walk around HANOI 2016 Morning walk in Hanoi 2016

Morning walk in Hanoi 2016 with mr.hotsia

One morning in 2016, I, mr.hotsia, had the opportunity to walk around Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, a city full of life and a historical atmosphere that still lingers on every street corner. This visit to Hanoi was not just a casual tourism trip but a genuine experience of the local lifestyle through walking and living in this uniquely charming city.

After landing from Lao Airlines, which I chose for a direct flight from Vientiane to Hanoi at a reasonable price of about 4,000 baht, continuing into the city was easy and convenient. I chose to take bus number 17 from the airport because it was an economical way and did not require long waiting like a van. Although it took a bit longer, it allowed me to enjoy the scenery along the way filled with old buildings and local shops lined up distinctively.

Morning atmosphere of Hanoi

The morning in Hanoi is filled with the calls of vendors from the fresh market and the aroma of Vietnamese food being prepared from early dawn. I started my walk from the Phố Cổ (Old Quarter) area, an old town district with narrow streets and alleys full of shops and local restaurants open from early morning. Walking through these alleys made me feel like I was traveling back in time to ancient Hanoi.

Here, there are banh mi bread shops popular among locals for breakfast, Vietnamese coffee shops serving slow-drip coffee with sweetened condensed milk, and chicken rice porridge or grilled sticky rice with pork shops with enticing aromas that made me eager to try.Vietnamese chicken biryaniMade fresh by the owner with a rich flavor and fragrant spices, perfect for the cool morning weather.

Lifestyle and morning market in Hanoi

A short walk further, I stopped to see the fresh market bustling with community members selecting ingredients. This market is like the heart of the community reflecting a simple yet lively lifestyle. Fresh vegetables, colorful fruits, fish, and seafood are neatly arranged. The hustle of vendors and bargaining voices made me feel excited as if watching a real-life story movie without embellishment.

Besides the fresh market, seeing locals eating street food like spicy grilled squid is another joy I did not miss to watch and taste, as shown in the clip.Vietnamese grilled squidThat I recorded myself shows that street food here is not only cheap and delicious but also full of friendliness from the owners and a warm atmosphere.

Travel and accommodation in Hanoi

For travelers who want to visit Hanoi on their own, I recommend readingBackpacking Hanoi 2016which I have written before. It will help you understand traveling within this city in detail and choose suitable accommodations more easily. The Old Quarter is a good base for budget travelers because it offers affordable lodging, delicious food, and convenient transportation.

Hanoi from mr.hotsia's perspective