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Exploring the Dark Side: Dark Tourism Sites Visited Around the World
Is dark tourism a growing trend among travelers around the world? Visitors seeking out attractions and locations that are associated with death, tragedy, bizarreness, and the macabre. Dark tourism includes visiting sites that are considered to be unordinary, tragic, and sometimes even scary. I myself have always been fascinated by dark tourism, even before it was a thing. I enjoy learning about the darker side of history and realizing that travel is not always pretty and perfect. This post we’ll take a look at some of the dark tourism sites I’ve visited around the world. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! ***Warning*** There are images and topics in this post some viewers might find disturbing. What is Dark Tourism? To me, dark tourism is defined as visiting attractions and places that involve some sort of tragedy or unusual place of interest. Everyone has their own version of what dark tourism truly is. To some it might be visiting a war museum and to others it can mean visiting a site of immense tragedy. Dark tourism generally involves traveling to places or visiting attractions that are associated with death, catastrophe, haunted places, locations where horrific events occurred, or even places with bizarre artifacts and unusual oddities. When it comes down to it, every traveler has visited a dark tourist spot whether it be the catacombs in Paris and ruins of Pompeii in Italy or the atomic bomb dome in Hiroshima. Dark Tourism Sites We’ve Visited I’ve always been fascinated by dark tourism. I’d say I have morbid curiosity when it comes to traveling. I enjoy learning and seeing as much as possible, both good and bad. Traveling is not always pretty. Many people travel to Poland just to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau or maybe to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to catch a glimpse of Ötzi the Iceman. I’ve found myself traveling to destinations specifically for a dark tourist attraction, like the Mummies of Guanajuato in Mexico or paying a visit to the Yde Girl in Assen, Netherlands. If you are like me and curious about dark tourism, here is a list of dark tourism sites around the world that I have personally visited broken down by region. Asia Cambodia Siem Reap Killing Fields The Siem Reap Killing Fields are a tragic reminder about Cambodia’s dark history under the Khmer Rouge regime. Located between downtown Siem Reap and Angkor Wat is the Killing Fields of Siem Reap and this museum serves as a memorial to the victims of the Cambodia genocide. Today, visitors can go to the Killing Fields and learn about the atrocities that took place here. Some of the information and depictions are pretty graphic. There is well here on the site where upwards to 50 to 60 bodies were recovered from. There is also a mass grave site. Japan Aokigahara Forest (Japan’s Suicide Forest) When it comes to dark tourism, Japan’s Aokigahara Forest or informally known as Japan’s “Suicide Forest” is probably one of the world’s most famous sites. Known around the world as the “Suicide Forest,” Aokigahara Forest unfortunately received this name due to the high volume of suicides that occur at this location. Aokigahara Forest has been the subject of many horror films, folklore, and stories. Today, anyone can visit Japan’s “Suicide Forest.” Honestly, the forest is quite beautiful. There are hiking trails throughout the forest and visitors can even explore Narusawa Ice Cave and Wind Cave. Okinawa Battle Sites During the Battle of Okinawa, anywhere from 12,000 Americans and over 100,000 Japanese lost their lives. The island of Okinawa has a long history, unfortunately WWII is one of the most notable historical events that occurred on and around Okinawa. Some of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific occurred on Okinawa. There are many sites in Southern Okinawa related to the war that can be visited today. I’m surprised dark tourists don’t flock to Okinawa. Some of the famous sites include Hacksaw Ridge, the Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters, and the Peace Memorial Museum. The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters is not to be missed especially if seeking out the darker side of history. Visitors can walk through the tunnels and view some of the special rooms. One room that stood out to me had holes all over the walls and ceiling from a grenade that was used by an officer to end their life. Hiroshima and Nagasaki Besides visiting Aokigahara Forest, dark tourists will most likely find themselves visiting either the cities of Hiroshima or Nagasaki. Both cities were devastated by atomic bombs during WWII and there are still remnants remaining around each city left as a reminder of the devastation that took place. If visiting Hiroshima, you can pay a visit to the hypo center, A-Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Honkawa Elementary School, and Bank of Japan. Although Nagasaki is less visited then Hiroshima, there are many sites related to the war that are of interest. Visitors can go to the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park. Sokushin-Butsu (Buddhist Mummies in Japan) Japan might be one of the last countries you’d think would have mummies. But in northern Japan in Yamagata Prefecture, there are Sokushin-Butsu, which is a Buddhist Mummy. I am definitely interested in visiting dark tourist sites in Japan. I visited the Buddhist Temple of Dainichibou while on a road trip through the Prefecture of Yamagata. This temple has the mummified remains of Shinnyokai-Shounin. According to information at the temple, Shinnyokai-Shounin was a Buddhist Monk during the Edo period who became a Sokushin-Butsu. These monks sacrificed their lives and practiced ascetic disciplines according to the temple. The monks would not eat grain, instead they ate nuts, tree roots, bark, wild plants, among other natural edibles. They then fasted on saltwater for 42 days and drank Urushi (An ingredient in lacquer) basically beginning the mummify process while still alive. After self mummification, Shinnyokai-Shounin buried himself alive. Again, according to the temple, after 1,000 days of being buried, the body would be exhumed. Today, visitors can go to Dainichibou and see the mummified body of Shinnyokai-Shounin sitting there. You can partake in rituals. Just be warned, photographs of the mummy are not allowed. Vietnam Hoa Lo Prison No trip to Hanoi, Vietnam is complete without a visit to Hoa Lo Prison. Vietnam has many dark tourist sites, mainly around Ho Chi Minh City but Hanoi has its fair share like the Vietnam Military Museum or the notorious Hoa Lo Prison. Hoa Lo Prison, or “The Hanoi Hilton,” is a historical prison that was built in the late 1800’s during the French occupation. First, the prison was built to house political prisoners. Then it was used by the Vietnamese as a prison for US prisoners of war. During the French occupation, Hoa Lo Prison was a place of nightmares. Prisoners were kept in horrendous conditions where sickness spread, food was poor, and the prison was at max capacity. Europe Croatia Froggyland More bizarre then dark is the Museum of Froggy Land in Split, Croatia. While exploring Split, we stumbled upon this museum by accident and of course our curiosity led us to visit one of the more bizarre museums I’ve ever visited. Froggy Land is a museum in Split, Croatia. The museum has taxidermied frogs on display. Each display has several taxidermied frogs that appear to be doing human day to day activities like going to school, working in a shop, or getting into some sort of trouble. According to the Froggy Land website, the collection consists of 507 stuffed frogs. Germany Berlin Wall The Berlin Wall was a 155 Kilometer (96 Miles) long wall that separated West Berlin from East Berlin. The Berlin Wall was nearly built overnight on August 13, 1961 separating neighborhoods and even families in an instant. The Berlin Wall was heavily guarded and guards were ordered to shoot on sight if anyone attempted to flee into Western Germany. Overall, around 140 people lost their lives before it finally fell on November 9, 1989. Today, there are portions of the Berlin Wall that still stand in certain parts of the city. Medieval Crime Museum (Rothenburg Torture Museum) Who doesn’t love a good torture museum? Well, the Medieval Crime Museum in Rothenburg ob der Tauber has thousands of exhibits related to history, humiliation, punishment, and torture. You can spend hours at this museum viewing the shame masks, torture devices, and other historical artifacts. There is even an Iron Maiden on display and various types of axes and swords used for beheadings. Italy Capuchin Crypt in Rome In Rome, visit the Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini. This is the site of the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars. The museum itself was interesting, you get an audio guide and learn about the Capuchin Friars. But the reason I visited the church was to check out the crypt. The crypt is decorated with the skeletal remains of over 4,000 Capuchin friars. In the crypt there are interesting displays from bone chandeliers to wall art made from the bones of the Capuchin friars. Rome Colosseum If you think of the Roman Colosseum, you probably would not think of it as a dark tourist site. In my opinion, it fits the whole concept of “Dark Tourism” based on the historical events that took place. Think about it, you are visiting a monumental site known around the world, the Roman Colosseum which was home to brutal gladiator battles, public executions, and animal hunts where at times tens of thousands of animals were slaughtered. The colosseum although impressive is kind of a symbol of violence and human suffering. Netherlands Bog Bodies of Europe I took a road trip from northern Germany to Assen, Netherlands, just to visit the Drents Museum and see the Yde Girl. The Netherlands has plenty of dark tourist sites and seeing the Yde Girl, a Bog Body is one of them. Bog bodies are mummified bodies that have been discovered in bogs, primarily in Northern Europe to include the United Kingdom. Bog bodies can be thousands of years old. Many of them, so well preserved they have been mistaken for recent murder victims. The Yde Girl is a well preserved bog body at Assen’s Drents Museum, in the Archaeology Department. The Yde Girl was dug up in the Netherlands in 1897. Found with a noose around her neck, which appeared to be quite common among other bod bodies, she most likely died from being a victim of sacrifice or from wounds inflicted of being tortured. Veenhuizen: National Prison Museum Another dark tourist site in the Netherlands is the National Prison Museum in Veenhuizen. We stopped at the prison museum while en route to the beautiful city of Groningen. What we know and see today as the National Prison Museum in Veenhuizen was at one point an actual prison housing criminals. The prison is pretty interactive and starts off with torture and forms of punishments that date back hundreds of years. From here you can walk through the rest of the prison. Visitors can see what cells where like, get to know, more like read about some of the prisoners that stayed here in the past, and learn a little about the Netherlands past and current legal systems. Poland Auschwitz-Birkenau One of the most intense, sad, and chilling places I’ve ever visited has to be Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland. Auschwitz is huge, you can spend most the day here walking around the concentration camp. Visitors will see the “Arbeit Macht Frei” sign, Gate to Auschwitz, crematoriums, barracks, the “death wall,” gallows, and even the site where Josef Mengele performed medical experiments. Some of the rooms that really hit me hard were the evidence rooms showing piles among piles of items that
Hanoi Travel Guide: All you Need to Know for First Time Visitors
Hanoi is the capital and second largest city in Vietnam. With its rich culture, complicated history, and unique identity, Hanoi is a must visit destination for any traveler. Hanoi is an easy city to explore and is very welcoming to foreigners and first time visitors. This Hanoi travel guide is designed for first time visitors so that anyone can navigate the chaotic streets of Hanoi as we did on our first visit. From must visit attractions to dining experiences, and insider tips, this guide includes all you need to know for a first time visit to Hanoi. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Summary Why Visit Hanoi: Hanoi is rich in culture, has many attractions to visit, and is known for its incredible food scene. Top Things to do in Hanoi: Visit the Old Quarter. Temple of Literature. Sample Local Food. Where to Stay: One of the best hotels I’ve stayed at was the Imperial Hotel and Spa. I was blown away by the staffs professionalism and the hotel in general. Location was in the Old Quarter and their breakfast was delicious. First time visiting Hanoi? Consider a Private Walking Tour or Guided Food Tour. Applying for an E-Visa For some countries, it is required to apply for a Visa before traveling to Vietnam. There are multiple countries that are exempt from needing a visa to enter Vietnam. My website, should not be used to apply for a Visa, this portion is just my personal experience with applying for a Visa. I hold citizenship from a country that required an eVisa. The process is straight forward and there are multiple websites that can be used to obtain an eVisa to enter Vietnam. eVisa Vietnam has a lot of helpful information on applying for an eVisa. There are multiple Visa options as well that can be applied for depending on length of stay. Our experience applying for an eVisa was not particularly great. We applied online, paid the fee, and signed in all the required information about 2 weeks prior to visiting Vietnam. About a week later, we received an email that our Visas needed to be updated. There was no description on what fields needed to be updated. We quickly redid the application and submitted the eVisa again. I got another email about 4 days before our trip that the Visa was denied again. In panic, I contacted our hotel, the Hanoi Imperial Hotel and told them that I was unable to get my Visa approved in time. Without hesitation, the hotel told me that they could take care of it for us (of course, there was a fee) and within a day, both Jill and myself had our eVisa for Vietnam. Advice on Applying for an eVisa for Vietnam Apply for the eVisa well in advance to ensure there is enough time to update the visa in case it is send back. Fill out the information properly and double check required fields are filled in. Pay attention to the photo upload requirements. I downloaded a passport photo app on my phone. If all fails, contact your hotel and see if the staff can take care of the Vietnam eVisa. You’ll pay extra but it is worth the peace of mind. Double check the eVisa website if your country is listed as exempt from needed a visa to travel to Vietnam. Where is Hanoi? Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam. Located in northern Vietnam, Hanoi is about 100 km from shores of the South China Sea. Hanoi is situated in the Red River Delta. The country of Vietnam shares its border with three other countries: Cambodia, China, and Laos. Travel to Hanoi Beside overland or by sea, the best way to reach Hanoi is through the air. Most people visiting Northern Vietnam will land at Noi Bai International Airport. Noi Bai is about 35 km to the north of Hanoi. Drive time to and from Noi Bai International Airport from the city center can take anywhere from 40 60 minute depending on traffic. From Okinawa, we flew to Seoul and caught a flight with Asiana Airlines from Seoul to Hanoi. Asiana Airlines is one of our favorite 5-star airlines. Once at Noi Bai International Airport, unless you have a private transfer I’d recommend hailing a cab. We booked pick up and drop off to and from the airport through our hotel. We stayed in the Old Quarter and the price for a private pickup was under $25. 📸 Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Where to Stay If staying in Hanoi, it is recommended to stay within the Old Quarter. The Old Quarter is a great pedestrian friendly district in Hanoi with tons of great options for restaurants, cafés, entertainment, nightlife, and attractions. We booked the Imperial Hotel & Spa Hanoi via Agoda. To be honest, within our price range, there were so many options it was hard to just pick one. Hotels in Vietnam are cheap but that doesn’t mean the quality is cheap. For under $100 you can find luxurious hotels that make you feel like a celebrity! Again, after doing our research on Agoda we booked our hotel at the Imperial Hotel & Spa and we can’t recommend this hotel enough! Imperial Hotel & Spa The Imperial Hotel & Spa is a fabulous hotel situated in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Within walking distance from major attractions like Den Ngoc Son, Ho Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre we highly recommend the Imperial Hotel & Spa. Prior to our trip to Vietnam, we had difficulties obtaining our E-Visa. We contacted the hotel and they took care of the E-Visa process for us. We also booked airport transfer and the driver was there on time to pick us up and drop us off. A hotel staff met us out front to guide us to the hotel entrance. The staff politely opened the door for us, made us a welcome tea, and went over important information regarding the hotel, Hanoi, and safety. The front counter had a travel agent that can book trips. We booked our Hanoi Countryside on a Motorbike Tour through the hotel and it was one of the better tours we did while traveling Vietnam. The rooms at the Imperial Hotel & Spa were very nice. Somewhat basic yet comfortable and spacious. The morning breakfasts were one of my favorite parts of staying at the Imperial Hotel and Spa. The menu changed daily and everything on the buffet was fabulous. Imperial Hotel & Spa had a spa area on the same floor as the restaurant. Here you can book various spa treatments and massages. We did a full body massage here and it felt great after a long day of exploring. On our final day in Hanoi, our flight was at midnight. We explored Hanoi that day. Worried we’d be sweaty after walking all day, our plan was to freshen up a bit at the hotel bathroom. Before we could even sit down, the staff offered the spa area for us to shower and change clothes. Imperial Hotel & Spa, was one of the best hotel experiences I’ve had while traveling the world. I’d love to come back! Website and Address Below: Hanoi Imperial Hotel & Spa 2RJX+FW Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam Mopeds and Moped Safety For a city with a rough population estimate of 8 million people, there are about 5-6 million mopeds in Hanoi. One of my favorite things to do in Hanoi was to just stand there on the sidewalk and watch the mopeds drive by. The locals in Hanoi were very innovative when it came to packing items and materials on their mopeds. I’ve never seen anything quite like it! I was also surprised by the amount of people and animals that the Vietnamese can fit on a single moped. I saw one moped with 5 people riding on it. To us, it appeared that there were not many traffic rules when it came to driving in Hanoi. Mopeds were driving in every direction. Amongst the chaos of mopeds were pedestrians, cyclists, and cars driving on the same roads. ✅ As a pedestrian, at first crossing the roads in Hanoi looks almost impossible. I promise you it gets easier after the first day. By the end of the week, Jill and I were confident and felt very comfortable crossing the streets. ✅ Tips for first time visitors when crossing the street, include to be confident, relax, and be vigilant. Walk slow and just keep moving forward. Drivers are aware you are there and will go around you. ✅ If you want to rent a moped, I recommend trying to rent one outside the city and drive in rural areas before venturing into Hanoi. I feel like it takes skill and a brave soul to attempt to ride a moped in Hanoi. ✅ I had a few moped drivers come up to me while I was standing there and try and sell drugs. I simply declined and they drove off without any issues. Things to do in Hanoi If visiting Hanoi, you won’t run out of things to do. From historical landmarks to leisure strolls around Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This Hanoi travel guide provides some of the must do attractions and places to see in Hanoi, especially for first time visitors. For additional recommendations, I have a post on 18 Amazing Things to do in Hanoi 📸 Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Hanoi’s Old Quarter Every Hanoi Travel Guide will recommend visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Personally, not only do I recommend visiting the Old Quarter, but also booking a hotel here. Hanoi’s Old Quarter is centrally located and close to many attractions and restaurants. We found the Old Quarter to be very pedestrian friendly and perfect for families. Hanoi’s Old Quarter has many French style buildings that are unique and beautiful to include the St. Joseph’s cathedral. Hanoi Train Street This narrow alleyway in Hanoi is famous and well known because of the close proximity of the railroad tracks to houses, restaurants, and shops. Passing trains come literally within feet of buildings and people. Although a popular destination and exciting for tourists to see, Hanoi’s train street is an active railway and does pose potential dangers. If interested in visiting the Hanoi Train Street and curious when the trains arrive, here is an updated Hanoi Train Street Schedule. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum When visiting Hanoi, one of the most popular attractions is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This mausoleum was erected as a memorial to Ho Chi Minh. Ho Chi Minh’s preserved body is located within the mausoleum and is open to visitors. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is free to visit and open from 8:00 am until 11:00 am. Keep in mind, there are strict rules when visiting, such as covering up and chewing gum is not allowed. Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi’s Hoa Lo Prison otherwise known as the “Hanoi Hilton,” is a popular attraction to visit in Hanoi. Hoa Lo Prison was built in the late 1800’s by the occupying French. The purpose of the prison was for political prisoners. During the Vietnam War, this prison was used to keep US Prisoners of War. “Hanoi Hilton,” was a name given to the prison by US Prisoners of War. Temple of Literature The Temple of Literature is a temple near the Citadel and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This temple dates back to the year 1070 and is a Confucian Temple. Plan on spending at least an hour at the Temple of Literature as there are many buildings within the complex that are worth exploring. Thang Long
18 Amazing Things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam is a huge city full of cultural landmarks, historical sites, amazing food and drink options, and a plethora of things to do. Whether you are traveling with kids or a solo traveler, there is something in Hanoi that will peak anyone’s interest. If you are a foodie or prefer to visit local cafés and relax, then Hanoi has some of the best restaurants and cafés around. Hanoi is influenced by many cultures, the architecture of buildings in the Old Quarter alone is worth visiting. There are temples, UNESCO sites, city parks all sprinkled within the city. Whether you are spending a few days or a few weeks in Hanoi, this post explores some of our most recommended things to do in Hanoi. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! 18 Things to do in Hanoi Hanoi, Vietnam is an incredible city with so many attractions, sites, cafés and restaurants. It can sometimes seem overwhelming on where to start when first exploring this city. We spent a week in Hanoi and did everything from Hanoi day trips and puppet shows to checking out local breweries and touring popular attractions. Plain and simple, there is something to do for everybody in Hanoi. Hanoi has a great nightlife, unique cafés, and is located within driving distance from UNESCO sites like Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh. Whether you are looking for must see attractions in Hanoi, fun things to do, or things to see at night, here is a list of our recommended things to do in Hanoi. 1. Admire the Innovative and Fascinating Mopeds One of my favorite things to do in Hanoi was to just wait outside a shop while Jill was shopping and watch the mopeds zip by. I’d watch as hundred of mopeds would drive by me and admire the innovative ways they would load items on their mopeds. You’d think you’d seen it all after watching a moped carrying over 20 water cases on it, then 5 minutes later you would see a moped driving with a huge tree on the left side and a ladder on the right side. I even saw a moped carrying 5 people at the same time. 2. Attend the Thang Long Water Puppet Show If you are looking for things to do at night in Hanoi, I highly recommend attending the Thang Long Water Puppet Show. The Thang Long Water Puppet Show blew my expectations out of the water. I typically don’t do these types of shows or theater performances but I heard great things about Hanoi’s famous water puppet show, prices were cheap, and it was near my hotel. The Thang Long Water Puppet Show has multiple performances a day. I’d recommend getting tickets in advance or having your hotel purchase the tickets. This particular water puppet show dates back to the 11th century. The puppets perform in a pool of water with a temple as the backdrop. The themes are based off of traditional folklore and stories. 3. Check out the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Hanoi is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a complex of buildings from the 11th century. This was constructed during the Ly Dynasty as the seat of power and still plays an incredible role in the history of Hanoi. Today, visitors can walk the grounds, see the famous Doan Mon or Main Gate. There are a few small museums on the grounds. When visiting Thang Long Imperial Citadel, I recommend walking across the street to see the archaeological site. This covered area displays the foundation of structures from the Ly and Tran dynasties. 4. Day Trip – Take One or Many One of the best things about Hanoi is its location and access to amazing sites in Northern Vietnam. Just a few hours of driving from Hanoi, you can be in world famous places like Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh, both UNESCO sites. From Hanoi you can also venture into the outdoors and do a hiking tour of Sapa or go see the Perfume Pagoda which we didn’t do but I heard a visit to the Perfume Pagoda is worth visiting! If staying in Hanoi for multiple days, I recommend at least two days to fully explore the city and at least one day for day trips. We were lucky to spend an entire week in Hanoi and did a day trip to Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh. We also did a half day motorbike tour. 5. Do Some Local Shopping, Support Local What better way to support the local economy then to shop at small locally owned shops? Trust me, there are a ton of unique shops around Hanoi, especially in and around the Old Quarter. I am not much of a shopper but I found many interesting shops to purchase local souvenirs and stuff to bring back home. Of course, you can find every shop imaginable from pottery shops to places selling fresh coffee beans. You can also find a lot of shops that custom tailor clothes, dresses, and even suits. There was a shop called Collective Memory that was recommended to us by a friend and we loved it. We bought honey, pho seasoning, hot sauce, and Jill bought earrings here. 6. Don’t Forget the Temple of Literature If visiting the Thang Long Imperial Citadel or Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, it is highly recommended to visit the Temple of Literature as they are in the same area. The Temple of Literature in Hanoi dates back to the year 1070 and is a Confucian Temple. As an added bonus, the Temple of Literature is located on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese Dong bill. 7. Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter One of the top things to do in Hanoi is to visit and spend time in the Old Quarter. The Old Quarter is a historical area located in the heart of Hanoi. The Old Quarter is lined with French architecture, amazing restaurants, world class attractions, and luxurious hotels. If you are wondering where to stay in Hanoi and start your journey, I recommend the Old Quarter. Hanoi’s Old Quarter is walkable, tourist friendly, and often included in popular North Vietnam Tours itineraries. 8. I guess, Take your Photo in Front of the Cathedral I found St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi to be a beautiful European Neo-Gothic style Cathedral. It didn’t feel out of place since it’s located in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. We must have walked by this cathedral a dozen times and each and every time there were crowds of people taking selfies and photos of themselves in front of the church. I guess, it’s all about that Instagram shot? 9. Learn Some History at the Vietnam Military Museum If you are interested in Military History and historic battles, then a visit to the Vietnam Military Museum is well worth a visit. This museum is home to military equipment, vehicles, and weapons that were used by the French, Vietnamese, and United States during historical wars. There are both indoor and outdoor sections to this museum. Unfortunately, the day I went the inside was closed to visitors. But the outside was still open and they charged half price. Apart from looking at the collection of military vehicles, weapons, and other artifacts, visitors can pay a visit to the Flag Tower of Hanoi. 10. Let the Kids Ride Around on Electric Vehicles If looking for things to do in Hanoi for kids, then there seemed to be plenty of kid friendly activities. From city parks to street performers but one particular activity seemed to be a big hit with the children and that was driving electric cars around the Old Quarter. During the weekends and potentially holidays, the streets around Hoan Kiem Lake are closed off to motor vehicles and become pedestrian only, with the exception of electric vehicles for kids. There were lines in front of shops of electric vehicles that are available to rent. I saw everything imaginable from tanks to sports cars. The kids all seemed to love it! 11. Make Time for Tran Quoc Pagoda Tran Quoc Pagoda is a beautiful Buddhist temple located on a small island on West Lake. History of this temple dates back to 1,500 years ago. We walked here from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and walked back to the Old Quarter from here. Out of all the temples we saw in Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda was my favorite. Between the palm trees, vibrant colors, and unique architecture Tran Quoc Pagoda was a highlight of our trip and highly recommended. 12. Order the Obama Combo at Bun Cha Huong Lien I am a huge fan of Anthony Bourdain and on his Parts Unknown episode while in Hanoi he shared a meal with former President, Barack Obama. What I liked so much about this meal between the two was that they didn’t go to a fine dining restaurant like you’d expect. Instead, Anthony Bourdain stayed true to himself and picked a typical Vietnamese restaurant. You know the type, cheap beer, plastic seats, and standards that probably would not be up to par in the Western world. The two sat on their plastic chairs at a restaurant just south of the old Quarter called Bun cha Huong Lien, and they ordered Bun Cha. Bun Cha is a meal that consists of grilled pork in a broth with noodles and greens. I tend to watch Anthony Bourdain’s television shows before I go on a trip, so I marked it on my maps and ventured to Bun cha Huong Lien one evening for dinner. The restaurant wasn’t packed at the time as we were seated ight away. You can order the Combo Obama, which is what the former President and Anthony Bourdain ordered. It comes with 1 Bun Cha, 1 Fried Seafood Roll, and a beer. All for 120.000 Vietnamese Dong which comes out to just under $5. Any other place in the world they would uptick the price because someone famous visited. Food in Vietnam is so cheap, I am still amazed. Today, the table and chairs where Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain sat are encased in a plastic covering. You can walk up to the 3rd floor to see and take pictures. 13. Sample Food and Lots of it Let’s be honest, the main reason I came to Hanoi was to eat Vietnamese food. I’ve had Vietnamese food in the United States and Japan but other then Banh Mi and Pho, I was clueless about the food culture and other types of food in Vietnam. Jill and I took a food tour in Hanoi on our first day, we stopped at seven different restaurants and sampled various dishes. Each dish was so much different then the last. After the food tour, we gained confidence and ate out by ourselves. We tried pizza at Pizza 4P’s, had Banh Mi sandwiches multiple times from local vendors making them fresh on the streets, and tried so many other dishes. Everything we ate was so refreshing and satisfying. They add fresh vegetables to most their dishes, so I felt I was eating somewhat healthy. Food in Vietnam is dirt cheap as well. I’m talking $1-3 for some meals including a beer. One of our favorite dishes in Hanoi was Nen Nuong Nha Trang at Nem Nuong Nha Trang Que Hoa. This was a platter with meat and piles of vegetables. You get rice paper and wrap the ingredients up like a burrito and dunk it in sauce. 14. See the Giant Turtles at Ngoc Son Temple In the middle of Hanoi’s Old Quarter is Ngoc Son Temple. This Temple
Off the Beaten Path: Exploring Hanoi’s Countryside on a Motorbike
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam is known as a chaotic yet beautiful city. The sound of horns honking, millions of mopeds, and crowds of people everywhere, why not escape the city to the countryside and experience a different side of Hanoi. One of the best ways to explore Hanoi’s countryside is on a motorbike. Experience what being on a motorbike is really like through the chaotic streets of Hanoi before venturing into the countryside where small villages dot the landscape as you cruise through banana tree fields, pottery villages, and unique landscapes. Whether you are seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of Hanoi or just want to see what life is like just outside of the city, exploring Hanoi’s countryside on a motorbike is the way to go! **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Booking a Hanoi Motorbike Tour The Hanoi motorbike tour we found was through a company called Hanoi Backstreet Tours. Actually our hotel took care of the booking for us, but if interested you can book directly through their website. On the Hanoi Backstreet Tours website, you can view a listed of all the tours offered and book directly through the website. You can also find and book their tours through either Get Your Guide or TripAdvisor. Hanoi Backstreet Tours offers a wide variety of tours, the three main ones are Hanoi Motorbike Tours, Hanoi Jeep Tours, and Hanoi Street Food Tours. Once you find a Hanoi tour you are interested in and book it, the day of the tour the company will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. Lunch was included on our Hanoi motorcycle tour. After picking us up from the hotel, we had lunch at Hidden Gem Coffee, which was delicious. After enjoying a satisfying lunch we began our half day motorbike tour. Touring Hanoi’s Countryside on a Motorbike Our tour was through Hanoi Backstreet Tours. Our hotel booked the tour for us, but it can be booked through their website, or on travel booking sites like Get Your Guide or TripAdvisor. Hanoi Backstreet Tours offers several adventurous tours to include both old rustic jeep tours and soviet era motorcycle tours. We were amazed by the mopeds and motorcycles in Hanoi and wanted to be part of the action so we booked the Hanoi Countryside on a motorbike tour. According to their website, the motorcycles provided are ex soviet motorcycles known as the M1A or M1NSK. Don’t worry, you yourself will not be driving the chaotic streets of Hanoi by motorbike. Leave that to the professionals. Us tourists, just sit on the back of the motorbike hanging on to dear life! The tour started with a pickup from our hotel and the rider drove us to lunch at Hidden Gem Coffee. After lunch, we departed toward a small pottery village on the outskirts of Hanoi called Bat Trang, about an hours drive one-way. We got to experience driving through Hanoi by motorbike. This was an eye opener as we were part of the 6 million mopeds and motorbikes that ride around Hanoi. Thankfully, this was not new to our drivers and we felt safe the whole entire time. The tour was nice because they made several stops along the way to Bat Trang and gave us a brief description of the stop. First, we made our way over Long Bien Bridge crossing the Red River. After crossing the bridge, life started to get more rural as the landscape quickly turned from city to agriculture and small villages. We made a brief stop at a banana tree farm. Afterwards, we made our way to Bat Trang. Bat Trang is a ceramic village that has a rich history in making ceramics, according to our guide, dating back thousands of years. We toured a facility where the pottery is made by hand, painted, and sold. We then made our way to a local shop where we had the chance to make our own pottery using a pottery wheel. Let’s just say, I didn’t do a great job and ended up scrapping my bowl. Our final stop in Bat Trang was a lively pottery market. Here you can browse the shops and support the local economy. We finished the tour with a refreshing sugarcane juice before ending the trip at our hotel in Hanoi. Conclusion A Motorbike tour in Vietnam is highly recommended. I mean, riding a moped or motorcycle in Vietnam is a way of life, so why not experience it either on your own or with a tour. Exploring Hanoi’s countryside on a motorbike was a thrilling experience that allowed us to see a different side of Hanoi and see some of the rural communities just outside the city. This tour was a highlight from our Vietnam trip and we highly recommend a motorbike tour in Hanoi. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️ 🇻🇳 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
5 Must Visit Cafés in Hanoi for Coffee Lovers
If you are a coffee lover like me and find yourself in Hanoi, Vietnam, then you will be pleasantly surprised by the amazing coffee and cafés scattered throughout the city. Hanoi is not only known for its history, culture, and food but also for their coffee and cozy cafés. Although you can find amazing Vietnamese coffee all over Hanoi, some of the must visit cafés specialize in two variations of coffee made famous in Vietnam, egg coffee and coconut coffee. From cafés serving up thick and strong egg coffee to the cold and refreshing coconut coffee, here are 5 of the must visit cafés in Hanoi that we visited and loved. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! What is Egg Coffee and Coconut Coffee? If you are familiar with coffee in Hanoi or coffee in Vietnam in general, you’ve probably heard or seen of Egg Coffee and Coconut Coffee. How does egg coffee and coconut coffee differ from regular coffee and what exactly is it? Both these variations of coffee are famous in Hanoi and almost every café has their own unique twist. Egg Coffee Egg coffee, otherwise known as ca phe tung in Vietnamese, is a style of coffee made famous in Hanoi. Egg coffee is just that, it’s coffee with egg yolks in it. There is a shot of espresso at the bottom, at the top layer is a mix of egg yolks, condensed milk, and sugar. Why would I drink egg coffee? is egg coffee safe to drink? Egg coffee was delicious! More of a dessert then actual coffee. Some egg coffee that I tried in Hanoi tasted a bit like tiramisu. I have yet to meet a person who doesn’t like tiramisu! Egg coffee is perfectly safe to drink! Generally the eggs used are pasteurized eggs and cooked in one way or another. When we were at Ma Xo Café, the barista told us they boil the coffee with the egg and it even goes in the oven, so it does get cooked. How is Egg Coffee prepared and how do you drink it? The egg yolk, condensed milk, sugar, and other ingredients are mixed together and boiled. you can then add the espresso or coffee to the bottom or pour it over the froth egg mixture. Ether way the coffee settles to the bottom. The egg mixture rests on top. The egg mixture on top is thick, frothy, and sweet. The café should provide a spoon. You can either eat the egg on top like a dessert, mix it well with the coffee, or do a little bit of both! I felt the coffee at the bottom was strong, so I preferred to mix it with the egg. After that, simply relax and enjoy! 5 Must Visit Cafés in Hanoi If you are looking for some of the best cafés and coffee shops in Hanoi that specialize in egg and coconut coffee, I have 5 for you that are worth visiting. These cafés were either recommended to us by friends that live in Hanoi or food guides that really know the city. Based on all of that cafés and coffee shops we visited while in Hanoi, here is a list of what I think are must visit cafés in Hanoi. I’ve tried traditional Vietnamese coffee before and thoroughly enjoy it. I’ve heard awesome things about egg and coconut coffee prior to visiting, so I set out to try these styles of coffee. These 5 must visit cafés in Hanoi are based on my experience with ordering both egg and coconut coffee. Café Dinh Located in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, Café Dinh is one of the more popular cafés in the area. Although difficult to find at first, Café Dinh is a must visit café in Hanoi. When visiting Café Dinh, look for the sign outside, walk through a narrow path and walk up the stairs until you reach the café. Café Dinh is known for their egg coffee, so that is what I tried here. For 30,000 Vietnamese Dong, or just around $1.25, you can enjoy a warm cup of freshly made egg coffee. The egg coffee here is really good! The coffee is strong and the egg mixture on top was thick and flavorful. Here, I recommend mixing the coffee and egg together to help with a little of the bitterness. Overall, Café Dinh was probably my go to place for egg coffee. It’s probably one of the better places to visit while in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and the atmosphere was very pleasant and relaxed. Address: 13 P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam Opening Hours: 7 days a week from 7:00 – 22:30 Price: Egg Coffee – 25K Hidden Gem Coffee – Quan Ch Phe Tai Che We went to Hidden Gem Coffee because it was a stop along our Hanoi Countryside Motorbike Tour. Otherwise, we would have never found or even hear of this fun café. We visited this coffee house for lunch but had an egg coffee after eating. It was a traditional egg coffee prepared in the traditional way. Jill doesn’t drink coffee, so she had a tiramisu drink with egg on top similar to egg coffee and it was equally as good. This place had a fantastic lunch menu as well. I’d recommend the Rainbow Salad and Banh My. I forgot to take a photo of my coffee, but the food here was so photogenic. At least I have photos of the amazing lunch we had here. The best thig about Hidden Gem Coffee was the atmosphere of the restaurant. All the decorations here from the chairs, light fixtures, even the fish tank, are made using recycled material. Address: 1 Hàng Mắm, Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam Opening Hours: 7 days a week from 7:00 – 22:00 Price: Egg Coffee – 45K Coconut Coffee – 50K Ma Xo Café Ma Xo Café is a cute coffee house located on an island in ho Truc Bach. Ma Xo Café had one of the more relaxed atmospheres and nice views of the lake. This café also had one of my favorite egg coffees. It is here that the barista told me it would take about 10 minutes to prepare the coffee and they heat it up in the oven. The egg coffee was strong, bitter, and sweet all in one tasting, it was delicious! Since the coffee is strong, I recommend mixing it with the egg to help with the bitterness. If coffee is not your thing, Ma Xo Café offered other beverages like teas, kombucha, and many other drinks. Address: 152 P. Trấn Vũ, Trúc Bạch, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 11117, Vietnam Opening Hours: 7 days a week from 8:00 – 23:00 Price: Egg Coffee – 60K Coconut Coffee – 60K Melbie Café and Bakery If you are looking for a café in Hanoi to try good coffee, cake, and just take a breather, then Melbie Café and Bakery is the perfect place. Melbie Café and Bakery was recommended to us by our food tour guide. It is located just north of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum just before accessing the bridge to the lakes. Melbie Café and Bakery is a cute café wit multiple floors. Upon entering I ordered a coconut coffee here with a Red Velvet Cake. Jill had an iced fruit tea, so it is not just coffee here being served. We comfortably sat upstairs under the cool air conditioner. Honestly, we’ve been walking all day and needed a long rest, this was the perfect spot for it as they had delicious drinks and Wi-fi. The coconut coffee here was much different then my first coconut coffee at Xofa Café and Bistro. The coconut coffee here was a traditional one with coconut milk and coffee. Address: No. 9A Đ. Thanh Niên, St, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam Opening Hours: 7 days a week. Fri, Sat, and Sun from 8:00 – 23:00, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs from 8:00 – 22:30 Xofa Café and Bistro Another Café that was recommended by our food tour guide was Xofa Café and Bistro. Located just a few steps from Hanoi Train Street, Xofa Café and Bistro seemed to be a popular coffee place in Hanoi by both locals and tourists. This café had a relaxed atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. I was told that they were famous for their coconut coffee so I had my first experience with coconut coffee here. I ordered the Single Espresso Coffee with coconut milk and condensed milk. At first I was shocked by how the coffee looked. It looked like coffee with frozen foam on top. As I took my first sip, it was fabulous and refreshing. The coconut shavings on top added a nice touch. I knew this would be a hard coffee to beat and it was as it is still my favorite coconut coffee in Hanoi. Besides coffee, Xofa Café and Bistro also serves delicious teas. Address: 14 P. Tống Duy Tân, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam Opening Hours: 7 days a week, Open 24 Hours Price: Coconut Coffee – 68K Conclusion Hanoi is a surprising destination for coffee lovers and is home to many cozy and unique cafés and coffee shops. For the coffee connoisseur, it is recommended to try Hanoi’s famous and well known egg coffee and coconut coffee. Whether you are looking for a unique twist on local coffee like egg coffee or a refreshing beverage to sip on during the heat of the afternoon in Hanoi, you can’t go wrong with trying these Vietnamese coffees in Hanoi. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️ 🇻🇳 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
From City to Countryside: Ninh Binh One Day Tour from Hanoi
Known as the “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh is a picturesque province located about 2 hours from the capital city, Hanoi. Ninh Binh is the perfect escape to the countryside from the hustle and bustle of the large and chaotic city. Ninh Binh offers visitors an adventurous experience full of stunning landscapes, challenging hikes, peaceful bike rides, and historical attractions. If you are looking for a fun day trip from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is the perfect destination. Ninh Binh one day tours are offered from Hanoi, so whether you are a nature lover or a history buff, this tour is perfect! **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Booking a Ninh Binh One Day Tour Like the Ha Long Bay Day Trip from Hanoi we booked the Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi through Viator. Scattered throughout Hanoi, there are travel companies offering Ninh Binh one day tours but we figured it was easy and cheap just to book online through Viator. The Viator website is easy to book through, has a lot of great tours that vary in activities, and gives an in depth description on what is included in the tour to include times. Also note, many hotels in Hanoi have contacts with travel companies. In case, you cannot book a tour online, ask the hotel if they can book your Ninh Binh day trip or know of a reliable tour company in Hanoi. Here are some recommended Ninh Binh Day Trips. Ninh Binh Day Trips- from Hanoi Ninh Binh Day Trip Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi About Ninh Binh Province Ninh Binh is a province in Vietnam. It is located in northern Vietnam in the Red River Delta, about a 2-3 hour car ride from Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi. Ninh Binh is appropriately nicknamed “Ha Long Bay on Land” because of the same limestone karst formations that rise from the ground. Ninh Binh is blanketed with the famous limestone karst formations, rivers, and rice fields. Not only in Ninh Binh full of natural beauty there are also many cultural and historical attractions. The Trang An Landscape Complex which is located in Ninh Binh is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Attractions and Sites Included on a Ninh Binh Day Trip There are many different tours around Hanoi that specialize in day trips to Ninh Binh. We booked this Ninh Binh Day Trip from Hanoi and it was one of our most memorable highlights on our vacation in Vietnam. The tour was very adventurous and professional. I learned a lot about Vietnam and the Ninh Binh Province while on this Ninh Binh Day Trip. The best thing was the group size of the tour. There were three of us in total. Our Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi included a brief stop at the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. After a brief stop at Ha Lu Ancient Capital, we climbed 500 steps to Lying Dragon Mountain for spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. After an exhausting climb, we enjoyed an 8-course lunch. After lunch we rented bicycles and cycled through small villages and rice fields to Bich Dong Pagoda. From here we took a sampan boat trip in Tam Coc along the picturesque river. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital The first site on our Ninh Binh one day tour was a brief stop at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Hoa Lu is considered Vietnam’s first capital from the years 968 until 1009. Although much of this ancient capital no longer exists, there are still a few temples and sites on the grounds that are accessible to visitors. The main attractions at the ancient capital include Dinh Tien Hoang Temple and Le Hoan Temple. There is not a whole lot more to see here other then the temples and beautiful countryside. In total, we spent about 30-45 minutes at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Hike Dragon Mountain for the Best Views in Ninh Binh For the best views in Ninh Binh, our tour guide led us up 500 stairs to reach the summit of Dragon Mountain. This is that iconic photo you see of Ninh Binh with the limestone peaks off in the distance and beautiful river in the foreground. Don’t worry, this tour includes a boat ride down the river below. The hike up can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. Our guide told us a marathon runner made it to the top of Dragon Mountain in a record time of 4 minutes. Lunch at Tam Coc River View After enjoying views of Ninh Binh from Dragon Mountain, we drove a few minutes to Tam Coc River View, where we had a huge yet satisfying lunch. Tam Coc River View is a hotel and restaurant right along the waters edge where the sampan boats begin there journey down the Ngo Dong River. Our guide gave us like 45 minutes to an hour to rest and enjoy lunch. Goat is a delicacy in the area and can be very expensive. Of course, our meal did include a goat stir fry which I really enjoyed. Lunch also included tofu, seasoned chicken, spring rolls, and of course fresh fruits and vegetables. Of course, I had to quench my thirst from our hike with a Bia Saigon, a popular lager beer brewed in Ho Chi Minh City. Cycling Through Rice Fields to Bich Dong Pagoda Other then the amazing views of Ninh Binh from Dragon Mountain, cycling to Bich Dong Pagoda was probably my favorite highlight from the Ninh Binh one day tour. I felt like cycling through the Vietnamese country side through villages and rice fields really gave me a sense of the “Real Vietnam.” We started the cycle portion of the tour in Tam Coc and rode for about 45 minutes one way to Bich Dong Pagoda. Everything about this pagoda and temple complex was spectacular. From the main gate entrance to the pagoda itself. We begin with entering the main gate to Bich Dong Pagoda. The gate is stunning, with the ponds on either side and mountainous terrain in the background. We then found ourselves in a temple complex. In Vietnam, temples are referred to as Pagodas. Bich Dong Pagoda had three different pagodas referred to as Ha Pagoda, Trung Pagoda, and Thuong Pagoda. Trung Pagoda was unique as the face of the pagoda stuck out of a cliff face. Come to find out that the rest of the pagoda is tucked back into a large cave. Visitors can walk to all three pagodas here. I’d say that Trung Pagoda was the most impressive. After about 45 minutes at Bich Dong Pagoda, we leisurely cycle back to Tam Coc for our sampan boat ride down the Ngo Dong River. Sampan Boat Tour Down the Ngo Dong River After a day full of hiking and cycling, it was nice to end the day on a stress free boat ride. In Tam Coc, we got on a Sampan which is a boat in Southeast Asian countries that are known to be built from local materials. The boat we were on consisted of metal and wood materials. We had a 1 – 1.5 hour boat ride down the Ngo Dong River ahead of us. The river snakes around the limestone formations of Ninh Binh. Each bend of the river offering beautiful views of the landscape. The boat ride passes through three caves and ended at a lake before turning around and taking the same path back to the Tam Coc River View hotel and restaurant. One of the unique aspects about the Sampan boat tours was that the paddlers used their feet to direct the oars. Almost every paddler used their feet and made it look so easy! Tips and Recommendations when Visiting Ninh Binh Hiking up 500 stairs up to Dragon Mountain was no easy task. Although it is a short hike, the heat and humidity was intense. The hike was harder then it seemed, so plan for that. Bring water and the appropriate clothing. The Sampan Boat Tour down the No Dong River was spectacular. I mean, the views were amazing and the landscape was so unique. But it is touristy and with that there are scams. Toward the beginning of the boat ride, there are other boats that followed us with cameras and took pictures of us on the boat. Obviously, they wanted to sell their photos. We ignored them. At the turn around point of the Sampan boat ride, there were sellers in boats trying to sell drinks and food. They were pushy and said we should buy a drink for the individual captaining our boat. Our tour guide did bring this up before getting on the boat, so we were aware of the scams. On the way back to our destination, the individual paddling our boat kept complaining he was tired and demanded a tip. For a second, he stopped the boat and said we needed to tip him. We kept telling him we will at the end of the boat ride. This kind of put a damper on the relaxing boat ride. The paddler started to get very pushy. So just note this and tell them you will tip at the end. Conclusion A Ninh Binh one day tour from Hanoi is an unforgettable experience for those looking to escape the chaotic city and experience life at a slower pace. Between the natural beauty and rich culture and history, Ninh Binh offers something for every type of traveler. It is recommended to book a day trip through an online reputable company like Viator or Get Your Guide. This way there is no stress and everything from food to transportation is taken care of. If you are visiting Hanoi and are looking to see more of Vietnam, don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit Ninh Binh Province. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️ 🇻🇳 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Ha Long Bay Day Trip from Hanoi: Vietnam’s Natural Wonder
Ha Long Bay, located about 2.5 – 3 hours from Hanoi in northeastern Vietnam is a breathtaking natural wonder that attracts millions of tourists every year. Ha Long Bay is well known for its stunning limestone karst rock formations protruding from the waters below. This stunning and unique landscape is one of Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and most popular tourist attractions. There are many tours that offer trips to Ha Long Bay. Visitors can embark on an overnight trip to Ha Long Bay and spend the night in the middle of the bay on a boat. Some travelers don’t have that kind of time and opt for a Ha Long Bay day trip which can easily be done from Hanoi. Join us as we explore some of the highlights, stops, and must see attractions our tour took us on while on a Ha Long Bay day trip from Hanoi. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! About Ha Long Bay Ha Long Bay, also written as Halong Bay is a bay in northern Vietnam known for its 1,600 – 2,000 islands. In the Vietnamese language Ha Long translates to “Descending Dragon” The famous islands that are seen protruding from the water are limestone and the majority of them are uninhabited. In 1994, Ha Long Bay was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Booking a Tour for Ha Long Bay Being one of if not the most popular tourist attraction in Vietnam, it is recommended to visit Ha Long Bay via a guided and organized tour. In Hanoi, there are tour shops on almost every block of the city offering tours to Ha Long Bay. I recommend just booking the tours online through well known companies like Viator or Get Your Guide. We actually booked the Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour – best selling: Kayaking, Swimming, Hiking & Lunch, through Viator. This was a Ha Long Bay day trip from Hanoi and included pickup from our hotel, transfer on a bus, a very good lunch, multiple activities, and of course amazing views of Ha Long Bay. Exploring Ha Long Bay After a 2.5 – 3 hour bus ride to Ha Long Bay from Hanoi, we arrived at Tuan Chau Port. Already, our “Junk” tour boat was waiting at port for us. These “Junk” boats are actually really nice and spacious with several places to lounge around and relax. The boats are even equipped with bathrooms. As we pulled out of port, it was about 1 – 1.5 hours before our first destination. While en route, we enjoyed a huge lunch, provided by the tour. The lunch was fantastic, we had a whole fish, shrimp, several salads, fresh fruit, and many other delicious dishes. After lunch we were free to walk around the boat, relax in the many chairs on the deck, and just take in the beautifully unique scenery at Ha Long Bay before making it to our first destination which was Ti Top Island. After a brief stop at Ti Top Island, we kayaked at a different destination called Hang Luon. We ended our Ha Long Bay tour with a walk through Ha Long Bay’s largest natural cave, Surprise Cave. Ti Top Island – Best Views of Ha Long Bay For the best views of Ha Long Bay and that iconic shot of the karst formations sticking out of the water we stopped at Ti Top Island. Ti Top Island is a popular spot for tourists. All the “junk” boats make a pit stop here. At Ti Top Island, there is a beach, bar, a few souvenir shops, and a hiking trail that leads to the top of Ti Top Island. We were limited on time and with some of the best beaches in the world right here in Okinawa where we lived, we decided to skip the beach and head straight to the top of Ti Top Mountain. I am glad we decided to hike to the top. I’m not going to lie, the hike to the top was not easy. Granted it was only 400 steps, the humidity was bad, temperatures were high, and we had to fight crowds going both uphill and downhill. Once we summited to the top, we were amazed by the beauty of Ha Long Bay. Here we saw that picturesque landscape of the limestone formations protruding from the water below. Kayaking at Hang Luon The tour we booked included several activities and attractions. One of the activities was to kayak at Hang Luon. This was somewhat touristy as there were a hundred other kayakers, but I can’t deny that I had a lot of fun and the scenery was absolutely stunning. There is a hidden cove surrounded by towering jungle peaks. The only way to access the cove was to kayak through a natural cave. On the other side we were greeted by a 360° view of mountains and beautiful water. We kayaked for about 30 minutes before heading back to the boat. Surprise Cave – It was Actually Surprising The last attraction on our Ha Long Bay tour was a visit to Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave. The cave really did live up to the name, it was quite surprising. Founded by the French in 1901, Surprise Cave is the largest and most fascinating cave at Ha Long Bay. Visitors walk through several caverns, each bigger then the previous. The final cavern was a shock, I’ve never seen a cavern as open or as large as the one at Surprise Cave. Upon exiting the cave, there are any scenic overlooks with great views of the karst formations and water. Conclusion A day trip to Ha Long Bay from Hanoi is an unforgettable experience that is a must for any traveler. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Vietnam’s top rated tourist attraction and receives millions of visitors a year. The unique limestone karst formations, reflective waters, and prime attractions make Ha Long Bay a natural wonder that is well worth a day trip from Hanoi. From kayaking in secret coves to walking through spectacular cave systems, a Ha Long Bay day trip is full of adventure and stunningly scenic landscapes. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️ 🇻🇳 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.