Attractions

Hanoi: A Top Destination for Independence Day Getaways

Hanoi, a city steeped in rich history and culture, has captivated the hearts of both local and international tourists alike. With a unique blend of ancient traditions and a vibrant modern atmosphere, it has become one of the most favored destinations, offering a truly authentic and memorable experience.

Administrator

16 August, 2024

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Vietnamese travelers are keen to maximize their Independence Day long weekend, and Hanoi is one of the top destinations for this celebratory break.

A beautiful Vietnamese woman in an elegant ao dai, the country’s traditional dress, graces a street in Hanoi with her presence. Photo: Nguyen Van Huu

According to Booking.com‘s recent report, which offers insights into the travel plans of Vietnamese citizens for the upcoming national holiday from August 31 to September 3, 2024, Hanoi is among the top ten most sought-after destinations in the country.

Hanoi: A Melding of Ancient Traditions and Modern Vibes

As Varun Grover, Country Head for Vietnam at Booking.com, describes, Hanoi, the cosmopolitan northern capital, is a vibrant city with bustling night markets, narrow trade streets, and serene Buddhist temples. The city captivates with its unique blend of historical and contemporary attractions.

“Hanoi is also recognized as one of Asia’s most dynamic cities, exuding a chic and distinctive charm. With its rich history and unique culture, it seamlessly fuses the new with the old and the modern with the ancient,” Grover added.

Hanoi has long been a revered destination for Buddhists, boasting numerous ancient pagodas and temples. Notable mentions include Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century; Quan Su Pagoda, serving as the headquarters of the Buddhist Sangha of Vietnam; and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a spiritual site symbolizing the thousand-year-old culture of the Thang Long Citadel, now known as Hanoi.

Hanoi’s enchanting Old Quarter shines during the festive season leading up to the Mid-Autumn Festival. Photo: Dinh Xuan Tien

Hanoi’s Old Quarter, nestled adjacent to the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, encompasses 79 streets. This vibrant district is bordered by Hang Dau Street to the north, Phung Hung Street to the west, Tran Quang Khai and Tran Nhat Duat streets to the east, and Hang Bong, Hang Gai, Cau Go, and Hang Thung streets to the south. It boasts a rich cultural heritage with 121 temples, pagodas, and shrines, as well as numerous historic houses, over 200 of which are of special cultural significance.

The Old Quarter truly comes alive through its cultural venues, artistic exchanges, exhibitions, and seminars. Traditional crafts associated with the artisan streets and villages are celebrated, preserving the area’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Notable locations include the old house at 87 Ma May Street, the Kim Ngan Community House on Hang Bac Street, and the Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center at 50 Dao Duy Tu.

The iconic Tran Quoc Pagoda illuminated against the night sky. Photo: Thanh Hai

International travelers to Hanoi are often delighted by the city’s rapid transformation. Within just a decade, Hanoi has witnessed the emergence of world-class restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, coffee shops, museums, and art galleries, rivaling the best that Southeast Asia has to offer.

Hanoi’s culinary scene is another highlight for visitors. The city is a food lover’s paradise, renowned for its diverse and delicious street food, including beef noodle soup, banh mi, and an array of vermicelli dishes with bamboo shoots, duck, grilled pork, snails, chicken, or beef. Hanoi’s culinary excellence is further recognized in the prestigious Michelin Guide.

For 2024, Michelin has bestowed honors on three Hanoi restaurants in its “Selected Restaurants” list. These include Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh, a humble street eatery serving mouthwatering steamed rice rolls; Hanoi Garden, which offers a delightful fusion of classic and contemporary Vietnamese cuisine; and Le Beaulieu, a fine dining establishment celebrated for its exquisite French cuisine and extensive wine selection.

“Relaxation and Exploration” Remain the Top Vacation Priorities

Dalat, the ‘City of a Thousand Flowers,’ nestled in Vietnam’s scenic Central Highlands. Photo: Nguyen Huu Loc

For this year’s Independence Day holiday, Vietnamese travelers are prioritizing experiences that offer a balance of relaxation and exploration during their four-day break.

According to Booking.com‘s list, Dalat, affectionately known as the “City of a Thousand Flowers” in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, takes the top spot for local travelers. Famed for its breathtaking landscapes and charming French colonial architecture, Dalat retains its premier position for the second consecutive year.

This serene destination provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Further north, in Vietnam’s mountainous region, Sapa is ranked 9th. This highland town is renowned for its refreshing mountain air and awe-inspiring scenery.

Beach destinations such as Danang, Vung Tau, and Nha Trang continue to attract sun-seeking Vietnamese travelers. Notably, Phan Thiet has entered the top ten this year, benefiting from the new Dau Giay-Phan Thiet expressway, which has significantly reduced travel time from Ho Chi Minh City.

Rounding out the list are tourist hotspots such as Ho Chi Minh City (5th), Hoi An (6th), Hanoi (7th), and Hue (10th). These destinations offer a rich tapestry of historical and cultural experiences, ensuring travelers have a diverse range of options to celebrate Vietnam’s Independence Day.