Hanoi
is Vietnam's capital and second largest city by population (7.7 million). The city mostly lies on the right bank of the Red River and is located 1,720 km (1,070 mi) north of Ho Chi Minh City. It was interesting to compare the hustle/bustle of Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City - both very busy and congested cities. I’m going to say Hanoi was a bit busier, even though there were fewer motorbikes/mopeds in Hanoi. We stayed in the Old Quarter of Hanoi and all the sidewalks were filled with parked motorbikes, so you literally had to walk on the side of the street to get anywhere. You basically were competing for space with motorbikes/mopeds and cars. Hard to explain how it worked but it was a life and death game of chicken every time you went for a walk. Somehow it all works and the pedestrians and vehicles all merge together. To cross the street you just put your hand out and start to work your way across intersections. Don’t run and don’t back down from a potential opening. Absolutely no designated crosswalk areas and very few lights. By the end of my time in Hanoi, I was feeling fairly confident about crossing streets with all kinds of vehicles.
Hanoi is a great city to find a cafe or bar and sit outside and just watch life go by. Find a busy corner and just enjoy. Everyone is going about making a living. All the people on bicycles are pushing or carrying some kind of product. Hanoi has millions of small entrepreneurs who are selling fruits, vegetables, handcrafts, plumbing supplies - really just about anything.
Lots of interesting things to see in Hanoi. Great city for a walking tour of the Old Quarter. Check out Ba Dinh Square to see Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum or stroll around beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, known as the Lake of the Restored Sword. In the evening you could catch a water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.
Hanoi Backstreet Tour - On A Motorbike
Want to see Hanoi and have a total blast - take this tour. You will be weaving through traffic on the back of a vintage World War II Russian motorcycle. They pick you up at your hotel and off you go into that crazy traffic.
You soon learn that there is a lot more to Hanoi than just the Old Quarter. The bike tour takes you to the French Quarter, Embassy Section and the heart and sole of Hanoi - the 36 Streets Area. This area is located back in narrow alleyways where the past and present of Hanoi still meet to do business. Shops, vegetable markets, street food vendors and even illegal black markets - all reside in this ancient part of town. Want a rooster or duck for dinner, no problem finding it here. Many people live in simple and somewhat crowded conditions in this area.
Looking for a part for your moped ? You can find new or stolen parts in this market.
The five hour bike tour took you to many unique and interesting places, definitely different from the normal tourist stops. When it came time for an afternoon break we stopped at one of Hanoi’s most unusual locations - a cafe/bar located just a few feet from an active train track. The train track that serves the Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City train.
We arrived to a bit of a party atmosphere. People had put tables out on the track and were enjoying drinks and lively conversation. Of course people knew when the train was coming and shortly before everyone cleared the tracks. Literally you had to hug the wall as the train passed.
The whole experience only lasted a few minutes, then the train passed by. Check the train times and yes there will be a bit of a party just before the next train. But as always, life and traffic chaos continue normally after the train passes.
Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City ?
Both cities have their own unique appeal. If you’re not up for the hustle bustle and chaotic traffic of a big city, neither will be good for you. But both cities are the heart and soul of Vietnam - different, but similar in many ways. A stop in both cities is my recommendation. And yes, definitely take the Back Street Tour on a motor bike. It will be one of you the most fun activities you will do in SE Asia.
