Hanoi Highlights: Exploring Train Street, Vibrant Cafes, and Rooftop Bars
Hanoi Adventures: A Journey Through Vietnam's Capital
Hanoi, Vietnam's bustling capital, offers a captivating blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious street food. This travel guide will take you on a journey through our recent Hanoi adventure, highlighting must-see attractions and unforgettable experiences.
Coffee Culture in Hanoi: From Egg Coffee to Salt Coffee
Hanoi's coffee scene is a must-explore for any caffeine lover. We started our day at The Note Cafe, a unique spot covered in Post-it notes left by visitors. Here, we sampled the famous egg coffee, a creamy concoction with a surprisingly delightful taste. While the coconut coffee wasn't our favorite, the experience of reading messages and leaving our own was truly special. Later, we tried the intriguing salt coffee, a thick, sweet, and surprisingly delicious coffee milkshake. It was a pleasant surprise and definitely worth trying!
Beyond these unique coffee creations, Hanoi offers a plethora of cafes serving traditional Vietnamese coffee, ensuring something for every taste.
A Brunch to Remember at Salt and Pepper
After our coffee adventure, we headed to Salt and Pepper for brunch. This Western-style restaurant offered a welcome change of pace with delicious egg dishes and refreshing orange juice. While a bit pricier than local eateries, the quality and ambiance made it a worthwhile treat.
The fresh ingredients and flavorful combinations were a perfect way to fuel up for an afternoon of exploring.
Sunset Cocktails at a Hanoi Rooftop Bar
To celebrate our 7-year anniversary, we indulged in a romantic evening at a rooftop bar. Arriving just before sunset, we enjoyed breathtaking views of the city bathed in golden light. The bar's stylish ambiance, complete with dangling fiber optic lights, created a magical atmosphere.
While slightly more expensive than other Hanoi experiences, the stunning views and delicious cocktails made it a memorable celebration.
The Thrilling Train Street Experience
No trip to Hanoi is complete without a visit to the iconic Train Street. We arrived early to secure a spot at a cafe alongside the tracks. The anticipation built as we waited for the train, and the experience itself was exhilarating. The train passes incredibly close to the buildings, a truly unique and unforgettable sight.
Be sure to check the train schedule and arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. This is a must-do experience for any adventurous traveler.
Evening Stroll and Pizza by the Lake
We ended our day with a relaxing evening stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. Feeling a bit under the weather, we opted for a simple margarita pizza from the highly recommended Pizza 4P's. Enjoying our pizza by the lake was a perfect way to wind down, despite a brief encounter with a local rat!
Hoan Kiem Lake is a beautiful spot for an evening walk, offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Final Thoughts on Hanoi
Hanoi is a city that truly captivates the senses. From its vibrant street life to its rich culture and delicious food, there's something for everyone. Our adventure, filled with coffee, cocktails, and the thrilling Train Street, left us with unforgettable memories. We hope this guide inspires you to explore Hanoi and create your own unforgettable experiences.
