Situated in the heart of Hanoi, this lake serves as a tranquil retreat for those seeking a brief escape from the urban hustle. Locals frequent the area for Tai Chi sessions, slow strolls, board games with friends, or simply to unwind. The lake also offers a very nice setting to watch the sunset.

One of the best activities around the lake is people-watching and engaging with friendly locals eager to practice their English. During our visit, we encountered two sisters, aged 8 and 12, who approached us for a conversation. They were both keen to practice their English and asked if they could hang out with us for a while. We were amazed by their level of English despite their young age and ended up having a great time all together by the lake.

Perched on Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of the city, Ngoc Son Temple, along with its iconic red bridge, stands as the symbol of Hanoi. Offering a refuge from the city's hustle and bustle, the temple was constructed in the 18th century on a small island known as Jade Island. It is deeply tied to the legend of the turtle god, who, according to folklore, surfaced in the lake and bestowed a sword upon King Le Loi, aiding him in repelling an enemy invasion. This mythical tale also lent its name to a turtle species, the Sword Lake Turtle, which is now endangered.

Inside the temple, two 250 kg turtle specimens are on display. These are authentic turtles, meticulously preserved through lamination, serving as a poignant reminder of their endangered status and aiming to raise awareness among visitors.

The temple welcomes visitors from 8am to 5pm every day.

Admission costs VND30,000 ($1.50).

Indulging in Hanoi's coffee scene is a must for any coffee enthusiast. Vietnam, being one of the world's leading coffee producers, offers a myriad of ways to enjoy this beloved beverage.

Whether it's the refreshing coconut coffee, the rich and sweet condensed milk coffee served hot or cold, for immediate enjoyment or on-the-go—Vietnam has a coffee option for every preference, and locals relish it throughout the day. We, of course, had to try them all!

An interesting feature is the individualized Vietnamese coffee filter placed directly on the cup. With coffee grounds added and boiling water poured over, each cup is a personalized brewing experience, allowing the aromatic flavors to unfold.

Egg coffee stands out as the iconic beverage in Hanoi. It involves blending two egg yolks with condensed milk and sugar, drizzled over a shot of espresso, giving it a velvety texture suitable for breakfast or dessert. A unique ritual is to eat the creamy layer with the tea spoon, before merging it with the rich espresso.

Hanoi is full of lovely cafés where you can sit and enjoy a Vietnamese coffee.

Here are some recommendations for cafés in Hanoi:

Nestled at the terminus of an alley, the entrance to this café remains discreetly tucked between two buildings. Ascend the stairs, and you'll step into the Hidden Gem café—a convergence of street art, an indoor garden, and a delicious smell of coffee. Every piece of furniture and decor in this café has been repurposed and recycled, evident in the flower pots crafted from old shoes, chandeliers ingeniously fashioned from plastic bottles, and the cracked coffee cups.

Beyond providing a cozy ambiance adorned with murals that pay homage to the city of Hanoi, the Hidden Gem café serves as a rallying call for environmental protection and the reduction of plastic usage—a cause particularly pertinent in Vietnam where plastic consumption is regrettably rampant.

Nestled in Old Hanoi, the Tranquil Café lives up to its name by offering a serene escape from the bustling scooter-filled streets. Touting itself as an ideal haven for book lovers and coffee enthusiasts, it proved to be a perfect match for my interests!

A library of second-hand books, warm wooden floors, wooden furniture, and a backdrop of jazz music create the ideal ambiance for work or reading, all while savoring their delicious banana or coconut coffees.

Due to its popularity, finding a seat can be challenging, so you might need to try your luck at a later time. There's an additional seating area on the mezzanine.

Popular with tourists and locals alike, Gianc café is known for serving the best egg coffee in Hanoi.

Opened in 1946 by Mr. Nguyen Gianc, credited as the creator of the unchanged egg coffee recipe, the café welcomes you through a long corridor that leads directly to its open kitchen.

As you stroll through, you'll notice the abundance of eggs, patiently awaiting their transformation into the signature cream!

Climb the staircase to explore the café's two levels, where you can comfortably settle onto one of the small stools and indulge in their diverse egg coffee offerings. The menu, complete with English descriptions for each coffee type, is conveniently available on every table.

A visit to the renowned Train Street is a must when you're in Hanoi. However, there are a few unspoken rules that would have been helpful to know before we went. This knowledge could have spared us some frustration and uncomfortable situations. Allow me to explain.

The nearly century-old train navigates the 5-meter gap between the two sides of the street multiple times a day, gliding past cafes and homes lining this railway track that has evolved into the town's primary tourist attraction.

The train passes several times a day, typically at 7:00 pm, 7:45 pm, 8:30 pm, and 10:00 pm. However, the timetables are unreliable, and there is a possibility that the train may not arrive or could be significantly delayed. When the train is approaching, a buzzer sounds a few minutes beforehand, prompting shopkeepers to invite you to clear the tracks.

Getting to the famous Train Street isn't always a pleasant experience. Be prepared to be accosted as soon as you arrive by people inviting you into the café or restaurant where they work. Their invitations can sometimes be very insistent or even aggressive—they may block your path or grab your arm firmly. Police officers are on hand to "ensure the safety of visitors," but they are strictly useless, too busy starring at their smartphones. Unfortunately, you have no choice but to follow one of these individuals to get to the Train Street. You'll likely have to agree to buy them a drink, despite their dubious business practices, to gain access to the street. You won't necessarily have a choice of seats either, all for "security reasons."

There have indeed been accidents caused by careless tourists, but in our opinion, this does not excuse the practices of these shopkeepers. Moreover, these "rules" are nowhere to be seen, leading to the incomprehension of visitors, who sometimes turn back without having seen the train.

There are two entrances to Train Street. The first is on Phung Hung Street via a staircase, and the second is at the junction of Tran Phu Street and Ly Nam De Street.

Despite the unpleasant experience of entering Train Street, it's still quite a unique experience. If possible, ask to sit in one of the cafés with a balcony. We saw the train from the ground floor of a café and then a second time from the terrace of a bar, and the view was much better from higher up.

Old Hanoi is a real labyrinth, inviting you to lose yourself in its charming alleys. Wander through the narrow streets and marvel at the facades of slender buildings adorned with balconies and lush greenery. Some structures appear to have discovered their own unique space nestled between neighboring buildings.

It's a delightful chaos, where ancient temples coexist harmoniously, and the architectural styles of the buildings engage in a captivating dialogue. Old Hanoi is not only a visual feast but also an opportunity to purchase souvenirs, indulge in the diverse offerings of its numerous restaurants, or unwind in one of its charming cafes.

Abundant in flavors, protein, vegetables, and fresh herbs, Vietnamese cuisine stands out as one of the healthiest in the world. In Hanoi, as the capital, you'll find a plethora of excellent spots to savor the country's specialties. Whether it's the iconic Pho, Banh Mi, spring rolls, Vietnamese pancakes, or other delectable dishes, you can enjoy them in restaurants or as street food. The options are truly endless!

Our preferred dining spot in Hanoi is The Met Restaurant, with multiple locations across the city. The Met presents an extensive array of Vietnamese specialties, including vegan and vegetarian options. The staff is delightful and eager to guide you on the nuances of enjoying each dish, as some specialties may benefit from a bit of guidance.

We highly recommend exploring dishes that may not be as common in Europe, such as Banh Mi – a sandwich crafted with a French baguette, filled with a medley of vegetables, and seasoned meats. Delve into Pho, an aromatic noodle-based soup, or savor Bun Cha, a Hanoi specialty featuring meatballs paired with rice noodles. Lastly, indulge in Vietnamese pancakes, delightfully crispy and enjoyed with a blend of fresh salad leaves, enhanced by the vibrant hue of turmeric. These dishes are complemented by the freshness of mint, coriander, and basil leaves.

Tucked away in Hanoi, this site stands as a hidden gem and a poignant reminder of a significant Vietnamese army victory. 

During the night of December 27 to 28, 1972, the American B52 bomber, ominously nicknamed the "Flying Fortress" for its destructive power, was shot down over Hanoi by Vietnamese soldiers. The bomber, carrying 40 unused bombs, crashed into the city. In the aftermath, it took weeks for residents and soldiers to clear the area of the bombs. The war concluded in January 1973, a few weeks after the B52 incident. 

Today, the remnants of the wreckage appear to float in the midst of a tranquil residential area, serving as a somber daily reminder to the people of Hanoi of the wartime atrocities.

The mausoleum is the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, the first president of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.  More than 50 years after his death in 1969, the president's popularity remains high. 

His last wishes would have been for his ashes to be spread across Vietnam, from North to South. But his heirs decided otherwise. His body is preserved by the cold in this mausoleum.

Built in the image of Lenin's mausoleum on Moscow's Red Square, Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum is protected by a military guard. 

It is possible to visit it subject to strict rules (cover your legs, don't cross your arms, no photos, etc.). We did not visit the mausoleum but saw it from the outside.