Hanoi, Vietnam’s Capital — Way Cooler Than I Expected!

Hello, fresh fruit guys, fresh mangoes, fresh apricots, fresh oranges, but I'm just kidding you guys, I'm not a street vendor. That's right, I'm a travel vlogger and in this video we're visiting Hanoi, Vietnam's capital and second most populous city, home to over 8.7 million people. Here, ancient temples stand beside honking scooters and history whispers from every street corner. I'm taking you on a journey through Hanoi's old world charm and modern hustle, plus the breathtaking nature that surrounds the city. Get ready for some cool adventures because this is Cool Vision. Hanoi lies in northern Vietnam, nestled in the Red River Delta, just about 90 kilometers from the coast. Unlike Saigon, Hanoi experiences four distinct seasons, from humid summers to misty, romantic winters. Founded way back in 1010, its roots run deep, over a thousand years of rich, layered history. The city endured Chinese domination, French colonization and fierce battles during the Vietnam War and yet through it all, Hanoi has risen to become the proud capital of a reunified Vietnam. And today, it's a vibrant blend of the old, the new and the wonderfully unexpected. Hanoi's streets are ruled by motorbikes, 6.9 million of them to be exact, compared to just 1.1 million cars. It's not quite as wild as Saigon, but still, the city center doesn't have the laid-back vibe that you'll find elsewhere in Vietnam. As the capital, it's the seat of government and the police presence is real. You'll even spot VIP motorcades. Matter of fact, the day I arrived, Xi Jinping came to town. Total coincidence, I'm sure he was surprised too. When you thought you planned everything perfectly for the day and then Xi Jinping comes to town to negotiate U.S. tariffs and the streets are blocked. In Hanoi, it only takes 5 minutes for traffic to turn into a full-blown gridlock. After all this stress, I thought I'd get a coffee and unwind, but little did I know. Wait a second, there's a train, what's going on? Is it going to kill us? Let's dive into the sights, starting with one of the wildest, Train Street. This narrow alley somehow fits homes, cafes and a full-sized train, all in one breath. Several times a day, a train barrels through, just inches from people sipping coffee or posing for Instagram. And then, whoosh! The train roars past like it owns the tracks. It's loud, exhilarating and just the right amount of terrifying. Train times shift, so always check ahead. Were you guys scared of the train? No, not at all. It was a little quicker than I thought though. Next, we head to the old quarter, Hanoi's beating heart. By day, it's a chaotic symphony. Scooters zipping by, vendors shouting, alleyways packed tight, French colonial facades and ancient temples peek out behind tangled wires. Every corner tempts you with the scent of sizzling street food, fresh fruit and strong Vietnamese coffee. But when the sun sets, the old quarter transforms. Neon lights flicker on, beer kegs roll out and sidewalks become buzzing bars. This was the view from our hotel room. Live music, laughter and clinking glasses fill the air. This is when Hanoi truly comes alive. And right next door, Hoan Kiem Lake. Hello! This is like a peaceful oasis inside of all this madness that's happening. But it's also the center of attention. People come here to do all sorts of things, like practicing Tai Chi in the morning, doing group exercises and dancing. The lake's centerpiece, Turtle Tower, sits quietly in the middle, while the red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple adds a pop of color. On weekends, the streets around the lake close to traffic and become a vibrant walking zone, perfect for people watching, snacking and just soaking in the vibe. In this area, you can visit one of the two water puppet theaters that bring Vietnam's ancient storytelling tradition to life. With wooden puppets dancing across a shallow pool, stories of village life, legends and myths unfold to the sound of live folk music, skilled puppeteers stand hidden behind a screen, controlling every movement with precision and flair. It's a true cultural gem that delights both kids and adults. Next, St. Joseph Cathedral. Right in the heart of Hanoi's old quarter, among all this chaos, you see a building that looks like Notre Dame's distant cousin. And in fact, it is. It was built by the French in 1886. And it's a striking example of French colonial architecture here in Hanoi. With its twin bell towers and stained glass windows, it feels like a peaceful slice of Europe in the middle of a buzzing Asian city. Step inside and the chaos of Hanoi melts away, replaced by cool stone walls, wooden pews and quiet reverence. It's especially beautiful at night when the facade glows under warm lights. Apart from tourism and politics, Hanoi is a growing powerhouse in finance, manufacturing, technology and services. Industrial zones around the city crank out everything from electronics to textiles and heavy machinery. The Hanoi Stock Exchange, Vietnam's second largest, focuses on bond trading and small to medium enterprise listings. Real estate here is booming, with shiny malls and high-end housing rising across the skyline. But here's a fun twist. Over three quarters of jobs in Hanoi are still state-owned. Even so, the private sector is gaining ground fast, especially in tech, services and manufacturing. By the way, we'll take a company tour at the end of the video, so stay tuned. Tourism also fuels the local economy, with Noi Ba International Airport, just 45 kilometers from the city center, bringing in a steady stream of visitors. Since the 1980s, Vietnam's economy has opened up dramatically. But make no mistake, the Communist Party still runs the political show. It's a unique blend, capitalist in business, communist in politics, much like its northern neighbor, China. And nowhere is that contrast more visible than at Lenin Square. There stands a towering statue of Vladimir Lenin, ever serious in his stone glory. But around him? Skateboarders flipping tricks, kids exercising and kicking soccer balls, and locals hosting lively festivals. Right opposite Lenin Square, the flag tower of Hanoi stands tall as one of the city's iconic landmarks. Built in the early 19th century, this towering structure was once part of the old Hanoi Citadel's defense system. For history buffs, Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum is a must-see. Located in Ba Dinh Square, it's a place of deep national pride and draws long lines of visitors every day. But be warned, the lines are so serious, and the rules are even more so. No photos, no chewing gum, and guards are watching every move. It can feel a bit stressful, with the strict restrictions and constant monitoring. After about an hour in line, you finally get to see the embalmed body of Vietnam's revolutionary leader. But only for a few seconds, the guards keep things moving fast. Go, go, go! The mausoleum itself is massive and austere, yet it holds a quiet, powerful dignity. Security is tight, so don't try to wander beyond the allowed areas. I say, if your time in Hanoi is limited, it's okay to skip this one. There's plenty more to explore in the city, like the Presidential Palace Historical Site. This bright yellow mansion was built by the French in 1906, but when Ho Chi Minh took over, he said no merci to the gold staircases and chose a wooden stilt house out back instead. This is the house that Ho Chi Minh chose to live in. It's simple, small, and cozy. There's a modest car garage, featuring Uncle Ho's car collection. No Ferraris here, just two Soviet cars and a Peugeot. Just steps away stands the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple standing on a single stone pillar, rising from the water. Legend says it was built by Emperor Lê Thái Tôn in the 11th century as a prayer for his son and the prosperity of the nation. The Ho Chi Minh Museum offers a deep dive into the life and legacy of Vietnam's beloved revolutionary leader. Through a rich collection of photos, documents, and artifacts, the museum tells the story of Ho Chi Minh's journey from a young activist to the father of modern Vietnam. Visitors can explore exhibits on his role in the fight for independence and his vision for a united country. Now, I knew Ho Chi Minh means a lot to locals, but I didn't realize just how much. I literally saw a man praying to Uncle Ho. I don't know if that's normal, but I was taken by surprise. Moving on. The Temple of Literature is Vietnam's first university built nearly a thousand years ago. Its peaceful courtyards, intricate carved turtles, and ancient stone steles offer a serene glimpse into Vietnam's Confucian heritage. Visiting here feels like stepping back in time to a place where scholars once studied philosophy, poetry, and history. Now, you cannot miss the Imperial Citadel of Thanh Loan, the 1,000-year-old heart of Hanoi's royal and political history. Built by ancient dynasties and shaped by Chinese, Vietnamese, and French influences, it's a fascinating blend of cultures and history. Today, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers calm, spacious grounds filled with stories waiting just beneath the surface. The Hanoi Opera House is a stunning symbol of French colonial architecture inspired by the Palais Garnier in Paris. Built in the early 19th century, it once hosted galas for colonial elites. Today, it's a stage for Vietnamese art, music, and theater. Next, Hoa Lo Prison, once nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton, was originally built by the French to imprison Vietnamese revolutionaries, but it later housed American POWs during the Vietnam War. Inside preserved cells, heavy iron doors, and haunting displays tell powerful stories of struggle, resistance, and survival. Visiting this site is a sobering reminder of the human cost of conflict told through the voices of those who lived it firsthand. West Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Hanoi. Locals come here to jog, relax, and even fish with a view that stretches to the skyline. Lakeside cafes and swan boats give it a peaceful, almost resort-like feel. It's a popular place to watch the sunset. You'll find many photographers trying to get the best shot of Trang Coc Pagoda during sunset. This pagoda is Hanoi's oldest Buddhist temple. It has witnessed over 1,500 years of Vietnamese history and devotion. Its striking red tower rises above the water, reflected beautifully at sunrise and sunset. Another temple set beside the serene West Lake is Quang Thanh Temple, a thousand-year-old tower sanctuary guarding the northern spirit of Hanoi. Inside, marvel at the intricate carvings that echo centuries of Vietnamese craftsmanship, and the towering bronze statue of Tran Vu. There are many options for getting around Hanoi, including taxis, buses, and motorbikes. Of course, motorbikes are the most numerous. Some people have really mastered the art of riding them. Wow, look at this girl, riding with her legs on the side like she's casually sitting on a bench while looking at her phone. Or look at this family, four people on a scooter. What can possibly go wrong? The first line of subway opened in 2021, and it was a big step toward easing in the city's notorious traffic and modernizing urban transport. And yes, it was a big deal. It's an elevated train with sleek stations running about 13 kilometers across western Hanoi. The trains are clean, air-conditioned, and surprisingly quiet, quite a contrast to the chaos below. Fares are affordable, with tickets starting at just a few thousand don for a one-way ride. And finally, the classic cyclo can be hired to take you around the whole quarter on a sightseeing tour. Three to four dollars for 10 minutes, but it depends on your bargaining skills. Now what's that? That's a new addition to the city that I highly recommend, Vietnam Military History Museum. Although this museum has been around since 1959, this new location was opened in 2024. Important artifacts such as aircraft, tanks, and combat equipment are displayed outdoors in an open-air exhibition area of over 20,000 square meters. Soviet and Chinese tanks, MiG fighter jets, and an assortment of artillery pieces stand as silent witnesses to history. Step inside and you'll find uniforms, weapons, and battle maps. At times it can be incredibly overwhelming and very emotional. This is a very, very modern museum that not only covers the Vietnam War, but also the French colonial period and also events like the Mongol invasion, you know, so it starts from the earliest history and takes you back to the modern days. If you love amazing views, check out the Lotte Observation Deck. Sitting high on the 65th floor of the Lotte Center, it offers a stunning 360-degree panorama of the city. From here, you can see all the major landmarks. But beware, Hanoi's frequent haze and humidity can sometimes limit visibility. In fact, the city often ranks among the world's most polluted, with fine dust levels reaching unhealthy levels. So even on a clear day, the view can be a bit hazy as you can see. There's a cool glass skywalk that lets you look straight down, a thrilling way to see the bustling city below. Okay, I'm gonna be slowly approaching it. Slowly, slowly, slowly, slowly, and it seems like doing just great. Whoa! Now let's talk about the soul of Hanoi, the food. Hanoi is where Pho was born, the iconic beef noodle soup that's now a global favorite. But here, it's more than just a dish. It's a daily ritual. Locals slurp it on street corners at dawn, usually with a side of fried dough and a glass of iced tea. What's interesting is that it doesn't matter where you try it, it's going to be equally good at a street market or at a Michelin star restaurant like this one. Just tried Pho at this Michelin star restaurant. Was it that different from just a regular street side cafe? Not by a large margin, but over here it was like twice more expensive. But you get what you pay for, right? Maybe the ingredients were better. I don't know. I couldn't tell. Then there's Bun Cha, a smoky grilled pork, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dip in sauce that hits all the right notes. It's famously the dish President Obama shared with Anthony Bourdain right here in Hanoi. I love how they consume so much, so many vegetables. Anything you feel like, there's some mint too. Yeah. You see there's meatball and then a slice. Okay, mix it all together. Yeah, now you can eat. Fantastic. Street food is the heartbeat of the city. Think Banh Mi. Want to know if it's good? Just look for a crowd outside. The bigger the better. Is that pork? Yes, sir. Okay. This is amazing breakfast, guys. And then there's the legendary egg coffee. Yes, egg and coffee whipped together into a sweet creamy foam. Look at it. It's so thick. It's creamy like, you know. Let me taste it. Very, very sweet. It's almost like dessert, you know. It's not even a drink, right? It's almost like... Hanoi's coffee culture is booming, from vintage French-inspired cafes to secret alleyway spots. Coffee isn't just a drink, it's part of the city's soul. There are so many amazing coffee shops in Hanoi, like this one. It's called Tran Phu, Boobs and Coffee. My tour guide, Zhang, took me to one of her favorite locations. We're in the city center, basically, right? And now, all of a sudden, we're in the jungle and we don't hear those motorcycle noises. Because you really get tired of them, right? After a while. Now, is that true that Vietnamese coffee, on the average, is stronger than Italian coffee? Definitely. We have Robusta coffee, a type of bean. Robusta bean. While in European countries, they do Arabica. People like you, how do you like to hang out? Like, what do you do for fun? This is a very typical way of meeting friends. We go to coffee shops to do everything, like working, meeting for business, and chit-chatting with friends. There are many rooftop bars that offer a great view, like this one. Now, there are so many locations in Hanoi that offer a fantastic view. The thing is, they all want you to drink Vietnamese coffee. Now, how many coffees can you have in one day? Exactly, I already have three. Don't miss the legendary Shark Jaw Building in the Old Quarter. Yep, that jagged rooftop really does look like a shark's open mouth. This area gets extremely crowded at night. My tour guide, Giang, took me to one of Hanoi's largest wet markets, and trust me, it's wild. We are at Yen Phuc Market, and this is one of the biggest markets in the whole area. People come shopping on bicycles, motorbikes, and even with kids. You'll find pork, beef, seafood, and rice, all the usual suspects. It was blackberry season, so we grabbed a bag. But I'm not sure you're ready for everything Hanoi's street food has to offer. Would you care for some pigeons? Or maybe some delicious dog meat? It looks pretty shocking, so I blurred the image just in case. By the way, how much are the eggs? It's $1.3 for 10 pieces. I don't know if you know this, but the merchants come to work really early, and I mean 4 a.m. early. Before the sun even thinks about rising, they're already setting things up for the day, drink tea, and chat with their friends. Now let me ask you this. I saw some dog meat for sale. Now is that still a thing? Do you eat dog meat? Yeah, all people do. Okay. It was very popular in the past, but now it seems like people eat less and less, and then many people like making a choice because they start to pet dogs. So yeah, they're not comfortable with... There's got to be a distinction between pets and the food, you know? Now you said that people love pork here a lot. Yeah. And so they use pork as an indicator for how well the economy is doing. Exactly. The price of pork is like the indicator. Oh, if it's cheaper, the economy is doing well. If it goes up, that means inflation is really high. Yes, yes, exactly. And now you go to the market, it's really high. Okay. How much actually pork per kilogram? Yeah, it's very dependent on the part, but something... I think the cheapest must be around 150,000. Okay. And the most expensive will be around more than 200,000. Okay. But of course, you pay more in the supermarket. It's the wet market. The traditional market is still cheaper After the market, we stopped to get some fresh fruit, and the lady merchant invited us to have some tea inside. Turned out, she collects different artifacts and has a whole collection upstairs. Hello, hello. She has been doing this for 32 years. The tea was great, and I enjoyed the hospitality. Very sweet. The shop is named after her daughter, just outside. If you ever come back, come and she will invite you for a meal. And now, we're about to visit a part of Hanoi that, honestly, doesn't feel like Hanoi at all. Well, can you guys believe we're still in Hanoi? Yes, we are. We're in the eastern suburbs, and this place is called Ocean Park, and it's enormous. Right now, it's home to around 60,000 people, but they're actually working on two more projects, Ocean Park 2 and Ocean Park 3. Ocean Park is this massive modern neighborhood just across the Red River, and stepping into it feels like entering a completely different city. You've got wide, quiet streets, man-made lakes, and even a beach with white sand and palm trees. Yep, there's a beach in Hanoi now. The whole area is built for modern living. High-rise or low-rise apartments with all the amenities, gyms, and swimming pools. The Central Lagoon is a chill spot where people paddleboard, walk around, or just hang out. You'll find outdoor gyms, barbecue areas, and playgrounds. But Ocean Park isn't just about sun, sand, and tranquility. It's a thriving community with world-class amenities, such as Vincom Megamall, top-notch healthcare and education facilities, including kindergarten, schools, and Vinh University that's partnering with Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania. Everything here feels new, spacious, and planned. A big contrast to the tight, bustling streets of Old Hanoi. It's also easy to get to, with a smooth highway and free shuttle buses from the city. And soon, a metro line will link it directly to downtown. It's very important to exercise to stay in shape. At the time of our visit, there was a wedding going on, a Vietnamese bride and a European groom. And honestly, we could have totally crashed it, and no one would have noticed. Just smile, grab a drink, and blend right in like we were part of the guest list all along. Hanoi's architecture is a mix of everything. You've got grand French colonial mansions from the old days, now mostly used as embassies. Then there are the classic socialist-style concrete apartment blocks, boxy and gray. But the real stars? Tube houses, Hanoi's iconic skinny homes. Just a few meters wide, but stretching up several floors, you'll see them packed into every alley. Why so narrow though? It goes back to the old tax laws that charged property owners based on street front width. So people built up instead of out. They started popping up in the late 1800s, and now they're a classic part of the city's charm. But now that economy's been booming for years, you're starting to see the other extreme. What kind of Italian architecture is this? Is that a palace? Nope! Believe it or not, that's someone's private home. Looks like it was airlifted from Rome and dropped right here. Totally over the top, but that's part of the city's magic. Hanoi is surrounded by some of Vietnam's most jaw-dropping gems. And top of the list is the legendary Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country's most iconic destinations. A cruise through its emerald green waters reveals a fantasy world of towering limestone karsts, secret caves and floating fishing villages that feel like something out of a movie. Looking around you're like, whoa, this is amazing, right? You feel like a kid again on his birthday, you know? You can choose to go for a quick day trip, an overnight cruise, or go all out with a two-night luxury voyage. Perfect for soaking up those dreamy sunrises and sunsets over the bay. On board, get ready to feast on loads of fresh seafood. So come hungry and ready for some bold Vietnamese flavors. We've got oysters, we've got different shrimps, we've got kimchi, we've got soups, we've got everything. This is unbelievable. It's definitely one of those wow moments of my journey in Vietnam. Did I mention the good views? Most cruises mix it up with caves to explore, hidden lagoons where you can kayak, and maybe even spot golden monkeys if you're lucky. I was lucky. Most cruises would make a stop at Te Top Island. This island is something. You can climb to the top and enjoy amazing panoramic views. This island even has a sandy beach, a rare find in a bay full of cliffs. And fun fact, it's named after Soviet cosmonaut German Titov, who visited in 1962 accompanied by no other than Ho Chi Minh himself. Now I had no idea guys that Halong Bay could turn into a seaside vacation. Get your coconut, jump in the water. So good, so good. And look at the view. How many pictures can you take? So many. Just a couple hours south of Hanoi is Ninh Binh, often called Halong Bay on land. It's a peaceful escape where limestone mountains rise from golden rice paddies and rivers weave between caves and temples. We stopped at a local restaurant to try the region's signature dish, mountain goat. These goats graze on rocky limestone cliffs, which locals say gives the meat its unique taste. And of course the locals insisted I wash it down with a shot of homemade rice liquor. Thank you. They made me drink. Look at this. It's our mountain goats. The goat meat was tender and flavorful. If you crave peace and stunning scenery, Tam Coc is the place. Hop on a boat and let a local rower guide you through narrow waterways and stone caverns. Rowers here often use their feet instead of their hands for some reason. As you flow down the river, you'll pass through three natural caves. The name Tam Coc literally means three caves. Wow, this is what I call reconnecting with nature. Vietnam has so many scenic natural spots that make your jaw drop. I'm not exaggerating. It's incredibly tranquil. No traffic noises, just the sound of oars in water and birds in the trees. Ninh Binh is also rich in history. Visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital, or the Sproul and Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. This site blends ancient temples dating back over a thousand years with a sprawling modern complex built in the 21st century. You'll walk through courtyards lined with hundreds of stone Buddha statues, pass towering bronze bells, and climb steps toward a 13-story pagoda that overlooks the countryside. Inside the pagoda is a spiral staircase leading to a panoramic viewpoint. The higher you go, the more incredible the view. The grounds are vast, over 500 hectares, and there's even an electric tram to help visitors move between areas. One of the best ways to explore Ninh Binh is on a bicycle, pedaling past rice fields, village homes, and buffalo lounging in the mud. And then there's Ngua Caves. It's not the cave itself, but the view from the top that steals the show. To get there, you'll have to climb nearly 500 steep stone steps up a jagged limestone cliff. At the summit, a stone dragon coils above the valley, guarding one of Vietnam's most breathtaking views. And right beside it, a small mountaintop pagoda adds a spiritual touch to the dramatic scene. Down at the base, lotus ponds and little bridges add to the little atmosphere. Perfect for a quiet stroll after the climb. If you're hungry for even more northern adventure, hop on the Reunification Express Railway, which links Hanoi to destinations like Sa Pa, a misty mountain town famous for terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages. But I'll save Sa Pa for my big Vietnam video. Now, before we finish, I got a bonus for you. You guys know those iconic conical hats from Vietnam, right? Well, guess what? I visited a real conical hat village just outside Hanoi. As you can tell, I'm wearing the most iconic accessory in Vietnam. And right now, I'm at this company called Tu Hun, and they have been in business for nearly 50 years, and they employ dozens of people, and it's a very successful business. And of course, they've got a great collection of conical hats, and it's used by everybody. Farmers, street vendors, and even YouTubers. And they come in all shapes and sizes. This one's a little bit too big for me. Or how about this one? It's amazing to see how these hats are made by hand, from weaving the frames to carefully stitching and even ironing the palm leaves to get that perfect shape. The whole process is super precise and done with so much care. They actually organize tours and offer a range of fun activities if you decide to visit. Funny enough, here they charge $2.5 for one hat, but that same hat at the airport would set you back $15. So what do I think about Hanoi? It's not polished, it's not trying to impress, but it's real. It's a place where the past and present collide, where a thousand years of history echo beneath the buzz of mopeds and the smell of foe drifting through the air. Every street has a story, every dish holds generations of memory. Whether you're wandering temple courtyards, sipping coffee by the train tracks, or just people watching from a shady bench by the lake, Hanoi sips into you. It's a city where you want to stay, eat, explore, and even get lost a little, because magic here is everywhere. Thanks for watching this video guys. If you enjoyed it, give it a thumbs up, share it with your friends, and please subscribe to the channel. I have more Vietnam videos coming up.