Discovering the BEST of Hanoi - PART 2

Introduction

After overcoming a series of unexpected hiccups during our first days in Hanoi, we couldn't wait to dive deeper and discover the city's best offerings. The initial challenges—ranging from payment troubles and language barriers to sleepless nights and a close call with a pickpocket—had tested our patience and resolve. But as we gradually ventured further into the heart of Hanoi, the city's true character began to reveal itself. 

From delightful street food to vibrant markets and warm interactions with locals, we started to see Hanoi for what it truly is—a city rich in culture, flavor, and hidden gems. Join us as we explore the best experiences that transformed our journey from a rocky start into a memorable adventure.

Coffee Culture

Sitting on small stools by the side of the road, sipping coffee from a tiny cup placed on a small table, with the smell of exhaust, dust in the air, and the constant noise of motorbikes zooming by—it was an experience that you can only find in Vietnam. This scene became a part of our daily routine, and despite the chaos surrounding us, it was oddly comforting.

Vietnamese coffee is famous worldwide, but the experience of drinking it in Vietnam is unmatched. We were initially hesitant about trying the different coffee flavors, especially since neither of us were regular coffee drinkers. But this trip changed everything. 

We indulged in coffee almost every day, and to our surprise, coconut coffee quickly became our favorite. It was a delightful blend—not too sweet and incredibly refreshing, especially after a long day of exploring the city under the sweltering sun. We made it a mission to try coffee from all the major franchises like Cong Caphe, Highlands, and AHA Coffee, each offering its own unique twist on this beloved beverage.

The Highest View in Hanoi

When we were told that the best views of the city could be found at the 65th-floor observation deck of the Lotte Center, we were intrigued. But what we discovered was even better—Top of Hanoi, the rooftop bar of the Lotte Hotel, two floors above the observation deck. Accessing this exclusive spot required a separate lift, and as we ascended, our ears popped, signaling the incredible height we were reaching.

The view from up there was nothing short of breathtaking. As the sun began to set, a light breeze rustled through the air, accompanied by the upbeat tunes playing from the bar's sound system. Suddenly, all the initial challenges of our trip felt insignificant in comparison to this million-dollar view. It was a moment of pure peace and gratitude, realizing how lucky we were to be there.

We ordered drinks and settled in to watch the sun dip below the horizon. Here's a tip: if you want to snag a good seat, make sure to arrive before 5 PM. While the food and drinks here are on the pricier side, it's worth it. In fact, it's cheaper than paying for the observatory tickets, making it a fantastic deal for the best view in Hanoi.

The Train is Coming

One of the top items on our bucket list for Hanoi was to experience Train Street—a narrow street where trains pass just inches away from people's homes. The idea of sitting in a cozy café, sipping coffee as a train zoomed by, was thrilling.

Hanoi's Train Street is lined with numerous train-themed cafés, each offering a unique atmosphere and a wide range of beverages. We had some trouble figuring out the train schedule at first, as there were rumors that Train Street was closed to visitors due to safety concerns. But we decided to explore anyway, captivated by the beautiful murals painted on the surrounding buildings.

As we strolled along the tracks, we stumbled upon a café with the perfect view, right next to the main road. We ordered our favorite coconut coffee, never expecting to actually see a train. But luck was on our side—a train was scheduled to pass in just 15 minutes!

The excitement was palpable as the train guards began to stop traffic and lower the barriers. The anticipation in the café was electric, with tourists suddenly flocking in to catch a glimpse. The café owner, acting as an impromptu guide, instructed everyone to stay inside and avoid venturing beyond the balcony.

Then, we heard it—the distant horn of the train. Cameras and phones were instantly raised, ready to capture the moment. The train took nearly three minutes to pass, moving slowly but powerfully. The sheer closeness of it was exhilarating—the vibrations, the metallic scent, the thunderous sound of the wheels, and the rush of wind as it passed by. It was an unforgettable experience, definitely a highlight of our trip.

Instagram Streets: From Narrow to Large

Our visit to Hanoi coincided with the approach of the Mid-Autumn Festival, which typically falls in mid-September. The streets of the Old Quarter were beginning to come alive with colorful lanterns, creating a festive atmosphere. 

The pathways here are narrow and crowded, making it a challenge to navigate, especially when compared to the wider streets where colonial buildings and historical landmarks are located.

One of the most fascinating aspects of our time in Hanoi was witnessing the unique Instagram culture among the younger generation. Mostly young women, dressed in their finest outfits and often carrying bouquets of flowers, posed for photos against the backdrop of narrow streets and historic landmarks. Vendors with carts full of vibrant flowers lined the streets, ready to supply the perfect accessory for these impromptu photo shoots. It was like a family outing for some, with parents and even boyfriends joining in on the fun. Food peddlers also benefited from the extra foot traffic, selling drinks and snacks to the burgeoning crowd.

This Instagram phenomenon extended beyond the streets into quaint shops, bakeries, and coffeehouses, where young people would strike poses in front of the counters, and no one seemed to mind. At one point, a young woman offered to take our photo and gifted us a Polaroid snapshot of the moment. She explained that this Instagram culture peaks as autumn approaches and the weather begins to cool, making it a unique seasonal tradition.

Visiting Avatar

Vietnam's natural beauty is nothing short of spectacular, and its limestone formations, resembling scenes straight out of the movie Avatar, are among its most stunning features. We were eager to explore these landscapes, so we booked two day tours—one to Halong Bay and another to Ninh Binh—both known for their breathtaking scenery.

Our Halong Bay tour, unfortunately, was met with drizzle, obscuring the emerald waters that the area is famous for. However, the misty, cloudy weather gave the bay a mysterious, mystical beauty that was equally captivating. 

Part of the tour included a visit to Sung Sot Cave, a sizeable cave with walkways and colored lighting. From below, the steps leading to the cave’s entrance didn’t seem so high, but as we ascended, we quickly began to regret our decision. By the time we reached the top, our legs were wobbly from the climb. The cave itself was humid, and we were drenched in sweat, so the cool weather outside was a welcome relief.

Lunch on the Halong Bay tour was served in an eight-course meal shared among six people. Drinks were available for purchase on board. Here's a tip: bring a metal water bottle, as the boat operators do not allow plastic bottled water to help reduce littering and pollution.

Ninh Binh, located in the Red River Delta of northern Vietnam, was a completely different experience. Lucky for us, we had bright, sunny weather on the day of our tour. A paddleboat tour through Trang An or Tam Coc is an essential Ninh Binh experience. 

We were each allocated our own boatman or woman who expertly paddled us along the gentle current, in the shadow of enormous, jungle-covered karsts. The boats made stops at temples and glided beneath caves along the way. The tour lasted almost two hours, with the option to stop and wander around the small islets, which could extend the duration.

The river was clear and shallow, with green water grass swaying gently with the current and the occasional river fish darting by. We also spotted a few ducks and birds along the river. Navigating through the underground caves was particularly thrilling, as our boatman skillfully maneuvered through narrow openings and dark tunnels, avoiding sharp rocks, stalactites, and columns.

Watching our boatman work so tirelessly was incredible, and we couldn't help but admire his strength and endurance. Our tip: bring an umbrella and apply plenty of sunblock, as it can get hot in the afternoon. The food on this tour was served buffet-style, and once again, drinks were available for purchase only.

Foods Unique Only In Hanoi

Hanoi is a food lover’s paradise, offering an array of dishes that you simply must try during your visit. You can find these culinary delights almost anywhere in the city, with price variations depending on the location. For instance, my favorite snack, Doner Kebab, costs VND40 in the city center but only VND25 near our Airbnb.

While Doner Kebab has Turkish origins, the Vietnamese have made it their own by using a unique triangular bread made from rice flour. The bread is soft and stays fresh longer than the traditional Banh Mi, making it a great snack to carry around.

There were so many Vietnamese foods to try that it was impossible to sample everything in just a few days. If you're short on time, we highly recommend visiting Quan An Ngon Restaurant, which offers a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese street food all in one place, with the added bonus of live cooking. It’s a bit pricier, but it's perfect if you want to experience a little bit of everything in one go. Definitely put it on your list of must-visit places in Hanoi.

Here's a rundown of some of the incredible dishes we tried:

Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup):A quintessential Vietnamese dish, Pho Bo is a hearty soup made with a rich, aromatic broth simmered for hours with beef bones, star anise, and cinnamon. It’s served with tender slices of beef, flat rice noodles, and a mix of fresh herbs like basil and cilantro. The dish is topped off with a squeeze of lime, bean sprouts, and a dash of chili for a perfect balance of flavors. Pho Bo is not just a meal, but an experience that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.

Bun Cha (Grilled Pork with Noodles): Bun Cha is a classic Hanoi dish that we couldn’t get enough of. It consists of grilled pork patties and slices of pork belly served with a side of vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce made of fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and lime. The combination of flavors—savory, sweet, and tangy—made this dish an absolute delight. Don’t forget to mix in some chili and garlic to enhance the taste.

Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls): Banh Cuon is a delicate dish made of thin rice sheets filled with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms, then topped with crispy fried shallots. It’s served with a side of fish sauce for dipping and often accompanied by a slice of Vietnamese pork sausage. The soft, silky texture of the rice rolls combined with the savory filling and the crunch of fried shallots made this a memorable dish.

Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake): Banh Xeo is a crispy, savory pancake made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk. It's filled with a delicious mix of shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, then folded like a crepe. The pancake is served with a fresh assortment of herbs and lettuce, allowing you to wrap up bite-sized portions before dipping them into a tangy, slightly sweet fish sauce. The combination of textures—crunchy pancake, tender fillings, and fresh greens—makes Banh Xeo a must-try dish that is both satisfying and uniquely Vietnamese.

A Glimpse into Hanoi's Museums

Hanoi is not just about the food; it's also a treasure trove of history and culture, reflected in its many museums. During our trip, we visited several, each offering a unique perspective on Vietnam's past. From the life-sized traditional houses at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to the hauntingly real wax figures at Hoa Lo Prison, these museums tell stories that are both fascinating and sometimes chilling.

If you're a history buff or just curious about Vietnam's rich heritage, you'll want to check out my detailed write-up on these museums. I'll be diving deeper into each one, sharing our experiences and tips for making the most of your visit. Discover Hanoi's Museums.

Conclusion

Our journey through Hanoi was a rollercoaster of emotions, from the initial frustrations to the ultimate joys of discovery. As we look back on our time in the city, it’s clear that Hanoi’s charm lies in its ability to surprise and delight at every turn. Whether it’s the vibrant street food scene, the bustling markets, or the breathtaking views from above, Hanoi has something for everyone. 

We left the city with our hearts full and our taste buds satisfied, eager to return and uncover even more of its hidden treasures. If you’re planning a trip to Hanoi, we hope our experiences inspire you to explore the city with an open mind and a sense of adventure.