Hailed as the Parisian capital of Asia, Hanoi is a little gemstone, it has flaws, imperfections and a mesmerizing allure.
The taxi journey from the airport to Hanoi center is a white knuckle experience which quickly acclimatizes visitors to what to expect. Hundreds of motorcycles dart between cars and people the only apparent common rules of the road are the use of full beams and the horn.
The landscape is unique: rice paddies, farms, buffaloes, tube houses and cemetery headstones seem to coexist oblivious to the traffic and growing signs of modernization.
The outskirts of Hanoi are dusty, busy and chaotic. Motorcycles carrying pots, plants, portable washing machines, and animals toot their way through pedestrians and general traffic.
And then, without a warning you find yourself in the heart of the French quarter where, if it were not for the heat, street hawkers carrying everything from fresh fruit, herbs and eggs to little charcoal cookers and ready to cook meals you would be forgiven if, for a moment, you thought you were somewhere in the back streets of the Champs Elysees.
Hanoi has a number of known touristic attractions but if you want to experience the real Hanoi, wake up early to watch locals do martial arts, tai chi, aerobics and badminton in the parks and even by the side of the roads. Take a stroll down to the Hoan Kiem Lake where, on a sunny day, you are likely to see handful of brides and grooms having their hair and makeup done whilst their photographers capture their day. From there take a leisurely stroll to the old quarter, the heart of Hanoi.
This area should come with a warning, for even if shopping is not your thing it is easy to spend at least half a day wandering in the little narrow streets, gazing at the architecture, pace of life, shops and general street life while you search out everything from shoes, toys, old watches to silk and lacquer products.
An array of coffee shops, restaurants and street food vendors entice visitors into local delicacies. The food is light, flavored but almost spa gourmet.
A number of exquisite old hotels of great charm are dotted throughout Hanoi, notably the Sofitel Legend Metropole, which merits a visit not only for its grandness and history but also for its divine macaroons.
Strike a conversation with the locals and you will get an insight to the Vietnamese people and witness their warmth, passion and above all, resilience.
