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 | Hanoi Things To Do | Tips 31 - 40 of 814 |  |
 | |  |  | Opera House: Eat something wierd, take a shot + send it to Mom | Tip Rating:   |  |  | |  |
If you've always wanted to shock your parent, here's your chance to do so. ( Some of us never do grow up !! ) Hanoi has one of the strangest menus in the world, so pick one strange creature. Make sure it's 1) well-cooked 2) all the toxins are removed 3) dangerous or wierd looking 4) not endangered Ok, put one near your mouth. Ask your co-conspirator to take a snapshot. Now, email that picture or MMS it to your chosen parent for instant results. Call your parent approx 10 minutes after sending that picture. She would have come to at about that... Leave a Comment Directions: There's a strange eatery shop near the Opera House, just beside the Musuem of Revolution. They have every revolting thing there, scorpion, snake, dog, you name it.
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| | | | Gia bao nhieu? (How much is it?) | Tip Rating: | | | | |
One of the most interesting things to do in Hanoi is visiting the city's markets. The most beautiful one is Dong Xuan market in the northern part of the Old Quarter. The first thing you'll probably see is the immensely ugly market hall - just skip it and go on to the nearby streets. You'll find yourself in the middle of a neverending hustle and bustle. In literally every corner, people sell literally everything. You'll find fresh herbs, homemade noodles, juicy pineapple slices, minced meat, garlic, all kinds of exotic fruits like durian or dragonfruit, but also rather strange specialties such as duck heads or pork feet. Altogether, it's just incredible how many different kinds of food are sold on the street. Wander through the narrow lanes and look into the backyards, try to bargain over some fresh melons or oranges, and take a deep breath of market air. Dong Xuan market is amazingly rarely visited by tourists - which is a plus! Apart from Dong Xuan, one should also visit Hang Da market located in the western part of the Old Quarter. It's a market dedicated to selling animals. If you are a friend of animals, don't go there - the conditions may shock you. Some ten cats are kept in tiny cages, hundreds of birds share the more-than-small cage next to it while puppies sadly whine whenever a potential customer passes by. The Vietnamese way of treating animals shall not be discussed here, but be warned! Some kilometers away from the Old Quarter is Tran Xuan Soan market hall. This market specialises in selling clothes and fabrics. If you want to get a new shirt or skirt tailored, this is the place to buy the fabric. In the streets nearby, you'll find plenty of tailors that'll be able to finish your order in about one week. Though it's faster in Hoi An in Central Vietnam, the quality and prices are better in Hanoi. For pairs of trousers check out a branch off Tran Xuan Soan street with some dozens of fabric traders. There are many other markets in Hanoi - mostly hidden in the narrow streets away from the main roads. Leave a Comment Address: Pho Dong Xuan, Pho Hang Da, Pho Tran Xuan SoanDirections: Dong Xuan and Hang Da in the Old Quarter, Tran Xuan Soan near Pho Hue
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| | | | Hoan Kiem Lake: The Legend of the Returned Sword | Tip Rating: | | | | |
Ho Hoan Kiem means "lake of the returned sword". The story behind the name is a legend. In 1418, the Vietnamese emperor fought a war against the Chinese. It wasn't going too well for him so when he walked by the lake one day, he saw a giant tortoise coming out of the water with a magic sword in its mouth. He took the sword and eventually defeated the Chinese army. When he was having his victory parade at the shores of Ho Hoan Kiem, the tortoise appeared again and demanded the sword back. Before he could do anything, the sword flew away from his hands to the tortoise's mouth. It disappeared in the water. The emperor had a temple built which can still be seen today. Now, here's the curious thing: In 1968, a giant tortoise was discovered dead in the lake. Scientists estimate that it's at least 200 years old. It is exhibited in the temple (Jade Hill Temple, located on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake) and it is really huge: I would guess that it is about two metres long and weighs probably some 500kilos or so. Apart from all that historic stuff (that, btw, can be seen in the water puppet shows in the Water Puppet Theater next to the lake), Ho Hoan Kiem is a wonderful place to relax and watch the wind rippling the water. In the early morning and the evening, hundreds of Hanoians gather at the lakeshore to play badminton or do tai chi. Moreover, when you visit the lake at darkness, the lights of thousands motobikes passing by are beautifully reflected in the water. One final thing: The best look on the lake is from the top terrace of Pho Co Cafe. It's a little difficult to find - the entry is in a souvenir shop in 11, Hang Gai street, some 150metres away from the lake. And while there, you must enjoy a fresh orange juice... Leave a Comment Directions: Just south of the Old Quarter - Ho Hoan Kiem cannot be missed!
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| | | | Explore the Old Quarter! | Tip Rating: | | | | |
Hanoi's Old Quarter, with more than a thousand years of history, is Vietnam's most lively and unusual place. There are about 36 streets in the Old Quarter and walking in the Old Quarter is like a maze to me, getting lost despite arming myself with a map! Exploring this maze of streets was definitely a fascinating experience to me. Each street is unique - selling a specialised item. For example, at Hang Bac, you will find rows and rows of goldsmiths and at Hang Gai, you will find nothing but silk! For fans of shopping like me, this is one place you should check out! The Old Quarter is also good place to hang around in the evenings. There are numerous cafes from all range and you just choose what you like or your budget has for you. It's also safe for single ladies too. But, as in any crowded place, do watch out for pickpockets. I met one during my second night at the Old Quarter. I was shocked that he came close to me but learning that I have noticed his presence and it was not that easy to take my wallet out of my bag, he walked away, joined by a young boy (perhaps his partner in crime). Leave a Comment Address: Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
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