Hanoi Old Quarter – Where the Adventure Begins
Every great journey starts with a little chaos, and ours kicked off right in the heart of Vietnam’s capital. Touching down in Hanoi, we were buzzing with excitement — this was the very first stop on our North-to-South Vietnam backpacking adventure.
🎥 Watch the full Day 1 vlog here: Our Hanoi Nightmare – Day 1 Video
The Old Quarter greeted us with neon lights, tangled streets, and more motorbikes than we’d ever seen in one place. Within minutes, we knew: Vietnam doesn’t just ask you to explore it — it sweeps you up and carries you along.
Our Vietnam adventure actually began long before setting foot in Hanoi. If you missed it, check out our previous post about arriving in Vietnam Here to see how the journey unfolded.
First Impressions: Lakes, Lanterns & a Cathedral Straight from Europe
Our first evening was a whirlwind of contrasts:
- Hoàn Kiếm Lake at night – calm, reflective waters glowing red from the Huc Bridge, surrounded by locals strolling under the trees.
- Bustling Bia Hoi bars – lanterns lit the streets as we squeezed into tiny stools, sipping cheap beer among fellow travellers and locals.
- St. Joseph’s Cathedral – gothic towers rising above the Old Quarter, a reminder of Hanoi’s French colonial history.
Hanoi is a city where serenity and chaos coexist within the same block.
When Travel Goes Wrong: Our Hanoi Nightmare
Of course, no first day is complete without a few mishaps. Tired from flights and eager to dive in, we stumbled into a classic backpacker nightmare — miscommunication, confusion, and a dash of culture shock.
So, before we even made it to our booked accommodation, an email dropped into my inbox with the bad news: they were fully booked and had “accidentally” confirmed us anyway. The owner suggested another property where they rent out rooms, so with a mix of hope and frustration, we set off, following vague directions and exchanging a string of messages along the way.
After what felt like endless wandering, we finally tracked it down — only to find the place deserted. We lingered outside for a while until someone eventually appeared, which gave us the chance to slip inside for a peek. Honestly? You wouldn’t wish this place on your worst enemy.
I quickly messaged the guy again, this time asking for a full refund. Then, with bags still on our backs, Vee and I ducked into a nearby café, ordered a much-needed drink, and began the hunt for somewhere else to stay. Thankfully, luck was on our side — within an hour, we’d secured a proper room and were finally back on track.
But here’s the thing: those hiccups are what make the trip memorable. Without them, travel would just be sightseeing — not adventure.
Eating, Drinking & Living the Old Quarter
If you’re backpacking in Hanoi on a budget, the Old Quarter is paradise:
- Street food stalls on every corner (pho, banh mi, bun cha — you name it, it’s sizzling fresh).
- Local bia hoi – fresh beer that costs less than bottled water back home.
- Lantern-lit bars and hostels buzzing with live music and backpacker chatter.
💡 Tip: Always check prices before ordering in the Old Quarter nightlife district — some bars hike them up for tourists.
Hanoi Travel Tips for Budget Backpackers
- Stay central – hostels and guesthouses in the Old Quarter mean you’re walking distance from the best sights.
- Get ready to haggle – whether it’s souvenirs or taxis, negotiating is part of the experience.
- Crossing the road – sounds silly, but in Hanoi it’s an art form. Walk slowly, steadily, and let the sea of scooters move around you.
Wrapping Up Day 1
Our first 24 hours in Hanoi were a rollercoaster — stunning sights, crazy streets, a few mishaps, and a lot of laughs. And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.
This was just the beginning of our North-to-South Vietnam adventure. Next stop: even more discoveries, challenges, and unforgettable moments.
📺 Watch our full Hanoi Day 1 adventure on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nCFy3f3jtJI
👉 Planning your own trip? Don’t miss our Your Vietnam Travel Companion (Amazon): https://amzn.to/3ZLeubP and check out our Footsteps & Tyretracks merch store to support our journey.
