Hanoi

Hanoi Highlights!

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Vietnam is one of my favorite countries, packed with history, stunning landscapes, cultural highlights, beautiful people and amazing food. It’s one of the most exciting destinations in South East Asia. However, you haven’t experienced Vietnam until you’ve visited the noisy, vibrant capital city of Hanoi.  The crumbling colonial buildings, street vendors and traditional tubular shops make this destination truly unique.

When I arrived in the traffic-choked streets of the Old Quarter I remember feeling very culture shocked. The roads were chaotic like nothing I’d ever experienced before. Day one in Hanoi, we woke and set off to walk around the city to see some popular tourist destinations – Oh boy! Was this a mistake! Walking around the streets of Vietnam or even crossing the road is next to impossible for those who aren’t use to it. If you’re thinking of visiting Vietnam, do yourself a favor and don’t try to drive around Hanoi. The best thing we did while in Hanoi was booking a tour. I’m not usually a tour person, I usually enjoy travelling on my own schedule and exploring destinations at my own pace however this wasn’t really possible in Hanoi. 

We booked a tour with Hanoi Backstreet Tours. Their tour provided a local insight to the ins and outs of Hanoi, showcasing what it’s like to live in Hanoi. We spent the day zigzagging through the narrow backstreets of the Old Quarter, visiting old French boulevards and making our way along the Red river amongst farms and banana tree plantations. This tour also gave us the chance to taste some of the most delicious dishes of Hanoi and visit some of the city’s most famous landmarks such as Railway street and the black market (places which aren’t easily accessible by tourists).

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Hanoi Backstreet Tours also stops off at Cau Long Bien which is an old railway bridge connecting two districts, Hoan Kiem and Long Bien of the city of Hanoi. Under the bridge, refugees and poor families live in boats on the Red River coming from rural areas of Vietnam and surrounding countries. If you’re not afraid of heights, walk into the center of the bridge to snap some amazing photos!

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You should know, before I left for Vietnam, my Mum made me promise to not get on the back of any motorcycles, and being the good daughter that I am, I ensured her there would be absolutely, 100%, no motorcycles…oops – sorry mum!

With that in mind, this tour was safe and by far one of the best decisions I could have made all trip! The tour guides were very informative and made sure to make the tour safe and enjoyable. 

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Finally, no trip to Hanoi would be complete without tasting some of Vietnam’s street foods such as a Banh Mi and their famous egg coffee. I would recommend Banh Mi 25 and Café Giang for a Ca Phe Trung (egg coffee).  Café Giang have been serving this traditional brew for over 70 years. Giang Café was originally founded by Mr. Nguyen Gian in 1946, the famous egg coffee recipe has remained in the family ever since!