Hey beautiful friends & enemies~

Vietnam has always been a curious destination for me, and I finally got the chance to explore its vibrant capital, Hanoi in summer 2023. It was a 3 nights 4 days trip. From the bustling streets filled with motorbikes to the historic architecture that blends French colonial past with traditional Vietnamese elements, Hanoi is truly a city that captures the essence of the country. In this post, I’ll share my first impressions of Hanoi, dive into the rich cultural experiences I had, and talk about everything I’ve experienced. So, join me as I explore this incredible city and its unique charm.

I traveled to Vietnam with my friend Jyuni, and of course, I had to encounter some self-inflicted difficulties along the way. Since Jyuni is Korean, she didn’t need a visa to visit Vietnam. But as someone with a European passport, I was in a different situation. Naturally, I completely forgot that I needed a visa! It wasn’t until just three days before our trip, during a casual outing with friends, when someone casually asked, “Hey, have you got your visa sorted?” That was my wake-up call. Panic set in as I rushed to complete the online visa registration right away. Thankfully, I managed to get everything sorted just a couple of hours before our flight. I was shaking with nerves up until the last minute! So, folks, a little tip: don’t forget your visa! Trust me, it’s much better to get it sorted early than to face last-minute stress.

Now before we start a quick introduction to the country. Vietnam is a socialist republic with a one-party system, led by the Communist Party of Vietnam. The country has been under communist rule since 1975, after the end of the Vietnam War, when North and South Vietnam were unified. Despite being a communist country, Vietnam has embraced a more market-oriented economy since the Đổi Mới (Renovation) reforms in the late 1980s. These reforms opened door to greater foreign investment and trade, leading to rapid economic growth and development, especially in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. However, political freedoms are limited, and the Communist Party maintains tight control over the country’s governance. Hanoi, the capital, is a fascinating blend of old-world charm and modern energy. As one of the oldest capitals in the world, it boasts centuries-old architecture, like the French-style buildings and historic temples, alongside the hustle and bustle of daily life. The city’s Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets filled with street food vendors and local shops, offering a deep dive into Vietnamese culture. Hanoi is also famous for its lakes, like Hoan Kiem Lake, which serves as a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

With all the excitement of our journey, we boarded the plane and arrived in Hanoi just a few hours later. It was already quite late by the time we landed, so we hopped in a cab and headed straight to our hotel. But of course, no adventure truly begins without a midnight snack, right? Craving something local, we ventured out into the quiet, lantern-lit streets—and we struck gold. We found a cozy little spot serving pho, the iconic Vietnamese noodle soup. Made with a deeply flavorful broth, silky rice noodles, fresh herbs, and your choice of tender beef (pho bo) or chicken (pho ga), it was everything we needed and more. Light yet satisfying, it hit the spot perfectly after a long day of travel.Of course, we didn’t stop there. We also indulged in some classic Vietnamese bites like crispy spring rolls and juicy slices of fresh mango—because when in Hanoi, why not start your culinary journey right away?

Our hotel was great, and the buffet breakfast was fantastic. Despite having a severe allergy to fruits, I couldn’t resist stuffing myself with apple mangos (even though I knew better). But.. They were just too delicious!

Unfortunately, the weather didn’t play in our favor. It was extremely humid and hot, yet it was also quite cloudy and rainy at times. Our plan to relax at the hotel pool quickly fell apart as the weather just wasn’t cooperating. But hey, it’s all part of the adventure, right?

On our first day in Vietnam, we went on a motorcycle tour, and it was an absolute blast! It was actually my first time ever riding a motorcycle, which added to the thrill. Before we hit the road, we decided to do something super touristy and bought traditional Vietnamese costumes (ao dai), which was a lot of fun and definitely a cool experience.

Our guides were around our age, young, fluent in English, and, of course, locals. They took us to the must-see tourist attractions, like Hoan Kiem Lake (Hồ Hoàn Kiếm) and the famous train street (Ng. 224 Lê Duẩn, Đống Đa, Hà Nội, Vietnam), but they also showed us some hidden gems that most tourists don’t know about, which made the experience feel so much more authentic. Along the way, they told us something interesting: in Vietnam, it’s common for women to do most of the hard work, while men often take it easy and relax. Hmm, that was definitely an eye-opener! What more, they introduced couple of local places with amazing food.

Another thing we made sure to do every day (sometimes twice a day!) was get a massage. Whether it was a hot stone, facial, or a back and foot massage, we couldn’t get enough. And the best part? It was incredibly affordable—about 20-30 bucks for a two-hour session. Talk about a deal!

We also ate a lot of local food, but there was one place we couldn’t resist trying: a popular pizzeria that was packed with locals. There was no chance of getting a seat without a reservation. It was a bit of a break from Vietnamese food, but we were definitely glad we gave it a try! And ofc ourse some ice cream with mango as desert! Now, on to the culture shock… As an introvert, I found it a bit nerve-wracking that street vendors and salespeople often tried to grab your hand or touch you while enthusiastically shouting their sales pitch. It definitely took me by surprise, but I guess it’s just part of the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese street life!

The next morning, Jyuni and I set off on our much-anticipated Ha Long Bay tour. We had pre-booked a boat tour, so everything was smooth and easy from the start. As we left Hanoi behind, the scenery quickly turned lush and green—Vietnam’s countryside in all its peaceful beauty. On the way to the bay, we made a quick but fascinating stop at a pearl farm, where we got to see how pearls are cultivated and harvested. It was such a unique experience, and definitely not something we expected!

Once we reached Ha Long Bay, we boarded our boat and began cruising through the emerald waters, surrounded by towering limestone karsts. Along the way, we took a break and hopped into kayaks, paddling through serene waters and exploring hidden lagoons. It was an incredible way to get up close to the bay’s natural beauty.

Our final stop was a stunning island with caves (I forgot its name.. lol), where we explored dramatic formations that looked like something out of a fantasy movie. The caves were home to bats, adding an extra layer of excitement to our adventure. It was the perfect mix of nature, adventure, and peaceful vibes. Ha Long Bay truly lived up to the hype!

The next day was our last in Hanoi, but since our flight wasn’t until the evening, we had time to squeeze in a bit more exploration. We started our day with a relaxing coffee at a local café, then set out to enjoy a few more of the city’s attractions before saying our goodbyes.

We eventually signed up for a cooking class—a perfect final taste of Vietnamese culture. The experience began with a visit to a bustling local market, where we shopped for fresh ingredients alongside our guide. It was a fun and colorful way to see how locals source their produce, herbs, and spices. Back at the kitchen, we rolled up our sleeves and learned how to make a few Vietnamese classics, including the beloved pho and the unique, creamy egg coffee. It was hands-on, delicious, and such a memorable way to wrap up our time in Vietnam before heading to the airport.

And eventually it was now the end of the journey and we had to head back to reality – Seoul.

And for now…

…stay tuned

Au revoir

– M