S1 E55 | Exploring Hanoi – Bach Ma Temple, Train Street and Night Market
Our day in Hanoi started with something very practical—dropping off laundry. From there, we set out to explore more of the Old Quarter, beginning with one of the city’s most important temples.
Bach Ma Temple, dedicated to the White Horse, is one of the oldest and holiest temples in Hanoi. The legend goes that when an ancient king attempted to build a citadel here, construction kept failing until a white horse appeared and guided him along a path where the walls could be successfully built. From then on, the temple became a symbol of spiritual power. Even during the French colonial period, the temple was considered untouchable. Inside, we noticed offerings ranging from Coca-Cola cans to biscuit packets—a mix of tradition and modernity that made it truly fascinating.
From there, we walked to Hanoi’s famous Train Street. This narrow railway passes right through a residential neighborhood where cafés and homes line the tracks. We grabbed a seat, ordered food, and waited for a train to thunder past just inches away. Between laughs, motorbikes squeezing through, and a surprising Oreo flavor we found (blueberry with a minty twist!), it turned into one of those “only in Vietnam” experiences.
Later, the rain forced us back to our hostel, where we got a little tour of our capsule-style bunk beds, lockers, and shared spaces. Once the skies cleared, we ventured out again to Hanoi’s Beer Street. It was lively, loud, and packed with bars, but we quickly realized that food was far more expensive here than in the rest of the city—sometimes double or triple the price. So after soaking in the atmosphere, we went back to our favorite local restaurant where the food was both tasty and affordable.
The evening ended at the Night Market, a vibrant stretch parallel to Beer Street. It was full of stalls selling clothes, leather goods, and souvenirs—all negotiable if you were willing to bargain. For us, it was the perfect way to wind down the day, wandering through the lights, grabbing an ice cream, and enjoying the buzz of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.