Tour of Vietnam 2023 | Day 1 | Hanoi – Hanoi

Arrived at the airport around 6 am VST. Had my passport stamped—an exciting moment with my new passport. Immediately exchanged one of my two $100 bills into VND. The second bill was slightly torn but still accepted without issue. Surprised by the quick and efficient service as the lady swiftly exchanged the first bill without thorough inspection. Managed to secure a favorable rate of 24,200 VND for 1 USD.

Made my first purchase in Vietnam from a vending machine, buying a water bottle, and was surprised by the price. 10,000 VND for a 350ml bottle of water. That equals 35rs for 350ml of water. Back in India, we can get 1000ml of water for 20rs. It seems like beer is cheaper than water here. After leaving the premises, I quickly hailed a cab using GRAB, similar to OLA/UBER in India. The driver was exceptionally friendly, handling all my luggage by himself and placing it in the car. First impressions of the Vietnamese roads from the car window were fantastic. The roads were clean and well-marked, with two-wheelers travelling on the right-hand side, and no reckless driving in sight. Midway through the journey, I realized that I had mistakenly input the wrong destination. Instead of Feliz Hostel, I had mistakenly entered Feliz Homes.

It was corrected, and the fare decreased by 20,000 VND. Just as I am about to arrive, a friend suggests booking a different hotel. The new reservation is made through booking.com for a hostel named ‘Central backpackers.’ Both places do not need upfront payment. The driver agrees to take me to this new hostel, despite the original hostel being set in his mobile app. Both accommodations are conveniently close to each other.

Driver drops me off with just feet’s away from the entrance. I some how manage to take all load and enter the hostel only to be denied at the reception. I come to know that I had booked the hotel with a different branch and this branch did not have even a single bed available. The guy at the reception is courteous enough to book a 2 wheeler through GRAB for 18,000 VND. The driver arrives at the location and I am forced to do check-in into my 1st hostel as per original plan. I put a request of cancellation for the 2nd hostel which is approved a little later.

Sitting at the back, juggling luggage and dodging heavy two-wheeler traffic, we arrive at the narrow Feliz hostel entrance. I settle the GRAB driver before he vanishes. Luckily, the owner girl spots me and leads me through narrow alleyways to the hostel door. Inside, a boy assists with the check-in. He suggests canceling the portal booking and booking directly, as my stay duration in Hanoi is uncertain. Originally booked for three nights, I decide two days are enough, cancelling the booking upon assurance of waived cancellation charges for the sudden change. Direct booking for two nights is made at 245,000 VND, with an additional 50,000 VND for early check-in. Hostel check-in time is 2 pm. The boy prepares my bed, and after a quick shower, I head to meet Ms. Huyen, who has the key to my Royal Enfield bike and is staying at a nearby hostel. I offer her some Bhakarwadi from Pune, which she enjoys instantly.

I inspect my bike closely. She gives me the bike keys. Another friend joins her, and we head to a nearby restaurant for a local breakfast. We sample the “Bun Rieu Gan Bo” dish, a mix of Noodles in Soup with Pork, Crab, Fish, and Beef dumplings, garnished with leafy vegetables, sliced red pepper, and a splash of tangy juice from a fruit resembling a lemon. The portion is sizable, and finishing it proves to be quite a challenge. The three of us leave with our stomachs full to the brim. The total bill amounts to 170.000VND for which I settle.

Afterward, we went to the ATM to withdraw cash, as agreed upon in our pre-arranged plan prior to my arrival in Vietnam. My local friend will transfer 38,000,000 VND, from which she will keep 13,000,000 UND for the bike rental and give me the remaining 25,000,000 UND for my expenses in Vietnam over the next 23 days. I adopted this approach to circumvent forex fees.

The power outlet in my hostel room cannot support my one plus adapter, preventing me from charging my device. I discovered this issue when I tried to plug in the charger upon arrival. To resolve this, I need a surge protector that can bear the load of the socket, allowing me to charge without any issues. Unfortunately, the area we are in lacks stores that sell such items. Eventually, after searching many places, we find a shop with only one unit left. After confirming its functionality, we make the purchase. The surge protector costs me a significant amount of 600,000 UND. Later, I realize that the bike’s steering feels stiff and requires extra effort to turn. We initially suspect low air in the front tire, but after confirming proper inflation, it appears there is another underlying issue.

Meanwhile, Huyen has to leave to catch a flight back to Da Nang at 2pm. I am now alone dealing with the situation. I start by refueling the tank with high-grade petrol 95. Initially, it’s a bit of a challenge as I mistakenly queue up in the car lane. Thankfully, a kind gentleman assists me in using the right type of petrol. After thanking him, I pay 230,000 VND for nearly 10 liters of fuel. I return to the mechanic who helped me inflate the tire to address the hard steering problem. However, he informs me that he doesn’t work on large bikes and suggests another mechanic a few hundred meters away. I face difficulty locating the mechanic since I’m searching for a large shop, compounded by language barriers.

After waiting like a statue, I approach two women on the roadside who guide me to a nearby shop. Eventually, I find it. Using sign language and Google Translate, I describe the issue to him, and he promptly gets to work, assuring me he can resolve it. In the meantime, I verify with my Indian friends via WhatsApp, and indeed, there seems to be an issue with the steering column—it’s stiff and requires adjustment.

The mechanic diligently worked on it and after many short trial rides, the steering has become somewhat loose. However, there is a slight issue with the steering cone set, causing a metal dinking noise when driving over potholes and speed-breakers. Both my Indian friends and the mechanic assure me that this won’t be a major problem. Despite their reassurances, I’m frustrated with Huyen for putting me in this situation, affecting my mood. Additionally, the mechanic discovers another problem with the bike’s front engine guard frame – it’s cracked! This only adds to my tension. Thankfully, the mechanic is able to fix it quickly with his welding gun. After completing the repairs, he confirms that the bike is ready for the road. The total bill amounts to 320,000 VND. I inform Huyen that I will be recovering this amount from her. I then return to my hostel but realize there is no bike parking available.

I parked near a medical facility in a full parking area. My bike kept stalling in traffic. I found a spot but was advised to move by the hostel receptionist due to security concerns. I parked in a paid secure area, feeling relieved. Later, I went back to my hostel, got ready, and explored Hanoi streets. I missed the Hanoi train street by 10 minutes and visited Giang cafe for egg coffee, which was delicious with egg froth on hot coffee. I enjoyed the view from a balcony, watching Hanoi’s traffic as I sipped my coffee, costing 35,000 VND. I then visited the temple at “Ho Hoan Kiem Lake” for 30,000 VND, seeing preserved arrow turtles. I bought a souvenir with Vietnamese calligraphy saying “DOING GOOD THINGS” and later sat at a nearby balcony cafe, writing in my diary and enjoying more coffee.

It’s nearly dark, and the streets of Hanoi are coming alive with lights, decorations, and beautiful lanterns. Tables line the streets, with owners inviting passersby to sit down, enjoy a beer, and savor some food. The bustling atmosphere makes it challenging to decide which shop to visit. I wander for two hours, taking in cultural performances at the crossroads and absorbing the positive energy. Finally, I indulge in a dinner of pork cutlets accompanied by fresh mint tea. Afterwards, I browse the shopping street, purchasing souvenirs like fridge magnets, wall murals, and the iconic paper hand fan.

It’s nearly 11:30pm VST, and my feet are truly exhausted. I must’ve walked about 10km. Moreover, I am dehydrated due to insufficient water intake. It’s not readily accessible in cafes, so you have to purchase it each time for around 10,000 VND. Heading back to my hostel now for a restful night’s sleep. I drift off around midnight.