Vietnam: Hanoi

We flew from Dubai to the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, and arrived around 1:00 PM. From the airport, we took a bus to our Airbnb apartment near West Lake (Tây Hồ). We dropped off our stuff there and walked to the old town of Hanoi with its shopping street and market. There were already numerous street food stalls on the street. Our first food stop was at Bún Riêu - Hàng Bạc, where they serve delicious noodle soups. From there, we walked to Hoan Kiem Lake with the Temple of the Jade Mountain (Ngoc Son Temple), which is beautifully illuminated at night and forms a small, peaceful oasis. Then we walked to a street food alley in the old town, where we ate delicious spring rolls. After that, we went back to our Airbnb and found another Airbnb apartment for the next day, which was a bit more centrally located near Hoan Kiem Lake.

The next morning, we slept in and looked for breakfast. We found a small street food stand with rice, chicken, and vegetables. The food was delicious, but a bit too hearty for breakfast. When we arrived at our new Airbnb apartment, we were greeted very friendly and quickly dropped off our stuff to do a city bus tour. The tour lasted about 90 minutes, with a short stop at the Temple of Literature. In the evening, we naturally had street food again. So we went back to the street food alley. For dessert, we treated ourselves to cake. There was also a stand with coconuts in front of our apartment, which we definitely couldn't miss. So we shared a delicious coconut. When we arrived at the apartment, we were greeted somewhat uncomfortably by an unexpected guest, a giant crab spider. This 'little' problem was resolved after about 90 minutes. :D After that, we needed a hot shower and some cake to relax. Then we planned our further trip in Vietnam. In the next few days, we will go to Sapa and Cat Ba.

On our last day in Hanoi, we ate at a street food stand right next to our apartment, as it was recommended to us. Mama Bread (Banh Mi) has delicious baguettes. We had a baguette with egg, sausage, and salad, as well as bread with butter and honey. Both were simply fantastic. If we ever come to Hanoi again, we already know where to have breakfast. And since the coconut in the evening was so delicious, we had another one. :D Then we walked back to Hoan Kiem Lake, as that's where our bus to Sapa departs from. We walked around the lake and through the market.

Now we're on the bus and looking forward to the northwest of Vietnam with its mountains and rice fields.