A Day to remember!
Best of Hanoi
In my previous article, I shared some of the wonders of Bangkok, but now, let’s dive into another captivating capital in Southeast Asia—Hanoi. Nestled on the banks of the Red River in northern Vietnam, Hanoi, officially known as Hà Nội, is a city where ancient traditions harmonize with modern vibrancy. With French colonial architecture, historical landmarks, and an array of delicious foods to discover, this city is as dynamic as it is culturally rich. We stayed in the Tay Ho district, also known as West Lake, a popular area among expats and travelers alike. Its stunning views of the largest freshwater lake in the city, Hồ Tây, and its relaxed atmosphere make it the perfect base for exploring Hanoi.
Vietnam is a wonderful country in Southeast Asia, known for its breathtaking landscapes and lively culture. You can explore everything from the stunning mountains in the north to the beautiful beaches and lush rice fields in the south. The cities, like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, are full of history, energy, and friendly people. Vietnamese food is a big highlight, offering a delicious mix of fresh ingredients and bold flavors that everyone loves. Plus, it’s easy to visit Vietnam, as you can get a three-month visa online, making your travel plans simple. With so much to see and do, Vietnam is a fantastic destination for any traveler!
Best Beverage in Vietnam- Coffee
When visiting Vietnam, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in local culture is by experiencing the country’s vibrant coffee scene. Vietnam is one of the world’s largest coffee producers, and its cafes offer a unique, rich coffee style that blends French influence with Vietnamese tradition. Whether you’re sipping cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk) on a busy street corner or enjoying a phin-filtered black coffee at a quiet café, you’ll find that Vietnamese coffee is an integral part of daily life. Be sure to take the time to relax and enjoy this local tradition during your travels
Best of HANOI
Hanoi has a population of over 8 million people. The city is filled with bikes, with about 5 million on the roads, making them a popular way to get around. Most people in Hanoi follow a mix of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, reflecting the city’s rich culture. The community includes young professionals, students, and families, all of whom add to the lively atmosphere while maintaining traditional values.
Interesting facts about Hanoi include its 1,000-year history, which is reflected in its stunning architecture, from ancient temples to colonial buildings. The city is also home to the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, which is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Hanoi is famous for its delicious street food, with dishes like pho and banh mi drawing food lovers from all over. Additionally, it hosts a unique water puppet show, a traditional art form that dates back to the 11th century. The blend of modern life and deep-rooted traditions makes Hanoi a fascinating place to explore.
Best things to see in HANOI
Hanoi is a city rich in history and culture, with a variety of must-see landmarks. Start with the Presidential Palace, an elegant French colonial building that reflects Vietnam’s political history and is surrounded by lush gardens. In contrast, the bustling Old Quarter offers a vibrant glimpse of traditional Vietnamese life, with its narrow streets, local markets, and historic architecture. For a truly unique experience, head to Train Street, where you can witness a train passing through a narrow alley just inches from homes. For those interested in spiritual sites, visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest pagoda, beautifully situated on the shores of West Lake. Finally, explore the serene Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Each of these sites reveals a different facet of Hanoi’s charm.
From Hanoi, you can easily access some incredible destinations that are worth exploring, and I’ll be sharing more about these in upcoming articles. For example, a trip to Ninh Binh offers stunning landscapes of limestone karsts and tranquil rivers, earning it the nickname “Ha Long Bay on land.” Ha Long Bay itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands. If you’re looking for mountain adventures, Sapa is a breathtaking destination known for its terraced rice fields and vibrant hill tribe culture. Another must-see is the Perfume Pagoda, a complex of Buddhist temples nestled in the mountains and accessible via a scenic boat ride.
There are plenty of online platforms where you can book organized trips to these destinations with small groups of tourists. I personally used Viator, which made the booking process easy and quick. Alternatively, if you prefer exploring Hanoi itself, you can hire a bike or use the Grab app to book rides conveniently around the city.
Best Vegan food in Hanoi
Hanoi is a paradise for vegan food lovers, with options that were a welcome change from the heavier, coconut-laden dishes we enjoyed in Thailand. Vietnamese vegan cuisine is lighter, and I loved the emphasis on fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and hearty rice-based dishes. We found everything from Chinese-style vegan meals to creative kebab-style options, plus a range of vegan desserts like cakes and shakes that were the perfect sweet finish. But what we loved most were the Vietnamese buffet-style spots where you can build your own plate. This made for a super satisfying and diverse dining experience, giving us a real taste of Vietnam’s plant-based variety.
One place we kept coming back to was An Lạc Chay Quán, just a short walk from our stay. From the outside, it looks like a small, cozy cafe, but once you step inside, it’s surprisingly spacious with calming decor and gentle music that makes it feel so welcoming. Their buffet was a steal—only 50 VND for five dishes, each packed with flavor and topped with spicy sauce and roasted peanuts. And let’s not forget the unlimited broth-style soup and tea, perfect for unwinding. Their drink menu is just as impressive, with options like homemade kombucha. The lemongrass flavor was my go-to! The friendly staff was a plus, and if you’re lucky, you might get to meet Tom, the owner’s friendly pup who hangs out by the counter. Although we did try a few dishes from their menu, like their comforting mushroom soup, the buffet was hard to beat for variety and value.
When we craved something different, Kiez Vegan was our pick. It has a laid-back American diner vibe, with mouthwatering vegan kebabs, juicy burgers, thick milkshakes, and a great selection of sweets. This spot is right by the main road, so it’s easy to find. While we often ordered delivery, dining in gave us a chance to take in the chill vibe. It’s a bit like a taste of home but with a Hanoi twist, which we loved!
Another gem was Green Inn in Hanoi Headquarters, where we splurged on their Sunday all-you-can-eat buffet. The food was so fresh and delicious, with everything from soups to lighter dishes and plenty of spring rolls, both fried and fresh. Their dipping sauces? Absolutely next level—I still think about them! The staff was super helpful, guiding us on how to enjoy certain dishes with herbs or wrapped in leaves, making the whole experience even more authentic.
On our last night, we couldn’t resist a visit to Burgeryyy Downtown for their epic vegan burgers. While it’s a bit pricier than the local spots, these burgers were absolutely worth it! Packed with fillings and flavors, they were massive and juicy. After dinner, we wandered through the lively streets, soaking up the city’s energy. Hanoi was alive with people dancing in the parks, little shops open late, music drifting through the air, and a sea of motorbikes weaving through traffic. It was a perfect way to end our Hanoi journey, with vegan delights and the unforgettable buzz of the city.
When in Vietnam, don’t forget to try their famous bánh mì – a delicious Vietnamese sandwich typically made with a crispy baguette, filled with a variety of savory ingredients. For a vegan option, look for the word chay, which means “vegetarian” or “vegan.” You’ll find bánh mì chay stands around almost every corner, so you’re never far from a tasty bite!
