Battle of the Capitals: Tokyo vs Hanoi

Both cities are rich in amazing food and cultural experiences and both guarantee you an unforgettable visit. Instead of a pros and cons list, this comparison highlights each city’s unique differences in a menu that will leave you spoiled for choice.

Tokyo offers a wonderful mix of old and new, with attractions such as the soaring Tokyo Skytree and its warren of malls right across the river from picturesque Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Wander the manicured paths of Shinjuku Gyoen garden, or brave the crowds at Shibuya Crossing, rumoured to be the busiest intersection in the world.



You’ll soon notice that Hanoi’s scooter-laden traffic parts politely around you and crossing the road can become an activity in itself. Take a walk through the Old Quarter towards the mythical Hoan Kiem Lake – a stroll studded with pagodas, artisan stores and charming colonial shop houses. The World Heritage-listed Imperial Citadel is nearby, and another 30 minute walk will get you to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

The Verdict:

Tokyo: for a blend of modern wonders and traditional gems.

Hanoi: for street strolling, ancient buildings and an old-world sensation.

Head down to Takeshita-dori in the Harajuku district and browse the trendy boutiques and second-hand clothing stores that inspire the Tokyo’s famously fashionable teenagers. Nearby Omotesando Avenue is home to the big name brands geared at a more mature clientele. If you’re seeking a marketplace atmosphere, the walkway towards Senso-ji Temple is lined with vendors selling everything from rice sweets through to Hello Kitty parasols.



Hang Gai ‘Silk Street’ is a must on a Hanoi shopping list whether you’re hunting for high-end silk ware or arty trinkets. Sate your appetite for browsing at the Old Quarter’s Weekend Night Market, rich in atmosphere if not quality, or scoop some wholesale bargains at Dong Xuan Market, which offers four floors of goods including produce, pets, fashion and handbags.

The Verdict:

Tokyo: for cutting edge fashion.

Hanoi: for markets and back street bargains.

From freshly sliced fatty tuna to deep fried tofu, Japan is a foodie’s delight and Tokyo does it proud. You can dine on fragrant meat skewers alongside local business men at Shinjuku’s Yakitori Alley, or choose the longest queue in Ramen Alley, a guaranteed way to sniff out the best bowl of noodles.

Experience an unforgettable Tokyo dining experience at Robot Restaurant, which will dazzle you with its show if not its food. For a more authentic experience, breakfast on fantastically fresh sashimi at the Tsukiji Fish Market, or head to Hidemi Sugino for a morning tea to die for; patisseries are another area of expertise for the Japanese.



On most streets in Hanoi you will find a Banh My (spelt mi everywhere else) stand, and these crusty pork pate and pickle baguettes are a tasty and inexpensive bite at anytime of the day. Pho is available almost as easily, soup noodle bowls that are rich with assorted beef cuts, bean shoots and leafy greens which you add yourself.
Other iconic fare includes Hanoi’s signature dish Bun Cha, or grilled pork in broth, served with rice noodles and fresh greens, as well as egg-milk coffee, an indulgent mix of condensed milk and egg yolk atop a Vietnamese coffee shot.

The Verdict:

Tokyo: for Japan's world-famous flavours and unique dining experiences.

Hanoi: for fresh and tasty local dishes and inexpensive street food.

If you’re visiting Tokyo during a sumo tournament then tickets are a must; prices are reasonable if you book for the earlier days of competition. Outside of tournament dates you can watch the giant wrestlers training at their sumo ‘stables’. For early risers, the tuna auction at the Tsukiji Fish Market is delightfully hectic, while night owls may prefer to embrace modern culture and rent a private karaoke room by the hour.



Dating back to the 11th century, the first water puppet performances were held by Vietnamese villagers in flooded rice paddies. Hanoi is considered the ancestral home of water puppetry, and the shows at the Thang Long Theatre depict legends and folk tales, just for an extra dose of culture. A great way to experience the sights of Hanoi is via rickshaw; there’s nothing like being carted through the chaotic streets by a local who knows all the good spots to eat.

The Verdict:

Tokyo: for sumo and city styling.

Hanoi: for traditional puppets and local insight.

Source Escapetravel