Customs of Tet

For centuries, Lunar New Year, or Tet, also known as The Festival, is the largest traditional festival, the oldest, which has the widest range of popular, from Nam Quan to Ca Mau and the islands, as well as the most jubilant and bustle Festival of Vietnam. Lunar New Year is the first step and the most important festival in Vietnam festival system, that both the "ceremony" and the "festival" are very rich in content as well as all forms, brings a profound and intensive human values. Tet has played significant role in each Vietnamese’s life is not only because it is the occasion when people gather together, but also it is where traditional and invaluable customs stored, remained and passed from generations to generations.

1. Kitchen Gods Worshiping
From December 23rd in Lunar calendar, Vietnamese families has cleaned their kitchen to worship Kitchen Gods. This traditional ritual requires goldfish for the Gods to ride heaven, hoping they would report to Ngoc Hoang (the Greatest God) good things because according to folk notions this is the day Ngoc Hoang will punish or reward homeowners based on what the Kitchen Gods report to him.

2. Banh Chung (Chung Cake).
Banh Chung is a traditional dish of the Vietnamese that has existed along with the history. Right from the days 28, 29 of Tet, Vietnam families usually make Chung cakes as gifts for each other in the Holiday and to enjoy Tet. Making Chung Cake is one way to remember the ancestors, parents and reminiscent of the story of King Hung cocoon pro-code for a long time.

3. Tet Flowers
In Tet, Vietnamese people often buy flowers symbolizing for good lucks, namely peach, apricot, kumquat…to dispel evil spirits, simultaneously pray for a happy new year, happiness, prosperous and fulfilling for family.

4. Five-fruit Tray.
Fruit tray presentation is also a custom indispensable in Tet of Vietnamese families. Fruit tray symbolizing for 5 elements of the universe (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth) with the concept of Confucianism with deep common sense, associated with the desired dutiful and good things will to the new year.

5. Greet ancestors’ lemurs.
Before New year Eve, Vietnamese people often prepare fruits, a feast offerings to offer to grandparents, in memory of the ancestors, origins, together review the memories of the old year, and wish for the coming new year.

6. Buds picking.
Buds picked in early spring is a beauty in the traditional New Year's Day in Vietnam. The people of Vietnam are picking buds on the eve or morning to demand the first of a new year is always lucky and fullness, bringing fortune to the hosts of the house.

7. First foot
To first foot is a very important tradition of the people of Vietnam for their concept that who will be the first caller determining the new year would be happy, thriving or unlucky. Therefore, the hosts often invite people whose ages is believed “fit” the hosts’ because they believe that he will bring good luck, good omen throughout the year. The first caller must dress formally, then have to go all around the house for hoping luck will always be filled.

8. Wishes
On the first day of Lunar New Year, the Vietnamese is customary to visit relatives, friends and acquaintances to give wishes. The most common wishes in Tet are Health, Happiness, Luck & Prosperity.

9. Lucky Money
During Tet, Vietnamese people have the custom of presenting Lucky Money to children. Money would be put on red envelops symbolizing for luck, reunion, happy wishes for the New Year will come.

10. Expel former – greet new offers
The last day of the year, the Vietnamese have a tradition of sweeping, cleaning house, go shopping for furniture, new clothes. Adult offspring also give advises in which in the moment of transfer people should not quarrel, do not punish or make mistakes. Who has a dislike to each other also should throw them away, just celebrate together in what is good and lucky in the moments of New Year.

11. Depart
In the first day of the year, Vietnamese often choose nice time to depart with the hope that the coming year will be full of luck every time they step out of the house.

12. Visiting ancestral graves.
Children and grandchildren often visit ancestral graves from about 23 to 30 December in Lunar Calendar. They repair, clean their ancestors’ graves to express filial piety, simultaneously to invite ancestor’s spirits join the descendants.

13. Pen Declaration
First day of spring, children will write down the first word of the year, hang on calligraphy pictures for good luck and hope good things to happen in the new year.

COUNTDOWN TO GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL IN HANOI, VIETNAM

For the upcoming Holiday chain of Noel and New Year, visitors and residents will have opportunity to attend fantastic Festival which will take place in Hanoi in 51 days.

From 3-Dec 2016 to 22-Jan 2017, Hanoi, Vietnam will become host destination for the Giant Lantern Festival Vietnam – Korea. This is the first time Vietnam was chosen to be the host of this festival, following the huge success of previous festivals held in many other countries namely UK, USA, Korea, Japan, Taiwan with millions of audiences. This is also the largest event of its kind in Vietnam.

Hanoi Giant Lantern Festival will be the significant highlight for the year-end holidays. Local residents as well as foreign visitors coming to the Capital these days can take part in entertaining activities of culture, cuisine and shopping.

As schedule, the Festival will feature more than 40 decorated lanterns of each will be 10-30 meters high symbolizing three dimensions of Vietnamese – Korean culture those of which are Peace, Love and Hope designed in 5 different regions in different themes. In addition, visitors will also be offered with more than 200 exhibition booths with Vietnamese – Korean stuffs, K-pop music concerts, K-pop cover dance contest, Taekwondo exhibitions, traditional instrument performances and performances of artists from Korea, Vietnam and other countries.

The lantern festival is an annual tradition in Seoul where for 70 days each year giant lanterns showcasing historical subjects go on exhibition throughout cities across the Republic of Korea.

The Festival will be an occasion to introduce and promote the image of Vietnamese tourism to foreign companions, promising to attract a large volume of visitors coming to Hanoi those days. For the high capacity of hotels, motels and other kinds of accommodations during the time occurring the Festival, Vietnam Homestay would be the best choice for travelers to Hanoi as they can join the animated atmosphere of the Holiday while experiencing the authentic life with local residents in fancy homestays in Hanoi such as Green House Homestay, Cao Thai Homestay, Tomtee Homestay, Bich Hang Homestay,…

10 best experiences for Backpackers in Ha Giang - Vietnam Homestay

It is felt like there is no need to talk more about Ha Giang, Vietnam as it has been famous destination to travelers all around the world coming to the country. Below listed the best activities that any backpacker should try at least once as they reach Ha Giang.

Single Excursion

Single walk is always adventurous experience, which is not the exception for conquering the streets of Ha Giang.

It is still very interesting and emotional for travelers, because they always take the initiative in every situation, be able to decide without being bounded and dependent on others. Single excursion also gives travelers with more freedom and time period to enjoy the Stone Plateau’s beauty. It will be a journey requiring a lot of skills, alertness, and flexibility. Thus, be prepared carefully if anyone decides to have lone walk.

Overnight outdoor camping

Being awake among total strange places is definitely interesting. Travelers can catch the first sunrise on the top of a high mountain windswept passing, enjoy aromatic scents of grass, visionary curved shape passes embracing mountains.

You can find the campsite with a nice view to the dawn at Ma Pi Leng, Don Cao peak ... Sipping coffee in the early of the day, sitting with friends and taking a full line of fresh atmosphere of new day on the rocky plateau are amazing experiences no one should miss in this region.

Crossing Nho Que river by rafts

Some people after passing uphill to Son Vi had chose the solution to reach Meo Vac by rafts. This helps significantly reduce the time, when the unique line to Xin Cai is very long.

Bamboos are attached to a steel rope pulley system which is very simple and only operates until about 17 pm. It will be a journey to conquer Nho Que river full of challenges for the explorers.

Sleeping over in a remote village

Local staying services (homestay) were popular in the town of Dong Van, but sleeping over in a remote village is also always interesting. Sleeping in Lung Cu, Khau Vai, Du Gia, Lung Ho ... will make travelers experience the most authentic and fantastic ethnic life here. A small number of travelers expressing themselves as friendly, polite definitely will not be denied; however, bear in mind that it should not be abused to have overnight sleep over too much.

Ma Pi Leng Pass Trekking

For travelers who are sport lovers having plenty of time and wanting to combine travel with jogging, they can use their own feet to conquer the most beautiful highland scenery in this Stone Plateau. Overcome the ramp through the sun and the heat of the sun throwing at the stones, travelers reached their destination. Such journey is not only about exploring new places with wonderful things, but also about exploring self capabilities.

Discover the pristine cave

Ha Giang has many caves, some were found and put into operation in tourism. Nevertheless, this place still contains many mysterious caves, especially in areas of Ngam La and Lung Hu. Exploring the caves is always fascinating adventurous experience, equally unexpected. For this activity, travelers should prepare the specialized equipment and must seek permission from the authorities before leaving.

Touching the most remote border markers

Reaching the pole and border points of the country always brings proud feelings to anyone. Lack of information with complex terrain reinforces the attractiveness of the destination for those who like to explore. Before lifting bags up, travelers need to prepare a full identification as well as application and present the nearest border post.

Eye the flowering season, paddy season

Sauntering on upland rice terraces in paddy season, Tam giac mach flowers (buckwheat), carpets of wildflowers, through narrow paths, through the Plateau and the peaceful village will bring pleasurable, unforgettable moments. In addition to going jogging or trekking, travelers can also cycling through the most poetic scene of Ha Giang this season to enjoy unforgettable moments of their trips.

Conquering the Off-roads

This is always fun and addictive activity to the excellent drivers. Sometimes that roads with lumpy stone or soaking wet mud and steep slopes making the riding even more difficult than climbing can create stimulating experiences for travelers who love exploring and adventuring.

Join the unique festival

Stone Plateau is a land full of cultural diversity and many indigenous peoples. Lots of interesting festivals as holidays, Khau Vai love market, Buckets Cao ceremony ... for visitors to join and have unforgettable memories. The festival, the most exciting experience of national identity took place in a fixed number of days in the year or change with periodic sessions so travelers need to learn to schedule the right time to attend.

Ha Giang, the land full of adventures and poetic views always warmly open to every traveler with widest minds and strongest feet. To enjoy the most authentic experiences, immerse the lives with local people with homestays Ly Dai Duyen Homestay, Ly Quoc Thang Homestay,… and travelers will find totally worth it.

Come and enjoy with Vietnam Homestay!

A series of unique events in Heritage Day - Ancient streets of Hanoi

Staying in Hanoi Capital in Vietnam these days, visitors will have opportunities to join the Art Festival with various activities and values.

A series of attractive activities of which the Management Board of Hanoi Old Quarter and coordinate with other units, artisans, artists held from 18/11 to 27/11 to keep visitors coming here.

In occasion of 12 year anniversary of Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day (11.23.2005 - 23.11.2016), with the aim of introducing, honoring and promoting the traditional cultural values ​​and diversity, richer cultural activities in expanded pedestrian streets, the Hanoi Old Quarter management in collaboration with other units, artisans, and artists organized a series of cultural activities and attractive seminar attract tourists.

"Old time" in the heart of the old town

According to Tran Thi Thuy Lan, Deputy Management Board of Hanoi Old Quarter, a special highlight of a series of events celebrating the Cultural Heritage Day of Vietnam will take place on 11/18/2016 at 19:30 on Delivery Center Cultural ancient Hanoi, 50 Dao Duy Tu with the theme "Focus Past".

Hanoi Old Quarter in Heritage Day

Accordingly, the content of the program include: Fashion show ethnic tunic: Apparel tunic style palace reconstruction - People's Artist Vu Gioi; the combination of calligraphy on camisole designers Lan Anh and  Quoc Khanh Kieu graphics processing; fashion designer La Hang long coat, designer Minh Minh, Duyen Huong Designer and Peony Designer; Performances of ethnic music excerpts: Cheo, Tuong, Quan.

Unit coordinated implementation: Cultural Exchange Centre Traditional and Contemporary Art (ThontArt), Painter Nguyen Manh Duc, Nguyen Huy An artist, People's Artist Vu Gioi, NAG Le Bich, Vi21 .. ...

Royal costumes and the worship costumes of Artisan Vu Gioi

According to artist Nguyen Manh Duc, in the period from 18-27 / 11/2016, at the Center for Cultural Exchange in Hanoi old quarter, a 50-Hang Dao Duy Tu Hoan Kiem Sail-operation will take place arrangements not conventional exhibition style palace hosted by this artist.

Vietnamese Heritage day will take place with various attractive activities, including ritual performance in traditional costumes

Specifically, in the conventional exhibition space will introduce nine outfits and perform 5 worship outfits. To introduce the embroidery of Vietnam, the exhibition space will be decorated stylized with 1000 dresses to make it to resemble the production space, there will be statues of women dressed in the ancient imperial palace with silk fabric to reconstruct space ancient imperial palace. In particular, the organizers chose the key color of the space is yellow...

Introduction of Vietnamese Tea Culture

If visitors want to learn about the culture of the Vietnamese tea in the period from 18-20 / 11/2016, please visit Heritage House, 87 Ma May to listen to the introduction of Vietnamese Tea Art in the space of House Heritage.

Discover traditional customs and values of Vietnam

Introducing traditional embroidery craft

In the period from 18-20 / 11/2016, visitors to Dinh Kim Ngan, 42-44 Hang Bac will be eyed to see and hear traditional embroidery craft introduced by Artisan Vu Hai, Toan Thang Commune, Thuong Tin District, Hanoi.

Exhibition space here by artist Nguyen Huy An groups perform installations.

Photo exhibition "Vietnam Cultural Heritage"

Time: From 18/11 -31/12/2016

Location: Sidewalk pedestrian streets Hoan Kiem Lake, Le Thai To Street (opposite the Monument of King Le)

Coordination units: Group photography love Hanoi Nguyen Phu Duc -KTS Team Leader

An exhibition of costumes Most copper & culture Religion Discussion Form

Time: From 18/11 until 27/11/2016

Location: Level 3, Centre for Cultural Exchange in Hanoi's Old Quarter.

Guests will eye the arranged exhibition of ritual ceremony chaired by artist Nguyen Manh Duc introducing the costume created by the People's Artist Vu Gioi.

Want to learn about the culture and costumes direct form in copper prices, travelers can go to the Center for Cultural Exchange in Hanoi's Old Quarter at 50 Dao Duy Tu in 11.26.2016 afternoon to hear the talk about cultural introduction director and costume patterns in copper prices by Prof. Dr. Ngo Duc Thinh - Former director of the Institute of Folklore chaired by Vu Gioi Artisan and members of the Centre for Research and Conservation of Cultural Beliefs spirituality implementation; Introducing the text excerpts Adoration typical repertoire by members of the research center and cultural preservation perform spiritual beliefs; Introducing the document image representing typical Adoration by Journalist, photographer Le Bich implementation; Spatial arrangements talk by painter Nguyen Manh Duc.

Let's visit us for more fantastic tourism news and updates: http://vietnamhomestay.vn/

How to be a responsible traveler - Part 2

Almost all of people in the world love travelling. However, each person can choose to make their travel different from others by choosing the way they act differently. Every single traveler can create the world of change to the place they visited, and imagine how it could be when billions of people doing the same?

Consequently, choosing to put positive or negative impact on the destinations is what makes the travel distinguished. There was a sharing about how to become responsible traveler, and now the ultimate version will be revealed:

Lower the graffiti

Most of modern travelers have the habit of leaving their graffiti wherever they put their steps on. Graffiti mentioned here are not only marks, carvings, personal objects,… but also the waste they left behind after their trip. Managing waste has long been a struggling issue in every country in the world, especially developing countries where the tracks of the poverty are still so heavy. Specially in those countries, the level of education about recycling and minimizing waste is not as high as developed countries. Thus, each traveler should mind the way they behave in which they will not unknowingly contribute to the problem and make it worse.

Such small thing like not buying take-away coffee can contribute positively to the environment

Various ways can be found for a traveler to contribute positively to the environment, from tiny things such as throwing trash into right place, using cloth bags instead of plastic ones, carrying individual and reusable bottles that can be filled up in any hotels, houses, restaurants rather than buying water on the way, drinking coffee in shops instead of buying a take-away,…to bigger action like join volunteer jobs relating to cleaning and recycling waste from NGO or local organizations…

Let the land remembers your footprint

One of the great ways to reduce negative impact on the environment is decrease the time of using private vehicles namely taxis, motorbikes,… Instead, travelers can take the bus to go from A to B, or they even can walk if the distance is not so far. Walking not only helps to lower the gases from using vehicles, but also generates closer connection with the destinations, in which travelers can have time to explore, witness the place, and simultaneously improve health. Another ideal way if travelers really want to discover a destination, explore the environment is to use or rent bicycles.

Put your sympathy in the right place

Everybody has compassion, and most of the people will feel their heart broken whenever there are miserable people, especially children, begging in front of them. However, most of the people also do not know that their generosity may cause the problem worse as that encourages those local people to continue asking and relying on visitors’ money. As a result, there have been numerous destinations have ended up with people pretending to be miserable than they really are with the aim to extort money from others, leads to the consequence of there are a large deal of people become passive and lazy.

The issue is more controversial when it comes to children, as their parents tend to send them out to the streets to beg rather than take them to schools. In the worse case, those people and children may involve in network run by dishonorable characters who would exploit the miserable and keep the money for themselves.

As a responsible traveler, think about chance for children to go to school rather than out to streets for begging

The begging may appear in various forms. Beggars may come directly to travelers in pitiful outlook and ask for money, or foreigners can see a mother carrying one or many children sitting in the corners with a can or bag, or travelers may also catch the image of disables difficultly move around and beg. There is higher and also more deceitful level of begging called “tout”. This happens when travelers come to a place and there will be a group of people following them. They would talk and ask friendly at first, but when the tour ends, they will insist travelers to buy their products or directly ask for money as the fee of guiding although travelers did not ask for.

Be aware about the touts

There are better ways than giving money to the beggars if travelers really want to help out. Instead of money, travelers can buy local people some food or water. Visitors also can spend little time to seek out and contact with local organizations and ask if there is any assistance needed.

Spread the Spirit

Some are naturally born to be responsible travelers, but many still unintentionally create negative impact on the environment and the community when they travel. Most of travelers are not aware of the implications their actions can have on the locals, so the help from responsible ones are highly appreciated.

That through education is one of the best way to spread out the spirit of sustainable tourism

Whenever there is any inadvertent action is found, it must be warn and educated in a friendly way. Travelers who are responsible and highly aware of sustainability can discuss with those who travelling with, staying in the same hotel, or meeting in the journey. If a tiny action a of traveler can create a huge impact to the environment, community and culture, a thoughtful mind also can change a world of thinking of other travelers.

Experience Sustainable Tourism with Vietnam Homestay!

How to be responsible traveler - Part 1

Instead of travelling in traditional path as mass tourists, many travelers nowadays choose themselves better practice. The ways of travelling, how travelers spend their money and time, their behaviors toward destinations and residents decide a lot on how their visit will impact on the communities and bring the change to the destination. Once they decided to bring positive influence to the communities, they engage in what we call “responsible travel”.

Travelling can bring amazing things to the world

There is an idiom says “Travel broadens the mind”. Indeed, travelling is the best way to open up the doors to the world which is both amazingly joyful and desperately unfortunate. Whilst most of the people choose to concern more about their daily basis, how much money they can earn, when they can update smart phones,… somewhere in the world there are a lot of tragic lives happening.

Various ways can be found for travelers to help make a big difference to the people’s lives in the world. By simply open their minds, be more hearted and educated, travelers can bring remarkable changing wind to the destination visited.

Here are some ways to become responsible travelers as well as contribute to the improvement of others’ lives:

Volunteers

Spending some of the travelling time for volunteering jobs can create a world of change

Spending some of the time in travelling period to do volunteering jobs is really meaningful and also amazing, which bring one’s trip with memorable moments and wonderful experiences. There is a whole multitude of choices for volunteering jobs for both those who skillful and who are not highly qualified. Travelers with health care experiences, social care, or technical background such as engineering or architecture can find a lot more ways to use their expertise in good use to help the communities. Those who are not familiar with those aspects can also have many beneficial ways to contribute their time, for instance, teaching English in rural schools, helping locals with their jobs, repairing and decorating houses, or engaging in natural conservation projects available in visited destinations. Contacting local NGO is another good idea if travelers pursue to help.

Such small act can bring a huge difference

In general, volunteering at the local is weighty and worthy, but travelers also should consider the purpose and effectiveness of the jobs they commit to do. If spending money to pay for the high cost in NGO in engage in community-based job is more effective than directly donate that amount to the local?

Localize the travel

Most of rural and mountainous areas are still suffered by the poverty and residents there have few options for the job to improve their living standard. Thus, choosing how and where to spend the money can create massive impact to the local community. Simply buying local products, staying in local houses and having dinner in homestays of traditional shelters, travelers are helping to inject money into the local economy. This is way which not only generates benefits to the community, help local people improve their lives, but also help to create travelers with authentic and fantastic experiences.

Traveling positively will help bring the bright light to the community 

Choose sustainable suppliers

Deciding where to put down the head and which operator to take out for incredible experience can bring a world of change. There are thousands of options available for travelers to choose. They can find in almost all of places they visit businesses working with local communities and having sustainable practices in helping to protect wildlife and the environment. It may take a little bit more time for researching those organizations, but the efforts are worthy. One of the great examples of this ideal business model is Vietnam Homestay in Vietnam. This organization was established based on the idea of building a culture bridge that enables travelers to access authentic and interactive experiences while visiting the country. This homestay network also aims to connect guests to homestay owners to help local people access income and employment from tourism while also contributing to local economic development. As any other community-based organizations, Vietnam Homestay only works with local residents as being hosts and guides for visitors, and also provides extra training to improve local people with basic background and skills. By working with such those businesses, travelers indirectly give a hand to local communities for better livings.

Respect local wildlife and culture

Many travelers before their trip may always dream about riding elephant, swimming with dolphin, or taking picture with a tiger. However they do not recognize how those activities put burden on wild animals which deserve to be preserved and protected. If a traveler desire to visit animals, he or she would come to one that is registered NGO which is transparent in its business.

Mind how travel behavior may impact on the wildlife

Wildlife is not the only thing a traveler must respect at the destination visited. All of us know that one of the greatest rewards in travelling is the opportunity to witness different cultures and customs all around the world which are diverse and full of amazement. Each country, each region and land has its own cultures, customs and traditions required to be respected. For example, some of Asian counties have strict principle in outfit worn when visiting spiritual monuments, or gestures in different regions have different meanings in expressions. Do take a little time to learn a bit about the local customs can help travelers make sure they will not offend anyone, and also create closer connection with the destination they will pay a visit.  

Each region built its own cultures, customs and traditions need to be respected

Authentic Hanoi

People often know about Hanoi as Vietnam’s Capital City, heart of Vietnam, or fascinating historic city of Vietnam. When they think they know all about it, there are always more to capture their minds.

There are always much more to see in Hanoi

Hanoi is the city which never be missed when someone had a visit to Vietnam. It is an enthralling blend between the East and the West which has undergone and witnessed historical ups and downs for thousand years. Travelers coming to Hanoi must read and researched lots of information about the destination before travelling with frequent question or key such as “top things to do in Hanoi”, “top things must see in Hanoi”,… However, most of visitors often miss out what really are the best things hidden behind the scenes.  If travelers really want to discover what are the most important to see and learn deeply about this amazing city, they must open their minds and awake their senses for new things and expect the unexpected.

Busy streets and the Old Quarter

Travelers can find the whole picture of street in Hanoi or Vietnam in general here. In summary, once visitors take their steps down to the street, they will be drifted along the flow of bustling peace. Hundreds of vehicles come out from all directions, and people going in different ways. The street is seemingly totally ruleless and chaotic, but there is an amazing coordination. Travelers after the culture shock will find it interesting in experiencing the feeling of passing twines of commuters on the road, after that they can take a rest and reward themselves well-deserved high-five for surviving the path.

Apart from getting with the busy street in Hanoi, travelers also should let themselves get lost in the less-travelled roads. Maybe it is the cool way to discover the best of the city when nobody else knows, by criss-crossing through roads and paths out of the crowds and tourist hot spots without knowing where they will lead them to. Get off the track and embark on more obscure alleyways, travelers will find more than what their eyes can catch.

Hanoi - the city full of alleyways and poetic life breath

If Hanoi is the Heart of Vietnam, the Old Quarter is the Heart of Hanoi. The Old Quarter has been being seen as a mystery box which contains all of what is Hanoi. Despite booming development and industrialization, the Old Quarter still saves the ancient breath of Hanoi for thousand years. On the main streets or little hallways, visitors may catch beautiful temples with aromatic smell of incense. Everyday life of the local starts in alleyways full of colorful restaurants with inviting menus in front doors. Travelers can sit down on plastic chairs in every corner to join the locals with some beer, snacks and funky cuisine

Quietness among busy streets

The People

That is what called hidden treasure behind the scenes. What really creates the city and everything belonged to it are the people. The dwellers, the masses who have been living with the city all along the history of development and change have created its own culture and breath. Between the bustle and hustle of the modern life stream, travelers will also find the quiet peace invisibly flowing among the Hanoians. Venders travelling in the early hours in the morning to work, old people resign themselves in meditation of the past, besides the lake or in the corners with newspaper,… are pictures which will make you feel peaceful and deposited. The old Hanoians who will treat visitors with great hospitality and respect and kindness are elegant and traditional with their own way of live which is not similar to any of other regions in the country.

Hanoians - tradition rich and hospitable

Train tracks and lives alongside

For foreigners, lives on the train tracks may be interesting and romantic somehow. It is amazing that most of visitors cannot imagine how people can live such close to the rail way like that, but that is just the life there. Everything just goes in very narrow space: cooking, washing, cleaning, resting and gathering family members… Like anywhere else in the world, all of what people need is just sharing a roof over head with their love ones, regardless of train tracks next to their windows. It cannot be described how amazing it is when the train passes by, and there is nearly no crevasse to the train.

Life alongside train tracks is always one of the most amazing attractions in Hanoi 

Markets

The Markets in Hanoi have similarities and also differences to that of Northern market in Vietnam. Travelers will find intoxicating variety of colorful spices, freshest veggies and fruits, and various goods and commodities. Hanoi has long been famous for “36 old streets”, which were divided during French colonial period. In the past, each of the old streets stood for particular good and named after that good. Although the tradition has changed, names of those old streets remain and people can still find the ancient breath of those markets among modern lives. Some of the streets even still sell good of street name, and the custom from the old time somewhat remain unchanged.

Other things to do

Hanoi is the place rich of traditions and old values. Besides people and the peace of life, cuisine is one of the best parts unmissable in the capital. Banh mi, banh cuon and Vietnamese coffee are quintessence of Hanoi which visitors must try once when putting their footstep to the city.

Where to stay in Hanoi

To experience what is the most authentic Hanoi, the best place to stay is homestay. Staying with Hanoians in their houses, travelers will have chance to go through traditional residential customs and lifestyles. There are several best choices for visitors namely Tomtee Homestay, Green House Homestay, Cao Thai Homestay, Mr. Kien’s House, Phi Long Homestay, Bich Hang Homestay…whose hosts are very hospitable and experienced in welcoming foreign travelers.