THINGS TO DO IN HANOI 🇻🇳
Hanoi
- train track (address: 5 tran phu. look for their schedule. i caught the train at 320pm. best to go earlier to get a good seat)
- hoan kiem lake
- st joseph cathedral
- 🍵 : chasen chan, artisan (matcha bar)
- mega grand world (catch the free bus from opera house. basically a ghost town. dont recommend)
- cafe giang (first cafe selling egg coffee)
- shopping: ba trieu street (more boutique shops), chua boc + dang van ngu (more casualwear, both streets are near each other)
day trip
- halong bay
sapa
- cat cat village (please remember to take the motorbike up to the exit 💀💀)
- glass bridge
- alpine coaster
- fansipan
- watch monorail from viettrekking cafe
tip: cash is still largely the mode of payment in hanoi. most of the clothing stores only accept cash.
most attractions in sapa also only accept cash
If you're planning a trip to Hanoi, I highly recommend dedicating some time to Cat Cat Village, located near Sapa. Don’t miss the vibrant rainbow slide there, perfect for a playful photo opportunity and just a short trek from the village exit. Just a heads-up: it involves a steep set of stairs on the way out, so consider taking a motorbike for a more comfortable exit. For those who love shopping, Hanoi offers a variety of streets that cater to different styles and budgets. Ba Trieu street is known for its boutique shops with more upscale items, while Chua Boc and Dang Van Ngu streets provide excellent options for casual wear and affordable fashion. These streets are close to each other, making it convenient to explore multiple areas in one go. Foodies shouldn’t miss the chance to try the iconic egg coffee at Cafe Giang, a historic spot that’s been serving this unique drink for decades. Also, if you are into matcha, Chasen Chan's Artisan Matcha Bar is a delightful find. A useful tip when visiting Hanoi is to carry enough cash, as many shops and attractions, especially in Sapa and smaller markets, still prefer cash payments over cards. While exploring Hanoi, make sure to schedule your visit to the train track at 5 Tran Phu carefully. Trains pass through a narrow street multiple times a day, and arriving early guarantees a good spot to watch the train come through safely and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere around. Finally, don’t forget to explore the nearby must-see cultural sites like Tran Quoc Pagoda and Ngoc Son Temple, as well as relaxing strolls by Hoan Kiem Lake and visiting St. Joseph Cathedral for a touch of local history.