If you want to feel the nostalgic environment of Japan way back to the 80’s, I want to introduce Hanoi in Vietnam. The place is quite similar, but they have an original culture. I have been there for many times but after four years, I went back for a short visit. As I was searching for any development of the place, I have seen more buildings constructed at the center area. Also, there are a lot of condominiums at residential site. You can see a big disparity between the rich and the poor residents, but everyone looks like enjoying their city life. As observed, most of the locals like talking with friends, children were playing outside, parents are taking care with them. Just a simple way of living and routine of every family. Hanoi is a capital city in Vietnam and many passengers coming from anywhere went there.
What should you do at the airport when you arrived? First, buy a local SIM card and exchange the currency. After passing an immigration, there are many shops inside. It is more convenient to choose while at the airport. If you want to avail the cheaper price, you could go to the city area and search the shop locations. Are you able to talk in Vietnamese language? Or do you prefer to stay beside the site- seeing area? If yes, you may forget my recommendation. You can compare the negotiated price at the airport, because some shops were competing to attract customers.
About exchange rate, almost same in city area. So, you should do at the airport. There are money changers in the city but, they are not the same with other countries because there are no signs in front of the shop.
Exchange rate shop is also running the precious metals. You can find them on this street even in Sunday. It is also near beside the site-seeing area so you can go around with money exchange purpose.
In this travel, I prefer to choose an apartment for my accommodation. Normally travelers are occupying the hotel. But I want to live shortly beside natives to feel the neighborhood, and I have another reason, it’s to save travel cost. I got a reservation via apps. Fare is around USD 30 per night inclusive of the use of the kitchen, bathroom, washing machine, air conditioner and some amenities. I can cook in my rented apartment like living in my own house. I really felt so comfortable. You may consider this as one of your choices.
About transportation, grab taxi served there. This is very convenient. You can use from airport to your accommodation. As what I have said a while ago, you should buy SIM at the airport to make your travel a hassle free.
Hồ Hoàn Kiếm
This is the most popular spot here. Locals and tourists walk along the lake and go walking. I am one of those anyway.
If it’s only cooler season, I will spend more time in strolling around, but now it’s June, the air is already humid, and it is no longer comfortable to walk longer at daytime. Around the lake, there are some tourist spots like church. This is the popular religious officialdom in Hanoi. I got a good chance to attend the mass on Sunday morning despite of religious difference. I feel that I released my stress after the mass. So grateful for the rare opportunities.
I ate traditional foods here. Of course, everyone knows PHO and BUN CHA. Both are healthy noodles. You can find these meals easily because there are so many eateries beside streets. You must try these when you visit Hanoi.
In addition to traditional foods, I recommend a wrap vegetable roll. You can wrap the ingredients with paper made of rice by yourself and yum! I love it so much.
Now, let’s go for a drink. This coffeeshop dish- out a signature coffee mixed with an egg. Normally, they only served hot drinks, but this one is warm.
Because of my curiosity about how it tastes, I did not hesitate to order. The taste is a mixture of a little bit bitter and sweet. It’s surprising.
There are so many coffee shops in there. As you step into the city, you can find plenty of coffee shop corners easily because Vietnamese are coffeeholic. I strongly recommend that you must try traditional coffee as it tastes mysteriously. The appearance is slightly viscous, and concentrated. They used condensed milk instead.
I have more information to share about Hanoi. If you have a great chance, you must go there to explore and appreciate the beauty of the place. You won’t regret it though.
