When people ask me which is the best place I’ve visited, I always have a flashback to my time in Vietnam, and especially in Hanoi. Despite travelling to many other cities since taking that first international trip, I always end up coming back to Hanoi when it comes to one of the best cities I’ve ever visited. In recent times, I’ve been glad to see that even Anthony Bourdain, whom I look up to, has a strange fascination for Vietnam’s capital city. Thus, it makes complete sense to share my love of Hanoi with you and tempt you to visit my happy place too.
Street Food
Vietnam’s street food is one of the best things you can experienceAnthony Bourdain famously took Barack Obama when the latter was US President to a rundown food joint in Hanoi for an episode of his travel show. “There is no better place to entertain the leader of the free world, in my opinion, than one of these classic, funky family-run noodle shops you find all over Hanoi,” says Bourdain in the programme. And if the street food is good for these two, you can be rest assured that it’s good for you too. From Bun Cha to Goi Cuon to Banh Mi and the Vietnamese classic dish, Pho, there’s something for everyone in the alleys of Hanoi. Go where the crowds are and you’re sure to discover a gastronomic experience unlike any other.
Old Quarter
Vietnam’s Old Quarter is a maze of streets full of interesting discoveriesHanoi’s Old Quarter is the beating heart of the capital city. The narrow-winding streets are a delightful maze that every visitor must get lost in. There’s a surprise at every bend and the sound of commerce at each turn. You would be hard-pressed to call Vietnam a communist country once you’ve taken a tour of the Old Quarter. It’s also one of the few places where the traffic is somewhat manageable so that your stroll isn’t interrupted by a fleet of motorcycles every few metres.
The Vietnam Vibe
Vietnam’s vibe is unparalleled that is made even better by its peopleLike most metropolitan cities, Hanoi oozes a certain vibe that is hard to find anywhere else in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City included. Whether it’s the group aerobics in the parks to youngsters practicing Da Cau (foot shuttlecock) or the famous hotels that ooze history and even its well-preserved French Quarter, Hanoi is a city that can captivate even the most jaded traveler.
Quirky Museums
Inside Vietnamese Women’s MuseumHanoi’s museums are some of the quirkiest I’ve ever come across. Let’s start with Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum where his body lies embalmed, against his own wish to be cremated! Watching the locals who get overcome with emotion at their leader who gave them freedom is a moving experience in itself. Watching Ho Chi Minh’s body can generate a curious mixture of emotions that can only be understood when you visit his mausoleum. Other interesting museums I discovered include include the Vietnamese Women’s Museum (that showcases ethnic tribes), Hoa Lo Prison Museum (where John McCain was imprisoned) and my favourite, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology that gives you an overview of Vietnamese life and culture like no other museum.
Everything is Cheap
There are lots of places to relax in Hanoi, the One Pillar Pagoda being one of themCapital cities are usually pricier than places inland. Hanoi is an exception to this rule as it’s the only major city with a robust hostel system that also offer some great deals to surrounding landmarks such as Sapa Valley and Ha Long Bay. You also get fresh beer for dirt cheap at one of the many bia hoi joints in the Old Quarter. Most museums in the city are on the cheaper side as well helping you save additional costs while free attractions include the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, One Pillar Pagoda and West Lake where you can sip Vietnamese coffee and people-watch to your heart’s content.
All images copyright. Featured image from Unsplash.
PS: If you like what you are reading, please consider subscribing to my email newsletter on the right. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest on travel.
