If you ever want a city to wake up your senses, Hanoi will do this in seconds. From the moment I stepped off the minibus, I was hit by the heat, the noise, the movement and the smell of petrol hanging in the air. And then there were the motorbikes. I have never seen anything like it. Babies tucked under arms, toddlers standing between handlebars, teenagers texting while riding, families of four balanced like it is completely normal. People carrying bags, boxes, plants and everything you can imagine. Life in Hanoi happens on a motorbike and it is fascinating to watch.
I found out that Hanoi has around six million motorbikes for a population of eight million people, which means there are almost as many scooters as humans on the streets at any given moment! When I think of Hanoi now, that’s what I remember more than anything else.
We started our day at the Temple of Literature, one of the most popular places to visit in Hanoi. It was full of graduates in their gowns taking photos, which made the whole place feel alive. The courtyards, red roofs and stone steles made it feel like stepping into a piece of Vietnamese history.
We passed some of the major Hanoi landmarks too. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum standing solid and serious. The National Assembly Building with its huge flag. And the Hanoi Opera House, which looks like a piece of Paris in the middle of Vietnam. Even from the outside they were impressive and they are definitely worth adding to any Hanoi itinerary.
Then came the tuk tuk cycle ride. Lovely at first, then slightly terrifying as we joined the river of motorbikes. Crossing the road was another adventure. You do not wait for a gap. You just walk and trust the motorbikes to weave around you. Somehow it works and you just go with it. It is one of those classic Hanoi experiences that you never forget.
Later we wandered into a street that had been closed off for families. It was so lovely to see kids playing, parents chatting, music drifting around. It turns out this happens on weekend evenings around Hoan Kiem Lake, when the roads become pedestrian only. After the traffic and the noise it felt like the city taking a breath. It is a wonderful part of Hanoi and perfect for people watching.
We went to a little recommended family restaurant and had a proper Vietnamese meal too. Fresh, simple and full of flavour. And of course a Hanoi beer because when in Hanoi you have to have one. But I still managed a glass of wine too!
We finished the night at Hanoi Train Street, one of the most unique places in Vietnam. A narrow street with cafes on either side and a railway track running straight through the middle. A few minutes before the train comes through, the cafes clear the tracks in seconds and a man with a whistle jumps out to make sure everyone steps back. It is organised chaos and everyone seems to know their part. We sat with a drink while a train thundered past so close I could feel the heat from it. People stood literally inches away filming it, like it was the most normal thing in the world. I filmed it too and have included a bit of the action in the photo gallery below.
Overall, it was one of those days that stays with you. A city that is chaotic and calm, loud and lovely, all at once, plus the hazy fog of fumes. And somehow, despite the madness, I could not help but fall a little bit in love with it. If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, Hanoi is a city you have to experience for yourself. I can honestly say it was my favourite city in Vietnam.
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My Hanoi travel essentials
I packed a few things that made exploring Hanoi so much easier. I’ve added the links below so you can check them out. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
1️⃣ Packable Rain Jacket
Hanoi has unpredictable rain and sudden downpours — a lightweight packable jacket is essential. 👉 Buy on Amazon https://amzn.to/44RIXXM
2️⃣ Universal Travel Adapter (UK → Vietnam)
Vietnam uses mixed plug types, so a universal adapter with USB ports is ideal.
👉 Buy on Amazon https://amzn.to/4wzGIEe
3️⃣ Portable Power Bank (Flight‑Safe)
You’ll be out all day in Hanoi — Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, markets — so a compact power bank is a must. 👉 Buy on Amazon https://amzn.to/4wvB4Tz
4️⃣ Waterproof Phone Pouch
Perfect for sudden rain, boat trips in Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, or chaotic Hanoi streets. 👉 Buy on Amazon https://amzn.to/3SSLuyg
5️⃣ Compression Socks (Long‑Haul Flight to Vietnam)
Great for your Manchester → Singapore → Hanoi route. 👉 Buy on Amazon https://amzn.to/4f48dP9