Hanoi Post Office building, Hoa Phong tower is the only remaining vestige of Bao An Pagoda – the most famous pagoda in Hanoi in the 19th century.

The tower was built of bricks, three stories high, the quadrilateral surface, the first floor has four doors, so it is also known as the “tứ môn tháp”.

On each door of the tower have these words: Báo Ân Môn, Báo Nghĩa Môn, Báo Đức Môn, Báo Phúc Môn ( Bao An Gate, Bao Nghia Gate, Bao Duc Gate, Bao Phuc Gate), expressing important values of Confuciannism.

The second floor of the tower has four square corner corners built to place the statue of four “nghê”.

The corners are connected by contour culture.

The middle of the tower on the second floor is deeply indented. The two sides have the concave square in the two Sanskrit words “Án” means judgment symmetrically with each other.

The remaining two plots are covered with eight-sign figure – a symbol of Taoism and are also associated with the Confucian worldview.

On the third floor, on the East-West side, the tower is named Hoa Phong, but on the North-South side, “Bao Thien Tower” is recorded.

The top of the tower is decorated with bottle gourd, a symbol of blessings in Buddhism and Taoism.

The decorative motifs of the tower feature Oriental characteristics, rigorous in each line.

Inside tower.

According to the researchers, Hoa Phong tower is a type of tower rarely seen in Buddhist architecture, with the first floor to be bigger and taller than the two upper floors.

The tower is located in a very special position, in front of the temple gate, not in the garden like the usual square towers in Vietnamese pagodas.

The decorative motifs show the tower bearing the ideology “Cư Nho Mộ Thích” popular in the Nguyen Dynasty.

According to the remaining documents, Bao An Pagoda inaugurated the 7th year of Thieu Tri (1847) on the old foundation of Ngu Long Lau in Trinh Lord capitol. The person in charge of setting up the pagoda is the governor of Ha Ninh (Hanoi – Bac Ninh) Nguyen Dang Giai, that is why people call it the pagoda Quan Thuong.

After its inauguration, Bao An Pagoda has the superficial scale and is the most famous type of Hanoi at that time. This is one of the constructions bearing the Nguyen Dynasty on Thang Long land.

In 1889, the French colonialists destroyed Bao An Pagoda to build a palace and post office (now the Government Guest House and the Hanoi Post Office).

Perhaps, Hoa Phong tower was fortunate not to be demolished because it was located outside the pagoda grounds.

After two centuries, the architecture of the ancient tower remains intact.

Nowadays, Hoa Phong tower has become an iconic building on the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Images of the ancient towers have marked in the hearts of many generations of Hanoi people.

This is also a must-visit place for tourists when coming to the city’s top attractions.

Source: kienthuc.com.vn

Hoa Phong Tower: Ancient tower has a special history of Hanoi
Nguyen Thanh Van

Coming to adorable Hanoi, besides contemplating the tower buildings with huge commercial centers, the parks ar places that noone should miss. There, you will find yourself immersed in a relaxing atmosphere, comfortably strolling, doing sightseeing, enjoying the intimate chit-chat or even taking part in weekend activities.

1. THU LE PARK

This park is located inside a large lake, having an oval-shaped land of soil, looking like a tear-like soil. That is also the origin of the name Thu Le, whose name is “holding the tears”. It used to be known as Bach Thao Gardens as well. The Hanoi Zoo is set within the park and there are over 90 different kinds of species and a number of approximately 800 animals that live within the premises, including big cats, monkeys and reptiles. Don’t let the term zoo mislead you – this is one of the most fabulous parks in Vietnam! Thu Le Park is continuously striving to improve its facilities in order to manage to take care of the animals as best as they could. They aim to conserve and protect regional animals which are supposed to be under threat.

Kids in particular love the zoo and park, but you will definitely find a lot of corners comfortable for adults around, too, since it offers a real respite from the hustle and bustle atmosphere of Hanoi city life. There is also a lake with peddle boats, making it a jubiliant getaway for anyone.

Accordingly, visitors will also find themselves mingling in the harmonious symphony of birds with the crystal clear sound of the mi mi miu or the energetic monkeys.

                                                                                     Photo: Hoang Long

Jogging around the park, inhaling in the fresh air and sensing a feel of peace after the hecticity of everyday life will certainly be the relaxing moments for the weekend with friends, family or beloved ones.

Address: Kim Ma Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi.

2. YEN SO PARK

This is the most extensive green park in Hoang Mai distric, Hanoi with a total area of about 325 ha, which is a part of  commercial center and 5-star hotel complex, Gamuda.

Located at the southern gateway and is considered to be the green lung of Hanoi capital, Yen So park includes buildings such as art galleries, boat houses, outdoor theaters, mesmerizing gardens, cultural villages and various landscapes; besides, it also have five natural lakes surrounding six themed gardens, a chain of dining options, shops, residential zones, and business center. There are bicycle rental service priced at about 2 USD per hour and boat rental service for about 3 USD.

 The location and the great number of trees here offer a lot of shade from the Hanoi sun and muffles the sound of nearby traffic, turning it almost into a soothing background murmur that your ears get used to. The pathways are amazingly cool and surrounded on both sides by lushes grass, high trees and colourful flowers – it’s incredible because many people are astonished to know that it exists such a well-kept and green areas existing in an urban city like Hanoi.

Address: Near Nuoc Ngam car station, Hoang Mai dist., Hanoi.

3. HOA BINH PARK

Located on Pham Van Dong street, this is absolutely an interesting destination for many young people. The park covers an area of over 20 hectares of Xuan Dinh commune, Tu Liem district, Hanoi. This park was built in the celebration of 990 years of Thang Long – Hanoi. At the same time, the capital was proudly honored to be awarded the title “City for Peace” by UNESCO.

The architectural highlight of the park lies in the main entrance, which was not built with gates but symbols. The main gate is to the north, and back about 40m is a series of greenery islands.

The significance of the North gate is the Lac bird which was built towards the highway. If you are a delicate person who has a tendency to pay attention to small features, you will surely recognize the interesting features in this design, which is the model of the Lac bird, together with the lake forming the English word “No War”.

Address: Pham Van Dong Street, Xuan Dinh Ward, Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi.

4. THONG NHAT PARK

Thong Nhat Park is another big park in Hanoi. Though having Bay Mau Lake located in the center, bordering to four mains streets, the park is very tranquil and airy. Thong Nhat park has always been the ideal destination for relaxation, entertainment, group activities, outdoor education or even fairs.

There is a peaceful and serene Hoa Binh island in the middle of Bay Mau lake, and there are many areas for growing flowers and ornamental plants, various interesting games for children such as ferris wheel, mirror house, rowing boat, etc. Particularly on holidays, this park is also the venue for the Spring Flower Fair with thousands of beautiful and fragrant flowers.

Address: Tran Nhan Tong Street, Le Dai Hanh ward, Hai Ba Trung dist., Hanoi.

5. NGHIA DO PARK

This is regarded to be the 50th anniversary of the liberation day of the capital city. With a total area of nearly 47 thousand square meters, Nghia Do park is considered the green lung of the West of the Capital, with flower gardens, emerald green trees, a winding path around the romantic lake, picturesque scenery, fresh environment and airy and calm space. The park has become an ideal place to engage in outdoor activities, relax, exercise, and it also acts as entertainment areas for children.

The park is surrounded by Nguyen Van Huyen – Nguyen Khanh Toan – Chua Ha – To Hieu streets of Cau Giay district. On coming here, you can get into the park by 2 gates located on To Hieu Street or one on Nguyen Van Huyen Street.

Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Dich Vong ward, Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi.

6. CAU GIAY PARK

Cau Giay park is also known as Yen Hoa park, which is the park with an area of 6540 m2 including green trees planted systematically from the very beginning in order to create a cool and clean campus for the park.

The park is divided into three main areas: a children’s playing area, a sports area and a lake; in addition, there is a square where the residents living around could take a walk. This is really an suited destination for visitors who wish to have a place of  relaxation, releasing stress, having some fun and recharging their batteries.

Address: Thanh Thai, Dich Vong ward, Cau Giay Dist. Hanoi

7. LENIN PARK

Lenin Park Hanoi was built on Chi Lang flower garden (Canh Nong flower garden) and it acts as a symbol of the vigorous vitality of the Vietnamese people. This was originally a lake who name was Ho Voi (Elephant Lake) because in the old days, this used to be place where the soldiers showered for elephants.

In 1982, Vietnamese Government built Lenin monument in Chi Lang flower garden and then, on August 20, 1985, a 5.2m high bronze statue of Lenin was placed on a 2.7m high marble pedestal facing the Dien Bien Phu street.
On October 7, 2003, Chi Lang flower garden was named after Lenin park.
Currently, Lenin park has an area of about 17,000m², is a place with spacious space in the heart of Hanoi capital.

Address: Dien Bien Phu, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh Dist. Hanoi.

8. INDIRA GANDHI PARK

Indira Park is located just opposite the National Cinema Center. It sounds strange because the park takes the name of India’s first female Prime Minister – Indira Gandhi to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the liberation day of Hanoi capital. The statue turns to the North, and its main gate is on Lang Ha Street looking spectacular and solemn.

This park embraces Thanh Cong lake, whose water was purified and filtereclean. This lake also has a magnificent fountain  with greenery system forming clean playing areas and beautiful scenery.
Address: 16B Lang Ha, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.

Source: WhatsupVietnam.com

Top 8 beautiful and famous parks in Hanoi that you can visit for relaxation and entertainment
Nguyen Thanh Van