Confusing Intersection Hanoi Vietnam 2016 HANOI VIETNAM

Confusing Intersection Hanoi Vietnam 2016 by mr.hotsia

When talking about Hanoi in 2016, for me, mr.hotsia, it feels like a city full of vibrancy and chaos in a way you won't easily find elsewhere. Hanoi is not just the capital of Vietnam but also a center of culture, lifestyle, and travel that perfectly blends the old with the modern.

I arrived in Hanoi via Lao Airlines from Vientiane early in the morning. The fare was about 4,000 baht, which is quite affordable for a direct flight. After landing, there are several options to get into the city, but for me, mr.hotsia, I chose to take bus number 17 from the airport because it is cheap and offers a more local atmosphere than taxis or vans, which are more expensive and require waiting.

Upon entering Hanoi city, the first thing I encountered was the “Confusing Intersection” where many might feel lost, and I have experienced this myself. At that intersection, motorcycles move so fast it's hard to keep up. The honking is deafening, mixed with the smell of smoke and the hustle of people crossing each other. This is the raw charm of Hanoi that many might not understand unless they see it with their own eyes.

Street Life and the Intensity of Hanoi's Way of Life

I enjoy walking through the alleys in the Phố cổ (Old Quarter), an ancient area full of local eateries, coffee shops, and authentic Vietnamese atmosphere. Here, you will see locals sitting on small plastic chairs by the roadside, chatting amid street vendors selling a variety of foods from pork rice porridge, bánh mì with snails, to grilled button squid which I tried and was very impressed by (if you want to fully taste Vietnamese food, check out my grilled button squid video).Here)

What makes Hanoi different from Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City is the feeling of slow calmness in some corners, while at the same time, there is hustle and bustle in others. I once took a night stroll, stopping by the old market and street food stalls filled with the aroma of spices and fresh herbs. Dishes like Vietnamese chicken biryani are among my favorites that you should not miss (you can watch the Vietnamese chicken biryani video).Here)

Travel and Relaxation in Hanoi

On many occasions when I return to Hanoi, I choose to stay in the Phố cổ area because it suits backpackers like me. Accommodations are affordable, close to tourist spots and local eateries, and convenient for traveling around the city. There are also many bus routes connecting the airport and important locations, making travel easier and more economical.

If anyone is interested in detailed information about traveling Hanoi independently, I have written a comprehensive article.Backpacking Hanoi 2016It includes details about accommodation, transportation, and interesting activities in the city.

Hanoi with Diverse Beliefs and Cultures

One thing I am impressed with in Hanoi is its religious and cultural diversity. Although it is the capital of northern Vietnam, you will see unique temples and religious sites such as Cao Dai Temple, a new religion blending ideas from many world religions. I have written about it in an article.Cao Dai Religion TempleIt offers a peaceful and unique feeling, even though it is quite far from Hanoi city center.

Summary of mr.hotsia's Confusing Intersection Experience

If you want to experience the real side of Hanoi, not just the beautiful brochure images, I recommend coming to walk around this confusing intersection yourself. Feel the honking, the voices, the traffic sounds, and the aroma of street food in the air. The confusion itself is the charm that makes Hanoi lively and intriguing. And if you want to know Vietnam more deeply, don't forget to read my article.Travel Hanoito prepare yourself before the trip.

For this trip, I, mr.hotsia, would like to share a video of the atmosphere at the confusing intersection in Hanoi to help you visualize and prepare better.Click to watch the video here