I’d already sorted my visa online but was shocked how easy immigration was coming into Vietnam. They didn’t ask me any questions at all, and I was out quicker than most of the flights I’ve been on. The first thing that hits you here is the traffic and the fact there doesn’t seem to be any rules of the road at all! Sooo many bikes, more than Thailand, but seems to be a lot more helmets, so that’s a good sign.
Arrived at my hotel, I’m staying at the Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2, which is a 3 star. The manager of this hotel has gone over and beyond and is making this stay so much more. When I arrived, he asked if we could go over my plans for while I’m in Hanoi so he could either make suggestions or help me change them. The incense village and jeep tour he said was a great plan. He was slightly worried about the Halong bay cruise, as there are so many cowboy companies (and i knew this and tired to read the reviews to find a better one) but what worried him is there was no name of the boat so you couldn’t even look it up. For the money I’d paid, he said he could get me a suite on a 5 star luxury cruise and showed brochure (which looked amazing) for the same price. So I cancelled my other one and got refunded in full and booked with him! Even if he is getting commission for doing it, at least I know what I’m getting now! I’m so excited for that trip!!
He also suggested a street food tour, which left an hour after I arrived. Was a great way to settle into this very busy, manic city!
Hanoi Street Food Tour
We tried 6 dishes, I liked all of them bar the blackbean pudding, which was just weird!
Pho – a Vietnamese soup dish consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat (usually beef, sometimes chicken). It was tradionally served at breakfast but now all day for tourists.
Bánh cuốn – Vietnamese steam rice, originating from Northern Vietnam. It is also a traditional breakfast as it’s not simple to make at home. Main ingredients include rice batter, ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, and fried shallots.
Bánh mì is a short baguette, split lengthwise and filled with savoury ingredients, including bbq chicken and pork pate.
Pho Tron – Beef noodle soup with young mango, carrots, bean sprouts, and soy sauce.
Chè đỗ đen – Hot sweet black bean pudding (served with coconut, which I removed)
Sữa Chua mit – Yoghurt with jackfruit
Our guide Jerry was lovely and showed us how to cross the road, which is terrifying!
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