Discovering the Charm: Why I Prefer Chaotic Hanoi Over Ho Chi Minh City 🇻🇳
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Vietnam 🇻🇳 three times, with two trips to Ho Chi Minh City and three to Hanoi. After exploring from the south to the north, I still find Hanoi far more captivating than Ho Chi Minh City. While many attractions in Ho Chi Minh City have counterparts elsewhere in the country, the unique experiences in Hanoi are truly one-of-a-kind.
If it’s your first time in Hanoi, I highly recommend planning a stay of at least three days and two nights to fully immerse yourself in its charm.
✅ About Entry and Exit
In my three entries into Vietnam 🇻🇳, I was never asked for a tip. However, on one occasion while exiting through Nha Trang, I was requested to give a tip, which I firmly declined. I strongly advise everyone to do the same. Even though the amount might be small, it’s unfair treatment, and we should confidently say no 🙅🏻♂️ to such practices, especially when they are unjust to China 🇨🇳.
⭕️ Visa: To save money, I suggest applying for an e-visa yourself, which costs $25 and can be exchanged for a separate visa upon arrival. If you prefer convenience, you can also get a sticker visa on Taobao, though it will cost a bit more.
✅ 9 Must-Visit Spots in Hanoi
1️⃣ Railway Street Coffee
This is hands down my favorite spot in Hanoi, where trains whiz by just inches away. During the day, you’ll need to buy a coffee (priced at 40K, which is quite reasonable) to enjoy the experience. At night, you can freely enter without any restrictions.
Recommended coffee shop: Railway Cafe Tuan, which boasts the best vantage point.
2️⃣ Long Bien Train Station
Built by the French, this suburban station is adjacent to the iconic Long Bien Bridge, often referred to as the “Eiffel Tower” of railways. The station has been in operation for over a century.
Not recommended: Serein Cafe & Lounge, as the prices are 3-4 times higher than regular coffee shops, offering very little value for money. The balcony view is not significantly different from what you can see at the station.
3️⃣ St. Joseph Cathedral
4️⃣ Hoan Kiem Lake and Turtle Tower
5️⃣ Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum / Temple of Literature / Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (optional)
6️⃣ Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square (the nearby coffee building is perfect for Instagram-worthy photos)
7️⃣ Hanoi Opera House
8️⃣ Hanoi Old Quarter (highly recommended to stay in this area or nearby for a true local experience)
9️⃣ Pub Street (easily found with a quick search, it’s a lively spot for evening entertainment)
✅ 6 Recommended Cafes and Restaurants
1️⃣ Quán Ăn Ngon (a delightful Vietnamese restaurant; booking in advance is advisable due to its popularity)
2️⃣ Kem Trứng Bà Khanh (famous for its egg coffee, a must-try)
3️⃣ Highlands Coffee (Ho Guom branch) / Think of it as the Vietnamese version of Starbucks.
This branch by West Lake offers the most scenic and comfortable setting.
4️⃣ Tiệm Mỳ Hùng Ký (located on Roof Tile Grilled Meat Street, open only at night, a fantastic spot for late-night dining)
5️⃣ Café Aguri (near the Temple of Literature, known for its excellent coffee)
6️⃣ Phuc Long Coffee & Tea (a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee)
