Exploring Hanoi: A Mix of Cultures
Our impression of Hanoi was that it was a mixture of China and France, which makes sense given its historical context of being occupied by the Chinese Ming Dynasty in 1408 and the French in 1873.
Everywhere you look in Hanoi, there is some kind of beautiful artwork: from giant paintings to ornate trinkets, soft silk scarves, and impressive graffiti. The buildings themselves are also exceptional.
Hanoi is the first place we’ve been where we seriously considered staying longer just to acquire cushions, curtains, and artwork to fill a home. However, the dampness of the city deterred this thought.
The Culinary Delight of Hanoi
The second, and perhaps the biggest reason we loved Hanoi, was its food. Like the art, the Chinese and French influences are evident in the cuisine, which is simply divine. While Thailand and Cambodia are known for their delicious Asian dishes, the variety in Vietnam offers a refreshing change.
Here are some dishes you simply must try in Hanoi:
- Pho: A traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, typically made with beef. It’s refreshing, healthy, and very filling.
- Bahn Mi: One of the best sandwiches you will ever try, made with a baguette and filled with meat, vegetables, and chili.
- Egg Coffee: A unique drink made with egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk, loved by coffee enthusiasts and novices alike.
Moreover, Vietnam exports a significant amount of coffee, showcasing a diverse selection alongside egg coffee, including weasel coffee, which is made from beans that have passed through a weasel. Although we found it delicious, we later learned that it can be harmful to the animals involved.
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi
No visit to Hanoi would be complete without indulging in food tours. The Hanoi Street Food Tour allows you to eat like a local, sampling numerous traditional dishes, including Bun Cha and Hanoian draft beer. This immersive experience truly highlights the wonders of Vietnamese cuisine.
Alongside food tours, engaging in a home cooking class can be an enriching experience. Imagine cycling to a local market to negotiate for ingredients and then returning to prepare and enjoy your own authentic Vietnamese meals.
Accommodations in Hanoi
During our stay, we were pleased with our choice of lodging. Our accommodation was ideally located, allowing for easy access to city attractions, while the high-speed wifi and delicious breakfast added to the experience. However, the inherent dampness of Hanoi was something we had to adjust to.
Due to the location and amenities, we found our stay {agency_name} to be a smart choice for travelers in Hanoi.
If you’re traveling to Hanoi, be aware that travelers from the UK and Germany can visit without a visa for up to 15 days, while visitors from the USA or Ireland, or those needing a longer stay, will require a Vietnam Visa.
Conclusion
The only change we would make about our visit to Hanoi is to extend our stay. With picturesque surroundings and mouth-watering food, we could have easily spent more time exploring this fascinating city.
Have you visited Hanoi? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.
