I’ll never get tired of Hanoi. The crazy scooter rides, bubbling with life, noise and street food, it’s one of the most interesting and overwhelming cities I know and a must for your Asia bucket list. It’s not a place that could leave you without an opinion. I fall in love with Hanoi. For me is one of the most attractive and interesting cities ever. It has that something that made me wish to go back again, with a different route each time.
For those looking to visit, I have a few suggestions in this Hanoi itinerary. Depending on whether you intend to visit, this itinerary is made for a very short time in Hanoi, because we had only one day in this amazing city.
Street food in the Old Quarter
Late at night we headed out of the Old Quarter where there is a number of charming cafes and restaurants where we had a delicious late dinner. I absolutely loved Hanoi’s bars aesthetic, with the little chairs. So we ordered a fresh juice and just stood there watching the insane traffic that happens in Hanoi. We all agree that traffic makes us nervous and anxious, but not in Vietnam, there is something calming and relaxing about the crazy traffic here.
the train street
You’ve probably seen photos of the Train Street all over the internet. What makes it so photo worth? This is a massive, fast moving train’s tracks, sitting in the place of a paved road which makes it stands out among the usual train track. It’s lined with tall, narrow buildings, dilapidated and decaying. You can see hanging laundry lines dangling the floors up, residents kill time by sitting on low plastic stools, sipping strong coffee poured over condensed milk. So.. yes.. it’s pretty unusual and unique.
is train street dangerous?
The trains that hurl themselves down the tracks are massive and there is nothing stopping them, they WILL NOT AND CANNOT STOP FOR YOU. Make sure you stay in a safe spot when the train makes its appearance and don’t do crazy things while the train is passing by. When it’s nearing time for the trains to roll on in, find a spot on the side of the track at one of the many cafés that line the sides of the rails.
HOAN KIEM LAKE
Hoan Kiem Lake is the beating heart of Hanoi. Every day, especially at weekends, locals come to the shores to chat, exercise and relax. So we wanted to blend in and enjoy the everyday life/night life of locals in Hanoi. Once you are here you start to understand why this is such a popular spot among the tourists and locals, the lake is peaceful and quiet with a small island in the middle of the lake.
the story behind the lake
Its history is part fact and part myth, dating back to the days of Chinese rule and the fight for Vietnamese independence. Leader, Le Loi, was paramount in the bloody war and was said to have been handed a magic sword from an underwater dragon king which helped him defeat the enemy.
water puppet show
Right next to the Hoan Kiem Lake you will find the Thang Long theater where you can watch a traditional water puppet show. Artists stand in the water with puppets with where they will perform an incredible show about the history and culture of Vietnam. The show is accompanied by a small orchestra with a number of traditional Vietnamese instruments. It is a unique experience and definitely a must do when visiting Hanoi. We were very impressed with this beautiful show.
Hanoi’s hotels
I don’t like to make my trips about hotels, but Vietnam has some of the most beautiful hotels in the world. Of course there some cool hotels around the globe, but now let´s make it about Vietnam. Going to a rooftop bar has recently become a very popular trend in Vietnam for its laid back vibe. Particularly, the ambiance, the views and the heights have conquered the hearts of all people and made them linger for hours. And those cozy rooms, with big windows and the views, luxury bathtubs.. it’s a dream.
Madeleine 𓇼 