Awesome alpaca adventures package and vacation guides in Colorado: All members of your group will have the opportunity to participate in a fully interactive experience. It typically lasts around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Its environment is ideal for nature lovers : Most people who live in Colorado love the outdoors because the state offers a little bit of everything. Even if you’re just visiting for the weekend, you can embrace all that nature has to offer. An alpaca ranch offers stunning scenery and a relaxing atmosphere where you can take in the fresh air. When you go behind the scenes on the ranch, you learn about much more than just the animals. You have the opportunity to talk about the economy, trade, production, local handmade goods, and so much more. Read additional info on where to see alpacas in Colorado.

For many years, zoologists assumed alpacas and llamas had descended from guanacos, and they were classified in the genus Lama. However, in a 2001 paper titled “Genetic analysis reveals the wild ancestors of the llama and the alpaca” in the journal Proceeding of the Royal Society B, researchers showed there is “high genetic similarity” between the alpaca and the vicuña, and between the llama and the guanaco. They recommended that the alpaca be reclassified as Vicugna pacos.

Is it OK to have just one alpaca? No. Alpacas have very strong herd instincts and need the companionship of other alpacas to thrive, preferably three or more. Alpacas are livestock, and should not be treated as house pets. Alpacas should be kept with their own sex with a few exceptions. One exception is that male crias need to be kept with their mothers until weaning. Gelded males should not be housed together with females, as they can repeatedly attempt to breed the females. This can lead to serious health consequences for the females.

The main difference between the breeds is the length and fineness of the wool-like fiber, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The Suri have very long fibers (“silky dreadlocks,” according to Alpaca Ventures), while the Huacaya have a more compact “crimpy” fleece, with shorter fibers. Guanacos are slightly larger than alpacas and much larger than vicuñas, but they are smaller and less heavily built than llamas, according to the University of Michigan’s Animal Diversity Web (ADW). Alpacas are the smallest members of the camel family. The average height at the shoulder is 3 feet (91.4 centimeters), according to Switzer. They are 4 to 7 feet (120 to 225 cm) long and weigh 121 to 143 lbs. (55 to 65 kilograms). By comparison, the llama stands almost 4 feet (1.2 m) at the shoulder and weighs from 286 to 341 lbs. (130 to 155 kg). Camels grow to 6.5 feet (2 m) and weigh from 880 to 1,325 lbs. (400 to 600 kg), according to the San Diego Zoo.

Do alpacas make noise? Alpacas are very quiet, docile animals that make a minimal amount of sound. They do make a humming sound as a means of communication or to express concern or stress. Most communication between alpacas is nonverbal. Occasionally you will hear a shrill “alarm call,” which usually means they have spotted something of concern nearby, and they are warning others in the herd. The concern may be a predator, or may be something they are not familiar with, like a cow or horse in a neighboring field. Male alpacas also “serenade” females during breeding with a guttural, throaty sound called “orgling.”

Here’s why an alpaca experience is perfect for your upcoming trip to Denver. Alpacas are adorable, fluffy, and friendly animals. People are often surprised by just how sociable they are and how much they enjoy human affection. They are also incredibly calm creatures with steady temperaments. This makes them perfect for the whole family. They don’t display erratic behavior, making them more predictable around children. See additional info on https://meetalpacas.com/.

Alpacas have two sets of teeth for processing food. They have molars in the back of the jaw for chewing cud. In the front, alpacas have teeth on the bottom only and a hard gum (known as a dental pad) on the top for crushing grain, grass, or hay. Unlike goats and sheep that have long tongues which can rip plants out of the ground, alpacas have short tongues and nibble only the tops of grasses and other plants. This results in less disturbance of the vegetation. Alpacas will often eat shrubs or the leaves from trees if given the opportunity. This requires monitoring to ensure they do not consume harmful products.

Excellent Morocco vacation tour packages: Our Moroccan travel agency has extensive expertise in the tourism industry. This enables us to assist our customers in discovering what makes this country a tourism destination. Additionally, our guides and drivers are experienced and competent. They are residents with impressive histories and understanding of the area. They will tell you about the locations you visit and help make your holidays remarkable and memorable. You can expect superior service when you book your holiday with travel agency in Morocco. As a result, we provide pleasant air-conditioned transportation. Additionally, we provide whatever style of lodging you choose, including Raids, Hotels, and Kasbahs. We make every effort to ensure that your trip goes as planned. Our travel service tailors vacations for couples, lone travelers, and group groups. These private Moroccan trips also include pick-up and drop-off services. Discover additional info at Morocco tours agency.

Fez possesses everything you need out of a 1,200-year-old Maghreb city in the Middle Eastern deserts. It’s among the most exciting places in Morocco where you’ll find a Fès el-Bali, which happens to be the historic heart of this city with a deep and mysterious labyrinth of lanes and staircases set amidst colorful tanneries and cottages will blow your mind. Another great attraction of this place is the elegant boulevards of Ville Nouvelle where the French had created stunning palm-fringed avenues and refreshing fountains alongside lavish hotels and Parisian-flavoured streets.

A beautiful stretch of beach along Morocco’s southern Atlantic coast, the rocky Legzira Beach is known for its red cliffs and natural stone arch. Although one magnificent stone archway unfortunately collapsed, there is still another remaining beautiful arch to admire. The rugged coastline is scenic and the windy conditions attract keen surfers and paragliding enthusiasts. The UNESCO-listed Volubilis is a large ancient Roman site close to Meknes. Thought to be the old capital of Mauritania, the ruins include soaring columns, foundations, well-preserved mosaics, tall archways, steps, and stone blocks. See where grand buildings once stood and imagine the area’s splendour in its heyday.

Casablanca’s major point of interest and landmark building, the Hassan II Mosque is a lavish symbol not only of the city, but also of Morocco itself. This modern mosque (finished in 1993) doesn’t do things by halves. The decoration detail covering every centimeter of the mammoth two-hectare site took 10,000 artisans to complete. Intricately carved marble pieces, vibrant mosaics, and zellige tile details all pay tribute to traditional Islamic architecture ideals and the mastery of Moroccan craftsmanship and yet, at the same time, still manage to feel contemporary.

This lovely old palace built by Vizier Si Said is home to a wonderful collection of Berber jewelry in finely worked silver, oil lamps from Taroudant, pottery artifacts, embroidered leather, and marble. There is also a display of Moroccan carpets and an amazing collection of traditional Moroccan door and window frames, which highlight this country’s local architecture styles. For anyone interested in the evolution of North African art and crafts, it’s a lovely place to potter about for a couple of hours. Near the Dar Si Said, the Maison Tiskiwin has a rather wonderful collection of costumes, jewelry, arms, musical instruments, textiles, and furniture (focused on Saharan culture) put together by Dutch art historian Bert Flint. Another branch of the museum is in Agadir.

This morning we enjoy an excursion by 4×4 exploring the Agafay Desert. We will also drive to Lake Takerkoust in the foothills of the Atlas mountains, and up to the Kik Plateau for amazing panoramic views of the Agafay Desert and beyond. Try and spot Nkhila Lodge on the east side of the desert! We return to Nkhila for a late lunch and have the afternoon free to relax. If you are feeling active, there is an option to join a quad-bike adventure and ride desert tracks over rolling hills in another area of Agafay Desert. Depending on when you stay, the lodge may be illuminated at night by the moon or experience an amazing dark sky full of stars. Try out one of Nkhila’s telescopes and enjoy some stargazing. Lunch and dinner is included today.

Chefchaouen (or Chaouen) is a gorgeous mountain city in northeastern Morocco. The picturesque medina, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Rif Mountains, is filled with white-washed homes with distinctive, powder-blue accents. It is a popular shopping destination offering many native handicrafts that are not available elsewhere in Morocco, such as wool garments and woven blankets. The goat cheese native to the area is also popular with tourists. The region around Chefchaouen is one of the main producers of cannabis in Morocco. Hashish is subsequently sold all over town, but is mostly the domain of native Chaouenis. Find even more info at topmoroccotravel.com.

Top travel destinations Croatia: Home Rent is one of the best vacation rental websites for booking holiday homes. It is very important for us to provide you with all the information related to your vacation in Croatia, safe reservations and affordable prices for booking Holiday home in Croatia. Discover Croatia with HomeRent. Croatia is one of the most beautiful European countries, and the Home Rent agency invites you to discover this magnificent country. Natural beauty, beautiful beaches, friendly hosts and amazing sea. Croatia has it all. Book HomeRent vacation homes and enjoy a perfect vacation. Find extra info at holidays in Croatia.

The amphitheater in Pula is the sixth largest surviving Roman arena and one of the best preserved Roman monuments in Croatia. The Pula Arena was built around the 1st century AD and could seat over 26,000 spectators. In the 15th century many stones were taken from the amphitheater to build houses and other structures around Pula, but fortunately this practice was stopped before the whole structure was destroyed. Today it is a popular Croatia attraction and used to host a variety of festivals and performances during the summer months.

Spreading over an area of some 320 square kilometers-it’s 35 kilometers long and 13 kilometers wide-the Kornati archipelago encompasses 89 scattered islets, big and small. Rocky and arid with little fertile soil, the islets are practically uninhabited, though there are some very basic stone cottages dotted here and there. Originally built as one-room shelters by local fishermen and shepherds, they’re now often used as holiday retreats or seasonal seafood restaurants. The best way to explore this stunningly beautiful coastal region is by private sailing boat, with the nearest charter base being located in Biograd Na Moru. It’s also possible to visit the Kornati as a day trip by excursion boat from either Zadar or Sibenik on the mainland. If sailing under your own step, (as it were), you’ll need to purchase a valid permit, available online (see the official site below).

The Baska Voda Summer encompasses a range of cultural events from early July through to September. These include assorted concerts, small theatre events, and other open air activities – once again, check locally for full details. Makarska is not a clubbing capital, but as the largest settlement between Split and Dubrovnik, it has more options than most. Young people from neighbouring villages often beeline here on weekend nights. Peter Pan is popular with locals, but the Balkan turbo-folk music might begin to grate. The best option is Deep Makarska, situated inside a cave. They take full advantage of the setting, illuminating the cave with atmospheric lighting. It also offers a splendid view.

For the love of Nature, one should visit Kornati National Park. To be honest, travel to Croatia doesn’t make much sense for tranquility-hunters unless they visit the Kornati Archipelago that is very often dubbed as nautical paradise. About 140 islands make up this National Park where dramatic caverns, cliffs, and caves of the tight-knit isles throw an awful lot of challenges. These islands are mostly made of Karst Limestone and offer excellent opportunities for hiking. Yes, for those tourists who love some real excitement, sailing through the National Park adds a whole new dimension. For those who are not big enthusiasts of ‘sail alone’ opportunity, the National Park offers guided tours from Split, Sibenik, and Zadar.

Known for its dramatic, barren landscape, the island of Pag is home to 270 km of beautiful pebbly beaches. A surprising number of vineyards can be found here, and the region is known for its wine as well as for its unique sheep’s milk cheese and intricate Pag lace. Historic Pag Town offers interesting architecture and culture, while Zrce Beach in the north boasts a buzzing nightlife scene during the summer months. The island is easily accessible thanks to a bridge that connects it to the mainland, and it hosts a popular summer carnival every July. Read even more information at https://homerent.agency/en.

Top Morocco travel attractions with Agafay desert dinners: After your camel ride, you’ll be greeted with a delicious dinner in a traditional desert bivouac. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan feast and savor the flavors of the desert as you take in the beautiful night sky. As the night falls, prepare yourself for a traditional Moroccan music and dance show around a campfire. You’ll be entertained by a group of local musicians and dancers, who will perform traditional Moroccan music and dances. The mesmerizing rhythms and vibrant costumes will transport you to a world of Moroccan culture and tradition. See additional information on Agafay camel ride.

This magnificent peacock of a palace was built in the late 19th century as the residence of the Grand Vizier Bou Ahmed, who served Sultan Moulay al-Hassan I. The interior decoration is a dazzling display of zellige tiles, painted ceilings, and ornate wrought-iron features showcasing the opulent lives of those high up in the sultan’s favor at that time. The massive marble grand courtyard and opulent salons of the haram area are the two main attractions, while the lush internal courtyard of the grand riad, with its banana-leaf plants and citrus trees, is a tranquil respite from the city.

Completed in the early 1990s, Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque showcases the finest examples of Moroccan craftsmanship. A beautiful place of worship, the mosque sits next to the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can appreciate the stunning exterior, complete with one of the tallest minarets in the world, before marvelling at the exquisite interiors. Housed within a former Jewish orphanage, the Moroccan Jewish Museum in Casablanca is the only museum throughout the Arab world that is dedicated to Jewish history, heritage, and culture. There are many interesting artefacts on display and you can learn more about the role of Moroccan Jews throughout history and the influences the once-sizeable Jewish community had on the nation.

Morocco’s number one Roman ruin is a feast for history lovers, with a clutch of remarkable mosaics still interred where they were unearthed. This site is also full of tumbled columns and temple remnants, standing as reminders that even the greatest empires eventually crumble. The hilltop location allows the ruins to lord over the surrounding countryside, adding to the romantic ambience of lost glory. Head up through the ruins to the Capitol and Forum to feast on the views. This tourist attraction can easily be visited as a day trip from either Meknes or Fes.

Set amidst the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen – also known as the blue city is a small town in a huge landscape. Amongst all the Morocco cities to visit, this one is popular for solo traveling and exploring the town’s famous blue and white painted houses. The people are also super friendly, so you will surely get to revel in some sweet hospitality here that makes this one of the top places to visit in Morocco. Don’t forget to check out the secluded and quiet Ras El Maa, one of the most fascinating and secret places to visit in Morocco.

Located south of the High Atlas mountains, the stunning Draa Valley, lined with old Kasbahs, Berber villages and palm groves, spreads from Ouarzazate in the west to Zagora in the east. A drive through the valley is undoubtedly one of the most scenic journeys in Morocco. The Draa Valley is intersected by the Draa River which starts in the High Atlas and ends in the Atlantic Ocean, though in reality the river normally dries out before reaching the ocean.

From Marrakech medina it takes just under an hour to reach the Agafay Desert and Nkhila Lodge. As we leave the bright lights of the city behind and enter the rural province of Al Haouz, the landscape changes from olives groves to the rolling barren hills of the Agafay Desert. Eventually we leave the asphalt behind and follow desert tracks to reach Douar Nkhila village on the eastern edge of Agafay. Our final approach is spectacular: we twist around arid hillsides until reaching Nkhila Lodge, perched on stilts, with the High Atlas mountains looming in the distance. On arrival at camp we will be greeted with a refreshing glass of mint tea and briefed by our host. In the early evening there’s time for a camel ride to enjoy the setting sun over western Agafay. If camel riding is not your thing, there are several short scenic walks to enjoy. Tonight dinner will be served in your choice of location – either in the privacy of your tent, on the balcony, in the dining tent, or under an outside canopy-covered dining spot. Lunch and dinner is included today. Discover more info on https://bucketlist.ma/to_book/agafay-desert-dinner/.

Travel destinations and information in Atlanta 2023: In recent years, Atlanta has become a major economic and cultural center, as well as an important hub of air traffic. Internationally famed businesses, including Coca-Cola and CNN, have their headquarters here. Don’t expect to find a quiet, romantic Southern city when visiting Atlanta. Instead, visitors will find a rather large, always busy, often congested, yet extremely vibrant American city of close to half a million souls, all seeming to want to be precisely where you are. That said, Atlanta is certainly not without its Southern charm.

Atlanta owes its existence to the railroads, the routes of which were determined by geography. Lying as it does at the southern extremity of the Appalachian Mountains, it became the gateway through which most overland traffic had to pass between the southern Atlantic Seaboard and regions to the west. In 1837 a spot near what is now Five Points, in the centre of the present-day city, was selected for the southern terminus of a railroad that was subsequently built northward to Chattanooga, Tennessee. The location was known first as Terminus and then as Marthasville; in 1845 it was renamed Atlanta for the Western and Atlantic Railroad. Several other rail lines had converged on the city by 1860. See extra details at Atlanta minimum wage.

Walk in the footsteps of one of history’s most important figures with a visit to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. Here you’ll find the home where civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. was born and raised. You can also head over to the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King was once a pastor. Fire Station No. 6 offers insights into the desegregation of Atlanta’s Fire Department. And at the Visitor Center, you’ll find engaging exhibits on the civil rights movement and the D.R.E.A.M. Gallery, featuring additional exhibits. Next door to Ebenezer Baptist Church stands the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Change. It has even more exhibits, as well as the tombs of King and his wife, Coretta Scott King.

Designed by architect Richard Meier and enlarged with three new buildings designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, the High Museum of Art is noteworthy both for its architecture and its extraordinary collections of art from the Renaissance to the present day. It is particularly known for its works by 19th-century French masters and an extensive collection of 19th- and 20th-century American art. There is also a significant collection of European paintings and decorative art, and newer additions include modern and contemporary art, photography, and African art. The museum forms part of the Robert W. Woodruff Arts Center and hosts an annual film series featuring foreign, independent, and classic cinema.

You might be familiar with Zoo Atlanta because of its famed gorilla exhibit and residents. In fact, the oldest living male gorilla in the world, Ozzie, calls Zoo Atlanta home. Beyond primates, Zoo Atlanta allows visitors up-close-and-personal experiences with elephants, giraffes and lizards. However, the menagerie is probably best known for its giant panda habitat—complete with a webcam—where you can peek into the black and white bamboo-eating bears’ habitat adventures around the clock.

Atlanta’s place in the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s is marked by a beautifully conceived interpretation center/museum that places this epic struggle into the greater worldwide movement for human rights. The Center for Civil and Human Rights explores the history of Jim Crow laws with actual television newscasts, speeches, photos, videos, personal accounts, and interactive experiences that bring visitors into the struggle. Portraits and stories of their work honor men and women who lost their lives in the struggle. The Human Rights Movement gallery carries the story into the broader picture of human rights worldwide: Apartheid in South Africa, women’s rights, the rights of children and others, inspiring visitors to think about the rights of humans everywhere. Find additional info at https://tipsntoesmn.com/.

Premium cruise booking tricks and cruise destinations in the Indian Ocean by cruisebooking.com: While cruise fares don’t vary too much from one booking agent to the next, you should still always compare prices on a few sites before you book. Just like with hotel rooms, some booking sites buy cruise cabins at a group rate and are able to sell them cheaper, while others may be able to get you a free upgrade or will foot the bill for bonuses like onboard credit and prepaid gratuities to nab your business. It always pays to compare before you book.

Beyond the obvious natural scenery, Greece has an incredible history and culture. A sailing holiday here could involve visits to ancient ruins and world-famous landmarks. The country is also known for its delicious food and excellent produce – something that makes docking at a port a whole lot more enjoyable. Greece covers a massive 6000 islands! For anyone planning an extensive sailing holiday – this offers an enormous number of places to visit and cruise between. Whatever kind of destination you may be after, there should be an island in Greece that will suit you. As Greece covers a fairly extensive area to cruise, here are two top parts of the country for a yacht holiday. Thanks to our COVID-19 cancellation insurance, you don’t have to stress whether your travel plans will be affected due to COVID-19. Here are some of the reasons why you should book your Mediterranean yacht cruise in 2021 with IntersailClub: Flexible ReschedulingIf you have to change your travel plans because you cannot get to your departure destination due to COVID-19 travel disruption, you can either: Receive a credit for the deposit paid, which you can use in the next 12 months or Reschedule your charter for alternative dates. Read more info on cruise book.

And remember, before or after staying in Ibiza, take the chance and spare some days for a visit to Spain’s mainland cities. Ibiza offers several daily flight connections with Madrid and Barcelona, just 40min away from the latest. Bachelors and singles will enjoy big city life, with good nightlife, shopping, restaurants and fun experiences. Couples and honeymooners may like to extend the trip and immerse in Spanish culture and heritage. Start with Barcelona and continue afterwards to the south, where charming Andalusian cities are waiting with incredible monuments and cosy old towns. Madrid can be the departure city, easily connected from Sevilla, Córdoba and Málaga by fast train. Families may prefer to extend the stay in the fantastic beach resorts and end with a short visit to main capitals before heading back home. Cala Saladeta is one of the many stretches of sand on Ibiza that proves size isn’t everything when it comes to beaches. Small and beautiful, this is one of the most popular beaches on the island amongst both tourists and locals – and after just a few minutes here, you’ll understand why. Saladeta’s perfectly transparent waters give a whole new sense to the word turquoise and are shallow and calm as well, making it a great beach for a family day out (arrive early to claim your space, though). The Best Time for Mediterranean Yacht Cruises? Summer is the best time to visit the Mediterranean, and it is definitely the high travel season in this part of Europe. The millions of people from all around the world flock to the Mediterranean’s beaches during summer months for much-deserved summer break due to the region’s pleasant climate. The summers in the Mediterranean are sunny and hot, and the sea is warm. However, the best time for Mediterranean yacht cruises is late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October) when the temperatures and the sea are pleasurably warm, days are sunny, and the crowds in popular destinations are far fewer than in summer.

Especially popular is the sea area between the northern coast of Sicily, Calabria and the Aeolian Islands. Sicily has an area of 25,426 km² and is the largest island belonging to Italy. It is separated from the Italian mainland by the Strait of Messina. In the north it is bordered by the Tyrrhenian Sea, in the east by the Ionian Sea and in the east and southwest by the Strait of Sicily. Sicily has a largely mountainous landscape, and is the home of Mount Etna – the tallest, largest and most active volcano in Europe. The north and east coasts are made up of high cliffs with numerous bays and sandy beaches. Going south the land is flatter and the beaches become longer. The coastline measures a total length of 1152 km. The capital city of Sicily is Palermo, which lies on a bay on the north coast. The city has many historic attractions, important church buildings, palaces, squares and museums. Other major cities are Catania, Messina and Syracuse.

Another beautiful Greek sailing route takes you through the less famous Sporades islands which are located off the East coast. There are eleven islands in total but if you start at Volos or Skiathos, you’ve got a good chance of visiting quite a few. Known as the emerald of the Aegean, expect rich vegetation, unspoiled green-blue waters and a more traditional way of life. Highlights include the picturesque island of Skopelos, the party-island Skiathos and the Marine Park of Alonissos which is dotted with secret coves.

Mondello is an overgrown fishing village flipped into a 19th-century Liberty resort for Palermo’s elite. Imagine Nice, served with a frutti di mare side. A wide arc of beach is backed by more foodie treats. Like mobile carts selling lemon granitas and arancina (fried rice balls). Alicudi is the Sicilian island that Instagram forgot. Irregular ferries and passing yachts call ciaoto the island’s 100 inhabitants. Islanders share a pastoral diet of wild figs and prickly pears served alongside a sustainable daily catch. That’s good news, because this tiny island has no shops, no ATM and no problems. Read more details at https://www.cruisebooking.com/.

Iceland is the perfect playground for those who love nature and wildlife. This island country is famed for its dramatic natural landscapes with towering mountains, magnificent fjords, geothermal springs, and volcanoes to discover. There’s also a wonderful array of wildlife to be found here. Humpback whales can often be spotted breaching in icy waters, and native birds soar in the skies overhead. An adventure cruise is a great way to see the mesmerising landscapes of Iceland, and a wonderful two-week trip in September 2023 will take you to many highlights of this magical country. Making the trip extra special is the chance to meet weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, who will join you on an excursion and give an insightful talk and Q&A in Reykjavik.

Top rated vacation attractions Hanoi 2023: Art lovers and museum fans definitely need to make a pit stop at this museum that holds a collection of Vietnamese artistry from the prehistoric age right up to the country’s contemporary artists. Some of the treasures on display here include terracotta and stone sculptures dating from the Tran Dynasty and Champa Dynasty, Buddha statues from the Mac and Le Dynasties, and the intricate statues of the goddess Guan Yin. There is also an extensive collection of 11th- and 12th-century ceramic work and a substantial gallery devoted to folk art. Find more details on https://hanoibylocals.com/best-hanoi-scooter-tours/.

This is one of the temples of Confucius, and home of the nation’s first university. Originally built in 1070, the temple is meant to honor all scholars. Today, calligraphists will come and write good will wishes in Han characters during the Asian New Year at the steps of the temple, to give as gifts. The temple was built to replicate Confucius’ birthplace, with five courtyards and various temples and other buildings throughout the expansive grounds. Of special note are the Stelae of Doctors, a series of over 100 carved blue stone turtles, which honor the names of all who pass the royal exams.

Established in 1889, Dong Xuan Market is housed within a four-storey Soviet-style building on the northern edge of Hanoi Old Quarter. It’s also known as Hanoi’s largest indoor market, offering a wide range of goods such as fresh produce, souvenirs, accessories and clothing, as well as electronic and household appliances. Dong Xuan Market has a bustling wet market section on the ground floor, where locals shop for seafood, meat, and vegetables while the back section sells an array of pets (cats, dogs, and fish) and fresh flowers from all across Vietnam. If you’re looking to shop for souvenirs, head to the upper levels, where you can find numerous stalls selling tee shirts, fabrics, school uniforms, handbags, handicrafts, all of which are sold at wholesale prices.

This largest urban lake is a favorite location for tourists and Hanoi residents alike. It is where the high-end homes of Hanoi’s wealthy live, and contains a large number of hotels, restaurants, and luxury shops as well. It has been a popular location for residents here for thousands of years, and is home to one of Hanoi’s four sacred temples, as well as the oldest pagoda in the city. This pagoda, dating back to the sixth century, can be found on an island in the center of the lake. Boating, sightseeing, and shopping along the boardwalk are common activities here, and well worth the trip.

Hanoi’s most well-known landmark is tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, nestled just on the southern edge of the old town quarter. The major tourist attraction upon the lake is the small island (reached by a red bridge) that holds Ngoc Son Temple, dedicated to three grand figures from Vietnamese history: La To (revered as a patron saint of physicians); the renowned scholar Van Xuong; and the 13th century general Tran Hung Dao, who fought against the invading Mongol army. Another tiny island on the southern section of the lake holds the stocky Turtle Tower – best viewed from the bridge. Find even more information on https://hanoibylocals.com/.

Standing in the heart of Hanoi, the opera house was located in a beautiful intersection downtown, where five main city roads lead to. Completed in 1911 after 10 years of construction, by two French architects, Hanoi Opera House resembles the Opéra Garnier de Paris. In August 1945, the Opera House Square was the political center of the country during the revolutionary days. Since then, Hanoi Opera House has always been the center of important conferences, meetings and art performances by art troupes domestically and internationally.