S1 E52 | Back in Hanoi – Old Quarter Nights, Local Food and Surprising Encounters

Being back in Hanoi after five years brought back a flood of memories. We even walked past the very hotel we stayed at during our first trip, but this time we had swapped comfort for budget-friendly adventure in a backpackers’ hostel. That shift alone said so much about how our journey and travel style had evolved.

Our arrival wasn’t easy—we endured a night bus ride with no restroom or food breaks, a driver who yelled at passengers, and very little sleep. But once we reached Hanoi, the chaos of the Old Quarter instantly brought our energy back.

In the evening, we set out to explore. The Sunday night market was buzzing, and our first street snack was a Vietnamese pizza stuffed with potato and onions, crispy and delicious. Later, we wandered towards the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake. With its temple in the center and the Turtle Tower to the south, the lake is steeped in legend. The story goes that a magical sword, gifted by a divine turtle, helped a king defeat invaders centuries ago—and was later returned to the lake. That tale gave it the name “Lake of the Returned Sword.” Walking here at night, with the temple lights reflecting on the water, was magical.

The evening brought an unexpected surprise—we bumped into one of India’s most popular travel vloggers, someone we had watched for years on YouTube. Meeting him on the streets of Hanoi felt surreal, and we even exchanged tips on exploring lesser-known corners of the world.

Later, food once again took center stage. Hanoi’s famous Banh Mi 25 was too crowded, so we ducked into a hole-in-the-wall cafe instead. Perched on tiny stools by the street, we watched as fresh baguettes were filled with butter, cheese, vegetables, herbs, and chili sauce. Each shop in Vietnam has its own take on banh mi, and this one didn’t disappoint. Along with that, we enjoyed steaming bowls of pho noodle soup, hearty with tofu and vegetables.

As the night wound down, we sipped on giant glasses of iced tea, laughed with friends, and soaked in the vibrancy of Hanoi’s streets. This city never failed to overwhelm and inspire us in equal measure. Watch the full vlog on our YouTube channel to relive this nostalgic yet fresh evening in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.