HANOI // VIETNAM

Hanoi is like a gigantic beehive but instead of bees there are motorcycle and scooters buzzing around in every direction at full speed. We were told that the Old Quarter district of Hanoi was a party spot but what we found was more like a scene from Lampoon’s Animal House, where anything goes. Climbing out of a taxi at our hotel we were greeted with a loud applause. “Wahooo White Women!!!" screamed a shirtless guy from the back of a scooter moving at an extreme speed, weaving through a packed street full of partygoers. For tourists, Hanoi is the last major travel hub in SE Asia before China and it comes with a refreshingly cool air when the rest of Vietnam and neighboring countries are seeing oppressive heat. Hanoi has a special feel with the energy of locals and travelers mixing in the street. While the pace of things can be overwhelming the people are warm and you can use your feet to get yourself around the best parts of the city. We came to Hanoi to utilize it as a launching point to other venues in Vietnam and found ourselves in love with the city so much that we didn’t want to leave.

FOOD // STREET EATER'S PARADISE

As we made our way further into SE Asia, heading south through Laos and crossing paths with familiar faces, we began to hear rumblings about the food in Vietnam. “We’re going for the food!” we heard over and over again from Swedes, French, Germans, Canadians alike. While food is a big part of why I enjoy traveling, it doesn't typically drive our choice of destination. Northern Vietnam has so much adventure and sightseeing variety for travelers but the food reigns in the bustling city of Hanoi. Street food to be precise. We situated ourselves in the thick of the action in the Old Quarter, a neighborhood dating back to the 13th century, where locals and expats co-mingle and pho and rice noodles can be found as easily as baguettes in France. My nose always deep in my phone searching for the most authentic hole in the wall, the best fine dining for a splurge meal, or let’s be honest, the closest pizza or burger joint, I decided to take break from the research and let this one happen organically. After a lot of time spent sitting in buses getting to Vietnam, I set out for a run after getting checking in at our hotel. I began taking inventory of all the spots I cruised by and couldn’t wait to sit crouched down at a communal table, on a stool that appears to be for a child, slurping up noodles. My recommendation for a day of eating: Start early with a coffee and some fresh banh tieu (Vietnamese sesame donuts) while posted up on a step to take in the crowds as they pass by in droves on foot and scooter. Enjoy a nice stroll around the Hoan Kiem lake and the Dong Xuan market taking in the beautiful Vietnamese sights and culture AND building up your appetite for lunch. Stop in for some professional noodle soup at Pho 10 where you’ll share tables with a local business men and women and a few lucky tourists inhaling this local specialty. After some more city exploration, cool off with some coconut ice-cream coffee (yes this exists) before closing out your day-long eat fest at a streetside restaurant. I say follow your nose and the crowds to find the perfect spot. Sample the bia hoi, a non-preserved draft beer brewed fresh and delivered to local businesses. There are plenty of bars and karaoke joints in the area for post-dinner libations, just remember to start early. Hanoi, among other cities in Vietnam, shut down well before midnight.

HIT THESE 'HOBOS' HOT SPOTS

Dine // Pho 10 // Mouthwatering pho for you

Dine // Cong Caphe // Hip Coffee Shop, try the coconut ice-cream coffee

Drink //Ta Hien Street // Party in the street

Stay // Hanoi Holiday Diamond // Cheap and clean in a good location

Run // Ho Hoan Kiem Lake// Nice park, ask a local about the legend of the lake