VIETNAM – HANOI

Vietnam – Hanoi: After spending almost a month of our planned three month trip across Asia exploring parts of Malaysia, my lifelong friend Dina and I flew from Malaysia’s capital city of Kuala Lumpur to Hanoi, Vietnam. At the start, Dina had asked me which of our destinations I was looking forward to the most during our trip, and I’d resoundingly replied ‘Hanoi!’

This was simply because, despite this being my third trip to Vietnam, I hadn’t ever been to Hanoi before. On previous trips, I’ve explored Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta in the South. Hoi An, Cua Dai and An Bang, in the Central Region. Then Haiphong, Cat Ba Island, LanHa Bay and HaLong Bay in the Northern Region while somehow missing out on Hanoi!

Hanoi has officially been the capital of Vietnam since the reunification of North and South Vietnam in 1976. I’d anticipated a city full of history and with an incredible energy.

Read on to find out where we stayed (a hotel in the Old Quarter near to Hoan Kiem Lake) and how we made the most of our first exciting full day exploring Hanoi via the Hop On Hop Off Tourist Bus and on foot to The Old Quarter, Train Street, The Temple of Literature, The Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the Hanoi I-Museum Immersive Digital Art Experience.

If you’re reading this because you are interested in exploring Vietnam – and I highly recommend you do – then below you’ll find lots of useful and informative links for help you find accommodations and also my recommended experiences in Vietnam. You might also like to read my most popular post on When Is The Best And Worst Time To Visit Vietnam.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• VIETNAM – HANOI
• HANOI OLD QUARTER
• WHERE TO STAY IN HANOI
• GUIDED TOURS OF VIETNAM
• HANOI HOP ON HOP OFF TOURIST BUS
• TRAIN STREET HANOI
• THE TEMPLE OF LITERATURE HANOI
• HOAN KIEM LAKE
• THE HO CHI MINH MUSEUM AND MAUSELEUM
• THE HANOI I-MUSEUM IMMERSIVE DIGITAL ART EXPERIENCE
• MY AWFUL VIETNAM SICKNESS BUG
• TAKING THE CHAPA HERITAGE TRAIN FROM HANOI TO SAPA
• READ ALL MY ASIA DIARIES
• THE RESOURCES I USE TO PLAN AND BOOK MY TRAVEL ITINERARIES
• HELPING YOU PLAN YOUR OWN TRAVEL ADVENTURE
• THIS STORY IN THE MEDIA

VIETNAM HANOI OLD QUARTER

In Hanoi, we would be staying in the historic Old Quarter, where we’d have Pho for breakfast, be enveloped in the narrow streets and crazy traffic and waves of motorbikes, the enticing aromas of Vietnamese coffee and street food, ancient buildings and temples, and the famously chaotic Hanoi vibe!

We stayed for four nights at the centrally located boutique Eliana Signature Hotel which I would highly recommend to you as the hotel was everything you could want (including breakfast). The rooms were lovely but the best thing by far – was the lovely friendly and genuinely caring staff – especially when I was poorly as they went to the pharmacy for me and without me asking kept bringing me fresh and warm ginger and lemon tea to my room to help me feel better.

We also stayed for one day at the Homestay Chat – self check in apartment – a small and inexpensive room at an exceptional location close to Hanoi Train Station, which gave us a quiet base to rest in after checking out of Eliana Signature Hotel and before leaving on our overnight Chapa Heritage Train for the high north of Vietnam and Sapa, later that evening.

See below for more on this fabulous heritage train journey and source your tickets from Klook!

Then, a few days later, after returning to Hanoi from Sapa (not a heritage train this time but on a luxury minibus) we stayed for one night at another lovely hotel in Hanoi called La Sinfonia Citadel Hotel before heading over to the Noi Bai International Airport and taking a morning flight onto the Central Region of Vietnam to the Royal City of Hue.

WHERE TO STAY IN HANOI

After travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Vietnam Hanoi by air we took a taxi to our hotel, checked in and dropped off our bags, to get our bearings and to wander the streets looking for something authentically Vietnamese to eat. We found a small restaurant and ordered fresh Vietnamese rolls and bun cha (rice vermicelli dipped in soup with pork) and it was delicious. The next morning, we were up early for breakfast at our hotel and we headed out to explore more of Hanoi.

GUIDED TOURS OF VIETNAM

If you want to travel to Vietnam but you don’t want to book everything independently and would rather have the planning done for you and would prefer a guided adventure privately or as part of a group then I will suggest you take a look at TourRadar. I’m associated with TourRadar and they have a fabulous choice of tours and holidays and cruises all over the world at really great prices. I’m looking at booking some of their tours for myself over the next year. If you’d like to discuss specific tours with me then get in touch and I’ll do my best to advise you.

HANOI HOP ON HOP OFF TOURIST BUS

Our plan was to take the hop on hop off Hanoi tourist bus that circles all the main tourist sights and attractions and historical landmarks, which is a great way to get orientated in Hanoi. The ticket is valid for 24 hours and the bus has fourteen stopping points around the city so you can hop off where you want, to explore streets and landmarks, and then re-join the bus later. Along the route you can listen to the audio guide explaining all the local landmarks in multiple languages. Visit iconic Hanoi sites including the Thang Long Citadel, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and more. We bought our tickets online and conveniently from Klook.

TRAIN STREET HANOI

Dina and I both wanted to experience the famous Hanoi ‘Train Street’. Situated along the railway line passing through the Old Quarter and Ba Dinh residential districts (notably along Phùng Hưng Street and Lê Duẩn) where scheduled train’s run along the tracks just inches from the front doors of homes and cafes!

By chance, we’ ‘d arrived just a few minutes before a train appeared, so we took a seat at a small table lining the track and ordered a beer. Café owners check (and shout out) to make sure tables and seats and tourists are sitting back far enough as there is no room for error! See my video – what an incredible and crazy experience!

THE TEMPLE OF LITERATURE HANOI

Next on the agenda – The Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám) – Built in 1070AD under Emperor Lý Thánh Tông and now dedicated to Confucius, this now iconic complex is a celebrated monument to Vietnamese education and architecture. As a writer myself,  visiting The Temple Of Literature was a special experience for me.

HOAN KIEM LAKE

A slow stroll around the perimeter of Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of Hanoi is a lovely thing to do as much of the pathway is shaded by the trees and there is so much to see and to experience here. It’s so nice to stop off at various points to enjoy a Vietnamese egg coffee (my favourite is actually the iced coconut coffee) or for some food at a street food stall or small café. It’s also a place to people watch as it’s where you can catch the tourist bus and there’s always lots happening around the lake from children playing to groups of elders practicing Tai Chi. I spotted a young Vietnamese couple in tradition outfits having a photoshoot featuring a bicycle – such a romantic image – in wonderful surroundings.

Then, if you are brave enough to cross the road – my tip is to shadow older or much younger Vietnamese people – it’s interesting and fun to browse and to shop in the small shops and stalls that line the street opposite the lake, selling souvenirs and trinkets and t-shirts and bags.

THE HO CHI MINH MUSEUM AND MAUSOLEUM

Dominating the heart of Ba Dinh Square, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum complex stands as Hanoi’s most politically significant and deeply revered historic site. The monumental Soviet-style granite mausoleum holds the preserved body of Vietnam’s iconic hero and founding father, ‘Uncle Ho’ – who died in 1969 – and draws queues of locals and curious travellers moving in quiet single-file to pay their respects. The mausoleum is one of Asia’s most visited monuments.

Unfortunately, on the morning we attended the mausoleum, we’d arrived too late as it had closed its doors early. I was so disappointed. Visiting hours are limited and take place in the morning only. Schedules vary slightly by season, so planning ahead is essential. Entry to the mausoleum is free but there is a charge for the museum.

Just a short walk through the manicured grounds brings you to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, which is a striking lotus-inspired structure that chronicles the leader’s life, global travels, and revolutionary legacy through a unique mix of historical artifacts, his clothes and personal belongings, and symbolic art installations. I really enjoyed walking around the museum seeing all the exhibits honouring President Ho Chi Minh and his life devoted to Vietnam’s independence. Check times and get tickets for the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

THE HANOI IMMERSIVE DIGITAL ART EXPERIENCE

The Hanoi I-Museum is an immersive art experience that is well worth a visit. We enjoyed this on our last day as we had an hour or so to spare before leaving for the airport and I highly recommend it to you as it is a visual treat that is also relaxing. I recommend you check opening times and buy tickets online from Klook.

MY AWFUL VIETNAM SICKNESS BUG

At that, my wonderful friends, is the extend of my experience of Hanoi. Because, for the next three days and nights, I was confined to my hotel room with a awful sickness bug.

It could have been food poisoning but, to be honest, I suspect that – despite my attention to hygiene and using hand wipes often – I’d picked up a bacteria bug somewhere and it was just one of those awful and inconvenient things that can happen when travelling or at home. Thankfully, Dina was unaffected, and so she continued to explore Hanoi on her own using the hop on hop off bus as her transport around the city while I was incapacitated.

But on day three, still feeling sick and sorry for myself and being confined to my room – mostly my bathroom – I knew that in the next 24 hours I needed to be well enough to take an overnight train to our next destination of Sapa, in the northernmost part of Vietnam. I’d also realised medicines I’d acquired from the local pharmacy (Imodium etc) were only treating my symptoms and not the actual cause of issue and that my best option for a speedy recovery would be to see a doctor at the international hospital in Hanoi.

I phoned ahead for an appointment. Saw a doctor straight away. My symptoms were discussed. I opted not to have a diagnostic blood test because I was sure that what I had was just your common-tourist-bug and that a dose of antibiotics, anti-cramp meds, the electrolytes and a course of pro-biotics, would do the trick.

They did – and 24 hours later – I was feeling weak but much better and able to travel on. Hurrah! As an interesting note: the hospital appointment, doctor’s consultation and all meds, only cost me £70. I didn’t need to bother using my travel insurance as the excess on my policy happened to be £70! I always recommend travelling with travel insurance. See my popular and helpful post on Over 50’s Guide To Travel Insurance.

TAKING THE CHAPA HERITAGE TRAIN FROM HANOI TO SAPA

The following evening, Dina and I were really excited for the stage of our trip. We were taking the overnight (approx. an eight hour journey) on the Chapa Heritage Train from Hanoi to Lao Cai Station at the base of the mountains. Then a minibus would take us the last 20 miles on a winding mountain road up to Sapa Town.

For our departure from Hanoi rail station, we convened in the Chapa Lounge, where we were offered a drink and a snack before being invited to board The Chapa Heritage Train.

We had booked our own twin boutique sleeper cabin on the luxury heritage train with its warm wood panelling, rich brocade patterned drapes, and modern comforts.

I was actually reluctant to leave the train the morning because I’d slept so well feeling rocked to sleep and cocooned in our lovely cabin!

We bought our Chapa Heritage Train tickets conveniently online and in advance from Klook.

But soon, it was morning and we’d arrived at Lao Cai Station, from where from the train we boarded a minibus with other passengers heading up the winding mountain pass road, to reach our fabulous and beautiful hotel (I’ve stayed in hundreds of hotels all over the world but I will claim this hotel in Sapa is the best hotel I’ve ever stayed!).

This is where we’d spend the next four days of our trip exploring Sapa Town and also scaling the highest peak in Vietnam – Mount Fansipan – known as the Roof of Indochina!

THE RESOURCES I USE TO PLAN AND BOOK MY TRAVEL ITINERARIES

SKYSCANNER .NET – I use Skyscanner website as a search engine to find and compare flights and source best flights. But I believe it’s always important to book the flight you’ve selected directly with the airline – as if anything goes wrong you are dealing directly with the airline rather than a third party agent.

AIR ASIA – my favourite budget airline when I’m flying around Asia – the main hub is Kuala Lumpur Terminal 2.

BOOKING.COM – this is my favourite for booking site for hotels and accomodation. I use the Booking.com App on my phone to reserve and to book – it’s quick and easy and I often choose the free cancellation period option in case I change my mind and rebook. I have achieved ‘genius’ level through my (hundreds) of bookings over the years. This often gives me discounts and perks like free breakfasts and room upgrades in selected accommodations. I’ve never had any problems or issues with Booking Dotcom so I’m happy to recommend booking with them.

EXPEDIA UK – travel site for booking flights, accommodations, holiday packages, car hire and more.

AGODA .COM – travel site for booking hotels and transport and things to do at your destination.

HOTELS .COM – booking site for hotel accommodation.

VRBO .COM – booking site for hotels and accommodation.

KLOOK.COM – this is my favourite attraction ticket website – I use the App on my phone – to easily book tickets and tours.

GET YOUR GUIDE – discover and book things to do and tours at your destination.

TOURRADAR – If you don’t want to book everything independently and would rather have the planning done for you and would prefer a guided adventure as part of a group then I will suggest taking a look at TourRadar. I’m associated with TourRadar and they have a fabulous choice of tours and holidays and cruises all over the world at really great prices. I’m looking at booking some of their tours for myself next year. If you’d like to discuss specific tours with me then get in touch and I’ll do my best to advise you.

HELPING YOU PLAN YOUR OWN TRAVEL ADVENTURE

Feel free to share this post with a friend who loves to travel. You can also leave a comment in the comments section at the end of my posts – or contact me directly. You can subscribe to receive My Asia Diaries directly into your email inbox by subscribing to my mailing list using the pop up box or by messaging me directly with your email address. Then you won’t miss any of my travel posts!

THIS STORY IN THE MEDIA

I’m also talking about this epic trip of friendship and adventure in the media and would like to let you know that I’ve written a feature for UK Woman and Home Magazine. Our travel story will be featured in the January 2027 issue which will be in the shops and available to buy in December 2026. Don’t forget to get your copy! Also see My Media Page.