Since travelling time is always never enough, here are some handy suggestions about top things to do if you decide to visit this old quarter but don’t have a lot of time:
1. Water Puppet Show
This should absolutely go on the top of your list! The water puppet show, a tradition dated back a thousand years ago, never fails to surprise audiences by the deeply cultural content and the artistic performances by the wooden puppets that seem to have a soul inside. The fascinating combination of many different kinds of traditional arts, from the colorful puppets made of wood dancing beautifully on the water surface, to the orchestra playing traditional instruments that you cannot see anywhere else in the world, is sure to blow your mind away!
2. Dong Xuan Market
If you want to immerse yourself in the everyday life of the local people, one quick way is to walk around Dong Xuan Market, an indispensable part of their life for over a hundred of years. There are many kinds of goods on display, so you can definitely buy something as a gift for yourself as well as for your family and friends.
3. Beer Corner at Ta Hien
After a day of walking around the Hanoi Old Quarter, it’s a good idea to spend some time sitting down enjoying Beer Hoi, a kind of draught beer, on Ta Hien Street. Sipping beer on the sidewalk on small plastic stools and tables, you enjoy a buzzy atmosphere feeling like you are truly a part of this vibrant city.
4. Embark on a food tour
From spicy noodle soups to fried meats, pancakes, and sweet desserts like tapioca – the food tour around Hanoi’s Old Quarter will let you experience it all. Dive into the beautiful aromas of the busy food stalls as you explore Old Quarter with your knowledgeable English-speaking guide. You can choose to start your tour at any time of the day to experience local delicacies from the early afternoon to the evening! Before you fill your stomach with delicious food, you get to learn about the history of the Old Quarter and its cultural landmarks from your informative guide. With loads of new facts to keep your mind busy, you can finally dig in!