48 hours in Hanoi: Recommendation from Michelin

The Michelin Guides, a series of guidebooks published by the French tire firm Michelin since 1900, have provided some suggestions for international tourists wishing to explore Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, in 48 hours.
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Day 1: A taste of tradition and history

According to the Michelin Guides, to start the day in Hanoi, tourists can try coffee on Trieu Viet Vuong street or a classic egg coffee at the Grande Dame of Hanoi, the historic Sofitel Metropole Legend Hanoi.Trieu Viet Vuong Street is unique café hub for watching the city come to life. Alternatively, Hanoi's Grande Dame is a symbol of luxury and legacy. A flagship hotel with a rich history dating back to 1901, it provides a magnificent experience immersed in elegance.

Tourists can also start a new day with a delicious bowl of pho at Pho Bo Au Trieu, a Bib Gourmand restaurant in the 2023 MICHELIN Guide. This hidden restaurant is famous for one thing: its excellent pho bo. The minced beef noodles are served in a rich beef bone stock that has been simmered for 10 hours before being topped with soft beef flank and tendon.

For lunch, Michelin recommends Bun Cha Huong Lien, a Bib Gourmand recipient, for a delicious bowl of bun cha, a local specialty of grilled pork with vermicelli noodles. This renowned eateries displays images of its celebrity customers and serves a Combo Obama, which includes a fried shrimp roll, a bowl of the distinctive bun cha, and a bia Ha Noi, a local beer. The bun cha itself is an amazing blend of rustic tastes, featuring smokey pork, beef patties, fragrant herbs, and fresh salad leaves.

The first day provides visitors with a wonderful chance to learn about the local traditions and history.

48 hours in Hanoi: Recommendation from Michelin
Day 1 in Hanoi (Source: VietnamTimes)

Tourists should not skip out on discovering the architecture on Tran Hung Dao, Ly Thuong Kiet, and Hai Ba Trung streets, as well as visiting the Vietnamese Women's Museum or Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Maison Centrale) to learn about the city's rich history.

The Vietnamese Women's Museum displays an extensive collection of artifacts, pictures, and exhibitions illustrating the lives of Vietnamese women throughout history. The museum recognizes women's contributions to Vietnamese society, culture, and history, ranging from wartime struggles to modern-day challenges.

On the other hand, tourists visiting Hoa Lo Prison, a famous Hanoi historical site, will have the opportunity to learn more about the lives of Vietnamese revolutionaries during the First Indochina War. It is one of the most brutal prisons, with extraordinarily harsh punishment that has witnessed Vietnamese revolutionaries' resilience and sacrifice for the country.

Address book:

- Trieu Viet Vuong Street: Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi

- Sofitel Metropole Legend Hanoi: 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hanoi

- Pho Bo Au Trieu: 34 Au Trieu Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

- Bun Cha Huong Lien: 24 Le Van Huu Street, Phan Chu Trinh Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi

- Vietnamese Women's Museum: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hang Bai, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi, Vietnam

- Hoa Lo Prison Relic: 1 Pho Hoa Lo, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi

Day 2: Parks, gardens, and cultural gems

On the second day, Michelin guides visitors to parks, gardens, and cultural attractions in Hanoi.

48 hours in Hanoi: Recommendation from Michelin
Day 2 in Hanoi. (Source: VietnamTimes)

Thong Nhat Park (Reunification Park), one of the largest parks in the city center, has a lively atmosphere with locals engaging in various activities. The park is regarded as Hanoi's largest park, covering 50 hectares and featuring a 25-hectare lake. Despite being near significant rush-hour traffic, it remains tranquil. That is why Thong Nhat Park has become one of the top attractions in Hanoi, Vietnam, for both domestic and international visitors.

After that, tourists can have lunch at the MICHELIN-approved Azabu on the second floor of Hotel du Parc. The lunch menu is excellent value, with a large selection and outstanding sushi and sashimi, according to the Michelin Guides.

In the afternoon, Michelin recommends tourists discover the iconic Hanoi Opera House, a stunning example of French colonial architecture, and the National Museum of History, which features a fascinating collection of items showcasing the nation's deep history, has been known as cultural gems of the capital.

For dinner, tourists can dine on a MICHELIN Star experience by choosing Hibana by Koki, a teppanyaki restaurant that offers an experience at a 14-seat counter in the basement. The cuisine includes premium items flown in twice weekly from Japan, such as abalone, spiny lobster, sea urchin, Yaeyama Kyori beef, and Hokkaido hairy crab.

Hanoi, the bustling Vietnamese capital combines history, culture, and modern flare. The hectic streets are filled with motorbikes and street sellers, while quiet lakes and historic temples provide peaceful escapes, according to the article. The Old Quarter, with its tree-lined boulevards, colonial architecture, and bustling café scene, is a must-see for every traveler, Michelin noted.

Address book:

- Thong Nhat Park: 354A Le Duan Street, Phuong Lien Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi

- Azabu: 2F, Hôtel du Parc, 84 Tran Nhan Tong Street, Nguyen Du Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi

- Hoan Kiem Lake: Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

- Hibana by Koki: Basement 1, Capella, 11 Le Phung Hieu Street, Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

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