Hanoi has been honored by prestigious travel magazines and organizations as one of world’s top destinations. It attracts tourists for its beautiful landscapes, delicious cuisine, and hospitable people.
Hanoi was ranked 8th by Trip Advisor among the top tourist destinations around the world in 2016 and was honored by the UK’s daily Telegraph as the world’s best city for food.
A visit by US President Barack Obama and his meal of “bun cha” (grilled pork patties served with rice noodle) was reported by CNN, impressing millions of viewers.
Other specialties of Hanoi like “pho” (Vietnamese noodle soup with beef or chicken), “bun oc” (snail noodle soup), banh cuon (steamed rice rolls), egg coffee, and bread were featured in numerous global magazines. Culinary diversity is an advantage for Hanoi.
Do Dinh Hong, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, said, “We pay special attention to promoting Hanoi’s abundant food to visitors. What is important for those working in the tourism and food sectors is making the dishes match with the tastes of foreign tourists. Each type of dishes will have a distinctive promotion method.”
Enjoying low-price draught beer at the crowded Hanoi Old Quarter is such an interesting experience for foreigners.
They often gather at stalls of draught beer, set up on pavements on Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen streets, right in the heart of downtown Hanoi. Foreign tourists are also in love with the hospitality of Hanoians.
Sophia, a visitor from France, said, “I love this place. Hanoi is peaceful and Hanoians are friendly. That’s why I and my family come here every summer vacation”.
Philip, a Briton, shared the same view as Sophia, adding that he was also impressed by family reunion and the pride of the Vietnamese people in their history.
The Hanoi Old Quarter is bustling with picturesque houses lying between cafes. Many foreigners chose to live in this area, including Paul, who has been settled here for 2 years.
He said that it was different from those in northern Europe, where people mainly stay at home due to the harsh weather, Hanoians are fond of their street life.
Paul could not hide his love for Hanoi with its many pavement stalls, street vendors, and “xe om” (Vietnamese motorbike taxis).
The very first stop for any foreign tourist in Hanoi is probably the Temple of Literature, which reveals the Hanoians’ spirit of past study.
Among other historical and relic sites are the Presidential Palace, the Hanoi Opera House, Hang Dau water tower, and Long Bien bridge.
Hanoi has recently opened pedestrian streets around Hoan Kiem lake in the heart of the capital city, enabling tourists to wander in a relaxed atmosphere, play traditional games, and enjoy street food and music in both classic and contemporary styles.