In Hanoi, life is turned up to 11. The city is a rich cacophony of sound, a treat for the eyes, taste buds and eardrums. Exquisite ancient architecture provides the background to a din of non-stop, horn honking traffic, while the smells and tastes of one of the world’s greatest cuisines are palpable on every street corner.
It’s as if every one of the Vietnam capital’s nine million citizens wants to tell you their story and sell you their goods, or make sure you get out of their way, all at the same time. And the best way to extract every moment of joy from the city is to dive right in and experience the sensory overload head on. Because in Hanoi, life is loud.
1. Sight
Hanoi’s architecture reflects the powers that have ruled the city. Buildings in the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long date back to the 7th century, while the Old Quarter’s 36 Streets boast the Bach Ma Temple.
2. Smell
Stay in the Old Quarter for the aroma of food prepared in front of your eyes: barbecued pork or the scent of star anise, cinnamon, ginger and beef from large pho pots. At dawn, make for the Dông Xuân Market, where the smell of fresh produce mingles with the street food stalls
3. Taste
Food options in Hanoi are as exquisite as they are endless. Try pho (beef noodle soup) at Pho Khôi Hói on Hang Vai, or bún cha (pork and rice vermicelli) at Bún Cha Huong Liên (Hai Ba Trung).
4. Touch
Feel the breeze on a cyclo – the three wheeled, pedal powered taxi that puts you at the front – and take in the city’s landmarks. Make sure to enjoy a ride around Hoan Kiem Lake.
5. Sound
The din of engines and horns might be ever-present, but calm can be found by Hoan Kiem Lake. Listen out for people laughing as they play da cau (foot badminton). There’s another dip in the volume at the weekend, when the roads here become pedestrian-only.
Words by: John Naughton
Feature image by: Silver Ringvee/Unsplash
For more information on Singapore Airlines’ flights to Hanoi, visit singaporeair.com.
