The perfect blend of bustle an chill

Our Vietnam adventure began in the exhilarating capital, Hanoi. Matt and I chose to stay near the Old Quarter, perfectly situated to immerse ourselves in the city’s unique rhythm.

 

We are morning people, though we appreciate that they aren’t for everyone! We are always up early to make the most of any new destination. Coffee in hand, we headed to the main markets. There is an endless romance in seeing a city come alive as vendors set up shop and locals rush to gather their daily goods. To escape the noise of the markets, we walked down to the lake to watch the graceful art of morning Tai Chi.

Whilst it may not sound appetising at first, trust me, you will love Vietnamese Egg Coffee! The egg is whipped for ten minutes until it is really light and creamy. Added to strong Vietnamese coffee and a generous helping of sugar, it can power you through your day! 

Vietnam, Food, Asia
Vietnamese Egg Coffee
Hanoi, Food, Vietnam, Asia
Food, Hanoi, Vietnam
Food, Hanoi, Vietnam, Asia

New food and a lot of fun



Hanoi is a paradise for food lovers, and we indulged frequently. We were amazed at how cheaply we could eat, yet every meal—whether at a street stall or a wonderful local restaurant—was bursting with authentic flavours.

To truly understand the local cuisine, we joined a local cooking class, great fun with amazing food!

Food, Vietnam, Asia,

We met our guide and fellow connoisseurs at the market where we shopped for our fresh ingredients. We all then lent a hand in preparing and cooking the food. Vegetarian diet catered for with ease. Great fun and definitely something we would recommend.  

And many new friends

Cooking classes offer fantastic insight into the ingredients and techniques that make Vietnamese food so unforgettable.

They are also a great way to make new friends. We were delighted to meet travellers from Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and the Czech Republic on the tour. It was great fun to hear about their adventures, such as one traveller who, getting his numbers muddled,  ordered so much chicken that he took the extra plates with him out onto the street to share with passersby. 

Food, Vietnam, Asia
Food, Coking class, Vietnam, Asia

Mind the gap

No trip to Hanoi is complete without experiencing infamous Train Street, a surreal sight where a massive train hurtles mere inches past residential homes and cafes. We also took the opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and culture on a comprehensive city tour led by a knowledgeable local guide, which gave us a deeper appreciation for this vibrant capital.

 

We also made a very interesting and fun visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, gaining wonderful insight into how the diverse peoples of Vietnam have lived over the centuries.

Train Street, Hanoi, Vietnam, Asia, Adventure

We booked our entire 2025 Asia Adventure through Best Price Travel, which provided fabulous service and excellent local guides. 

We also recommend G Adventures – and you can find some fabulous deals in their current sale! 

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