Discover Hanoi’s Hidden Gems: Unforgettable Half-Day City Tour Experience

On October 3rd, we embarked on a half-day tour of Hanoi, exploring some of the city’s most iconic landmarks: St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Old Quarter. These attractions are conveniently located close to one another, making it easy to hop in a taxi to one spot and then wander around on foot, savoring the local flavors and sights.

1. **St. Joseph’s Cathedral**: This stunning French colonial-style cathedral is a photographer’s dream, with its striking architecture and intricate details providing the perfect backdrop for memorable shots.

2. **Hoan Kiem Lake**: A serene and picturesque spot, the lake offers a delightful walking path shaded by lush trees. In the center of the lake lies the Ngoc Son Temple, which houses two remarkable specimens of the legendary Hoan Kiem turtles:
– The first specimen, found near the entrance, is the ancient turtle that passed away in 1967.

Its massive shell weighed 250 kg, measuring 2.1 meters in length and 1.2 meters in width, preserved using a method of preservative injection.
– The second specimen, displayed in an inner cabinet, died on January 19, 2016. Weighing 169 kg, it was 1.85 meters long and 1.08 meters wide, and was preserved using advanced German plastination technology.

Entry to the temple requires a ticket, priced at 50,000 VND per person.

3. **Old Quarter**: This bustling area is reminiscent of the flower and bird market in Kunming, teeming with shops selling a variety of clothing and small items. The streets are lined with travel agencies, currency exchange shops, and snack stalls. One restaurant, in particular, stands out—refer to picture 8 for its name.

We indulged in some uniquely delicious spring rolls and refreshing drinks. The staff, fluent in English, recommended their signature dishes, which we gladly tried. The meal cost about 60 RMB per person, and we were thoroughly satisfied, especially with the grilled meat, which left an unforgettable impression.

With our flight to Da Nang scheduled for 7 PM, we only had half a day to spend in Hanoi. At 4 PM, we took a taxi from the city center to the airport, a journey that took approximately 40 minutes and cost around 90 RMB. Traveling independently allowed us to enjoy a relaxed and leisurely pace, strolling through the vibrant streets and soaking up the local atmosphere. The second day of our trip concluded on this high note.