Vietnam as a country is dotted with centuries-old architecture, beautiful lakes, and tranquil Buddhist pagodas, but I have to say that Hanoi had a lot more to offer being one of the diverse Southeast Asian capitals. A city where motorbikes outnumber the people. For most travellers, this country is synonymous with three things: Frenetic cities, incredible outdoor adventures, and some of the best scenic views on earth.
Hanoi being one of the popular cities in Vietnam, it has a vibe that you either love or hate. Although it is rapidly developing with many shopping malls and luxury hotels, the downtown area is still keeping its traditional culture. It is loud, chaotic, overwhelming and unique in its own way.
On arriving at the Hanoi airport we took our ride straight to Halong Bay where we had booked ourself to stay overnight on the cruise.
There are so many cruise ships taking various routes offering 1N-2N stay at the bay that after several days of researching we finally closed down on one!
The stunning Halong Bay is a major tourist attraction and a must-see stop on your Hanoi itinerary. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to emerald waters and infinite towering limestone isles, islets, and caves topped by lush rainforests.
While going to Ha Long Bay is practically a “yes” for most, the main decision you’d likely be facing is whether you should stay overnight in Ha Long Bay or just make it a day trip?
An overnight stay in Ha Long Bay will definitely enable you to visit more spots and you can climb the jagged peaks of some of the brilliant caves, go boating along the bay, view some of the brilliant sunsets, and catch beautiful sunrise you’re your deck while you learn the art of cooking some Vietnamese dishes too.
Visiting Hidden caves & boating through them or learning Vietnamese Rolls!
This is something you would not be able to do on a day trip though if you are really lacking in time, there’s little other choice.
After soaking ourselves in the Halong Bay we then moved on to exploring the true essence of Hanoi – city! And undoubtedly one of the best ways to learn about this city is to head out on a city tour – on foot or these cycles known as known as xích lô.
The same evening we returned from the cruise, we headed straight to the hidden gem – The Train Street. Seeing the chaos at the entrance we were pretty unsure what awaited us. There are several timetables and timing online for the train schedule but trust me the train schedule is a hit-and-miss and not a train was as per the schedule. The first day when we arrived here we were pretty unlucky to witness the train passing by, having waited for over 2hrs but none of the timing mentioned were true!
The best is to ask the train guard standing right at the entrance. Getting insights from him we planned to come here the next day.
Starting early we planned to visit one of the secreted places on our list in Hanoi which was on the outskirts of city. 1.5hrs away located was the Quang Phu Cau village known as incense stick town.
This Vietnamese village has apparently been making incense sticks for more than 100 years, and bushels of all different colors are laid out in the sun to dry every day, which is very picturesque and a must see sight! Upon arrival we were expecting a large field of incense sticks wanting to floor away in between it. But it reality, it is just a small square of some sticks drying mainly placed for photography.
There are several such spots in the village that you can visit and the locals at the incense village are very welcoming and happy to let you look around and take as many photos as you want. There are even some elevated platforms so you can take pictures of the incense from above, which I found to be the best perspective.
Don’t be very disappointed on arrival, but don’t go there either expecting some large field. Wouldn’t also call it a scam because we got to witness the true culture and art of stick making first hand visiting this small tiny village.
Having the entire day ahead we made it to the Temple of Literature which is an amazing place with precious history, culture, and structure.
Considered as the first national university in Vietnam this is where royal members studied in the past. The sprawling complex is filled with courtyards, pavilions and ponds and showcases the extent of Chinese influence in Vietnam.
After an almost long day and before making a second attempt towards the train street we relaxed at Hoan Kiem Lake.
Centrally located in the middle of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is literary the oasis in the heart of the city. The lake is located in a lovely setting and is strangely peaceful. It is a nice place to relax, run around, or have your coffee to get some break from the hustle-bustle of the city.
We could see a lot of locals here doing exercise, taking aerobic or tai-chi lessons, jogging around the lake, or just enjoying nature in calm and serene surroundings. And in no time at the fall of dusk the lake looked stunning with the bridge illuminated in flaming red. There is a pagoda in the middle of the lake – an often photographed structure – as well as the Ngoc Son Temple in the northern side which you can cross over to via a red bridge.
Surrounded by Old Quarter everything here was at a stone throw away! From Old Quarter it is an easy walk to Hoan Kiem Lake. Worth a quick 30 minutes stop and have a drink during your visit to Hanoi.
Spending a little more time in the infamous Hanoi Old Quarter, all we could comprehend was that within 36 dense streets in the area, every square meter is turned into a little business or shop and the energy pumps are non-stop.
Just around the corner walking through the crowded lanes we arrived at Ta Hien Street, which literally means beer street and is the best street for enjoying the complete nightlife of Hanoi. The street is just only 200 meters long, Ta Hien Street is one of the most crowded streets I have been to in Hanoi filled with tourists and locals alike. Most drinking is just done outside sitting on a small-sized plastic chair right on the street, having beer and food while people watching.
And in no time, the infamous Train Street was already calling us, situated in Old Hanoi Quarter, between Le Duan and Kham Tien street, we made our second attempt.
To gain access to the train street you very well need to know the café owners in advance or have yourself invited. Once seated inside the energy and vibes are just different.
With everyone so curious trying to understand the life of locals here how people shut down their homes and pause activities while the train passes by only a few inches away and then going back to business as usual was something to witness for itself.
Hanoi is an experience to be taken slowly and enjoyed and moreover sinking in the picturesque and beautiful chaos!
Cannot Miss:
- Night Stay at UNESCO World Heritage site Halong Bay
- Visit Temple of Literature for soaking in history
- Catching a drink by Train Street
- Spend evening at Hoan Kiem Lake
- Witness the Incense Stick Village: Quang Phu Cau
- Have drinks dinner at Hanoi Old Quarter
GlobeTrotting365Days: HANOI October 22nd 2024.
