Hanoi Archives • FlipFlopGlobetrotters.com https://www.flipflopglobetrotters.com/tag/hanoi/ Wed, 12 Dec 2018 22:24:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.12 https://www.flipflopglobetrotters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/cropped-site-icon-32x32.png Hanoi Archives • FlipFlopGlobetrotters.com https://www.flipflopglobetrotters.com/tag/hanoi/ 32 32 A photo impression of Hanoi’s Old Quarter https://www.flipflopglobetrotters.com/a-photo-impression-of-hanois-old-quarter/ Sat, 26 Sep 2015 15:28:17 +0000 http://www.flipflopglobetrotters.com/?p=620 There’s really no good way to describe Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Walking around your senses get attacked with so many smells, sights and sounds, you’re on complete overload. The streets are incredibly busy. Motorbikes weaving in and out of traffic, cars trying to find their way around all of the motorbikes, tourists on foot trying not to be overrun by motorbikes… I’m sure by now you get the idea… motorbikes everywhere. ... Read more

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]]> FlipFlopGlobetrotters.com - Hanoi VietnamThere’s really no good way to describe Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Walking around your senses get attacked with so many smells, sights and sounds, you’re on complete overload. The streets are incredibly busy. Motorbikes weaving in and out of traffic, cars trying to find their way around all of the motorbikes, tourists on foot trying not to be overrun by motorbikes… I’m sure by now you get the idea… motorbikes everywhere. There’s a nice big sidewalk, but it’s not actually meant for walking, it’s really just one big parking space for motorbikes.

The first day we felt a bit overwhelmed by it all, but every day it got a bit easier and Hanoi really grew on us. There’s so much to do in Hanoi and I can actually see the appeal of Hanoi for expats who want to move to Vietnam! It was a challenge using the buggy for Jace, a bit of an obstacle course really. But we were happy we brought it. With all the traffic and his two year old ‘I can do it all by myself, you don’t have to hold my hand anymore’ attitude, it wasn’t safe to let him walk. Between the stroller and the carrier we managed to keep him contained and safe.

Things to do in Hanoi with kids

Once we got used to the insane traffic we really enjoyed Hanoi. It’s a fun city to discover on foot and there’s so much to see while just wandering around. The vibe in the Old Quarter is really cool and we were happy we decided to stay in this part of the city. We came back to Hanoi a few times, first after our Halong Bay cruise and then again to catch a flight to Sri Lanka via Kuala Lumpur. Each time we started to like the city better. So, what did we do while we were there?

Visit the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

On of the ‘must sees’ in Hanoi is a traditional performance at the water puppet theatre. With the water hiding the puppet’s operating mechanism the puppets seem to dance across the water unaided. The traditional music is played live and really adds to the experience.

Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Since we were staying there, this seems like a bit of a weird ‘thing’ to do. But actually exploring the Quarter in itself should really be on your to do list.

Go see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The communist vibe felt quite strongly here with all the millitary protection. The final resting place of Ho Chi Min, revolutionary and leader of the Communist Party is an important monument in Hanoi. It’s definitely an interesting place to visit.

Go shopping at Dong Xuan Market

You can easily get lost in Hanoi’s largest indoor market Dong Xuan. Housed in a four-story building there are vendors in all nooks and crannies. If you need anything, from fresh produce to electronics, handbags, fabrics, souvenirs, you’re sure to find it here and at a great price too.

Enjoy the Hanoi Weekend Night Market

The night market is a lively affair, with great food, a nice vibe and products ranging from cheap Chinese to lovely handcrafted items. It runs all across the Old Quarter, from Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market.

Photos of Hanoi

Since we’re a bit at a loss for words to describe the Hanoi vibe, here’s a random series of photo’s we took while we were there. Hopefully, this gives you a bit of an idea what this crazy city is like.

Typical street view of Hanoi's Old Quarter
Typical street view of Hanoi’s Old Quarter



colourful supermarket in the Chinese part of the Old Quarter
Colourful supermarket in the Chinese part of the Old Quarter



You see these really narrow houses everywhere in Vietnam. Apparently they pay taxes based on how much of their property borders the public street.
You see these really narrow houses everywhere in Vietnam. Apparently they pay taxes based on how much of their property borders the public street.



Another cute street in Hanoi's Old Quarter
Another cute street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter



Yes, they actually wear the Vietnamese hats! In the streets you see a lot of street vendors, either carrying there wares like this lady on the left is doing, or transporting there goods by bike
Yes, they actually wear the Vietnamese hats! In the streets you see a lot of street vendors, either carrying there wares like this lady on the left is doing, or transporting there goods by bike



Here's a lady selling fruit, again using a bike to transport her products
Here’s a lady selling fruit, again using a bike to transport her products



Street food, love it!
Street food, love it!



They have these cute little BBQ's on the side of the road where they roast meat and seafood
They have these cute little BBQ’s on the side of the road where they roast meat and seafood



There are a few of these places selling really cool old style posters
There are a few of these places selling really cool old style posters



A few times a day when it's time to eat these little stools and tables are set out on the side of the road and there are Vietnamese eating street food everywhere. Jace loves the furniture, it's exactly his size!
A few times a day when it’s time to eat these little stools and tables are set out on the side of the road and there are Vietnamese eating everywhere. Jace loves the furniture, it’s exactly his size!

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