Exploring Vietnam & Selling Dreams in Hanoi

Exploring Vietnam & Selling Dreams in Hanoi

What sets Vietnam apart from the rest?

Where do you start with Vietnam? Vietnam has a lot of similarities to other Southeast Asia countries but also many differences. So, what makes Vietnam different and worth a visit? Sit back and let me tell you about my first experience in Vietnam and you can make the decision for yourself.

After arriving in Bangkok Thailand and spending some time, I next had to decide on one city in Vietnam. There are two large cities that attract the most tourist, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City. This is a very difficult decision because before traveling you only have word of mouth and some personal research to decide. Will my decision lead to me selling dreams in Hanoi or partying in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City offers a very westernized atmosphere with big clubs and tons of city activities to fill your time. On the other side of the spectrum, Hanoi offers a much more traditional setting and is only a day trip from Halong Bay. Both cities are amazing and have their pros and cons but I choose Hanoi first because after researching and talking to a few travelers I got the sense that Hanoi would be a city that would allow me to experience a more traditional Vietnam. Read my Ho Chi Minh City review and you can figure out what city fits you best.

Selling Dreams in Hanoi Vietnam Awaits

When entering a country for the first time I generally want to go to whatever city can allow me to feel an authentic atmosphere. From the moment you arrive in Hanoi, you feel the authenticity. The city is large with lots to offer but not overly westernized. Like any large city, there are parts of the city that are more westernized but in Hanoi, a vast majority of the city is still being built upon. The streets are full of vendors and small family-run restaurants that offer some amazing Vietnamese food.

The majority of the locals were welcoming and smiled. It is always nice to feel like the locals are not bothered by you being in their cities. Many travelers reading this know exactly what I am talking about. When you arrive in a city and the first look you get is smug with a sense of unwantedness it can put you in a very weird mood. Lucky for us, Hanoi Vietnam was the exact opposite of that.

Hanoi Traffic

The Hanoi traffic is some of the most congested and chaotic traffic cities I have seen in the world. However, there is also a sense of flow to it as well. I found a high-rise rooftop coffee bar, City View Café, that was located directly over the busiest intersection. You get to sip coffee and watch the traffic chaos take place. It was very mesmerizing and confusing all at the same time. Locals will just walk through the traffic and there are no lights and barely any signs but it all flows and there were no accidents the whole time I watched.

This is all part of the authenticity I mentioned above. The traffic was not modern cars and trucks. The traffic was hundreds up buggies, mopeds, and tuk-tuks. Sitting up on this rooftop while watching traffic and sipping on some coffee is a must-do activity in Hanoi Vietnam. I know it may not be a typical touristy activity, but I assure you that as you sit on the rooftop and watch the traffic for 20-30 minutes you will be happy you did. Authenticity is priceless and something I’m always on the search for.

Old Quarter & Hostel Life

The Old Quarter of Hanoi is set up to be very easily navigated but the traffic can and will catch you off-guard. Navigating a city center when you first arrive can be a very daunting task. Hanoi’s city center is not the case. The city center is wrapped around Hoan Kiem lake. This beautiful lake allows the city center to be explored easily and time efficiently. You can go down any road you want as long as you can see where the lake is then you can navigate back.

Checking out the city center is a great first-day activity. The Hanoi Old Quarter will off Colonial-style building and many Buddhist temples. Dining in the Old Quarter can be very enjoyable as well. The one thing you need to do when visiting Hanoi is to eat some Vietnamese noodles. There are tons of small shops selling noodles. Just point to the menu and bottoms up. While I travel, I try to be open myself to anything and everything when it comes to food. I can most defiantly understand being scared to do this. I was very timid to try new foods in the beginning but now I try as many as I can get my hands on. Now, I am going to be honest with you, some food will be awful ha-ha, but some will blow your mind. You will not know until you try.

Halong Bay

The number #1 tourist attraction in and around Hanoi Vietnam is Halong Bay. Halong Bay is an activity that draws thousands to Vietnam each and every year. The islands of Halong Bay offer mesmerizing views and was worth every penny.  Halong Bay encompasses numerous islands covered in lush forest and surrounded by emerald-colored waters. In 1994 Halong Bay was designated as a “UNESCO World Heritage Site.” There are over 1600+ recorded islets (i.e. small islands) that make up Halong Bay. Many travelers across the globe debate whether or not Halong Bay is a must-see due to all the party boats that now shuffle the islands with tourist. Personally, I think that decision should be left up to the individual. After climbing to the top of “Ti Top Island” and seeing the view the answer was simple, 100% worth it.

Selling Dreams in Hanoi Wrap Up

Hanoi Vietnam is a phenomenal city that I will try and visit as many times as the locals will have me. The culture is magnificent, and the people are welcoming. The food is tasty, and the adventures are endless. Hanoi Vietnam is a city that can be explored by veteran travelers or absolute newbies. Hanoi never made men feel out of place and I urge any and every traveler that hasn’t been to put it on their list.

Next Up, Check Out “Ping Pong Show in Bangkok.”