Pinned on Places

After experiencing some of what France has to offer in Normandy, we went back home and decided it was time. Alessa and I have always wanted to travel and we decided to take the next step. It was time to travel around the world, literally. We have always had an interest in Asia, and with everything aligned, we booked our first flight… to Hanoi, Vietnam!

Hanoi is a sensory overload in the best possible way. It is a city where centuries-old architecture, legendary street food, and a chaotic river of motorbikes create an energy that is entirely its own. For a first-timer, the key is to try and embrace the “organized chaos” rather than fighting it.

Typically, most of your first visit will revolve around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. This is, of course, the city’s spiritual heart and social hub. Take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake during the day and at sunset, and you might capture precious moments of local aunties dancing and people working out. Then, head into the Old Quarter where the real fun begins—this historic district is uniquely organized by trade and is best explored by getting safely lost.

Our best tip for your first day or two is to jump on the open-top Hanoi Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing buses. It’s a comfortable, stress-free, and flexible way for first-time visitors to discover Hanoi’s main attractions at their own pace, complete with an audio guide to learn about the history while riding. We used it for a whole day, and cost just a fraction of what it does in the UK.

You have probably seen this next place plastered everywhere on social media: the iconic Train Street, arguably the most famous alley in Asia. A live railway line runs through a residential street so narrow that people have to pull their chairs inside when the train whistles. It is surreal, loud, and perfectly captures Hanoi’s “make-it-work” attitude.

Trains pass just inches from homes and cafes, creating a unique and photogenic urban spectacle. There are many different cafes to choose from to sit down and enjoy the passing train, whether on the sidelines or up on a balcony. Watch out for scammers who claim you must pay a fee just to enter the street; instead, simply let a friendly cafe owner, like the folks at Huong Le, who lead you to their spot to enjoy a drink safely.

Beyond the Old Quarter, Hanoi’s history is anchored by grand imperial sites and sobering monuments. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum allows you to explore a remarkable compound to see the final resting place of “Uncle Ho,” the most important man in Vietnam’s history who unified the North and South.

Nearby, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long serves as a peaceful UNESCO World Heritage site that acted as the political center of Vietnam for 13 consecutive centuries—ideal for a slow, reflective walk away from the crowds. If you want another quiet spot, seek out Hồ Hữu Tiệp (the B-52 Lake) in the residential Ngoc Ha neighborhood. This lake holds the rusted wreckage of an American B-52 bomber shot down in 1972, and the connected museum features two floors of war memorabilia with completely free entry and parking.

Our absolute favorite experience, however, was visiting the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, famously and ironically nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton.” Originally built by the French in 1896 to hold Vietnamese revolutionaries, its formidable 4-meter-high walls topped with broken glass and electric wires were designed to prevent escape. It later housed American POWs during the Vietnam War. Inside, the heavy atmosphere, stark displays, grim cachot cells, and preserved underground escape sewers present a raw look into the immense courage of those held here.

If you want to experience Hanoi without the relentless intensity of the center, Trúc Bạch Lake is your sanctuary. Located just a 20-minute walk from the Old Quarter, this neighborhood is a masterclass in Hanoian leisure—a scenic mix of French colonial villas, a legendary food scene, and quiet lakeside walks.

Be sure to cross the tiny bridge to Đền Thủy Trung Tiên, a photogenic temple sitting on its own miniature island dedicated to a prophetic dog from the Ly Dynasty. Truc Bach is the perfect place for first-timers who want to feel like a resident rather than an overwhelmed tourist.

Hanoi is a city that gets better the deeper you dig. Start with the greatest hits around the lake, but make sure to spend at least one afternoon in a neighborhood like Ngoc Ha or Truc Bach to see the local soul of the city.

We started the adventure with the idea of documenting our journey, in our fashion, recording stuff we did and what you can do in the places we visit. We hope you continue following us on this journey!

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Till Next Time!