I just got back from an amazing trip to Hanoi, and I have to tell you all about it. I went in mid-October, right in the heart of autumn, and the city was just breathtaking. The cool air and that beautiful yellow sunlight made it perfect for exploring.

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, boasts a rich and complex history that dates back over a thousand years. It was officially established as a city in 1010 by Emperor Ly Thai To, who named it Thang Long meaning "Ascending Dragon" after allegedly seeing a dragon ascending from the Red River. This marked the beginning of the Ly Dynasty and the city's emergence as the political and cultural heart of Vietnam.

In the 19th century, the city fell under French colonial rule, which left a lasting architectural and cultural influence. During this time, Hanoi was developed as the administrative center of French Indochina, characterized by its grand colonial buildings and tree-lined boulevards.

Hanoi played a pivotal role in Vietnam's struggle for independence. In 1945, Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam's independence from French rule in Ba Dinh Square, marking the beginning of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam with Hanoi as its capital.

I wandered through the Old Quarter, which is like the living soul of Hanoi. It’s this incredible area with 36 ancient streets, each one named after the type of goods they used to sell, like Hang Bac for silver and Hang Gai for silk. Just walking through those streets, you can feel the history.

I visited some of the city’s must-see spots, starting with the Turtle Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake. 

The temple was founded and first built in 1070 at the time of Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, and it hosted the Imperial Academy, Vietnam's first national university, from 1076 to 1779

You should book a night tour of the Temple of Literature. It's an amazing experience that delves into the history of education in Vietnam. Don't worry, the tour guide speaks English fluently, and most descriptions are available in English.
The information on the night tour: Traveloka

Khue Van Cac (constellation of literature pavilion) located in the Temple of Literature is printed on Vietnamese currency.

One of my favorite things to see was the flower bicycles. Imagine vendors cycling through the city with these bikes loaded with colorful flowers. It’s such a vibrant, moving display of color—so picturesque!

I also stopped by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a significant landmark in Hanoi where the revered leader Ho Chi Minh is laid to rest. The impressive structure, surrounded by beautiful gardens, offers a humbling experience as visitors pay their respects and learn about his pivotal role in Vietnam's journey to independence.

Afterward, I headed to Hoa Lo Prison, also known as Maison Centrale. Originally constructed by the French to detain Vietnamese political prisoners, the prison later housed American POWs during the Vietnam War, earning its nickname "Hanoi Hilton." It's an intense place filled with history, but definitely worth visiting to gain a deeper understanding of the country's past.

Vietnam is famous for its strong coffee. You can buy a cup for $1 at any street stop. I recommend the “Egg Coffee”, which has a soft egg cream layer on top.
Egg Coffee: https://g.co/kgs/BgXVEUQ

I had the best Bun Cha with grilled pork and noodles—so tasty! And don't forget to order Crab spring rolls too
Bun Cha: https://g.co/kgs/ywxeMEx

And of course, I couldn't leave without having Pho which might be the most famous Vietnamese food. You can choose Pho with beef or chicken
Beef Pho: https://g.co/kgs/5v4hj3x
Chicken Pho: https://g.co/kgs/5Vt2TXk

I also tried Bun Dau Mam Tom but a heads up - Mam Tom is a shrimp paste that’s quite strong, so it might not be for everyone. They have some alternative sauces in case you cannot eat Mam Tom. But if you're adventurous, it's a real kick!
Bun Dau Mam Tom: https://g.co/kgs/Yyeq8dM

Don't forget to go to Ta Hien Street in the Old Quarter to enjoy Hanoi Fresh Beer