Travel Guide for Hanoi city

• LocationHanoi, Vietnam
• Duration2 days
• Rating★★★★
• Average CostVND 100000

Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, is a super cool mix of East and West, mashing up traditional Sino-Vietnamese vibes with a dash of French style. It's pretty much stayed the same after all these years of war and is now buzzing with new buildings popping up left and right, making this city a hotspot of growth. I had the awesome chance to hang out for two unforgettable days in this electric city, diving into its deep history, varied culture, and drool-worthy food. This blog post is all about my adventure as I zigzagged through Hanoi's lively streets, checked out the Old Quarter, got my heart racing at Train Street, and chilled by the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake.

Transport

When it came to navigating the bustling town area, I found the Grab motorbike service, similar to a taxi app, to be incredibly useful due to the heavy traffic. This quick and efficient mode of transport allowed me to weave through the congestion and reach my destinations with ease. In addition, I opted to rent a motorbike for VND90000 per day. This not only offered me the freedom to explore the city at my leisure but also enabled me to venture out to the nearby places that piqued my interest. Should you be interested in hearing more about my adventures and the fascinating places I discovered, I highly recommend checking out my detailed posts on Ning Binh and the Incense village.

The Old Quarter

The Old Quarter, also known as the Hanoi's ancient streets, is a bustling part of the city that showcases the traditional Vietnamese lifestyle. In this labyrinth of narrow streets, you'll experience the vibrant local life, complete with street vendors, food stalls, and a variety of shops selling everything from souvenirs to household items. One of the standout places in the Old Quarter is Banh mi 25, a restaurant famous for its Vietnamese sandwiches, a fusion of meats and vegetables in a French baguette. A stone's throw away from the restaurant is the majestic St. Joseph's Cathedral, an architectural landmark that dates back to the 19th century. The neo-gothic style of the cathedral, with its towering façade and intricate stained glass windows, is a must-see when exploring the Old Quarter.

The Train Street

Experiencing Train Street in Hanoi was an unforgettable adventure. With a train track running right through the middle of a narrow residential street, it was a surreal blend of daily life and thrilling spectacle. As night fell, the street came alive, bathed in the warm glow of the cafes that lined the track. I found a particularly cozy cafe that sat just a stone's throw away from the tracks. Every time a train would pass by, the entire place vibrated with the force, lending an exciting touch to the evening.

What made the experience truly memorable was the cafe owner, a friendly local who went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. He introduced me to an array of local wines, which we enjoyed together till midnight. Our conversations, aided by a translation app, were full of stories and laughter, breaking barriers and creating a sense of connection despite the language difference. It was these personal interactions, combined with the unique setting, that made my visit to Train Street a standout experience in my Hanoi adventure.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Sword Lake, is a serene body of water located in the heart of Hanoi. It is surrounded by vibrant greenery and offers stunning views, especially during sunset when the sky paints a picturesque backdrop with hues of orange, pink, and purple. The lake is home to a small island at its center, which houses the beautiful Turtle Tower, a symbol of Hanoi's local folklore.

Adjacent to the lake is the Ngoc Son Temple, also known as the Temple of the Jade Mountain. Accessible by a charming red wooden bridge, the temple is a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Its intricate architecture, rich history, and spiritual atmosphere provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture. The temple, along with the lake, provides amazing photo opportunities, making it a must-visit for photography enthusiasts.

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For more of my adventures in Vietnam, check out the rest of my posts!