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Are you a beach bum or an adventure lover? It does not matter that you are interested in a relaxing trip, a cultural trip or an adventurous one, Vietnam has it all. Owing to gorgeous natural landscapes, paradise beaches, dynamic cities and unique culture, Vietnam can offer you a vacation with various possibilities.

Best Restaurants in Hanoi

When you have a plan to travel to Hanoi, you may think about what to do and what to eat in Hanoi. Many travelers are looking for the best restaurants in Hanoi Old Quarter so for their time in Hanoi. In this article, we list for you the best restaurants in Hanoi and hope you will enjoy the valuable time. Having the list of restaurants will help you save time when for looking a restaurant in Hanoi.[incredible_toc] Let's explore the TOP 9 Best restaurants in Hanoi for your trip to Hanoi! 1. Home Restaurants Opening hours: Daily 11:00 – 14:00 and 17:00 - 22:00Address: 75 Nguyen Đinh Chieu, Le Dai Hanh, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi Home Restaurant indoor spaceHome Restaurant is a Vietnamese Restaurant in Hanoi. Located in the residential area of Truc Bach – The former French resident area, Home Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Hanoi with the best reviews from customers and travel agents in Vietnam. Home Restaurant is closed to charming Truc Bach Lake which is an attractive destination for many travelers. Travelers may enjoy lunch/dinner in the restaurant then visit Truc Bach Lake and enjoy a cup of coffee in Truc Bach Lake.Walking into the restaurants, you will feel the warm atmosphere of a French building. Each room of Home Restaurant has a unique atmosphere and the outdoor tables encircle the mansion.Coming to Home Restaurant, you will be captivated by magnificent aromas and the enchanting flavors of authentic Vietnamese food. All the ingredients have a fresh source to ensure the quality of the food. Enjoying meals in the Home Restaurant is the way you treat yourself to a great Vietnamese meal.A Review from a customer on TripadvisorVivian wrote:"My boyfriend and I went to Home Restaurant for dinner and that was the best meal we both ever had. Everything was perfect! Amazing live music, amazing food, and amazing services. The staff were very friendly and spoke English very well. They were happy to support us by calling a taxi for us on the way back to our hotel and showing us some shops so we could go shopping. I love the deep-fried prawn the best!" 2. KOTO Restaurant Address: 35 Van Mieu Street, Dong Da District. Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 - 22:00. Dining table with various menus in Koto RestaurantKoto Restaurant is one of the biggest restaurants in Hanoi. Koto means “ Know One, Teach One”. The restaurant was founded by a Vietnamese overseas. It is the place for the trainees (who are disadvantaged youth) to fine-tune the skills they learn in the hospitality training center in Hanoi. Koto Restaurant in Hanoi is located on Van Mieu Street. It is close to Van Mieu (Temple of Literature) – One of the most attractive destinations for travelers visiting Vietnam. So if you take a Hanoi city tour then that is the best place for having lunch as you can walk from the Temple of Literature. Koto Restaurant is the most well-known restaurant for its mix of traditional Vietnamese, Southeast Asian, and Western cuisine. The ingredients including garden-fresh vegetables, high-quality dairy products, and prime meat to ensure that customers have a tasty and safe meal. Being a training restaurant but Koto always ensures the best service and that is the reason why most of the customers are happy with the services and the food. Koto Restaurant is definitely one of the best restaurants in Hanoi.  3. Cau Go Authentic Vietnamese Restaurant Address: 73 Cau Go Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam Opening Hours: Daily 09:30 - 23:00. Cau Go Restaurant open-viewContinuing the list of best restaurants in Hanoi Vietnam is Cau Go Restaurant, located on Cau Go Street in Hanoi Old Quarter near Hoan Kiem Lake. That is the best location for travelers as Hoan Kiem Lake is the center of Hanoi for tourism. There are so many hotels and shopping streets around. The name of the restaurant takes the name of the street it is located – Cau Go Street.  Compared to other restaurants in Hanoi, Cau Go Restaurant has the best view of Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter and it is listed as the best Vietnamese Restaurant voted by travelers. Cau Go Restaurant does not just bring you the very best of Hanoi cuisine but takes the flavors from across the nation to have a menu of the best of all the regions in Vietnam. Coming here, you will have a chance to taste the real Vietnamese cuisine from different places in Vietnam. With detail in decoration, you will not only eat by mouth but by eyes also. All the staff are trained carefully to meet the standards of an international restaurant. If you visit Hanoi, do not miss a chance to try lunch or dinner at Cau Go Restaurant. Don't wait to contact Incredible Asia Journeys to add this restaurant to your Hanoi tour package and more! 4. Green Tangerine Opening Hours: Daily 11:00 - 23:00 Address: 48 Hang Be Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam Green Tangerine RestaurantGreen Tangerine Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Hanoi with a good location and good food. If you would like to have a wonderful meal and not care much about the price then this restaurant is a good option for you. The cost for a meal there may range from 15 to 30 USD and it is a bit more expensive than a normal restaurant in Hanoi.  It is a small restaurant but it is a very beautiful one in a French village in a good location in Hanoi Old Quarter. The chef is French and he uses French cooking techniques to make great and creative food.  Food: By choosing Green Tangerine, you will be satisfied with the food and professional services of the restaurant. With tasty food and beautiful decorations, every dish will be an art. There are some famous dishes like duck breast carpaccio in red fruit dressing served with ginger, sesame biscuits, and mushroom, roasted pigeon marinated in coffee, with mashed eggplants.  Location: Green Tangerine Restaurant shares the best location restaurants with Cau Go Restaurant. It is located in Hanoi Old Quarter so that is very convenient for travelers who stay in the Old Quarter or visit the Old Quarter for shopping, and walking. It is only 3 minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake – The center of Hanoi. 5. Duong Restaurant Ma May Opening Hours: Daily 11:00 - 23:00 Address: 101 Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam Duong Restaurant Ma MayDuong Restaurant Ma May is a part of the Duong Restaurant series (Duong Restaurant Ngo Huyen, Duong Restaurant Saigon, Duong Restaurant Ma May). Located at 101 Ma May – The center of Hanoi Old Quarter, Duong Restaurant Ma May has unique ancient architecture. With sophisticated interior design will make customers feel they are in the memory of ancient Hanoi. Coming to Duong Restaurant Ma May, you will be happy with the charming and elegant menu designed by the talented and experienced Chef Duong and his team. Chef Duong got the prize – Top 4 of the Top Chef Vietnam Program and Chef Duong is the founder of the restaurant. The menu in Duong Restaurant Ma May and other Duong Restaurants focuses on traditional dishes with Western influences. Duong Restaurant Ma May is reviewed by diners as one of the best restaurants in Hanoi Old Quarter with over 1051 reviews until 02 May 2020 and 97% of the reviews are good and excellent. If you visit Hanoi, do not miss a chance to enjoy a lunch/dinner in Duong Restaurant Ma May and you will never regret it. A review of Duong Restaurant from Tripadvisor Bill MCadam Michigan wrote: "From suggestion of our tour guide, we took a short walk from Rex Hotel to Duong Restaurant when we visited Hanoi late Feb 2020. Clients were mostly foreigners.The restaurant has a sharp decor and every efficient service. The food was excellent. We ordered the king prawns and beef pou along with pumpkin soup. We had a similar course elsewhere in Hanoi but here each course had different species adding to the meal. The entire meal with meal and tip was around $ 55 US and this is the best restaurant during our trip in Vietnam for 8 days. Walking to the restaurant through jammed packed streets of the Hanoi Old Quarter and back to lake area to stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake was a part of fun." 6. Ngon Restaurant Phan Boi Chau Opening Hours: Daily 06:30 - 21:30 Address: 18 Phan Boi Chau, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Ngon Restaurant Phan Boi Chau gateNgon Restaurant Phan Boi Chau is located at 18 Phan Boi Chau, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. It is just some minutes for a walk from Hanoi Old Quarter so that is easy for travelers who stay in Hanoi Old Quarter and want to walk to a restaurant nearby for lunch or dinner. Ngon Restaurant Phan Boi Chau has an ancient architecture with mainly earth-tone colors. You will be surprised by a large space with many stalls where you can see how the chefs cook food. That is a really good experience because you not only taste the food you order but you also can see how they cook. Ngon Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Hanoi. Coming to the restaurant, you will feel the ancient Hanoi with hundreds of dishes coming from different places in Vietnam. You can find any kind of food here from street food to royal dishes, from North to South Vietnam. So if you want to try as much as Vietnamese food, Ngon Restaurant will be a good option for you. You can see by eyes the chefs cook the food and you can see the food before you order it. So that is easy because you may get some problems when you do not know much about strange dishes you have never tried before. With good services and varied kinds of food. Ngon Restaurant is really recommended for travelers by many travel agents and magazines. There are some locations in Hanoi but Ngon Restaurant in Phan Boi Chau is really recommended with a good location for tourists. 7. Madame Hien Restaurant Opening Hours: Daily 11:00 - 22:00 Address: 48 Hang Be, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Madame Hien RestaurantMadame Hien Restaurant is a good location in the center of Hanoi Old Quarter. It is a French villa building from the 19th century and was restored to become a restaurant. You will learn more about French architecture and feel more about Hanoi in the 19th century when you come here. Madame Hien Restaurant is the last restaurant of the most celebrated French chef in Vietnam – Didier Corlou Madame Hien Restaurant is a tribute to his Vietnamese grandmother. With both enclosed and open-air spaces, customers will get out of the bustling of Hanoi right inside the restaurant. The restaurant has a distinction from other restaurants through a cozy atmosphere created by the art of installation and luxury furniture. In Madame Hien Restaurant, the menu only focuses on Vietnamese dishes like Pho (Noodle Soup), Banh Cuon (Rice Pancake), Nem (Spring Rolls), Com Nieu (Steamed Rice in Clay Pot) or Goi Hoa Chuoi (Banana-Flower Salad). All the dishes seem simple but they are excellent in taste and decoration.  Madame Hien Restaurant is rated one of the best restaurants in Hanoi Old Quarter. 8. Pho Bat Dan (Bat Dan Noodle Soup) Opening Hours: Daily 06.30 – 10.00 and 18.00 – 20.30 Address: 49 Bat Dan, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Pho Bat DanComing to Vietnam, we cannot miss Pho - the best food in Hanoi. Located at 49 Bat Dan Street in Hanoi Old Quarter, Pho Bat Dan is one of the best noodle soup restaurants in Hanoi's Old Quarter and in Hanoi. If you walk through this street in the morning you will see every day there is a long line of people waiting to enjoy a bowl of noodle soup there. On Bat Dan Street, there are some noodle soup restaurants but Pho Bat Dan (Bat Dan Noodle Soup) at 49 Bat Dan Street is the most famous noodle restaurant on Bat Dan Street and when we talk about Pho Ban Dan means we are talking about this restaurant. Coming here, no matter who you are you will need to queue in line and self-serve at the counter instead of waiting for the waiters to come to you. Most of the time, there are so many people who want to try a noodle soup there so you will be surprised because there are many people are queue in line to have a bowl of Pho there. The cost of a bowl of noodle soup there is about 3.5 USD and it seems reasonable for a famous Pho. However, if you do not have much time then it is not recommended to you because you may have to wait for a while, especially in the high season. If you have time and accept waiting then it is a great idea to try a bowl of Pho there to taste a real bowl of Hanoi Noodle Soup.  Pho is a light dish and it is normally for breakfast in Vietnam. That is the reason why it is really crowded in the morning if you come to this restaurant. Pho Bat Dan Restaurant is located in the Old Quarter so that is easy for you to take a walk there if you stay in the Old Quarter. You also can do a walking tour around the Old Quarter and end your trip there to taste a bowl of Pho before going back to your hotel. Do not miss your chance to try a bowl of noodles in Vietnam especially Pho Bat Dan as it is the most famous food of Vietnam. 9. Sen Ho Tay Buffet Restaurant Opening Hours: Daily 11.00 – 14.15 and 18.00 – 21.15 Address: 614 Lac Long Quan, Hanoi Tay Ho RestaurantLocated at the bank of the Westlake - not in the Old Quarter but the restaurants located near the Old Quarter also - Ly Thai To Street, with an area of 12,000 m2 Sen Tay Ho Restaurant is a large buffet restaurant that can serve from small groups to big groups. Many families and companies in Hanoi when they are thinking about a place for a dining party.  The restaurant is not only famous for abundant food and good food but also famous for its large space and beautiful atmosphere. There is space for children to play it is a selfie hotspot for diners coming here. That is a beautiful restaurant with traditional and charming decorations. There are about 200 dishes so you never have to worry if you may not like some kind of food as there are a lot of options for you. From vegetables to seafood, from Vietnamese to Western food. Customers always can easily choose the best food for them. There are 3 areas in the restaurant. These are International Buffet, Hanoi Buffet, and The Star Palace Buffet. Each area can welcome some hundred customers.  This is one of the first professional buffet restaurants in Hanoi serving international and local customers so there are a lot of Vietnamese customers coming to the restaurant also. No matter you are Vietnamese or a foreigners, you will feel very good when you come to Sen Tay Ho Restaurant and want to come back. If you stay in the Old Quarter and do not want to move very far then you can choose Sen Ly Thai To at 60 Ly Thai To Street.Those are some best fine dining restaurants in Hanoi, we want to recommend to tourists, Incredible Asia Journeys hopes that you can find your favorite restaurants!See more:- Hanoi Street Food - TOP Must-try Dishes & Suggested Hanoi Food Tour- Hanoi Nightlife: Enjoy the Vibrant Spirit of Hanoi ALL Night Long

Sapa Trekking Guide

Sapa, located in the Northwest of Vietnam, is a wonderful destination for travelers who love nature, culture, and adventure. This mountainous region boasts stunning views of rice terraces, valleys, waterfalls, and peaks. It’s also home to several ethnic minorities such as the H’Mong, Dao, and Tay who have preserved their unique traditions and lifestyles for centuries. [incredible_toc] The beautiful picture of Sapa Trekking is definitely the best way to explore the nature of Sapa. It allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of the landscape while interacting with local people and learning about their culture. However, trekking in Sapa requires preparation and planning as there are different levels of difficulty, routes, and options to choose from.  In this article, we will share tips and advice on planning your Sapa trekking adventure based on our experience and research. 1. When is the best time to enjoy trekking in Sapa? Not every season is ideal for trekking in this mountainous region. You need to consider the weather, the scenery, and your preferences before you book your trip. Here are some tips on when to go trekking in Sapa and what to expect in each season. 1.1. Spring (March-May)This is a great time to go trekking in Sapa if you love sunny days and blooming flowers. The weather is dry and moderate, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The plants and trees are starting to grow after the winter, creating a vibrant green landscape. This is also the time when the local people are planting rice in the terraced fields, which is an interesting sight to witness. Spring is a good season for solo trekkers who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet on the trails. Sapa in Spring 1.2. Summer (June-August)This is the rainy season in Sapa, which means you will encounter humid and wet conditions on your trek. The temperatures can reach up to 30°C, but the rain can cool things down quickly. The rain can also make the trails muddy and slippery, so you need to be careful and wear proper shoes. On the bright side, summer is when Sapa is at its greenest and most lush. You can also enjoy some waterfalls and streams along the way. The rain does not last all day, so you can still have some sunny hours to admire the scenery. Sapa in Summer 1.3. Autumn (September-November)This is another excellent time to go trekking in Sapa if you want to see the golden hues of the rice harvest. The weather is still dry and pleasant, with temperatures between 15°C and 28°C. The rice fields are at their most photogenic, with beautiful shades of green and yellow. This is also the best time to climb Fan Si Pan, as the visibility is high and the views are spectacular. However, autumn is also the high season in Sapa, so expect more tourists and higher prices. Sapa in Autumn 1.4. Winter (December-February)This is the coldest season in Sapa, with temperatures dropping as low as 0°C. You may even see some snow on the higher peaks, which can be a rare and magical experience. However, winter also brings fog and mist, which can reduce your visibility and affect your views. The trails can be icy and slippery, so you need to wear warm clothes and layers. Winter is a good season for adventurous trekkers who want to challenge themselves and see a different side of Sapa. Sapa in Winter 2. Choose Your Sapa Trekking Difficulty Level Before embarking on your trekking adventure in Sapa, it’s important to decide on the level of difficulty you want to experience. Sapa offers three main levels of trekking difficulty: easy, medium, and hard. 2.1. Easy TrekkingPerfect for beginners or those looking for a leisurely walk. These treks typically last one to two days and cover 10-15 km per day. You’ll enjoy views of rice fields, mountains, and villages. You’ll also visit ethnic minority villages such Lao Chai, Ta Van where you can stay overnight at a homestay or hotel. 2.2. Medium TrekkingIdeal for intermediate or experienced trekkers seeking a bit more challenge. These treks usually last two to three days and cover 15-20 km per day. You’ll follow a similar route as the easy treks but add a detour to Cat Cat Village, an old village of the Black H’Mong people at the foot of Fansipan Peak. You’ll also climb hills and cross streams and bridges along the way. 2.3. Hard TrekkingFor adventurous or expert trekkers looking to test their limits. These treks typically last three to four days and cover 20-25 km per day. Your goal will be to reach the summit of Fansipan Peak, the highest mountain in Indochina at 3143 m above sea level. You’ll pass through various terrains such as bamboo forests, waterfalls, rocky slopes, and snowfields while camping at different altitudes along the way. 3. Choose Your Sapa Trekking Option The last thing you need to decide is how you want to organize your trekking trip. There are two main options: booking a tour or going independently. 3.1. Booking a Sapa tourThis option is more convenient and hassle-free, as you don’t have to worry about transportation, accommodation, food or guides. You can compare prices, reviews, and itineraries online or offline before booking your tour. The advantages of booking a tour are that you can save time and money, meet other travelers, and support local communities. The disadvantages are that you have less flexibility and freedom, may encounter large crowds or scams, and may have a lower quality of service or experience.See our best Sapa Trekking Tours:Sapa Trekking & Bac Ha MarketSapa Trekking & ExploreSapa Trekking Tour with TrainSapa Cycling & Trekking TourSapa Trekking Tour with BusSapa Adventure By Trekking Tour 3.2. Go trekking Sapa independentlyThis option is more adventurous and flexible, as you can plan your own trip and Sapa trekking routes according to your preferences and budget. You can arrange your own transportation from Hanoi to Sapa by train or bus, book your own accommodation in Sapa town or homestays, buy your own food from markets or restaurants, and hire your own guide or porter from local agencies or villages. The advantages of going independently are that you have more control and choice over your trip, can avoid tourist traps or crowds, and can have a more authentic or personal experience. The disadvantages are that you have to spend more time and effort on planning and logistics, may face some difficulties or risks on the way, and may miss out on some information or insights from professional guides. 4. Amazing treks in Sapa 4.1. Lao Chai & Ta Van Villages Experience the magic of green rice fields and small houses nestled in the misty mountains This trek will take you to the world of traditional hill tribe villages and their rice terraces. You will follow a small path, cross the Muong Hoa River, and see the homes of Lao Chai and Ta Van villages. You will learn about rice cultivation, and the cultures of ethnic minorities such as Black Hmong, Zay, and Red Dao. Trekking in Ta Van Village Duration: 1 day Trekking level: Easy – Medium Distance: 6-8 km. 4.2. Cat Cat – Sin Chai Villages Make friends with the adorable Black Hmong children who love to smile for photos with tourists This trek is more like a relaxing walk than a hike. Cat Cat is an ancient village of Black H’Mong people who are famous for their brocade weaving and jewelry making. You will walk to the village and see the farms and techniques used by the locals. You will also climb up to the mountain and reach Sin Chai – a village of Red Dao people with gorgeous scenery. You will be accompanied by the local children who are curious and friendly. You will also enjoy the flowers such as peach blossom, plum blossom, gladiolus, pear blossom, rose… if you come here in the spring. Cat Cat Village Duration: A half day Trekking level: Easy Distance: 3-5 km. 4.3. Ta Phin Village Trekking is a great way to connect with local ethnic people and discover their ways of life Ta Phin village is situated about 12km from Sapa Town. The village of Red Dao and Hmong people has a rich culture that has not been affected by modern life. The Red Dao are known for their herbal medicine and their use of plants to treat many illnesses. Trekking through the countryside, you will see the beautiful landscape of rice fields, mountains, streams, and hill tribe houses. It is wonderful to spend some time wandering the village, seeing the local life and talking with them. Ta Phin Village Duration: A half-day to full day Trekking level: Easy – Medium Distance: 5-7 km. 5. What to Pack for Trekking in Sapa Packing for trekking in Sapa can be hard, as you need to be ready for the weather, the terrain, and the trip duration. Here are some key items that you should take for your Sapa trekking adventure: - Clothing: You should take clothing that can handle different weather and temperatures. Sapa can be cold and foggy in winter, hot and humid in summer, and rainy and muddy in spring and autumn. You should take layers of clothing that are warm, waterproof, breathable, and quick-drying. You should also bring a hat, a scarf, gloves, and socks for extra warmth. - Footwear: You should take footwear that is comfortable, durable, and suitable for different terrains. You will walk on dirt paths, rocky slopes, muddy fields, and slippery bridges during your trekking trip. You should take hiking boots or shoes that have good grip, support, and cushioning. You should also take sandals or flip-flops for resting at your accommodation or homestay. - Backpack: You should take a backpack that is spacious, lightweight, and comfortable. You will need to carry your backpack for several hours per day during your trekking trip. You should take a backpack that has enough space for your clothing, footwear, toiletries, water bottle, snacks, camera, and other essentials. You should also take a backpack that has padded straps, waist belt, and chest strap for extra comfort and stability. - Toiletries: You should take toiletries that are basic, eco-friendly, and compact. You may not have access to showers or toilets during your trekking trip. You should take toiletries that are essential for your hygiene and health, such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, sunscreen, insect repellent, and toilet paper. You should also take toiletries that are biodegradable and natural, as you may have to dispose of them in nature. You should also take toiletries that are small and light, as you have limited space and weight in your backpack. - Water bottle: You should take a water bottle that is reusable, refillable and insulated. You will need to stay hydrated during your trekking trip. You should take a water bottle that is made of metal or plastic that can be reused and refilled with clean water from springs or streams along the way. You should also take a water bottle that has a lid or cap that can prevent leaks or spills. You should also take a water bottle that can keep your water cold or hot depending on the weather. Trekking in Sapa is a wonderful way to discover the beauty and diversity of Vietnam’s northern region. It is also a great way to experience the culture and lifestyle of the ethnic minority groups who live there. However, trekking in Sapa also requires some preparation and planning, as there are many factors to consider such as the difficulty level, the route, the option, the transportation, the accommodation, the guide or porter, and the packing. In this blog post, we have shared with you some tips and advice on how to plan your Sapa trekking adventure. Hope this information helps you have a smooth and enjoyable trip with Incredible Asia Journeys.