The hidden secrets of Hanoi and why Paris lovers should definitely spend a visit
Do you like lively cities, little cafes and a romantic flair? I do, which is why I took a trip to Hanoi in Vietnam.
Atmosphere
We arrived in Hanoi on a Friday evening. The driver who took us to our Hotel stopped 400m before and said from here on we have to walk. And indeed: There was no getting through. The streets in the “old quarter” are closed during the weekend for little stands with food, design products, postcards and a lot more. Just before our hotel we stopped because a live band was playing on the street. People were sitting in front on little chairs diving into the sound of Hanoi’s weekend. I felt like being in a dream.
French AND English speaking & friendly people
We checked into our three-star hotel where we paid 17€ for two people including breakfast. We were welcomed in fluent English like old guests who returned after a long trip. Many people even speak French, since Vietnam used to be a French colony. At our hotel we were given tea and cold towels to clean our hands before we, including our luggage, were taken to our upgraded room, which we hadn’t paid for. Before we left to discover the city a staff member in our age told us his favourite spots for a Friday night. This impression continued throughout the visit – Vietnamese people are just extremely friendly and make it difficult not to enjoy the stay.
Hanoi & Paris
Hanoi reminds people on Paris and we understand why: not because of the friendly people who are fluent in English and also not because of the cheap prices. No – the reasons are endless small cafes that spread throughout the city, parks and gardens, lakes with little pavilions that convey a romantic flair. If you visit one of the small cafes don’t try a usual coffee: There are great variations reaching from coconut coffee over yogurt coffee onto egg coffee which is a specialty in Hanoi. One might miss the Eifeltower or the Louvre but I can promise that there are other things to discover in Hanoi. Worst case, you just chill out at a massage around the corner for 8€ per hour.
Great food
If you are still not convinced you will be, once you try the flavourful food. We all know the delicious summer rolls, but that is by far not all the Vietnamese cuisine has to offer: try out a little barbecue that you can prepare yourself on a small table grill or the famous Banh Mi, that can be bought on little stands for less than 1€. It is a baguette filled with different herbs, cheese, grilled meat, cucumber and pickled carrots. Whoever misses grilled frog legs or snails – don’t worry you won’t be left out. Even non-Asia lovers get their money worth: There are many international restaurants throughout the city.
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