Travel Hanoi

Travel Hanoi, the capital of northern Vietnam, with mr.hotsia

Hanoi or Hà Nội, the capital of northern Vietnam, is one of the destinations I, mr.hotsia, often visit. This city has a history of over a hundred years, a unique charm, and is often compared to Chiang Mai in our country. Hanoi perfectly blends classic charm with vibrant life, ideal for those who want to experience the old town atmosphere without the intense heat of southern Vietnam.

I often use Hanoi as a base to explore important northern attractions such as Sapa, Ha Long Bay, or even Mai Chau. Hanoi is conveniently located with direct flights from Bangkok via airlines like AirAsia, with ticket prices around 3,500 THB. Alternatively, backpackers often take the bus from Vientiane to Hanoi, especially the sleeper bus costing only 900 THB, which is very convenient and economical (for details, see my articleBackpacking Hanoi 2016that I wrote).

Experience Hanoi Life by Hoan Kiem Lake

When visiting Hanoi, if you want to truly absorb the local lifestyle, I recommend strolling around the Hoan Kiem Lake area in the evening until night. This is the heart of Hanoi where locals and young people come to exercise, chat, or simply watch the city's activity. I, mr.hotsia, really enjoy this atmosphere because it is lively and warm with a friendly vibe. Sitting by the lake or at roadside coffee shops offers a different perspective from typical big cities.

While in this area, I usually sip Vietnamese coffee with watermelon seeds (a unique feature of coffee here) and chat with locals I meet. If you want to try something new, walk over to nibble on grilled pork leg by the roadside, a local dish with a flavor as good as anywhere else.

Vietnamese Food in Hanoi with Local Flavors

Food in Hanoi is very diverse, from street food stalls with dishes priced at 50-80 THB to lakeside Thai restaurants where prices may be a bit higher at around 100+ THB. But I guarantee every dish is tasty and fresh. Of course, I, mr.hotsia, never miss trying popular dishes like Vietnamese grilled button squid or chicken biryani with rich flavors (see sample clips atVietnamese Grilled Button SquidandVietnamese Chicken Biryani)

There are also interesting local dishes such as Nem Thang, which has a perfectly balanced sweet and sour taste, suitable for those who like strong flavors (see accompanying clip atVietnamese Nem Thang)

Hanoi Accommodation, Choose as You Like

Hanoi offers accommodations at various levels, from dorms starting at just 5 USD per night to mid-range and high-end hotels priced around 30 USD and up. Most budget accommodations are located around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, convenient for travel and sightseeing. I, mr.hotsia, usually use the website hotsia.co to find accommodations that fit my budget and comfort needs.

Must-See Attractions in Hanoi

If you come to Hanoi, I, mr.hotsia, recommend watching the famous water puppet show. Tickets are inexpensive at only 90 THB, but if you want to take photos or use a video camera, there is an additional fee of 20,000 VND. It is worth the experience that is hard to find elsewhere. There are also various museums and ancient temples around Hoan Kiem Lake that are very interesting.

Transportation and Safety

Getting around Hanoi is quite convenient with buses, vans, and taxis available. However, I, mr.hotsia, recommend using buses because they are economical and have shorter wait times compared to vans. Also, crossing the street in Hanoi requires some practice because the traffic is full of motorcycles and cars weaving without traffic lights. But if you walk steadily without stopping, you will cross safely. I witnessed a motorcycle accident here once, but it was minor and the drivers quickly separated without issues.

Regarding tourist safety, Hanoi is very safe. I have never encountered serious problems. Even walking at night feels safe, unlike in the past when there were issues with touts or overcharging. Now, the Vietnamese authorities have managed these problems very well.

Trips Continuing from Hanoi

Hanoi is the central hub for northern tourism. There are tours to Sapa, Ha Long Bay, and other important cities. Traveling by bus within the country and across borders is very convenient. Ticket offices are scattered throughout the city. You can compare prices or choose tour packages as you like. But I recommend comparing prices from two or three places before deciding because some tour companies send customers around hotels, which may not always be the best value.

If you have read my articles about tours in Ho Chi Minh City (such asBuying Tours in Ho Chi Minh City), you will see that each region of Vietnam has its own highlights. But if you want to experience northern Vietnamese culture, Hanoi is the best choice.

Summary of Impressions from mr.hotsia

After visiting Hanoi five times, I, mr.hotsia, can confirm that this city has a truly unique charm. The weather is not too hot, the culture is diverse, the food is delicious, and accommodations suit every budget. The convenience of transportation and safety allow tourists to walk around comfortably.

If you are looking for a city that blends history, lifestyle, and modernity while still feeling local, Hanoi is the answer.

Enjoy your trip to Hanoi. Sincerely, mr.hotsia, April 2011