Cute and Adorable All Day Around Hanoi, Vietnam

 

When I was young, I remember my dad being really into movies about the Vietnam War. We watched classics like Rambo, The Platoon, and even the TV series Tour of Duty. Those films left such an impression on me that, even now, I can still picture the iconic green helmets worn by American soldiers, like Terence Knox and Tony Becker, who were so handsome back in the day that I’d swoon. Haha! Almost every week, we’d watch one of those intense movies together. They made my heart race, had me closing my eyes in fear, and stirred a curiosity in me about what Vietnam was really like.

 

Two decades after Tour of Duty, I finally got the chance to visit Hanoi. This trip to Vietnam’s capital was part of a family tour around Indochina that we’d been planning for a while. Adrian was super excited since, just like my dad, he’s a big fan of war movies. I was thrilled, too, because the exchange rate favored the Indonesian Rupiah over the Vietnamese Dong, which meant our expenses would be much cheaper there than in Indonesia. Haha, typical mom move – getting excited over great deals!

 

And sure enough, when we withdrew money from the ATM, a million rupiah turned into nearly two million dongs. I felt like a millionaire!

 

So, what is there to see in Hanoi? This capital city is Vietnam’s second-largest and offers plenty to explore. We only stayed in Hanoi for three days, and we spent two of them at Halong Bay. This left just one day for exploring the city itself. While a single day might not be enough for everyone, I found it quite sufficient, as we made a carefully planned itinerary focused on Hanoi’s main attractions. So, where did we go?

 

1. Hoan Kiem Lake

 

Our first stop was Hoan Kiem Lake, where the water changes color depending on the sunlight. Sometimes it looks deep green, at other times pale green, or even silver, thanks to the sun’s reflection. We took a quick 15-minute Grab ride from our hotel in the Old Quarter to the lake, a favorite spot for locals to relax. Surrounding the lake are lush trees and benches, and there’s even a small tower, Turtle Tower, on an island in the middle of the lake. Local legend says a giant turtle sometimes appears here.

 

2. Ngoc Son Temple

 

Located on the northern end of Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, or the Temple of the Jade Mountain, is a short walk from the lake. Built in the 18th century, it’s said to commemorate an emperor who defeated the Ming Dynasty with a magical sword. It’s also the home of a giant turtle spirit, though we didn’t spot any turtles during our visit – just a crowd of tourists!

 

3. Hanoi Opera House

 

We then took a Grab to the Hanoi Opera House, a grand structure built during the French colonial period. My plan was to buy tickets for a bamboo acrobatics show in the evening, but unfortunately, there were no shows scheduled that day. So, we settled for taking photos instead.

 

4. One Pillar Pagoda

 

Our next destination was the One Pillar Pagoda, also reached by Grab. It’s a small yet impressive temple built on a single wooden pillar. The pagoda is located within the Ho Chi Minh Museum area, though we couldn’t visit the museum as it was closed for the day.

 

5. Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum

 

This is the final resting place of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh. Security was very tight, and the guards were strict, keeping tourists at a respectful distance. We took photos from afar.

 

6. West Lake

 

After lunch, we visited West Lake, a popular sunset-watching spot for locals. With high-rise buildings surrounding it, we enjoyed relaxing by the lake with some ice cream and fresh fruit snacks.

 

7. Tran Quoc Pagoda

 

At West Lake, we visited Tran Quoc Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist temple over a century old. Despite undergoing renovations, it remains a serene and beautiful place, especially when monks are chanting.

 

8. Strolling Around Old Quarter

 

Lastly, no visit to Hanoi is complete without a stroll around the Old Quarter, where the sounds of honking horns are constant. Here, you can find traditional markets similar to those in Indonesia, though bargaining is done in Vietnamese.

 

Using Grab in Hanoi

 

We decided to use Grab instead of renting a car for the day, as it turned out to be cheaper. Many of Hanoi’s attractions are located close to one another, so Grab was convenient and affordable. I was surprised by how reliable Grab drivers were – they always knew the routes well, which was great since we were traveling with a toddler and my elderly mother.

 

Staying in Hanoi

 

We stayed in the Old Quarter, similar to Jakarta’s historic district, which is ideal for easy access to food and transportation. While hotels in this area can be pricier, I highly recommend staying here for the convenience.

 

Impressions of Hanoi

 

Vietnam’s first impression on me was its noise – the city is busy and lively, with motorbikes zipping in every direction. In Hanoi, the sidewalks are often used for both eating and shopping, so pedestrians sometimes share the streets with cars and motorbikes. It’s quite an experience!

 

Vietnam, especially Hanoi, is a fascinating place to explore. I hope this one-day itinerary and my experience using Grab can be helpful if you’re planning a trip to Hanoi.