How To Explore Hanoi Vietnam Like An Insider In 2023

If there was one word to describe Hanoi then it would be overwhelming. On the flip side, this is what makes this place so unique, a paradise for every camera junky culture connoisseur. Vietnam was definitely the most hectic place we have traveled through during our 4 months backpacking trip through Southeast Asia. It is said that the most dangerous thing in Vietnam is crossing the street and we tend to agree. The only communication and number one rule in traffic: have a horn that works. A quaint way to get around is by cyclo bicycle rickshaw but be prepared to bargain a lot, the fares are much higher than taxis. The cyclo is a three-wheel bicycle taxi that appeared in Vietnam during the French colonial period after a failed attempt to introduce rickshaws. Taxis are everywhere and they all use meters but I would always double check before getting into your ride another alternative would be to take a 'Grab' (the Asian version of Uber or Lyft in the USA)

Join a free walking tour:One of the best ways to get familiar with any city is to go on a walking tour. Usually guided by enthusiastic locals, this is your chance to learn about the best attractions, restaurants and hidden gems that would take you days to research and some you would most likely never find on your own. While these tours are free, donations are appreciated. We recommend Hanoi Free Walking Tours, which is a non profit organization established by a group of students in Hanoi to improve their english. This is a great way to support local students. Another fun way to find outstanding walking tours in Hanoi and around the world is Get Your Guide. Visit a Water Puppet Theater show:This might not be for everyone, but it is for sure something you don’t find anywhere. Marvel at the traditional art and get an insight into the Vietnamese culture. Enjoy the performance by the puppeteers along with the musicians and singers, even though you most likely won’t understand a word. The world famous Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi is the best place to catch a show. You can get tickets directly at their website here. Attend a cooking class or join a food walking tour:Vietnamese cuisine is known to be one of the best cuisines in the world. It is not only fresh but pretty easy to prepare once you know how. To learn all the insights for the perfect authentic and flavorful vienamese meal.

Shop like a local in Hanoi:For some reason traveling and shopping always kind of go hand in hand for us. After exploring all the sights and must sees, I am ready to spend some money on souvenirs.Once you get a little bit more familiar with the city you will notice that the streets are somewhat organized. For example all shops that sell leather related products will be in one street, mattresses will be in another, etc. Cau Gia Street is the hipster shopping street in Hanoi and fun to meander through on a nice afternoon. Here you will find a great selection of local Vietnamese fashion brands. The prices are reasonable and often influenced by the Korean fashion. Here are a few shops we recommend: Cobi Shop, Germe Shop or In Here.  Visit Dong Xuan Market & the Hanoi Weekend Night Market:The Dong Xuan Market is located in the French Old Quarter and housed within a four-story building at the edge of the Old Quarter. Here you will find everything from clothing, souvenirs to fresh produce. Open daily from 6 am to 7 pm, this market is likely to overwhelm but very fun to explore. Night markets are our absolute favorite. There is nothing more fun than trying new food, while browsing through countless colorful and vibrant roadside stalls. The night market in Hanoi takes place in the Old Quarter and is outdoors. The Weekend Night Market runs all the way from Hang Dao Street to the edge of Dong Xuan market. The night market happens only on the weekend from Friday to Sunday from 7 pm - 11 pm. Crowds are to be expected and while it is safe, make sure to watch your belongings.

The majority of travelers we’ve met always raged about the cuisine and how it was their favorite part about traveling through Vietnam. But for us it was the exact opposite. We had the hardest time figuring out where and what to eat and I wish I would have known then what I know now. Our biggest struggle was trying to find vegetarian food. While I don’t mind eating meat here and there, when I travel I tend to stick to a vegetarian diet. Who knows where the meat is coming from and often it's not even clear what kind of meat is swimming in my soup. So with the language barrier and all, I usually don’t even take the risk. If you happen to be a vegetarian traveling through Vietnam it might be helpful to learn a few words to bust out while ordering: “Chay” – means that you eat vegetarian food. While many Vietnamese dishes have meat in them, they can often be made without the meat. So you can add the word “Chay” to request meatless versions. Other helpful words:"Tôi ăn chay” – to let someone know you’re vegetarian“không thịt” – to ask for no meat in your food.“Không nước mắm” – no fish sauce (trust me when I say this, fish sauce is vegetarian in their minds) With that said, here are a few popular Vietnamese Dishes and how you can try to order them without meat, it will depend on the food vendor and his willingness to change his menu for you: Banh mi – A popular French Vietnamese sandwich than can usually be ordered in lots of different variations. The typical Banh Mi is stuffed with various marinated meats, herbs, cucumber, pickled veggies and chili paste.Bánh mì chay – Vegetarian French baguette Pho – The National dish of Vietnam is cheap, tasty and available around the clock. A typical bowl of Pho comes with a spiced broth from either pork or beef bones, fresh flat noodles & meat such as chicken or beef and a dash of fresh herbs. If you are lucky you can order it with tofu as well.Phở chay – Vegetarian pho Gỏi Cuốn – Fresh spring rolls filled with noodles/ meat/ prawns crab and greens. Wrapped in rice paper and some mix of fresh vegetables, bun noodles, pork, shrimp and tofu your chances are pretty high that this can be ordered with bun noodles, fresh greens and tofu only. These are best when served with peanut sauce.Gỏi cuốn chay – fresh vegetarian spring rolls Banh Xeo - Sizzling pancake. Imagine a giant crispy savory crepe but made from rice flour and turmeric powder filled with sizzling pork, shrimp and bean sprouts and dip it into a special sauce.Banh Xeo Chay – veggie versionI think you get the gist!