Hanoi: A City of Contrasts and Unforgettable Moments

 Our time in Hanoi was a roller coaster of emotions, flavors, and experiences—each day unfolding a new chapter in this vibrant city during TET. From the moment we landed, Hanoi revealed its unique character, and though our time here was short, every moment left a lasting impression.

A Chilly Welcome

We arrived in Hanoi on January 29, albeit an hour late due to bad weather. Stepping out of the airport, we were immediately struck by a refreshing chill—much cooler than Da Nang—with temperatures that hinted at the season's crisp embrace. The Old Quarter was decked out in TET decorations, creating a festive yet surreal backdrop. However, most shops were closed for the holidays, and even our taxi ride felt a bit pricier amidst the rush.

The Hustle and Bustle of Day One

On January 30, we started our Hanoi adventure by getting our local currency and renting a motorbike. With TET in full swing, options for exploring on foot were limited, so we embraced the freedom of two wheels. Our day began with a much-needed cup of coffee before we set out to explore iconic spots like Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. The brisk weather, however, added a challenging twist to our hurried exploration.

We also visited Train Street—an experience many had raved about. Despite spending three hours there, the delayed train left us feeling that it was a bit overrated. Nonetheless, the day had its moments, and the promise of a special evening kept our spirits high.

Culinary Delights Amidst the Festivities

A highlight of our Hanoi experience was dining at Cau Go, a Michelin 1-star restaurant that turned out to be a culinary revelation. With several other reservations falling through due to TET closures, we took a leap of faith with Cau Go. The restaurant’s warm hospitality and exceptional Vietnamese dishes—prepared with precision and flair—provided us with one of the best meals we've had in days. After a long journey and days of non-stop adventures, this meal was exactly what we needed, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 in our books.

Bittersweet Goodbyes

Our final day in Hanoi, February 01, was a mix of reflection and reluctant farewells. We started the day a little later than planned—thanks to the exhausting island trip that preceded our Hanoi stay—and spent our remaining hours shopping at local markets. Although many shops were still shuttered due to TET, we grabbed a quick meal at Jollibee and even enjoyed one last comforting bowl of pho at the airport.

As we headed to the airport with heavy hearts, we couldn’t help but reflect on all that we had experienced—both the planned highlights and the unexpected twists. Hanoi, with its contrasts of festive decor and quiet closures, bustling streets and serene lakes, left us with a treasure trove of memories and valuable lessons in embracing the unexpected.

Final Thoughts

Hanoi may have surprised us with its mix of tradition and modern chaos during TET, but every moment—from the chilly welcome to the exquisite dining experience—taught us something new about the city and ourselves. Although our time here was brief, Hanoi’s charm and character have etched themselves into our hearts. We left with the promise of returning someday, eager to explore even more of what this fascinating city has to offer.

Stay tuned as we continue our journey, carrying these memories with us wherever we go!

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