We used Hanoi as our base and did a few ventures out to Ninh Binh, Halong Bay and Pulong as well as eating well. In the end, we stayed in Hanoi three separate times and were lucky enough to catch up with an traveling relative and her friends one night for a food tour and train street.

Mostly we stayed in the older areas with footpaths packed with motorbikes and food stalls. I would hate to be a wheelchair user or trying to push a pram around there – just walking was hard enough! They do like their flags though…

Our food tour was pretty fun. Our first stop was for make-your-own rice paper rolls at a typical restaurant with low tables & chairs on the street.

We were enjoying our rolls and trying different combinations when the cops turn up. We’re quite confused as to why this is an issue, but some folks are grabbing tables & chairs and running… 😬Apparently, these days, you aren’t allowed to eat / drink on the footpath, which is kind of funny as everyone does it and it’s something pretty cool about Vietnam.

So we stuff our faces and pack up quickly to head on to more foods, that I can’t remember most of but generally pretty tasty! Esti liked them anyway 🐰 (but not the beer as he’s too young still!)

After the tour we ventured to Train street, which was more fun than I thought.

Our last stay in Hanoi was in a modern district, in a nice apartment with a view over the lake and a fancy shopping centre nearby.

At least the air quality had improved slightly by then.