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Hanoi Street, Hanoi

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Things to do in Hanoi

Vietnamese cooking classes

Learn to cook delicious Vietnamese dishes on a half-day course in Hidden Hanoi's purpose-built kitchen. As well as hands-on cookery, students learn about the cultural significance of rice, when and how different spices are used, and the importance of fish sauce. Students are taken around the colourful local food market before being taught how to whip up four dishes from five themed menus. 'Seafood' includes fresh spring rolls with prawns; 'Monsoon' has a banana flower salad; 'Street Food' includes barbecued pork; the 'Village Menu' has clay pot stewed eggplant with pork; and the 'Vegetarian' fried tofu balls.

Hidden Hanoi
Website: www.hiddenhanoi.com.vn

Walking and jogging

Hanoi's Botanical Gardens, to the west of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, are an ideal place to go walking or jogging - and to get married, judging by the steady stream of newly weds being snapped in all their finery. Join the locals who go there for a spot of Tai Chi, or play a spot of early morning badminton. This maybe not the most outstanding botanical collection around, but there are two pleasant ponds, interesting public art in the grounds and refreshment stalls on hand.

Water and theme parks

Ho Tay Water Park in Tay Ho District is a magnet for those wishing to escape the extreme heat and humidity of Hanoi in the summer. The park has water slides, a diving pool, a massage pool and a wave-making pool. When you’ve had enough of the pools, head next door to the Moon Park, an entertainment complex with a 60m (197ft) swing, electronic games, mini-golf, roller coaster and bumper cars. In addition there is a sports complex with tennis and badminton courts and table tennis. Be aware both parks are particularly busy at the weekend.

Golf

Golf is as popular in Vietnam as it is throughout the rest of Asia, and there are several opportunities within easy reach of Hanoi for visitors to enjoy a round or ten. Popular golf courses in the Hanoi area include the 18-hole Hanoi Golf Club, which is around 45 minutes north of central Hanoi, in Minh Tri Commune; King's Island Golf Course that sits 45km (28 miles) west of Hanoi and features two 18-hole courses; and Tam Dao Golf Club, 65km (40 miles) to the north. For an inner city driving range, head to Lang Ha.

Running

The Hash House Harriers are a huge international organisation, found wherever there are substantial communities of expats. They are a social outfit and they organise regular runs in the countryside surrounding Hanoi, which always end with some food and a drink. There is no formal membership so look out for the notices around the city which give details of the next run and just turn up. In Hanoi, the Hash House Harriettes also organise runs but these occur less frequently.

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