Explore Hanoi: Perfect City Walk with Food, Accommodation, and Transportation Tips

After spending two years in Vietnam and traveling from south to north, I still prefer Hanoi much more than Ho Chi Minh City. The attractions in Ho Chi Minh City can mostly be found as alternatives domestically, while many of the experiences in Hanoi cannot be replicated at home. If it’s your first time visiting Hanoi, I recommend planning a trip of at least three days and two nights.

🌈About Entry and Exit
1⃣ Passport: Must have a validity of more than 6 months, and must not be damaged.
2⃣ Visa Application: Before planning your trip to Vietnam, don’t forget to get an e-visa! It usually takes about 3-5 days to process.
🔸Landing Visa: A pre-approval letter is required for a landing visa.
🔸E-Visa: Can be processed from home, simple and convenient, highly recommended! (Filling guide is at the end of the images)

🌈[Attractions]
1⃣ [Hanoi Train Street]
Google Maps: Hanoi Train Street
Experience the thrill of trains passing right next to you. Trains generally pass around 8:30 AM, 12 PM, and 3:30 PM. The train schedule is not very accurate, so meeting one is a matter of luck.

2⃣ [St. Joseph Cathedral]
Google Maps: St. Joseph Cathedral
A smaller version of Notre Dame, there was a ceremony on New Year’s Day, and I attended a prayer session. The Cong coffee shop across the street is also great for photos.

3⃣ [Old Streets]
The buildings around the cathedral and in the Tokyo Plaza area are quite beautiful and worth a leisurely stroll.

4️⃣ [Cafe Giảng Egg Coffee]
The original egg coffee shop, worth a try, tastes a bit like crème brûlée. It’s advised that those with sensitive stomachs do not try it on an empty stomach, as it is made with raw eggs.

5️⃣ [La Badiane Hanoi]
Michelin-starred French cuisine. Remember to make a reservation before going, you can book through their Facebook or Instagram. The food is excellent 👍🏻

✅ Accommodation:
Stay in the Old Quarter, where most attractions and dining options are within walking distance. Highly recommend Concon House, which has a great location and is very cost-effective, around RMB 100 per person.

✅ Currency Exchange:
Exchanged 200 RMB at the Hanoi customs, the rate was 1:3500. This place offers a good exchange rate in the city, with the RMB rate being 1:3550. It’s suggested to ask around; if the rate is below 3500, it’s not worth exchanging.
📍: QUANG HUY GEMSTONE

✅ Transportation:
Download Grab (for taxi services). When arriving at the airport, avoid taking the airport taxis as they are more expensive. Use Grab and choose cash payment.
🌈At the end of the images, I’ve provided a guide for applying for a Vietnamese e-visa. I couldn’t complete it online in a day, but using this guide, it took only 3 minutes. Personally tested and highly recommended!