Vietnam

Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh: Which is Better

Written By: LAIBA ARIF

Vietnam is blessed with the two most popular cities - Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Each of them has its own attractions. Every place offers unique cultural, gourmet, historical, and even contemporary exposures. Here is their list of highlights so that you can choose according to your requirements.

Highlights of Hanoi: The Timeless Northern Capital

1. Historical and Cultural Sites

 

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  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: A large compound dedicated to Vietnam’s political and cultural history. It gives the visitor an impression of his life and the history of the country of that particular time. The mausoleum is, therefore, a status symbol and respected monument of national pride, with more than a million people visiting it per year in order to pay homage.
  • Temple of Literature: Built in 1070, it is the first university in the country and reflects Confucian values a lot. The spectacular ornate temple has exotic courtyards, architectural structures and historical value that provide a unique and tranquil environment for a visit to absorb learning of Vietnam’s traditional education and cultural values.
  • One Pillar Pagoda: This pavilion constructed as early as 1049, looks like a lotus and is beautifully sculptured. Therefore it is one of the most valuable examples of Vietnamese architecture. The building known as the pagoda is associated with purity and enlightenment. Sitting atop one single stone column it is one of the most famous and spiritual landmarks of the city of Hanoi.

2. Lake Environment and lush green areas

 

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  • Hoan Kiem Lake: This central landmark of Hanoi is also referred to as the “Lake of the Returned Sword”. It is a favourite of tourists for taking a stroll and, at the same time the home to the famous Turtle Tower, which offers its natural beauty making it an important cultural treasure.
  • West Lake: As the largest lake in Hanoi, West Lake attracts visitors with various forms of natural scenery and historical and cultural values. Located near the temples, coffee shops and flower gardens. it is perfect for cycling, rowing a paddle boat, or just exploring the area.

3. Authentic Northern Vietnamese Cuisine

 

  • Pho: This famous Vietnamese dish from Hanoi is a noodle soup served with aromatic broth, soft meat and herbs. This is the essence of Hanoi, and if you do not try it here, do not bother eating it elsewhere because it is a symbol of the culinary culture and identity of the people here.
  • Bun Cha: Grilled pork and noodle dish represents the best of Hanoi food culture due to its taste, taste and texture. This dish is the perfect example of how Northern Vietnamese cuisine is quite different from other regions in Vietnam. Northern Vietnam, in particular, is unforgettable for lovers of different foods.

4. Vibrant Old Quarter

 

  • 36 Streets: Old Quarter Hanoi is a complicated network of 36 old streets still remaining today, which are commercial streets named after the type of goods they used to sell, such as silks, silver or spices. It’s got the most enjoyable street-side attractions for shopping, eating and a ‘walk through’ of Vietnamese city life. Both new and old attractions are present in this area.
  • Night Markets: Night markets have become one of Hanoi's biggest strong points through branding a wide range of souvenirs, foods and other local products. These markets give a real feeling of the nightlife of the city. It has become the main attractive point for the locals and the tourists to discover the distinct Hanoi at night.

5. Original Water Puppet Performances

 

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre: It has been practised since the eleventh century and, therefore, can be considered a marvellous adventure. It consists of a performance of wooden shows on the water with live folk music tracks, which also form an integral part of the presentation. As many would love to see their culture portrayed in a historical drama, you will enjoy this artistic approach to historical drama relevant to legends, culture, and art.

Highlights of Ho Chi Minh City: Southern Metropolis 

1. Dynamic Urban Vibes

 

  • Ben Thanh Market: This is a very popular market where people go for their shopping needs and enjoy local market joints. Whether it is fruits and vegetables or handmade artefacts, it has everything for a shopper looking for souvenirs and classic Southern tastes, offering a feel of the city.
  • Nguyen Hue Walking Street: This pedestrian has people-friendly features and is popularly used by people for evening walks, watching and enjoying various live performances. The West Lake is accompanied by spirited cafes, shops and new-generation skyscrapers that depict the modern-day mood of the city.

2. Historical Landmarks