Vietnam Hanoi: A Charming Ancient Capital and a Culinary Adventure

Hanoi, a place where history and modern life intertwine, is the capital of Vietnam and a fascinating city. When I first set foot on this land, the roar of motorcycles filled my ears, the aroma of street food filled my nose, and the sight of French architecture and ancient temples dazzled my eyes. I thought, Hanoi is not just a city, but a living textbook of culture and history. This trip, discovering order in chaos, finding peace in the noise, everything about Hanoi deeply fascinated me. First Stop: The Romantic Story of Hoan Kiem Lake and Turtle Tower On the first day of my arrival in Hanoi, my journey began at Hoan Kiem Lake. Located in the city center, this lake is one of Hanoi's landmarks. In the early morning, Hoan Kiem Lake is shrouded in mist, the lake surface like an emerald mirror reflecting the lush trees on the shore. This is a great place for locals to exercise, whether jogging, practicing Tai Chi, or walking, you can feel the slow pace of life in Hanoi. The small Turtle Tower in the center of the lake is even more thought-provoking. It is said that an ancient Vietnamese king once received a divine sword from a turtle here and used it to repel invaders. After the war was won, the turtle emerged from the lake and retrieved the sword, hence the name "Hoan Kiem Lake" (Lake of the Returned Sword). This legend adds a touch of mystery and romance to the lake. After circling the lake, I also visited Ngoc Son Temple on the shore, a small temple connected by a red bridge, with beautiful architecture and a solemn atmosphere. Standing on the bridge, feeling the breeze, and watching the shimmering lake water, made me feel particularly comfortable. Second Stop: The Temple of Literature - Feeling the Depth of Millennia-old Culture A visit to Hanoi would not be complete without seeing the Temple of Literature. This temple, dedicated to Confucius, was built in 1070 AD and is Vietnam's first university. Passing through the ancient archway, I felt like I was walking into a time tunnel. The courtyards are neatly arranged, and the stone steles are engraved with the names of those who passed the imperial exams, as if you can still hear the sounds of students studying hard. What surprised me the most was that the design of the Temple of Literature is not only classically beautiful but also a reflection of wisdom. For example, the spatial design between buildings allows natural light and air to flow freely, making it comfortable even in Vietnam's hot and humid weather. Every brick and tile here seems to tell an ancient story, making it a must-visit place whether you are interested in history or simply appreciate architectural beauty. Third Stop: The Bustle and Vitality of the 36 Old Streets If Hanoi is a living city, then the 36 Old Streets are its heart. This area has a history of hundreds of years, with each street named after a specific craft or product, such as "Silk Street," "Silver Street," and "Bamboo Street." Walking here, you will be attracted by the vitality and colors of the streets. I particularly liked "Coffee Street," where there are many unique little shops. The essence of Hanoi's coffee culture lies in a cup of rich egg coffee. Locals blend egg yolk, condensed milk, and coffee to create a unique flavor. Sitting on a small chair by the street, holding a cup of egg coffee, and watching the bustling crowd, the feeling is simply wonderful. Fourth Stop: The Historical Journey of Thang Long Imperial Citadel and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Thang Long Imperial Citadel is one of the most historically significant sites in Hanoi, witnessing a thousand years of Vietnam's rise and fall. Walking into the citadel, I felt the majesty of past emperors and the splendor of the court. The ancient buildings are well-preserved, especially the city walls and some palace ruins, making one imagine the grandeur of the past. Next, I visited the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This mausoleum is a testament to the deep affection of the Vietnamese people for President Ho Chi Minh. Although the atmosphere here is solemn, I felt that it is precisely because of this that one can feel the weight of history and the Vietnamese people's pursuit of freedom. Fifth Stop: Hanoi on the Tip of the Tongue - A Culinary Adventure A trip to Hanoi would not be complete without tasting the local cuisine! Every meal here is like an adventure for the taste buds. - Vietnamese Pho: As Vietnam's national dish, the charm of pho is irresistible. Whether it's beef pho or chicken pho, the fresh broth and chewy rice noodles, paired with fresh mint leaves and lemon juice, are simply irresistible. - Spring Rolls: Hanoi's spring rolls come in both fried and fresh versions. I particularly like the fried spring rolls, with their crispy outer layer and tender filling, dipped in a bit of fish sauce, the taste is elevated. - Street Snacks: In the 36 Old Streets, I also discovered a food called "Xoi," similar to Taiwanese oil rice, but paired with Vietnamese sausage and pork floss, the taste is very special. Sixth Stop: Surprises at Hanoi Night Market and Water Puppet Show At night, another kind of vitality begins to show in Hanoi! I particularly like Hanoi's night market, where you can buy all kinds of handicrafts and souvenirs, as well as a variety of food stalls. Walking through the night market, listening to the vendors' shouts, and tasting various delicacies, it feels like the whole city is filled with the breath of life. After the night market, I also watched a water puppet show. This is a unique traditional Vietnamese art form, where performers manipulate puppets on the water to tell folk stories. Accompanied by melodious music and interesting plots, I couldn't help but applaud. Conclusion: Hanoi, a City Hard to Say Goodbye To A few days in Hanoi made me deeply fall in love with this city. It has a long history and is full of modern vitality; it has mouth-watering food and stunning cultural sights. Perhaps the charm of Hanoi lies in its authenticity, it is not perfect, but it is full of human touch. When I left, my heart was filled with reluctance. I think one day, I will definitely come back to explore the beauty that I have not yet had time to experience.