Hanoi

Vietnam’s Capital

Train Street
One of the major reasons that make Hanoi a popular city to visit, is the train street. Train street is a strip of restaurants along an active train track. Throughout the day, trains will pass and as you sit at the restaurant, you almost could reach out and touch the train. Being so close to the train as it passes , while enjoying a chilled drink is a unique experience.
Ninh Binh
Stunning! Taking a row boat ride through a river lined with limestone mountains, a few caves and other beautiful greenery. Was a 2 hour drive from Hanoi and felt like a totally different place! The views were unbeatable.
Old Quarter
Old town is their downtown location that consists of SO many stores and restaurants. They are small and full of souveniors, clothes, bags, etc. The thriving food scene and unique architecture makes it a famous place to visit. My opinion was not as glamourous about the famous attraction. It felt very over-done. Tourists walking the streets. Since it was just shops and restaurants, I did not feel it was all that cool to see. Felt like the place was trying hard to be something for tourists to see so that they could benefit from the boost in money/economy. It was convenient to be staying near old quarter and having many food options. Walk just a little further to a nice small lake area. That part of Old quarter had a nice vibe to it. There is an old quarter night market that was chaos. Too many people is a small area ( down a street) and everyone trying to sell similar items. Was interesting to view for a moment but then I ended up leaving. Overall, there was a few cool elements to Old quarter, like 2-story restaurants with a view, but overall not my favorite part of the city.
Lakes
There were 3 lakes that really create a nice nature within the city.


Hoàn Kiếm Lake is just south of old quarter. It has a cool structure ( 2nd picture), named turtle tower. With the background of buidligns and the exteroir of the lake lined with greenery and flowers makes for a great place to relax. Go north of the old quarter and there are 2 lakes. One very large lake that feels like it's in the middle of the city. Coffee shops, restaurant, city buildings all along the huge lake. Right next to it, find the smaller lake that is on a cuter scale. Has the same nice view of buildings and greenery. Benches across to sit and take in the view.