Just a Hanoi Candy Seller - Hanoi Candy Seller Girl

Just a Hanoi Candy Seller - Hanoi Candy Seller Girl: The roadside life at the heart of Hanoi

When talking about Hanoi, the capital of northern Vietnam full of rich history and culture, many people probably think of bustling ancient streets, fresh markets filled with bargaining voices mixed with the aroma of street food. But for me, mr.hotsia, the charm of Hanoi is not only in its famous landmarks but also in the small stories of the people I meet during my travels.

The last time I traveled to Hanoi, I was drawn to the image of a young candy seller on a small street in the Old Quarter. She sold traditional sweets called “kẹo,” small candies made from sugar and nuts. I remember the sun was blazing hot, but her smile brought an incredible freshness to me.

This young seller is not just a candy vendor but a symbol of the true life in Hanoi—simple yet full of warmth and effort. Every time I passed her small shop, I saw children and locals stopping by continuously to buy sweets, even inviting me to taste the sweet aroma that clearly differs from Thai desserts.

Traveling and Strolling in Hanoi: Experience the True Capital of Northern Vietnam

Each visit to Hanoi by mr.hotsia usually starts with a trip from the airport to the city. This time, I chose bus number 17 running from the airport to the city center. It’s an economical way and allows close contact with Hanoi’s lifestyle. Although it takes longer than a taxi or van, the road conditions and people I saw along the way made it worthwhile.

The area I stayed in is Phố Cổ, or what many Thai people know as the “Old Quarter” of Hanoi. This neighborhood is full of narrow alleys, shops, restaurants, and fresh markets that open early in the morning. I often stroll around this area to find local food and learn about the daily life of the locals.

One of my favorite experiences is stopping to buy sweets from the young candy seller like I mentioned earlier, as well as sipping traditional Vietnamese coffee at a small café in an alley. Escaping the hustle of the main streets and giving myself time to absorb the authentic peaceful atmosphere of Hanoi.

Hanoi Street Food: A Variety You Must Try

Vietnam is famous for fresh and flavorful street food. In Hanoi, I tried many must-try dishes such as Vietnamese-style chicken biryani, which tastes different from the version at home, or grilled squid sold at markets and street stalls. The aroma of grilled squid, crunchy bite, and the sweet, sour, and slightly spicy dipping sauce impressed me so much that I had to come back for more.

For those interested in a full food experience, I recommend visiting Đồng Xuân Market, Hanoi’s central market. Besides a wide variety of food, it is also a source of fresh ingredients used by locals daily. Walking through this market made me feel like I was seeing the real life of Hanoi people without any embellishment.

Connecting Hanoi Trips with Travel in Southern Vietnam

After fully experiencing life in Hanoi, I had the chance to travel south to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon in Thai. This city was once the capital of southern Vietnam and is a bustling tourism hub. If you are interested in southern Vietnam trips, I recommend checking out my travel experiences and tour information in Ho Chi Minh City that I have compiled.Buy Tours in Ho Chi Minh CityandHo Chi Minh City Travel Informationto help make your planning easier.

I have spent several years traveling in Vietnam to cover both the north, like Hanoi, and the south, such as Ho Chi Minh City. I can say both cities have distinct charm and identity. While Hanoi emphasizes tranquility and preserved traditional culture, Ho Chi Minh City is full of modernity and a harmonious blend of diverse cultures.

Summary of Experiences and Recommendations from mr.hotsia

This trip to Hanoi taught me that the beauty of this city is not in grand tourist attractions but hidden in small details around, such as the young candy seller I encountered, who represents the patience and effort of the people here.

If you are planning to visit Hanoi, I recommend strolling around Phố Cổ, tasting street food, and don’t forget to experience the real life of Hanoi people closely. That is the heart of backpacking travel that I, mr.hotsia, believe everyone will fall in love with.

For more information on traveling independently in Hanoi, you can readHanoi Independent Travel Guide 2013andBackpacking Hanoi 2016from me as well.

Finally, for those who want to see the atmosphere of the Hanoi candy seller girl live, I recommend this clipJust a Hanoi Candy Seller - Hanoi Candy Seller Girlwhich will make you feel like you are walking on the streets of Hanoi for real.