This was our second time travelling to Hanoi, and damn that June humidity kicked my ass! Seriously, 10 minutes outside and all I could think about was where my next blast of AC was going to come from. The Irish body is just not made for temperatures above 30 degrees, and summer in Hanoi sees temperatures of over 40 degrees with humidity reaching more than 90%. That, teamed with heavy smog and loud bikes is an intense recipe.
However, staying in the Truc Bach neighbourhood made everything easier. An area with an abundance of cafes, restaurants, bars and amazing views. I became acquainted with pho cuon and pho chien phong, which are some of the best things to eat in Vietnamese cuisine! Classic pho (the soup) is obviously delicious, but already a sweaty mess I could not bring myself to sit in a hot kitchen slurping some piping hot soup. Pho cuon and pho cien phong were my go-to’s.
- Pho cuon – thick rice noodles filled with pho beef, herbs
- Pho chien phong – deep-fried noodles topped with beef in a rich gravy and green vegetables
Hanoi will always be a place I love and loathe. It was my gateway to Asia during my first trip to the region, I love the fast pace of the city, the thrill of making it across the road, the excitement the second you leave your accommodation, the no-nonsense manner of Hanoian’s and of course the food and coffee. However, after a few days, I find it all exhausting, seeking out quieter corners of the city and shying away from all the things that make Hanoi its unique self. I guess that’s the crux of being outside your comfort zone, it pushes you until you embrace it or push it away. I will likely go back AGAIN in the future during a cooler month and for a shorter time.
This blog is a short selection of photos of Hanoi, along with short reflections. I am by no means a photographer but I enjoy taking photos.
Photos From Hanoi Old Quarter
On our first day back in Hanoi we went to the backpackers Banh Mi Mecca – Banh Mi 25, previously missing out on the first time around, we were both underwhelmed. There are SOO many nicer banh mi places in Hanoi, that are also cheaper. A red flag is that everyone here is a tourist, I am not sure I saw any locals. I recommend Banh My Mama and Banh Mi TUN.
Photos From Hanoi Truc Bach
You might like: Vietnam Gluten Free Guide
Photos From Hanoi – Misc.
Every day without fail this cat was chained up outside in the scorching heat. Although it felt cruel to see an animal known for its street prowess stuck in one place under the unforgiving sun there is a good reason why Vietnamese do this to their beloved pets. That is the traffic! The roads in South East Asia but especially in Vietnam are dangerous, and the likelihood of a cat getting killed by a motorbike is very high.
Another reason, but I don’t know how true this is (as per a local Reddit post) is that sometimes cats are stolen, they are then sold as meat at markets. Either way, what initially may seem cruel is actually a way of protection.
Finally, I can’t talk about my time in Hanoi without mentioning my lovely little man, Dewy. He sadly passed from old age while I was in Hanoi. Nothing can prepare you for the loss of a childhood pet, especially when you are so far from home. So, cheers to the bestest friend of 14 years.
Have you been to Hanoi? Let me know your favourite things about this city in the comments below 🙂
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