Cart is empty So it’s Friday again, and my journey is to Hanoi, Vietnam.
There are few places on this planet that etch a permanent picture in my memory and Hanoi is one of them. I was lucky to visit this amazing city, and it was worth every dollar, or should I say Vietnamese dong spent. With the backdrop of old quarter monuments and colonial architecture, it has accommodated modern day hustle bustle owing to the reality development and tourism boom. However, the one thing that I will not miss about Hanoi is the chaotic traffic caused by an abundance of motorbikes.
A Glance of The City
Lakes, parks, shady boulevards and umpteen pagodas add to Hanoi’s attractiveness. Being highly compact with multiple winding streets, I saw people who were proud of their culture, enjoying their noodles or sip drip coffee. Street hawkers adorning conical hats are found in every nook and corner selling anything and everything under the sun. Buzzing sounds of motorbikes, the delicious aroma of street food and a heady concoction of different scents leave you enthralled by the urban experience. Word of Caution – This place is hardly for relaxing, but for those who want to energize and pump up some fun in their mundane lives, then you must visit Hanoi.
Things to do
– Stroll around the lake: The Hoan Kiem Lake offers a taste of Hanoi life by depicting different personalities with every changing hour. The wallpaper beauty, serene atmosphere and people of all ages practicing Tai Chi, badminton, jogging or just chilling around. Ngoc Son Temple sits on an island in the north most of the lake. Many vendors around the lake will be persistent to sell postcards, maps, books or shine your shoes and even click your photo with a backdrop of the lake.
– The Old Quarter: Also known as an Ancient quarter, is made of 36 streets selling different commodities. The shops along the Hang Quat Street have a stellar display of lacquered items like candles, bowls, vase, picture frames, religious shrines and decorative pieces. Lovers of Home décor and antique may go crazy buying stuff here due to the rock bottom prices. If clothes and textile interest you, hit the Hang Gay Street, where expert craftsman offer you the best silk and personally tailored suits. Women, who can’t think beyond shoes when shopping, will bless Hanoi for Hang Dau Street, where the array of shoes is a sight to behold. At all these places do not forget to bargain hard.
– Hoa Lo Prison Museum: If you are into history, then you will find many thought-provoking moments while visiting this historical monument. Most exhibits reflect the war struggle of Vietnam for Independence from France, with boards giving details on the torture techniques and barbarous repressions. Sewer doors served as an escape route for many prisoners. Don’t miss the fascinating tale of Almond tree in the prison compound. My trip to the Hoa Lo Prison Museum was a great experience and I highly recommend it.
– Other attractions: You can also treat your eyes to the beauty of the Co Loa Citadel, The Temple of Literature, “One-Pillar” Pagoda and Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. Take a ride on the “Cyclo,” a unique vehicle to trot the city. The distances are short, so you can do most of the exploration by walking. I was mesmerized by the abundance of fruits, veggies, seafood, and bikes overloaded not with passengers but with countless goods and bags.
While the roots of the city are deeply cemented in the History, contemporary habits have a strong appeal to the modern Hanoians especially the youth. A plethora of restaurants, cafes, ritzy shopping malls and designer boutiques have cropped up all around the town. Fancy beauty parlors offering fashion on the go at competitive rates lure the locals and tourists alike.
Places to Stay
Hanoi gives you comfort at a great budget price. While you can always opt for mid-range to high-end swanky hotels, if you like to party then try a hostel so that you can meet other crazy travelers.
I chose the Hanoi Backpackers’ Hostel that comes with free Wi-Fi, clean A/C rooms, rooftop BBQs, exceedingly friendly staff and fun drinking games. Rates are between $10-30 per day including breakfast. Nightlife is happening in Hanoi with many restaurants hosting regular parties and DJ Latin Dance Nights. I got no rest in Hanoi because there were so much to see and do.
Transportation
Noi Bai International Airport serves major international flights. I flew Air Asia from Bangkok to Hanoi for about $60 US then opted for VietjetAir from Hanoi to my next destination city, Danang. Both airlines offer decent service and clean cabin for a low-cost domestic carrier. The tickets are available at affordable rates and can be booked online the day before. Most hotels ad hostels offer transportation service from the airport for about $20.
Quick Tips
– If possible, avoid the summer months from May to September as the city temperatures are sweltering giving your sauna bath 24/7
– If traveling by bus, always ask the conductor to help with your stop as you might get confused with numerous bus lines, or the stop being missed for the want of clear signboard or announcement
– Jewelry shops, especially on the Ha Trung road offer better exchange rates for your cash as compared to banks and hotels. Avoid the black market people on the street.
You are sure to get enchanted by this “Paris of East” unscathed by decades of war and booming urbanization. Pack your bag to Hanoi and Live Like Friday!