Four Days in Hanoi: My First Encounter with Vietnam
Before starting my studies in Hoi An, I chose to spend four days in Hanoi. Very little had been planned in advance, but I saw it as a good introduction to the country where I would be living for the next few months.
This text is translated using AI.
View the original article here.Like me, several others had visited another place (or several) before the start of the semester. Some people in our group stopped by places such as Ho Chi Minh City, while others visited Sapa, Bangkok, or Taipei. Others chose to arrive in Hoi An early and enjoy a few quiet days here before things got busier.
The day before departure, I felt nervous for the first time. I was really looking forward to it, but suddenly it all felt very real too. I stood in front of my backpack, which still needed to be fully packed, and looked at the visa documents that needed to be printed.
I can't say I felt 100% ready when I arrived at the airport, but by then all that was left was to check in my luggage and let the rest take its course.
I landed in Hanoi at 6:15 a.m. The drive into the city was very peaceful, and the morning sun was rising.
Mopeds riding one after another, and people wearing conical hats. It really felt like I was in a movie.
At that moment, I felt very calm. I had finally arrived in Vietnam!
I spent the first few hours after checking into the hotel sleeping. I considered staying at a hostel, as several of them cost less than 100 kroner per night.
I ended up staying at a hotel after all, to get a little extra peace and quiet after a long journey, and I was very happy with that choice.
Hanoi is a bustling city, and its streets are always full of activity. At first, it was a little difficult to know when to cross, but I quickly got the hang of it. My best advice is to walk calmly and confidently, as this also makes it easier for drivers to understand where you're going.
The old town was delightful to stroll around, and I chose to explore the city on foot. I found the streets here very beautiful, each in its own way.
For food lovers, I recommend trying bún chà. This dish originated in Hanoi and consists of grilled, marinated pork served in a delicious broth, with rice noodles and a mixture of herbs on the side.
Exactly where you eat this dish doesn't matter all that much, but you'll probably find the most authentic versions at restaurants with plastic chairs!
Several small restaurants in Hanoi are featured in the Michelin Guide, and it could be nice to try a few of them. Most serve high-quality local food and are still very affordable. These restaurants are very popular with tourists, so you should probably be prepared for slightly longer wait times.
Otherwise, Hanoi is a great city if you're interested in vintage shopping, or shopping in general. I picked out several stores to check out in advance and planned a route that would also let me do some sightseeing along the way.
Overall, I found it very easy to find shops simply by searching for “second hand” on Google Maps. Thrift stores are everywhere, and the selection is incredibly good!
The days quickly filled up, and before I knew it, I was on my way to the airport again. This time, I was traveling to Hoi An, where I would finally meet the rest of the group.
Now that I’ve arrived in Hoi An, I’m even more grateful for the days I spent in Hanoi. I really grew fond of the city and would happily go back—but I also deeply appreciate the balance between city life and nature, and the sense of calm here in Hoi An.
Especially considering the 10 weeks ahead. It’s still hard to believe that this city will be my “home” for the foreseeable future, but it feels like the right place!
