Hanoi has become a delightful sight for visitors, who are often charmed by the graceful women adorning the streets in their vibrant and colorful ao dai, the traditional Vietnamese dress. This beautiful scene adds a unique and poetic touch to the city’s atmosphere.
| Â The Quintessence of Ao Dai event participants embark on a Hanoi tour, riding a double-decker bus. Image source: Hanoi Tourism Department |
Currently, Hanoi is in the midst of its annual three-day celebration, the Hanoi Ao Dai Tourism Festival. This festival, which runs from October 4 to 6, showcases a variety of events that honor and celebrate the elegance and cultural significance of the Vietnamese ao dai. It also marks a significant milestone, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the Capital Liberation Day on October 10, 1954.
Embracing the Elegance of the Vietnamese Ao Dai
Organized by the Hanoi Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the City Women’s Union and Hanoi Youth Union, the Hanoi Tourism Ao Dai Festival has become a highly anticipated annual event.
According to Nguyen Hong Minh, Deputy Director of Hanoi Tourism, the festival serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it aims to promote Vietnam and the ao dai on a global scale. Secondly, it seeks to establish Hanoi’s reputation as a “safe and welcoming, high-quality and attractive” destination for tourists and international visitors alike.
The festival also strives to elevate the traditional Vietnamese ao dai to the status of a “tourism ambassador,” with the annual Hanoi Ao Dai Tourism Festival becoming a signature offering of the city’s thriving tourism sector.
As shared with The Hanoi Times by Nguyen Hong Minh, “The Hanoi Ao Dai Tourism Festival is a dynamic event, held at various locations across the city each year. It offers a range of engaging activities that not only enrich the experience of tourists but also bring joy to the residents of our beloved capital. This year’s festival holds extra significance as we prepare to commemorate the 70th anniversary of our capital’s liberation.”
| Â Nguyen Hong Minh, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Tourism Department, guides tourists through the capital’s renowned historical landmarks. |
To enhance the festival experience for visitors, the Hanoi Department of Tourism has joined forces with the Hanoi Transport Corporation. Together, they offer a complimentary hop-on, hop-off bus service, providing a unique way to explore the city. On the inaugural day of the Hanoi Ao Dai Tourism Festival 2024, October 4, 700 tourists donning the ao dai will have the opportunity to embark on a complimentary tour. Additionally, 1,010 free bus tour tickets will be distributed to mark the upcoming Capital Liberation Day on October 10.
Witnessing the Breathtaking Beauty of Hanoi from Above
As October ushers in fresher mornings and the sun casts a warm glow over Hanoi’s streets, it becomes the perfect time to indulge in outdoor activities and appreciate the city’s autumnal beauty.
Our journey to discover Hanoi from a bird’s-eye view commences at 7:30 am at the first pick-up point, conveniently located in front of Highlands Coffee, adjacent to the iconic Hanoi Opera House. Climbing aboard the double-decker open-top bus and soaking in the mesmerizing vistas of Hanoi’s ancient streets is an experience that leaves a lasting impression on travelers.
| Â Travelers revel in the opportunity to explore Hanoi’s captivating streets. |
The bus meanders through a captivating blend of charming French-style houses, their walls painted a cheerful yellow and windows a lush green. These gems are nestled among the modern high-rises and contemporary buildings that also define the city’s landscape. As the bus makes its way through the streets, windows dramatically appear and disappear from view, hidden behind the lush foliage that lines the route. All the while, the vibrant energy of Hanoians going about their daily lives adds to the captivating scene.
Ngo Thi Bac, a tourist from Hoang Mai District, shared her excitement about attending this unique event with The Hanoi Times. “This is my inaugural attendance at the Hanoi Tourism Festival, and I am thrilled to be exploring the heart of Hanoi aboard a double-decker bus,” she exclaimed. “It’s especially exhilarating to view iconic landmarks such as Hoan Kiem Lake, the Presidential Palace, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from this elevated perspective,” she added.
The festive ambiance, coupled with the streets adorned in flags and flowers to commemorate this significant holiday, makes the experience truly memorable.
A Journey Through Hanoi’s Must-See Attractions
First introduced to Hanoi’s streets in 2018, the Hop-on, Hop-off bus offers a flexible and convenient way to explore the city’s famous destinations. This service allows visitors to create their own unique itinerary, saving on taxi fares as they discover the capital at their own pace aboard a double-decker open-top bus. Passengers can get on and off as they please, spending as much time as they like at each location before hopping back on the next bus.
| Â The hop-on, hop-off bus commences its journey from the Hanoi Opera House. |
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The buses operate from 9 am to 5 pm, offering four-, 24-, and 48-hour tickets (activated upon first use). With these tickets, passengers can enjoy unlimited trips around the capital. During the weekday 24-hour tour, the hop-on, hop-off buses arrive every 30 minutes, making 13 stops and passing by 20 renowned attractions.
The tour commences from Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, leading passengers on a journey through Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hanoi’s Flag Tower, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Cua Bac Church, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison Relic, Vietnamese Women’s Museum, Hanoi Opera House, Hanoi Post Office, and finally returning to Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square.
It’s important to note that the pick-up points for the buses vary depending on whether it’s a weekday or weekend tour. For the weekday tour, the pick-up point is at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, while for the weekend tour, it is conveniently located in front of the Hanoi Opera House.
To further enhance the experience, travelers can take advantage of complimentary headsets that provide insightful tour information in ten different languages, including Vietnamese, Chinese, English, Russian, and German. Just before arriving at each destination, a brief introduction is provided, sharing historical insights or suggestions on how best to explore the site. This allows visitors to make an informed decision about whether to disembark and explore further or continue on the bus.
To accommodate the transformation of certain streets into pedestrian zones on Saturdays and Sundays, the hop-on, hop-off buses follow two distinct routes, one for weekdays and another for weekends. For those planning to purchase a 24-hour ticket, it is advisable to buy it in the afternoon and commence the tour the following morning around 9 am.
The Ancient Charm of Hanoi’s Hang Can Street
The ancient soul of Hanoi beats within the heart of its Old Quarter, where narrow streets whisper tales of a captivating past. This historic labyrinth, a melting pot of cultures, enthralls residents and visitors alike with its intriguing secrets, waiting to be uncovered.
“Hanoi, a City Etched in my Soul”: A Love Letter to Vietnam’s Capital Through the Eyes of Elder Photographers.
Hanoi, the enigmatic heart of Vietnam, has long inspired artists and writers with its unique allure. The photographers’ deep affection for this ancient city is exquisitely portrayed through their captivating images. Their lenses capture the very essence of Hanoi’s charm, immortalizing its most enchanting moments.
The Magic of Transformation: Artists Breathe Life into Waste
Artists from Germany, France, and Vietnam are joining forces to transform a neglected area along Hanoi’s Red River with a vibrant community art project. This exciting initiative aims to breathe new life into the riverbank, creating a unique and captivating space for all to enjoy. With their diverse cultural backgrounds and artistic talents, these collaborators are set to create a truly inspiring and revitalizing experience.
The Fragrant Temple: Hanoi’s Spiritual Sanctuary.
The Huong Son complex, a 15th-century architectural marvel, has withstood the test of time. Over the centuries, it has been meticulously renovated, preserving its historical and scenic essence. The result is a breathtaking fusion of ancient and modern, a testament to the enduring beauty of its design.
The Eternal Dragon’s Lair: Unveiling a Millennium of Legends at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel
With a rich history spanning four millennia, the imperial citadel stands as an enduring testament to the epic story of Thang Long-Hanoi. A symbol of resilience and cultural prowess, it continues to inspire, offering a glimpse into the country’s illustrious past.
