Discovering Joy: Exploring Hanoi’s Playful Side with Local Delights ππ₯π΅π»π³
I spent 3 days and 2 nights in Hanoi during the Spring Festival, immersing myself in the vibrant local culture. Exchanging for Vietnamese Dong, I found myself holding a stack of bills worth millions. Each time I made a payment, I had to meticulously count the zeros, distinguishing between ten thousand and a hundred thousand.
However, the shop owners were incredibly kind and often helped us sort out the correct amount, understanding our confusion. Their warm smiles and assistance made every transaction a pleasant experience.
Staying next to Hoan Kiem Lake was incredibly convenient. A short stroll led me to the bustling 36 Streets, charming coffee shops, quaint train alleys, and the majestic cathedral. The area was a perfect blend of history and modernity, offering endless exploration opportunities.
Pho, whether it’s chicken or beef, is simply delightful when the broth is fresh. I particularly enjoyed the pork-filled baguette with its sweet, honey-glazed roasted meat flavor. It was a delicious and satisfying treat.
Navigating the streets required caution due to the abundance of motorcycles, but as long as you remained alert, safety wasn’t a significant concern. The most enjoyable part was sitting in a π»π³ coffee shop with chairs facing the street, savoring the view. This unique setup allowed me to soak in the lively atmosphere and watch the world go by, a true highlight of my trip.
βοΈ Additional tips:
On the first day of the New Year, we paid a 100 RMB tip per person to expedite our passage through the Dongxing border, saving us at least 2 hours. After crossing, we exchanged money near where our business car was parked, securing an exchange rate of 3520. In Hanoi, we exchanged again at a slightly lower rate of 3400.
