Episode 21

World Trip I (pt. 12) – Hanoi

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June 9th, 2024

41 mins 36 secs

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vietnam train thailand sightseeing shangri-la sapa rice nikki museum motorcycle mausoleum laos hotel ho chi minh hanoi hilton hanoi halong germany food chiang mai cambodia boutique beer banh mi

About this Episode

In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount the continuation of my Southeast Asia trip, focusing on my experiences in Vietnam. I remember opting for a cheap flight from Bangkok to Hanoi, which, in hindsight, I regret due to the discomfort and long queues. Upon arriving in Hanoi, I stayed in a charming boutique hotel in the old quarter, where the hospitality was heartwarming. My first night in Hanoi was memorable, not just for the delicious local food like pomelo salad and pho, but also for a pivotal text from my friend Nikki, which eventually led me to cut my trip short and return to Germany for a new job opportunity.

Exploring Hanoi, I was captivated by the city's vibrant street life, where tiny chairs and Heineken beers became the backdrop for life-changing conversations. My journey took me to significant sites like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Hoa Lo prison, where history felt both real and surreal. A bus tour to Sapa introduced me to the lush, green rice fields and the warm hospitality of a homestay, despite the muddy trails. My adventure concluded with a visit to a quieter bay near Halong Bay, where the beauty was somewhat overshadowed by the throngs of tourists. Returning to Hanoi, I treated myself to a luxurious stay by West Lake, offering a peaceful end to my Vietnamese escapade.

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