Vietnam: Hanoi's Train Street and Culinary Adventures for Food Lovers
In this video, Oriana Findlay takes you through the vibrant city of Hanoi, Vietnam. Starting at the Chi Boutique Hotel, she explores the bustling streets of Hanoi's old quarter. Her journey includes a visit to the famous Train Street, where she arrives early to secure a good view of the passing trains. Oriana also stops by Note Coffee to enjoy a coconut coffee and leave her own sticky note. At Hoan Kiem Lake, she delves into local legends and visits a nearby temple. The Gothic-style St. Joseph's Cathedral offers a glimpse into Hanoi's colonial past. Oriana experiences the lively atmosphere of Beer Street, sampling Vietnamese craft beers, and ends her culinary tour with a delicious chicken and mushroom bánh mì at Bánh Mì 25. Throughout her travels, she shares practical tips on navigating Hanoi, including cost details and advice on avoiding long lines at popular spots.
Who is this Vietnam trip best for?
- Travelers who prioritize unique experiences like Train Street and enjoy vibrant nightlife at Beer Street in Hanoi.
- People planning to explore cultural landmarks such as St. Joseph's Cathedral and Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi.
- Food enthusiasts eager to try local dishes like bánh mì at Bánh Mì 25 and coconut coffee at Note Coffee in Hanoi.
Places featured in this Vietnam vlog
Chi Boutique Hotel, Hanoi – Vietnam
The Chi Boutique Hotel is where Oriana stayed during her visit to Hanoi. Located in the heart of Hanoi's old quarter, it provided a convenient base for exploring the city's vibrant culture and culinary delights. The hotel offered a comfortable stay amidst the bustling streets of Hanoi, allowing easy access to various attractions and local experiences.
Train Street, Hanoi – Vietnam
Train Street in Hanoi is a unique attraction where visitors can sit close to the tracks and watch trains pass by just inches away. Oriana visited this popular spot, arriving 30 to 45 minutes before the train's arrival to secure a good view. Despite a minor scam experience with a snack vendor, the visit was memorable, offering a thrilling experience and a perfect Instagram moment.
Note Coffee, Hanoi – Vietnam
Note Coffee is a famous tourist spot in Hanoi known for its walls covered in sticky notes left by visitors from around the world. Oriana visited this multi-story coffee shop, enjoying a coconut coffee while reading messages of love and inspiration. Despite its popularity, she found a seat easily and left her own note, contributing to the global tapestry of stories.
Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi – Vietnam
Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Turtle Lake or Sword Lake, is a central landmark in Hanoi. Oriana explored the area, learning about the legend of the lake involving a king, a sword, and giant turtles. The lake offers a serene spot for wandering and cultural activities, with a temple nearby that Oriana visited to delve into the local history and myths.
St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi – Vietnam
St. Joseph's Cathedral is a prominent Gothic-style church in Hanoi, built during the French colonial period. Oriana visited this architectural landmark, noting its resemblance to Notre-Dame with its twin bell towers. The cathedral stands as a testament to the French influence in Hanoi, evident in both its design and the surrounding cultural landscape.
Beer Street, Hanoi – Vietnam
Beer Street in Hanoi is a lively area known for its vibrant nightlife and variety of bars offering Vietnamese craft beers. Oriana spent an evening here with friends, enjoying the bustling atmosphere and sampling local brews. The street is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to unwind and experience Hanoi's dynamic social scene.
Bánh Mì 25, Hanoi – Vietnam
Bánh Mì 25 is a well-known spot in Hanoi for its delicious bánh mì sandwiches. Oriana visited this eatery to try their highly recommended chicken and mushroom bánh mì, which she found to be the best she had in the city. The visit to Bánh Mì 25 was a perfect way to enjoy a classic Vietnamese dish before leaving Hanoi.
Activities featured in this Vietnam vlog
- Order traditional street food by writing down the number of the snack and the number of portions.
- Enjoy a food tour featuring dishes like lemongrass pork skewer, crispy shrimp pastry, and Vietnamese crepe.
- Experience the vibrant nightlife at Beer Street, enjoying Vietnamese craft beers.
- Try a chicken and mushroom bánh mì at Bánh Mì 25.
Travel tips mentioned in this vlog
- When visiting Train Street, arrive 30 to 45 minutes before the train to secure a good view.
- In Hanoi, shirts are usually around 100,000 to 150,000 Vietnamese dong, approximately $4 each.
- For a good view of Train Street, there are many cafes and bars to perch at.
- If you want to avoid long lines at popular eateries, consider visiting a nearby coffee shop and ordering from there.
- Pollution in Hanoi can be bad, so wearing a mask is advisable, especially for those with asthma.
- Nail treatments in Hanoi are affordable, costing around $11 compared to $80 in Abu Dhabi.
Questions answered in this vlog
How do you get a good view at Train Street in Hanoi?
Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before the train to secure a good view. There are many cafes and bars to perch at.
What can you do at Hoan Kiem Lake?
Explore the area, learn about the legend involving a king, a sword, and giant turtles, and visit a nearby temple.
Is Beer Street in Hanoi worth visiting?
Yes, it offers a vibrant nightlife with a variety of bars and Vietnamese craft beers.
How much do nail treatments cost in Hanoi?
Nail treatments in Hanoi are affordable, costing around $11 compared to $80 in Abu Dhabi.
Memorable moments from this vlog
“West is best, east is the beast in terms of jet lag.”
“The best way to discover spots like this is by drinking with locals.”
“Tourism hasn't ruined Vietnam yet.”
Trip overview
Oriana Findlay's journey through Hanoi, Vietnam, highlights key spots like Train Street, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Beer Street. Staying at Chi Boutique Hotel, she navigates the bustling city, offering tips such as arriving early at Train Street for a good view and noting the affordable cost of shirts at around $4. Her culinary adventures include a visit to Bánh Mì 25 for a chicken and mushroom bánh mì. The video provides practical insights into Hanoi's vibrant culture and logistics.
Topics: Chi Boutique Hotel · Hanoi · Vietnam · Train Street · Note Coffee · Hoan Kiem Lake · St. Joseph's Cathedral · Beer Street · Bánh Mì 25
