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Halong Bay or Ninh Binh

Halong Bay or Ninh Binh

It was never quite pinpointed exactly who was the first person to describe Ninh Binh as ‘Halong Bay on Land’. The phrase has become popular for the sole reason that it is repeated by pretty much every guide before every tour of Ninh Binh in the hopes of inspiring images of the famous, original Halong Bay. It’s certainly not a bad comparison to make, and as the popularity of Halong Bay grows higher, more and more tourists are looking to Ninh Binh as a way to beat the crowds while still enjoying that world-renowned limestone karst backdrop.[incredible_toc]Would you choose Ninh Binh or Halong Bay? These are two of the most popular day trips from Hanoi, but as Ninh Binh’s infrastructure grows while Halong Bay struggles to cope with consistently high tourist levels every year, there seems to be a new momentum shift, and the question of Halong Bay or Ninh Binh is crossing more minds than it did in the past.Overview of Halong Bay1. Limestone IslandsThe entire reason that the words ‘Halong Bay on Land’ feature in so many TripAdvisor reviews from contented tourists is that Ninh Binh’s scenery matches Halong Bay stride for stride. You could transplant any of Halong Bay’s gorgeous limestone mountains in Ninh Binh and it wouldn’t look out of place at all. A visit to either Halong Bay or Ninh Binh is one with the guarantee of amazement at the near-identical rock pillars jutting out of the water. Of course, it’s the water itself that makes all the difference, as the huge expanse of the Gulf of Tonkin where Halong Bay lies dwarfs the tiny canals found around Ninh Binh.Certainly, there is more on offer in Halong Bay, but views are pretty much the same throughout any day or overnight trip. There are a few exceptional limestone mountains in Halong Bay, including Titop Island, Hon Co and Fighting Cock Island, featuring proudly on the 200,000 VND note. Aside from looking at them, you can disembark your cruise and feel the rock and sand beneath your feet, providing a ‘castaway’ feeling that you can’t really get in Ninh Binh.Fighting Cock Islet - Halong BayWhat you can get in Ninh Binh, however, is a more enclosed feeling, as the thinner water paths are flanked by high-rising cliffs stretching proudly upwards. This makes the atmosphere a little more magical in our opinion, but there are very few opportunities to get up really close and personal with the mountains. In fact, there’s only one: Lying Dragon Mountain, a 450-step climb to a statue of a winding dragon and a view of the valley below, where the river skirts its way around the foothills of forested mountains. If you still wondering about taking one place to visit, why don't you take both at our Hoa Lu Tam Coc & Halong Bay tour?View from Lying Dragon Mountain>> Halong Bay or Ninh Binh?• Halong Bay probably takes this one through sheer quantity, but it’s a very close call.2. TransportationA big part of discovering Halong Bay or Ninh Binh is the method of transport used to get around. Obviously, in Halong Bay, there’s really only one, given that it’s on the sea. In Ninh Binh, there are a few, because of its access to land and roads as well as rivers.Cruises around Halong Bay span the gamut from cheap, no-thrills day boats to 5-star luxury cruises, and the same waterways are shared between everyone. Activities don’t vary too much between cheap and expensive cruises, but the quality of life on board certainly does. The cheaper day boats usually comprise of one large sitting room with benches and an undecorated sundeck on top, while a 3-day cruise on a luxury boat will give you a feeling of royalty with top-class amenities, service and food; though it will potentially be about 10 times more expensive. When you want to get up close and personal with the bay, you can explore via kayak, a sampan boat rowed by a local, swimming or even a seaplane on the most exclusive of cruises.Cruise in Halong Bay with Incredible CruiseThe 90% of Halong Bay that you will see by cruise is not the same in Ninh Binh, where you have the options of cycling, trekking, climbing, motorcycling and taking a variety of different boats on its waterways. The most popular activity is certainly the local service that operates the sampan boats made of bamboo and paddled by middle-aged ladies (and a token couple of men) with their feet. At Tam Coc in Ninh Binh, these boats will carry you down the Ngo Dong River, while at Van Long Nature Reserve, they fan out into the wide basin of wetlands. Taking a cycle around the village of Tam Coc also finds regular appeal with tourists and visitors can rent bikes easily for a very good price. Motorcycling and trekking are usually reserved for Cuc Phuong National Park and its long path that cuts through the jungle, while multi-day treks to villages of the Muong minority tribe can be made at the northwest corner of the park.Boating in Tam Coc>> Halong Bay or Ninh Binh?• With a wider range of activities for getting around, Ninh Binh wins here.Check out our best tours to Ninh Binh from Hanoi:Hoa Lu Tam Coc Day TripTrang An - Bai Dinh Full Day TourTam Coc Bich Dong Full Day TourCuc Phuong National Park Day Trip3. CavesNeither Halong Bay nor Ninh Binh has Vietnam’s best cave systems; you’ll have to go to Phong Nha for that, but there are some pretty amazing offerings in both locations. Halong Bay’s caves are a big part of the reason that UNESCO has inducted the region twice into the World Heritage list, once in 1994 and again in 2000. Its most famous by far is Sung Sot Cave, translating to the ‘the Surprising Cave’ allegedly after a French explorer was surprised by its presence and the hundreds of differently shaped rock formations found throughout. This cave features on a lot of tour itineraries alongside the less frequent appearances of Me Cung, Trinh Nu, Trong, and Thien Cung, but quite possibly its most incredible is Luon Cave, a very short corridor of water that, when kayaked through, reveals an enclosed emerald lake shimmering on the other side.Sung Sot CaveBy comparison, Ninh Binh is relatively lacking in the cave department. You will be rowed through a few in Tam Coc, Trang An, and the Van Long wetlands, though they are really just short gaps in the mountains. The caves still create a wonderful atmosphere, but nothing like the grandeur of Halong Bay, where stalactites and stalagmites dwarf people and are illuminated in colorful lights for a more dramatic effect. The best example of a Ninh Binh cave is definitely the Cave of the Prehistoric Man in Cuc Phuong National Park, excavated in 1966 to reveal an array of human graves as well as sharp weapons and tools dating back over 7,500 years.>> Halong Bay or Ninh Binh?• Halong Bay. It is famous for its amazing caves and will continue to best Ninh Binh until more are potentially discovered.Contact us to get premium deals on Halong Bay CruisesCatherine cruiseElite of the SeasCapella CruiseV'Spirit Cruise4. FarmingTwo of the most beautiful sights you’ll see in Vietnam are locals going about their farming in both Halong Bay and Ninh Binh. They use vastly different methods and harvest vastly different products, but the process of planting (or breeding) to harvest affords the most amazing views.One wouldn’t assume Halong Bay would be able to engage in much farming, but the villagers here are very adept at the cultivation of fish, which is the origin of human habitation in the bay. Fishing villages such as Cua Van and Ba Hang, as well as Vung Vieng in Bai Tu Long Bay, remain stalwarts of a way of life that’s becoming more and more redundant and being kept alive for the tourism trade. These colorful floating houses sit atop huge buoyant drums and bob up and down with the water, just meters from a backdrop of gorgeous limestone. It’s clear to see how the allure of tourist money has replaced the meager living families can make with traditional fish farming, but you can see examples of this past practice through enlightening farming demonstrations.Cua Van Fishing VillageAbout 220km southwest of Halong Bay, Ninh Binh is a completely different level of agriculture. Rice paddies took over the perfect flat valleys in the past and Ninh Binh is now known as one of the best spots in the country to see golden rice paddies stretching far into the distance. Tam Coc and Trang An especially are favorites for their views, aided heavily by the presence of undulating mountain scenery rolling further beyond the rice fields here. A visit between the start of May and the end of June will allow for views of the typically crisp, golden fields that tourists come from afar to see. Tam Coc Panorama>> Halong Bay or Ninh Binh?• Ninh Binh. Though beautiful, the token offerings of Halong Bay’s fishing villages pale in comparison to the splendor of Ninh Binh’s rice fields.5. Relaxing vs Exploring CultureOf course, you can relax and explore in either Halong Bay or Ninh Binh, but overall there is a pretty clear divide between the two of them when it comes to available activities.Halong Bay’s beaches are another of the region’s huge attractions, and while certainly not the most remote in the world, the white sand coupled with the feeling of being on another, much more beautiful planet equates to one hell of a relaxing time. Some of the more luxury cruises commit entire days to hanging out at the beach, with just the serving of lunch and the availability of swimming and kayaking to tempt you away from the sands. Well, this is actually more of a feature of both of Halong Bay’s neighboring bays, Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay; Halong Bay features a small number of accessible beaches, which can get pretty touristy. For the best time in the Gulf of Tonkin, head to Ban Chan and Ngoc Vung beaches in Bai Tu Long Bay, or Ba Trai Dao Beach in Lan Ha Bay.Kayaking in Halong BayThe more adventurous readers might prefer to head to Ninh Binh, and in particular Hoa Lu, for an interesting look at Vietnamese culture throughout its history. Hoa Lu was once the capital of Vietnam for 44 years, spanning the reign of two separate kings who had set up shop here and is now a fascinating area with temples, statues, and monuments behind a gorgeous palatial gate and moat. Bich Dong Pagoda sits near a lily pond in Tam Coc, rising high as you climb up steps and through temples and caverns to the amazing view provided from the top. However, Bai Dinh is the jewel in the crown of Ninh Binh’s religious buildings; its Buddhist complex spans 700 hectares, all of which stems from one tall pagoda built over one thousand years ago. If you get the understandable feeling of ‘temple fatigue’ in Ninh Binh, you can visit Phat Diem Cathedral, sure to be one of the most unique mixes of Asian and Western architecture that you will ever see.>> Halong Bay or Ninh Binh?• This one is down to personal preference, so we’re going to call this round a draw.6. TourismEvery tourist hears the same stories of overcrowding on Halong Bay’s waters and islands, and that sometimes makes the decision of whether to head to Halong Bay or Ninh Binh an easy one. Rumors aren’t always true, however.Though Halong Bay indeed gets substantially more tourists than Ninh Binh does (what a doubly-recognized UNESCO World Heritage site wouldn’t?), it is certainly not the picture of converging crowds that people like to paint. In its 1,553km2 frame, believe it or not, Halong Bay, can still be postcard-perfect, free of tourists, and utterly serene. Areas like Ho Dong Tien (Fairy Lake Cave) and Luon Cave can bestow the ultimate feeling of calm through the isolation they provide. There are many, many more examples of tranquil spots across the neighboring bays, which are quieter still during the Gulf of Tonkin’s off-season over winter and summer.Van Long Nature ReserveNinh Binh, on the other hand, is a province on the rise. There are big plans by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism to make Ninh Binh the next destination recognized internationally, as Halong Bay is now. There’s a long way to go, but the entire province boasts nature and variety in abundance, so there’s no reason to assume it won’t happen. This means that right now is probably the best time to see Ninh Binh to avoid eventual crowds. Crowding can be a small problem for the more popular activities such as the boat trips in Tam Coc or Trang An and some of the cycling paths when the rice paddies are golden. There are always alternatives though, and Van Long Nature Reserve, as well as Cuc Phuong National Park, provide two great ones with plenty of space for the future.>> Halong Bay or Ninh Binh?• For sheer levels of tourists on an average peak season day, you’ll probably get more space in Ninh Binh.So Ninh Binh just tips the balance at the end there, but of course, all of these aspects of both destinations are meant to suggest and guide, not instruct. Fantastic times can be found in both Halong Bay and Ninh Binh, and you can enjoy both on day trips from Hanoi with Incredible Asia Journeys.

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Shopping Centres in Hanoi

Shopping Centres in Hanoi

Through the turbulent ancient history of Vietnam, its invasion by Mongolia, China, Japan, France and the USA has made Vietnam rightfully suspicious of foreign powers. However, in modern-day Vietnam, communist ties are loosening and foreign companies are setting up huge projects in the form of shopping centres. The number amounts to over 20 in Saigon and is a signal of the unbelievable rate at which symbols of capitalism appeared after Vietnam had, ironically, ousted the capitalists after the American War.[incredible_toc] The capital has been playing catch-up with Saigon’s modernity for a while, but with 15 shopping centres in Hanoi, it’s fair to say that it’s pretty even between the rival cities at the moment. Hanoi has opened up to the world of investment and a megacity is on the horizon. Here is our list of some of the best shopping centres in Hanoi.Shopping Mall in Hanoi1. Some Tips to Explore Hanoi Shopping Mall1.1. BargainingHanoi’s shopping centres are a world away from the ladies selling fruit and fish on the street. While bargaining is intrinsic to Vietnamese culture, its shopping centres are products of Western countries where bargaining is non-existent. Stick to the fixed price on the label and don’t try your luck, it won’t go down well.1.2. ParkingIf you’re driving a motorbike to any of these malls, you’ll be parking it in a tiny section of the vast, dimly lit parking lots that roll on endlessly below. Every lot looks identical and there is very little to help you should you leave your bike and forget where it is. Spaces for about 1000 cars and 9000 motorbikes are usually guarded by a small group of parking attendants, many of whom like to nap, watch TV in the back office and generally take life as easy as possible. You’ll likely be on your own if you lose your bike, so take a picture of where you leave it.1.3. Peak HoursTo avoid the mad rush of a country that has recently come into untold wealth, it’s best to avoid peak hours at all costs. Saturdays and Sundays can be manic from mid-morning to late evening, while lunch and dinner times throughout the week are the domain of rich families looking to splash as much cash as they can on high-end restaurant chains. Avoid mealtimes and weekends if you would like to take everything in at your own pace.2. Best Shopping Mall in Hanoi2.1. Vincom Royal CityThe imperial appearance of Vincom Royal City makes it look somewhat like a palace of evil from the outside. It’s fair to say that the only design plan preceding this project by Vingroup was to make Royal City look as generically European and soullessly grandiose as possible. In all fairness, Vingroup has been very busy becoming Vietnam’s third colonial power, with a staggering 18 other subsidiaries of their company around the country, amassing assets worth about $9.2 billion. Still, they really could have afforded to pay the designers more.Nevertheless, it’s the inside that counts, and Vincom Royal City has plenty of great options within. A large ice rink is a major attraction, as is its art gallery (the largest in Vietnam), bowling alley, and huge arcade with state-of-the-art virtual reality games. Despite all of this, really what visitors notice first and foremost is the incredible size of the building; comprehensive visits to this Hanoi shopping centre’s many, many shops would take days.Royal City in HanoiHow do I get there?Motorbike – About 25 minutes from Hoan Kiem LakeBus – The Number 1 runs through the Old Quarter and down Nguyen Trai Street, dropping you off outside for about 7,000 VND (¢33 USD).Grab Taxi – Around 80,000 VND ($3.50) from the Old Quarter.2.2. AEON Shopping MallA product of the Japanese company AEON, you can see the country’s efficiency with one glance at the AEON Shopping Mall. As you might expect from its home country, everything is clean, modern and easily accessible to everyone; their motto of ‘Japanese Heart with Vietnamese Smiles’ seems pretty genuine. The food court is the real draw here, as its ‘Ngon Pho' (delicious street) is decked with some of the finest names in world food. The Japanese-oriented stalls are numerous and serve up traditional Japanese fare in the forms of sushi, ramen, takoyaki, okonomiyaki and many more.How do I get there?Motorbike – About 30 minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake, down Nguyen Khoai and over the Vinh Tuy Bridge.Bus – You can walk to Yen Phu Street or Tran Nhat Duat Street to catch the 55B or the 98 from the Old Quarter to AEON Mall for 7,000 VND (¢33 USD).Grab Taxi – About 90,000 VND ($4) from the Old Quarter.AEON Mall Long Bien2.3. Lotte CentreRising high into the city skyline, the Lotte Centre is the tallest of all the buildings from the Lotte Company, coming from South Korea. Unfortunately, it fell short of another of South Korea’s Vietnam ventures, Landmark 72, the tallest building in Vietnam until the title was claimed back for the country with the cheekily named Landmark 81 (by Vingroup, of course) in Ho Chi Minh City.The interior of the Lotte Centre is mainly residential apartments and a large department store, but its business is up top for this shopping centre in Hanoi’, as its Skywalk and Top of Hanoi observation deck are huge draws. With multiple ‘zones’ including the ‘Welcome Zone’ ‘Love Zone’, ‘Attraction Zone’ and ‘Experience Zone’, it’s clear where you can find the new-age of technological interaction in Vietnam; 272m above Hanoi. The rooftop is a great place to get those killer rush hour time-lapse shots and is free to attend as long as you buy a drink and look somewhat respectable.The 65th floor of Lotte CenterHow do I get there?Motorbike – 25 minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake, directly west along Kim Ma Street until you see the Lotte Centre looming in front.Bus – The number 09 runs from Hoan Kiem Lake for 7,000 VND ($33).Grab Taxi – 60,000 VND ($2.80) from Hoan Kiem Lake.2.4. Trang Tien PlazaOn April 30th 2000, Vietnam celebrated the 25th anniversary of the banishment of capitalist rule by beginning construction of an incredibly opulent shopping mall in Hanoi, overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake in the centre of the city. With the irony lost on those who were planning it, construction continued unabated until the next year, during which time the Vietnamese market that stood here was torn down and replaced with one of the biggest symbols of Western influence imaginable.The two flags outside subtly remind visitors that they are in fact, still in a communist country. The insides, however, are nothing but pure opulence. Shiny gold walls and escalators surround the central floor space and shops like Dior, Prada and BVLGARI are dotted throughout. The outside area is a popular place to take wedding photos for the Vietnamese, perhaps convinced that posing for the happiest day of their life in front of a Louis Vuitton advert will somehow grant them financial prosperity.How do I get there?Trang Tien Plaza is located incredibly close to Hoan Kiem Lake. You can walk there, take a taxi or even a cyclo for cheap within the old quarter. Inside Trang Tien Plaza2.5. Hang Da GalleriaAnother of the Old Quarter smatterings of shopping centres in Hanoi, Hang Da Galleria overlooks one of the crazier ‘roundabouts’ (a tiny circle of plastic arrows that most drivers tend to ignore) and is, therefore, an adventure in itself to get to. Once inside, tourists can find exactly what tourists want to find, authentic souvenir stalls running in a vaguely organised row. The coconut bowls, silk scarves and lanterns give Hang Da Galleria a more genuine feel than some of the western mega malls around the city, and you will have time to shop with space, without a baffling amount of choice and to the background of traditional music or K-pop, as are the two CDs they seem to have on rotation. Many food courts and café options offer a relaxing time and a view of the chaos around the roundabout outside. Hang Da GalleriaHow do I get there?If you’re on the other side of the road and manage to cross the roundabout between Hang Da and Duong Thanh streets, you’ve definitely earned yourself a relaxed seat at the food court. Take a walk to get the full experience, but a taxi or cyclo should be able to get you there safely.You May Like:Best Restaurants in Hanoi Old QuarterHanoi Street Food

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Best Things To Do In Lan Ha Bay

Best Things To Do In Lan Ha Bay

Located in the south of the famous Halong Bay and the east of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay features the magnificence of the small and large islands with many interesting shapes. Not being well-known to tourists like Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is also one of the most beautiful bays near Halong Bay in Vietnam. This promised to be an attraction for tourists who want to discover beautiful Vietnam.[incredible_toc]With a cool and fresh climate, Lan Ha Bay is ready to welcome tourists at any time of the year to enjoy comfortably outdoors activities like swimming, kayaking, boating. So here are the best things to do in Lan Ha Bay!Lan Ha Bay Overview1. Some Attractions In Lan Ha Bay1.1. Nam Cat IslandNam Cat Island is an ideal destination for those who adventurous travelers. Nam Cat Island attracts tourists through four surfaces of nature, exotically charming forests, and sea surrounding. The beach’s length is about 500m with white sand and calm water, which is suitable for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and scuba diving safely. In addition, there are 3 large wooden stilt houses and 6 bamboo motels allowing you to immerse yourself with nature here. You can have an opportunity to enjoy the seafood of Cat Ba and also explore the serene waters with small fishing villages here. Nowadays, tourism in Nam Cat Island is developing, which contribute to preserve and honour the hidden beauty of the island.Nam Cat Island1.2. Monkey IslandTaking a boat from Ben Beo for 10 minutes, you can reach Monkey Island (also called Cat Dua Island in the past). At present, there are more than 30 monkeys here under the range of Cat Ba National Park. Tourists can play with them, and feed them with bananas, apples, or candies. The monkeys are very funny to climb and play with those who visit Monkey Island.Monkey Island1.3. Van Boi BeachVan Boi is one of the great places to relax with white sand and clear water you can see to the bottom. The waves are rather quiet, which is good to dive the coral and swimming. Also, you can relax with bathing on the beach and watching the beauty of the coral. You may feel impressed by this natural landscape and the surrounding cliffs. The beach seems to be escaped from the modern life with noise and bustle. Van Boi Beach1.4. Rua Island (Turtle Island)Opposite to Van Boi Beach, there is a small island with the shape like the turtle swimming on the water surface. It is like a masterpiece in the “forgotten paradise”.Turtle Island1.5. Cannon FortBuilt from 1942 as a look-out point, Cannon Fort is at a 177-meter high hilltop overlooking Lan Ha Bay. It is an ideal place for trekking up to see the panorama view of Lan Ha Bay. From Cannon Fort, you will have a chance to see the scenic views of the bay in particular, and of Cat Ba Island in general with tiny houses and fishing boats.View from Cannon Fort2. Things to do in Lan Ha BayIf you visit Vietnam and Hanoi you may take a day trip from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay or an overnight trip on a Lan Ha Bay Cruise.If you do not have much time, Lan Ha Bay Day Trip from Hanoi can be a good option for you. different from Halong Bay Day Trip, when you take a day trip to Lan Ha Bay you will have a full day on the cruise.While a day trip to Halong Bay you will need about 7 hours on the bus and you only have about 4 to 6 hours on with the cruise trip you will have about 8 hours for the day trip to Lan Ha Bay because it only takes about 4 hours for the transfer.If you have more time then Lan Ha Bay overnight cruises will be a good option for you, it can be 3 days 2 nights on Lan Ha Bay, or 2 days 1 night on Lan Ha Bay Cruises.Refer to some top-rated and recommended cruises in Lan Ha Bay.2.1. KayakingWith hundreds of small sandy beaches and islets, Lan Ha Bay is one of the paradises for kayaking. Those who love kayaks will be interested in the clean and calm water and the wild nature of Cat Ba Island. Some popular places for kayaking in Lan Ha Bay are Cai Beo Floating Village, Van Boi Beach, and Monkey Island… Discover the wild nature here and have the best experiences in the bay.Lan Ha Bay Cruise with kayaking2.2. Swimming in Lan Ha BayWhen visiting Lan Ha Bay, swimming is one of the best activities that you should not miss. There are a lot of small lovely beaches such as Van Boi Beach and Monkey Island for you to enjoy swimming. Clear and warm water will bring you comfortable feelings in the beautiful bay.Swimming in Lan Ha Bay2.3. Rock climbing in Lan Ha BayTouching the limestone by rocky climbing is an interesting experience when visiting Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. Even you are a beginner or intermediate and advanced climbers, the guides will set up the rope and all protective equipment, and follow you on the routes to ensure that it is safe. You will get the most adventurous experience during your wonderful trip in Vietnam. Rocky Climbing in Lan Ha Bay2.4. Visiting fishing village and floating market Located on Cat Ba Island, Viet Hai Fishing Village has about 80 households, which is surrounded by mountains. The villagers mainly live on fishing, farming and breeding. It is developed to become an eco-tourism and cultural tourism for both Vietnamese and foreign tourists coming to visit. Visiting the village, you will have a chance to experience the fishing life in Lan Ha Bay.Viet Hai VillageMove to Cai Beo Floating Village, near Ben Beo Harbor, it is the oldest and the most remarkable floating village in Lan Ha Bay. The village consists of about 300 floating houses living mainly by fishing and seafood farming. You can get there by a small boat or kayaking. Taking a closer look and experiencing the local life here is very interesting and memorable in your trip to Lan Ha Bay.Cai Beo Floating Market2.5. Playing and staying at a private beachIf you prefer relaxing to discovering the bay, you can choose for yourself one of a few private beaches including bungalows to stay overnight. You can book a tour package on a cruise or just book a room to have much more time for relaxing activities such as sunbathing, playing beach football, playing beach volleyball, swimming, or kayaking.Many Lan Ha Bay tours from Hanoi await, reach out to Incredible Asia Journeys now to plan your trip with hot deals and promotions!

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6 Best Indian Restaurants in Hanoi

6 Best Indian Restaurants in Hanoi

Many visitors from India and other countries want to find some options of the best Indian restaurants in Hanoi, Vietnam to perfect their wonderful trip in Vietnam. In this post, we are pleased to recommend you 6 of the best Indian Restaurants in Hanoi to enjoy.[incredible_toc] 1. Dalcheeni Restaurant Located near the West Lake, Dalcheeni is an ideal Indian restaurant to taste delicious foods in the beautiful space. There are three floors for visitors to choose. Especially the third floor serves a private dining area for private parties of 25-30 people. Dalcheeni serves the Authentic Royal Indian Cuisine with carefully handpicked spices and flavours. All ingredients for dishes here are imported from India and then cooked by Indian and Vietnamese chefs who are skillful. Dalcheeni Restaurant Food Location: No. 100 Xuan Dieu Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi Vietnam Opening hours: From Monday to Friday: 10.30 am to 2.30 pm, and 5.30 pm to 10.30 pm                                    From Saturday and Sunday: 10.30 am to 10.30 pm Contact: (+84) 432668453 - [email protected] How to get to Dalcheeni Restaurant From Hanoi Old Quarter, you can get on bus No. 31 to go to 48-50 Au Co Street, and then take a 650m walk to the Dalcheeni Restaurant. It takes you about 30 minutes to get there. You can take a taxi for around 4.2 km to reach Dalcheeni Restaurant. 2. Little India Restaurant Little India Restaurant is one of the most favourite Indian restaurant in Hanoi voted by TripAdvisor with a menu of many delicious Indian foods with reasonable price, especially Indian Bread and Thali. The menu of Little India features a diverse selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes with spices and flavours for everyone. Little India is well-known for Tandoori dishes from meat, kebabs and bread. It is served as an appetizer with Salad, Yogurt and Mint Sauce, or a main dish with Salad and Naan bread. Little India Restaurant’s chefs always use locally available spice, herbs, vegetables and fruits for your yummy dishes in the restaurant. Little India Restaurant Location: No. 32 Hang Tre Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Opening hours: 11.00 am to 2.30 pm, and 6.00 pm to 10.30 pm from Monday to Sunday Contact: (+84) 43926 1859 - [email protected] How to get to Little India Restaurant Little India Restaurant is located in Hanoi Old Quarter, so if you are in the Old Quarter, you can walk to the restaurant. It may take 15 minutes for 1 km or 1.5 km. Little India Restaurant Food 3. Namaste Hanoi Restaurant Namaste Hanoi is the restaurant with the most varied menus in comparison with all other Indian restaurants in Hanoi. With elegant decor based on the rich culture of India, Namaste Hanoi is one of the coziest places to enjoy dinner with customers.The menu offers customers various dishes from the curries of northern India to the hot and spicy dishes of its south. Enjoying dinner at the restaurant will help customers get the best experience with Indian food.However, if you do not have much time to come and enjoy yummy food in the restaurant, Namaste Hanoi is happy to offer a free and quick delivery within a reasonable distance in Hanoi. Namaste Hanoi Restaurant Location: 46 Tho Nhuom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam Opening hours: 11.00 am to 02.30 pm, and 6.00 pm to 10.30 pm from Monday to Sunday Contact: (+84) 903266997 - [email protected] How to get to Namaste Hanoi Restaurant Namaste Hanoi Restaurant is at Tho Nhuom Street, so you can get there by bus No.01 from Hanoi Old Quarter (at Duong Thanh Street or Hang Cot Street). 7,000 VND for a bus ticket to get to the restaurant. Also, you can take a taxi for around 3 km to get to Namaste Hanoi Restaurant. It may take you 30-40 thousand VND. 4. Foodshop 45 Restaurant Ranked 5th on TripAdvisor, the Foodshop 45 is a friendly family-run restaurant because the staffs of the restaurant are mainly members of the family, offering yummy and fresh foods at reasonable prices. Each member of the family take their responsibilities of cooking, running the dining room, delivering the foods and choosing the freshest and finest ingredients. Foodshop 45 Location: Branch 1: 59 Truc Bach Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam                        Branch 2: 32 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam Opening hours: Restaurant: 10.00 am – 10.30 pm, from Monday to Sunday Contact: Ms.Hue (+84) 903429128 - [email protected] How to get to Foodshop 45 Restaurant Taking a taxi is the easiest way to get to Foodshop 45 Restaurant. Around 1-2 km from Hanoi Old Quarter to Foodshop 45 Restaurant. 5. Tandoor Restaurant Tandoor Indian Restaurant was established in 1999 by two brothers from Bangalore. The restaurant is loved by many Indian tourists, tourists from other countries, and Vietnamese people. The restaurant only uses imported spices to create classic dishes with modern elegance. Also, the cozy atmosphere of Tandoor Indian restaurant can make you enjoy more. Tandoor Restaurant Location: No. 24 Hang Be Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam Opening hours: 10.30 am to 10.30 pm, from Monday to Sunday Contact: (+84) 438245359 - [email protected] How to get to Tandoor Restaurant Like Little India Restaurant, Tandoor Restaurant is also located in the Hanoi Old Quarter. So you can get to the restaurant easily if you stay at the Old Quarter. If you are far from 1 or 2 km, you can take a taxi to get there in a faster and easier way.6. Zaika Indian Restaurant HanoiZaika Indian Restaurant Hanoi is a great place to enjoy authentic Indian cuisine. The food is delicious, and the prices are reasonable. Be sure to try their Laal Maas, Chicken Tikka Masala, and other dishes. The service is excellent. If you're in Hanoi and craving Indian food, Zaika is a must-visit. They offer traditional North Indian dishes with vegetarian options in a serene setting. Therefore, Zaika Indian Restaurant is one of the best Indian vegetarian restaurants in Hanoi. Zaika Indian Restaurant HanoiLocation: No. 13 Hang Dieu, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, HanoiOpening hours: 11.00 am to 10.00 pm, from Monday to SundayContact: (+84) 913 221 971 - [email protected] to get to Zaika Indian RestaurantLocated in Hanoi Old Quater, Zaika Indian Restaurant is easy to reach if you stay at a hotel near the Old Quarter. If you want to come to this place during your Hanoi trip, remember to add this restaurant to your bucket list!With the above information, Incredible Asia Journeys hopes that you can find the best Indian restaurant in Hanoi! Contact us to add these restaurants to your Hanoi tour packages!

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Hanoi Weather in May

Hanoi Weather in May

Hanoi weather in May is rather hot but still worth to visit. If you're wondering whether it worth visiting Hanoi in May, accompany us in this Hanoi travel guide. In this post, Incredible Asia Journeys will give you some useful information about Hanoi Weather in May to help you get your best itineraries for your memorable trips in Hanoi, Vietnam.[incredible_toc]Hoan Kiem Lake on a sunny day1. The Temperature in Hanoi in MayMay is the first month of the hot season in Hanoi, so the temperature is rather high. The temperature continues to increase during the month with the average temperature between 24˚C (75.2˚F) and 32˚C (89.6˚F). The high temperature in the daylight ranges from 26˚C (78.8˚F) to 37˚C (98.6˚F), while the low daily temperature usually drops to 21˚C (69.8˚F) or rises to 28˚C (82.4˚F). You will feel warm most of the day, but the hot period may last approximately 3 hours from 02.00 pm to 05.00 pm. Until the end of the month, the duration of hot hours is around 9 hours, from 11.00 am to 08.00 pm.2. Rainfall in Hanoi in MayIf April is the welcoming time of the rainy season, it officially occurs in May with a doubled amount of rainfall in comparison with April. Hanoi in May receives around 190 mm of rainfall on average. The number of wet days ranges from 14 to 18 days. The rainfall increases from the beginning to the end of May.3. Things to visit in Hanoi in May3.1. Ho Chi Minh MausoleumHo Chi Minh MausoleumLocated in Ba Dinh District, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of the must-see places when visiting Hanoi. The mausoleum is the place where the Ho Chi Minh President’s body remains, so Vietnamese people and foreign friends can visit and show their great gratitude to Vietnam’s hero.Also, you can visit other attractions in Ho Chi Minh Complex including Uncle Ho’s House on Stilt, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and Ba Dinh Square.Here are some notes for you before visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum!Cameras, cell phones, bare-shoulder T-shirts, or mini-skirts inside are not allowed in the mausoleum.Opening time: 5 days per week, except Monday and FridayCold seasons (from November to March): 8:00 AM - 11:00 AMHot seasons (from April to October): 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM Closed once per year for 2 or 3 months (depending on the government, so please pay attention to this) for the body maintenance3.2. Thang Long Imperial CitadelThang Long Imperial Citadel is an intriguing relic of Vietnam with historical and cultural values. In 2010, the citadel was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just a 15-minute walk from other attractive destinations in Hanoi such as Quan Thanh Temple, Vietnam Military History Museum, Ho Chi Minh Museum and Hoan Kiem Lake.Thang Long Imperial Citadel detailed info:Opening time: Tuesday – Sunday 08:00 AM – 5:00 PMLocation: 9 Hoang Dieu, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.Ticket price: 30,000 VND.Thang Long Imperial Citadel3.3. Hanoi Old QuarterHanoi Old Quarter is considered the soul of Hanoi with 36 ancient streets, which retain their beauty in the modern city. You can find the narrow streets with many street vendors who sell fast food or souvenirs. You can walk around or hire a cyclo to discover Hanoi Old Quarter. You can enjoy some Hanoi beer in Ta Hien Street to avoid the hot weather of May in Hanoi. Besides, if you visit Hoan Kiem Lake near the Old Quarter, you should try Trang Tien Ice Cream – the famous ice cream in Hanoi.Hanoi Old Quarter4. Best places to visit from Hanoi in May4.1. Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai from HanoiMu Cang Chai is located in the mountainous northeast area of Vietnam. A new crop is welcomed in Mu Cang Chai in May. Because of the terraced fields, water must be supplied from the top of the fields. So this time is called the “falling water season” when the water runs from the top to the bottom of the terraced fields. It is one of the best times for you to visit Mu Cang Chai to go sightseeing. Especially if you would like to be immersed in nature and photography, Mu Cang Chai in May shouldn't be missed out. Mu Cang Chai in Water Season4.2. Ninh Binh from HanoiUnlike the falling water season in Mu Cang Chai, Ninh Binh in May is ready for the ripened rice season. The rice fields start to change their colours to yellow. Ninh Binh attracts millions of tourists from all over the world with famous attractions such as Trang An Grottoes, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Tam Coc Bich Dong, and Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Located on the edge of the Red River Delta, Tam Coc (Three Grottoes) is a beautiful place that remains the long-standing rice cultivation. Only 2 hours from Hanoi, you can get to Tam Coc to see the beautiful scenery of the transition between the bright green and yellow rice fields. Besides, you can do trekking in Cuc Phuong National Park – the first national park and the largest nature reserve in Vietnam. Cuc Phuong National Park in May is the “butterfly season”, so you can be surrounded by lines of colourful butterflies.4.3. Halong Bay from HanoiThe hot weather in Halong Bay in May is the perfect time for tourists to see the beauty of the limestone karst scenery and get into the water by swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkelling. Also, if you want to avoid the heat, you can explore the cooler caves such as Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, Luon Cave…, take a day boat to the local village, or just relax in the boat with fans and aircon.Swimming in Halong Bay4.4. Cat Ba Islands from HanoiCat Ba is one of the best islands to visit in summer in Vietnam. The weather in Cat Ba Island in May offers tourists the best time to visit, which is not too hot to be exhausted and not too cold to swim. Also, you can enjoy the comfortable fresh air here, enjoy the long sandy beaches and beautiful caves, visit Monkey Island and Cat Ba National Park, go kayaking, try scuba diving, and taste delicious seafood or barbecue night.5. Clothing advice in Hanoi in MayLight clothes including shorts and T-shirts are suitable for the hot summer in Hanoi. If you are afraid of being bronzed by the sun, you should prepare a pair of thin slacks, a long-sleeved thin overcoat, and sun cream to use on sunny days.As a trusted Vietnam Tour Operator based in Hanoi, we're confident to offer premium tour packages for tourists, contact us now to get free quotes and hot deals!

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Hanoi Weather in April

Hanoi Weather in April

It is your smart choice to visit Hanoi in April because the good weather at this time will help you to discover various places in Hanoi and its surroundings. Also, April is a time of charming and beautiful scenery. In this post, Incredible Asia Journeys will give you some weather information and suggest the best things you can do in Hanoi in April with the hope that you enjoy your wonderful trips. Let’s see more! [incredible_toc] White Lily Flower in Hanoi in April 1. The Temperature in Hanoi in April In April, Hanoi becomes warmer with average temperatures of 21˚C (69.8˚F) and 28˚C (82.4˚F). The daily low temperature may drop to 16˚C (60.8˚F) or rise up to 26˚C (78.8˚F), while the average daily high temperature tends to range from 20˚C (68˚F) to 35˚C (95˚F).  At the beginning of the month, you can feel the warm temperature from noon to around 07.00 pm. Until the mid-month, it will be between 10.00 am and 10.00 pm. By the end of the month, the temperature increases and you will feel warm all day. Fallen Leaves Street in Hanoi in April 2. Rainfall in Hanoi in April April is the time of welcoming the rainy season, so you may see unexpected rains covering the Hanoi ambiance. In this month, the received amount of rainfall doubles in comparison with Hanoi in March. It is around 80mm to 100mm of rainfall throughout the month with 13-18 wet days. The rainfall in April tends to rise from the beginning of the month toward the end of the month. In general, the highest chance of rain is around noon, while it is less likely to be wet after 08.00 pm during the month. 3. Sunshine Hours in Hanoi in April In general, the sun rises at 05.50 am and sets at 06.11 pm, which provides Hanoi in April with around 12.21 hours of daylight. The weather in Hanoi in April gives the city between 2 and 3 sunshine hours per day. Cloud covers most of the daytime in Hanoi at this time. 4. Best things to do in Hanoi in April 4.1. Hanoi Old Quarter The Old Quarter with 36 bustling streets is a popular tourist attraction in Hanoi. Hanoi Old Quarter is the place gathering many foreign tourists visiting Hanoi, so it is bustling enough for you can find many things to explore including attractive shopping and dining sites, daytime markets, night markets, and various ceremonies every day. To explore Hanoi Old Quarter, you can walk on foot or hire a cyclo to travel around and see many interesting things here. You may spend 100,000 VND or more for one or two people for an hour traveling if you hire a cyclo. Walk around Hanoi Old Quarter 4.2. Hoan Kiem Lake Hoan Kiem Lake is known as the soul of Hanoi, which is associated with the legend of returning the sword of one Vietnam’s king in the past. Visiting Hoan Kiem Lake, you can enjoy the fresh atmosphere and local life people in Hanoi. Especially, in the 3 days of weekends, you can have more space in Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street. You can join many traditional games taken places by volunteers in Hanoi like "O An Quan”, rope skipping, “ Ka Keo”… and see some groups of people dancing, singing, or playing bamboo flutes… Skipping Rope in Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street 4.3. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is an important historical destination in Hanoi, which is for honouring the national hero – Ho Chi Minh President. It is free of charge to visit the Mausoleum; however, you have to pay attention that short skirts or tank tops and taking photos are not allowed inside the Mausoleum. Another thing to note that Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum will be closed occasionally for maintenance so check before you go (often from the mid of September to November). Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum 5. Best Places to Travel from Hanoi in April 5.1. Halong Bay Trips from Hanoi The summertime of April is truly the best time to visit the legendary Halong Bay. There is no chance of encountering hurricanes in Halong Bay in April, so you can enjoy the relaxing environment all the time in the bay. Therefore, Halong Bay attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world to visit the bay for sightseeing and relaxation. You can join the Halong Bay Day Trip for one day to discover the beauty of Halong Bay in April. If you have much more time and would like to enjoy Halong Bay more, click on Halong Bay Cruises to get more information about cruises in Halong Bay. Magnificent Halong Bay scenery5.2. Sapa Trips from Hanoi Sapa has its different beauty in both seasons – spring, summer, autumn, and winter. In April, Sapa welcomes a huge number of visitors because of the suitable climate that is sunny in the daylight and a little bit cold at night. Sapa at this time is covered by many kinds of flowers like buck flowers, peach blossom, ban flowers (Hoa Ban) – a specific kind of flower in the northwest area… and terraced green fields. This makes Sapa as beautiful as heaven.There are many tours to Sapa that you can join, some of them are:Sapa Trekking & Bac Ha MarketBest Of Sapa Explore 3 daysSapa Cycling Tour With Homestay Terraced green fields in Sapa 5.3. Ninh Binh Trips from Hanoi Ninh Binh is famous for many attractive sites including Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Tam Coc Bich Dong (Three Grottoes – Green Pearl Grotto), Trang An Grottoes,… In addition, if you want to walk in a fairyland with thousands of colourful butterflies flying in lines, Cuc Phuong National Park in Ninh Binh in late of April will be the best place. Click on the link to see our tours to Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu Tam Coc Day TripTrang An - Bai Dinh Full Day TourTam Coc Bich Dong Day TourCuc Phuong National Park Day Trip from Hanoi Butterfly season in Cuc Phuong National Park 6. Clothing advice when visiting Hanoi in April You should wear a long-sleeved T-shirt and casual pants, which are enough for you to walk around Hanoi. Remember to bring with you an umbrella or a thin raincoat in case of getting wet from rain in April.

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Hanoi Weather in March

Hanoi Weather in March

It is very hard to give firm predictions of the Hanoi weather each month. So if you want to visit Hanoi, pay attention to the weather to get the best trip. In March, Hanoi is the mid-time of spring with many kinds of flowers blooming such as the Ban flower, Sữa flower, and Bưởi flower (grapefruit flower), which is one of the best times to travel.[incredible_toc] This post gives you some useful information and tips to help you get a memorable trip to Hanoi and the best places in Hanoi. Ban Flower in Hanoi 1. The Weather in Hanoi in March In comparison with February, the temperature in March is rather higher with the average temperature around 18˚C (64.4˚F). While the average high temperature may vary between 16˚C (60.8˚F) and 32˚C (89.6˚F), the daily low temperature tends to range from 12˚C (53.6˚F) to 24˚C (75.2˚F). The weather in Hanoi in March is not too hot, so you will feel comfortable most of the day. The morning hours may be a little bit cooler than the afternoon hours. On average, Hanoi receives around 1 hour of sunshine in the daylight because clouds cover the city most of the time, 89% of daylight. In terms of rainfall, there is an increase in rainfall in comparison with February. The amount of rainfall during March is around 40 mm to 50 mm. The number of wet days ranges from 15 to 22, which is more likely to occur at the end of the month. 2. Things to do in Hanoi in March 2.1. Hanoi Old Quarter Just several hundred from Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Old Quarter attracts tourists with many things to explore. Walking or hiring a cyclo to travel around Hanoi Old Quarter are the best ways to explore the charming Old Quarter. You have to pay about 100,000 VND or more (about 4.5 USD) for 1 or 2 people/1 hour on cyclo. Discover corners of Hanoi Old Quarter and try some street food here like a bowl of pho, Hanoi bread… Hanoi's Old Quarter Besides, you can join our Hanoi Scooter Tour or Hanoi Motorbike Tour to discover corners of Hanoi and enjoy Hanoi foods in March. 2.2. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology If you want to know more about the outstanding characteristics of 54 ethnic groups, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is the best place for you. The museum is divided into 2 parts: indoors and outdoors. The outdoors re-describes the life of Vietnamese ethnic people in the past, while the indoors pay attention to the informative exhibition. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is truly a great choice for those who don’t have time to visit all remote areas where live the majority of Vietnam ethnic minorities. Entrance fee:  Adult: 40.000 VND (1.76 USD)University students with ID: 20.000 VNDChildren (6 years old to 16 years old): 10.000 VNDChildren under 6 years old: Free Bana People Communal House in the museum 2.3. Visiting Dong Nhan Temple Festival The Dong Nhan Temple Festival takes place annually from the 3rd to the 6th of the second lunar month in Dong Nhan Temple, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi. You can have a chance to enjoy some traditional games like human chess, lantern dance, and water sports at the festival.  Dong Nhan Temple Festival 3. Best places to visit from Hanoi in March 3.1. Dien Bien – Muong Thanh Valley from Hanoi Far more than 400 km from Hanoi, Dien Bien is inside Muong Thanh Valley. Dien Bien in March is one of the most beautiful places with a paradise of Ban flowers – a kind of beautiful flower in the northwest area of Vietnam. March is the time Ban flower blooming in the districts of Muong Ang, Dien Bien, Dien Bien Dong… From a far distance, you can see Ban flowers blooming like glittering snowflakes in big white clouds. The white color of the Ban flower not only symbolizes the fragile beauty of Thai girls but also respects the longevity and faithfulness in love. Ban Flower in Dien Bien 3.2. Da Nang from Hanoi Visiting Da Nang in March, you will feel a bustling atmosphere after the Tet holiday. You can visit many well-known spots such as Ngu Hanh Mountain, Cham Sculpture Museum, Son Tra Peninsula, or Dragon Bridge. Also, you can visit Da Nang Beach in March to enjoy walking, sightseeing in the blue sea, or swimming. The fresh atmosphere here and the scenery at this time seem to be so peaceful for all visitors. Da Nang Beach 3.3. Hoi An from Hanoi Hoi An in March seems to be gorgeous full of bright sunshine and little cold weather, which gives you a wonderful atmosphere and more chances to enjoy outdoor activities. You can try some interesting activities such as cycling or walking around Hoi An ancient town, watching the old houses, exploring small streets covered with lanterns, or enjoying the best foods. Hoi An at night 4. Clothing advice when traveling in Hanoi in March The weather in Hanoi in March is not as cold as in the winter, so a thin sweater and overcoat are still essential for a trip to Hanoi at this time. It is also the time of high humidity, so bring more spare clothes in case your clothes haven’t been dried yet. However, remember to bring a long-sleeved T-shirt or shirt to welcome several sunny days in March.So, March is a great time to visit Hanoi, contact Incredible Asia Journeys now to plan your trip for the upcoming March, the earlier the merrier!

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Hanoi Weather in February

Hanoi Weather in February

February is known as the most festive month of the year, especially Lunar New Year (or Tet) – the biggest holiday in Vietnam in February. If you are planning to visit Hanoi in February, pay attention to the weather to have a wonderful trip without any weather trouble. Hanoi weather in February gives you opportunities to explore the beauty of Hanoi's many outdoor activities.[incredible_toc] Peach flowers blooming in Nhat Tan Flower Garden in February 1. The Temperature in Hanoi in February The weather in February becomes warmer than the weather in January with the average temperature from 15˚C (59˚F) to 21˚C (69.8˚F), but it is still cool enough to support a number of outdoor festivals. In general, the daily low temperature can drop down to 10˚C (50˚F), while the high temperature fluctuates between 14˚C (57.2˚F) and 29˚C (84.2˚F). 1.1. Rainfall In February, drizzling rain and mist occur more often, especially in the morning. Hanoi in February receives a slightly larger amount of rainfall from 25mm to 30mm compared with 21mm of January’s rainfall. The number of wet days in Hanoi at this time ranges from 11 to 17 days.  1.2. Sunrise and sunset Hanoi receives around 11 hours of daylight, in which there are usually 2 hours or less of bright sunshine each day. In February, the sun rises at around 6.30 am and sunset occurs at 5.46 pm in general. The maximum UV ray level will be high at midday when the sky is clear. 2. Best places to visit in Hanoi in February 2.1. Hoan Kiem Lake Hoan Kiem Lake, also called Sword Lake, is the ideal place to escape from the noise and bustle of Hanoi. The best time to visit Hoan Kiem Lake is after dawn when people gather together to enjoy the fresh air or do morning yoga or exercises. You can walk around the lake and see beautiful decorations prepared for the Tet holiday. Especially, you can see some people who write calligraphy, they are called “ông đồ". They create great artwork for those who want to buy one with the hope of praying for a happy new year. Three days of weekends are the time of Walking Street in Hoan Kiem Lake, so you can enjoy more and have many interesting traditional activities. "Ông đồ" in Tet holiday 2.2. Hanoi Old Quarter Near Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Old Quarter is worth visiting with many interesting things to discover. Besides walking, hiring a cyclo is another way to discover Hanoi's Old Quarter. You have to pay about 100,000 VND (about 4.5 USD) for 1 or 2 person/ 1 hour. Hanoi Old Quarter with 36 streets including Jam Street, Sugar Street, and Salt Street… is considered as the eternal soul of the city. Here are our best Hanoi tours to discover Hanoi in February: Hanoi Street Food Tour: Hanoi Street Food Tour starts to walk around Hanoi Old Quarter to look for delicious food along the streets. Also, you can have a chance to learn how to make traditional dishes with ancient family recipes. There are many options of Hanoi foods for you to enjoy including Bun Bo, Banh Cuon, Cha Ca, Bun Rieu, Banh Mi, Pho, and Egg Coffee.Hanoi Motorbike Tour: The Hanoi Motorbike Tour brings you to the hidden world of Hanoi, from small alleys to beautiful architectural sites such as Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake, Temple of Literature, Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Long Bien Bridge. Joining the Hanoi Motorbike Tour, you will have an interesting food experience in Hanoi with "bia hoi" and many special street foods.Hanoi Scooter Tour: The Hanoi Motorbike Tour gives you a chance to discover the small corners of Hanoi. In the time of February, Hanoi becomes more colourful with the decoration for the Tet holiday. So it is a good time for you to enjoy the beauty of Hanoi and Hanoi's special foods. Hanoi Old Quarter prepares for the Tet holiday 3. Things to eat in Hanoi in February Hanoi in February is the time of the Tet holiday, so you can have a chance to enjoy many kinds of Vietnamese specialities on this occasion such as Bánh Chưng, Bánh Tét, Dưa Hành…  Besides, we suggest that you should try some street food from the food vendors here. You will enjoy some hot food on the sidewalks for a cheap price. If you want a bargain for your food, ask them and you will get a fixed price. Banh Chung for the Tet holiday 4. Best places to visit from Hanoi in February February is considered the time of festivals all over the country. In this post, we will introduce you to some famous festivals you can visit around Hanoi.  4.1. Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival takes place on the 6th day of the lunar first month every year at Bai Dinh Pagoda, Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province. In the past, the Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival only lasted for 1 week, however, in recent years, the festival has opened during the whole spring to help tourists enjoy the cheerful atmosphere of this festival and the beautiful sights in Bai Dinh Pagoda. During the festival, Bai Dinh Pagoda, as well as the other attractions in Ninh Binh, are always crowded. You can have a chance to enjoy the special atmosphere of the festival, explore marvellous scenes and Vietnamese culture, and join many interesting traditional games. Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival 4.2. Perfume Pagoda Festival The Perfume Pagoda is located far 69 km south of Hanoi, at Huong Son Commune, My Duc District, Ha Tay Province. The Perfume Pagoda is famous for Huong Tich Cave which was actually discovered 2,000 years ago. Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit this cave to pray for happiness and prosperity in the coming year. Perfume Pagoda Festival 4.3. Lim Festival Lim Festival is held in Tien Du District, Bac Ninh Province, which is far about 18km from Hanoi on the 12th and 13th of the lunar first month of the year. One of the highlights of the Lim Festival is “Quan họ” singing. On this day, people gather to climb Lim Hill to enjoy the “Quan họ" performance in the river. Traditional costumes are a special feature of this art, in which females are dressed in the four-panel traditional dresses called Ao Tu Than and Non Quai Thao, while males are dressed in "áo the” and “khăn xếp”.Quan ho Bac Ninh in the river Besides, you can take part in many traditional games such as swings, wrestling, rice cooking or human chess. “Quan họ” Bac Ninh has been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage entry since 2009.Springtime is a perfect time to plan a trip to Hanoi, with its warming climate, blooming flowers and festive atmosphere, why don't you contact Incredible Asia Journeys to get free quotes for a Hanoi tour package?

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