Hanoi is a city that never slows down. It’s buzzing scooters, sizzling street food, and the constant clash of old and new. On this leg of our Vietnam backpacking adventure, we explored the wild side of Hanoi — sampling crocodile pancakes, braving the madness of Beer Street, squeezing into the legendary Train Street, and hunting down the city’s most iconic bánh mì. Here’s how it all went down.
Where We Went
Our base was the bustling Old Quarter, the perfect spot for budget backpackers. From here, we could walk to:
- Hanoi Train Street – the famous railway line that cuts through narrow café-filled alleys.
- Beer Street (Ta Hien) – Hanoi’s nightlife hub where plastic stools, cheap beer, and chaos collide.
- Hoàn Kiếm Lake – the peaceful heart of the city.
- Tran Quoc Pagoda – Vietnam’s oldest Buddhist temple, set on a lake island.
- Countless food stalls and cafés are tucked into Hanoi’s side streets.
How We Got There
Getting around Hanoi is half the adventure. We mostly walked, dodging endless motorbikes and soaking up the atmosphere. For longer trips, Grab taxis (Vietnam’s version of Uber) made life easy — and budget-friendly.
What We Saw & Did
Train Street
Nothing prepares you for the moment a huge train rumbles past just inches away. Locals sip coffee while tourists jump back from the tracks — it’s both exhilarating and slightly terrifying. We joined the crowd, cameras ready, as the train thundered by, rattling cups and shaking tables.
Beer Street
When the sun sets, Beer Street comes alive. Picture tiny plastic chairs, endless jugs of Bia Hơi (fresh beer), and travellers swapping stories late into the night. It’s chaotic, it’s noisy, and it’s an essential Hanoi experience.
Street Food Heaven
Food in Hanoi is more than just fuel — it’s a cultural journey. Highlights included:
- Bánh Mì Mama – a famous spot near our hotel, serving crusty baguettes stuffed with rich fillings.
- Crocodile Pancakes – yes, really! A quirky street food discovery that was surprisingly tasty.
- Com Rang (fried rice) – colourful, filling, and budget-friendly.
Best Moments & Mishaps
- Best moment: Sitting on Train Street with locals, sipping egg coffee as the train roared by.
- Funniest mishap: Running around hungry at night, only to discover the next morning that one of Hanoi’s most famous food stalls was right around the corner from our hotel. Classic backpacker luck!
Where We Ate & Slept
- Eats: From street stalls to café hideouts, Hanoi delivered flavour on a budget. A decent meal costs between 40,000–70,000 VND (£1.30–£2.30).
- Sleeps: Budget hostels in the Old Quarter are plentiful, with beds from £5 a night. For more privacy, guesthouses run about £15–20.
Budget Backpacking Tips for Hanoi
- Use Grab instead of taxis to avoid being overcharged.
- Eat where the locals eat – the busiest stalls are usually the best.
- Keep small notes handy for street food and buses.
- Stay central in the Old Quarter — it saves transport money and keeps you close to the action.
Conclusion
Hanoi is chaotic, colourful, and endlessly fascinating. From train-side coffee to late-night beers and unforgettable street food, the city is a backpacker’s dream. For us, it was a mix of discoveries, mishaps, and pure travel magic — exactly what makes budget travel so rewarding.
👉 If you want to see it all in action, check out our full video here: Watch on YouTube
🎥 Or binge our full Vietnam playlist: Vietnam Adventures
📘 Planning your own trip? Grab our book Your Ultimate Vietnam Travel Companion on Amazon.
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So — what’s your wildest travel mishap? Drop a comment below, we’d love to hear it!
