A chilling quietness

CELEBRATING NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE PEDESTRIANS’ STREET 

The pedestrians’ street of Hoan Kiem lake and extended pedestrians’ street in the  old quarter are perfect destinations for city dwellers and tourists alike to celebrate  2022. There are here a number of cultural and music performances, amusements  and concerts to celebrate a new year. Furthermore, visitors may also delight in the  extended pedestrians’ street in the old quarter and revel in the street foods and folk  games around on offer. 

TOURS TO HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SITES 

Many historical sites of the capital city are well ready for tourists these New Year  holidays. It also enables city dwellers and tourists to gain an insight in novelty and  exotic charm of old destinations. A night tour of Hoa Lo prison is on discount to  stimulate demands, and thus an opportunity for visitors to seek for novelty in this  iconic landmark with history on new leash of life. 

Thang Long Imperial Citadel site is also in a good season for visitors to both explore  this world heritage and do the best check-in. As winter arrives, almond trees in the  Thang Long Imperial Citadel turns Bordeaux red, draping the entire compound in  nostalgia and elegance. In addition, visitors can also opt for night tour “Deciphering  Thang Long Imperial Citadel”, visit to Doan Gate, performance on the glass floor at  the archeological site of Doan Gate, a visit to display hall “Thang Long - Ha Noi, the  millennium old history from beneath the ground”, or incense dedication ceremony  in memory of 52 deceased emperors at Kinh Thien palace, a visit to different  archeological sites and deciphering  contest of vestiges of the Thang Long  Imperial Citadel with laser on an ancient  3D river. 

Besides, visitors can also enjoy a tour  “French architecture at the heart of  Ha Noi” that starts from the National  Museum of History, a masterful ensemble  of Oriental and Western architecture and  a focal point where Vietnamese history  from the prehistoric times is put on  display, curated and presented through  its colossal treasure of documents and  artifacts, many of which are registered as  National Treasures. 

The Special National Site of the Temple  of Literature - Imperial University has  also been decorated more exquisitely  to welcome tourist influx this new year.  Visitors to the Temple of Literature -  Imperial University on New Year  holidays should fully touch the grave  old solemnity and grasp through the  academic traditions and craving for  learning of our nation. Most recently,  the Center for Cultural and Science  Operations of the Temple of Literature -  Imperial University released a pilot  product that deploys digital technologies,  in which the most striking part is 3D  display combined with accompanying  music by night. 

VARIOUS “CITY TOURS” AROUND  HA NOI 

To explore Ha Noi on a double decked  bus as part of the “Ha Noi city tour” is  also a delightful option to spend your  New Year holidays. Just enjoy a full  view of the capital city aboard the bus,  and visitors are allowed to stop at 13  destinations and flash through 20 iconic  landmarks: Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc square  - Hoan Kiem lake, St. Joseph’s Cathedral,  Ha Noi flagstaff, mausoleum of President  Ho Chi Minh, Quan Thanh taoist temple,  Tran Quoc pagoda, Cua Bac cathedral,  Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Temple of  Literature - Imperial University, Hoa Lo  prison, Vietnamese Women’s Museum,  Hanoi Municipal Theater, Hanoi Post Office,  etc. This tourist product has once won the  hearts of countless foreign tourists. 

SHOPPING AND HAVING FUN AT DEPARTMENT STORES 

A day at department stores to shop and have fun is also a good option for many these  New Year holidays. Major department stores that meet standards certified by the Hanoi  Department of Tourism include Trang Tien Plaza, Vincom shopping malls, Royal City  shopping mall, Aeon Mall chain, etc. These days, shopping malls have also stepped  up eye catching decorations and models, not to mention numerous entertainment,  amusements and cinema activities for a new year. Visitors may plan for their own  families a little tour involving shopping, entertainment, cinema, selfies and foods. 

ROAMING THE SUBURBAN OF HA NOI 

The outskirts of Ha Noi are abundant in tourist potentials so that visitors may take  short tours on their New Year holidays. In Son Tay Town, both the locals and tourists  may take a 2-day 1-night tour to explore Son Tay Old Fortress, Dong Mo Ecological  Area and homestay units in Duong Lam Village. Homestay units in this old village are  relatively furnished and operated by local households at visitors’ disposal to meet their  catering and cake making demands. Food in Duong Lam Old Village are also regarded  quite attractive and feature various local delicacies, including crunchy roasted pork,  Mia chicken and tẻ cakes… 

Besides, the Cultural and Tourist Village of Vietnamese Ethnicities (Dong Mo Commune,  Son Tay town) is also a great suburban commonplace for both the locals and visitors.  Meanwhile, Ba Vi is not just enchanting for its numerous resorts and retreat sites but  also abundant in exciting tourist sites. Outdoor enthusiasts will definitely revel in Ba  Vi National Park. Here, visitors may hike up mountains, camp overnight or sneak into  derelict vestiges abandoned by French masters across the mountains of Ba Vi. 

Thanh Hien 

(Source: Vietnam Today 1.2022)