Welcome to Hanoi, the vibrant and historic capital city of Vietnam. From the bustling street markets to the serene temples, Hanoi is a city that truly showcases the essence of Vietnamese culture. I was in this city for a total of 4 days in my 9-day trip through Vietnam which is plenty of time to get a taste of the city. I'll share my tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your time in Hanoi by finding the best exchange rates, what to look for in a massage parlor, and where to go for some food that's loved by locals and tourists alike.
Money Exchange
Looking to get the best exchange rate while in Hanoi? Here's some advice to help you out. One of the first things you should do is to ask the front desk at your hotel for a recommendation on where to exchange your money. This is a great starting point as the hotel staff will likely have a good understanding of the local market and be able to direct you to a trustworthy place.
It might also be worth considering jewelry shops for your exchange needs. We were pleasantly surprised to find a jewelry shop offering an exchange rate higher than what we found on Google! We went to Quang Huy at 130 Hang Bac,
Another option is to exchange your money at a tourism information desk. While these exchanges may not offer the highest rate, you still may be able to negotiate a slightly higher amount. During our travels, we often asked around at several different shops to get a sense of the going rate and then negotiated an additional 100 Vietnamese dong or so.
So, don't be afraid to shop around, ask questions, and compare rates before deciding where to exchange your money in Hanoi. We did notice that more rural areas such as Tam Coc or Ha Long Bay typically had worse exchange rates, so it's worth the extra effort to exchange in a major city.
Massages
Massages are extremely popular in Vietnam, as they offer great value compared to their cost in other countries like the US or Europe. A typical one-hour massage in Los Angeles can cost upwards of $120, while in Vietnam, a full-body massage can be found for as low as $20. My friends and I found that prices were often negotiable and we were able to get discounts by haggling a few dollars off the printed prices especially if you were getting multiple services.
During our trip, we tried the "aroma massage" that was widely available. However, we found that the term "aroma" was a bit misleading as we never detected any added fragrances or oils. These massages were similar to a Swedish massage, with light pressure and very relaxing. They would always end with a series of light taps on the head and shoulders. I found these taps to be a bit jarring and would ask to skip them if I remembered. If you are looking for a deep tissue massage, you may have to pay a few extra dollars.
One experience that you must have while in Vietnam is a four-handed massage. This type of massage is the epitome of relaxation and offers a unique flow of yin and yang. With two masseurs working on your body at the same time, your upper and lower back can be massaged simultaneously. It felt like a lightbulb went off in my head and I wished this is how all massages were done. Instead of one masseur working on one arm at a time, both masseurs have to work in unison to apply even pressure to both sides of the body at almost the same time. I regret waiting until my last day to try this massage, as I wished I had experienced it throughout my entire trip. We went to Urban oasis spa for a 4 hands massage and would recommend you book online for a 10% discount.
Where to eat:
If you're a foodie traveling to Hanoi, you're in for a treat! The city is home to an abundance of incredible eateries and street food stalls, serving up some of the most delicious dishes you'll ever taste. With so many options, it's hard to choose where to go and what to try, but I've rounded up a few of my personal favorites that you won't want to miss.
Cafe Dinh - This place is a must-visit for anyone who loves egg coffee. We acted upon it during our food tour and were blown away by the delicious drinks. The entrance can be a bit tricky to find, as it's tucked away in a small alley and requires a short climb up some stairs, but it's worth the effort. The cafe is also conveniently located next to Hoan Kiem Lake. Since it was late in the evening, I went for the hot chocolate egg drink instead, which was a perfect treat for the evening.
An Bread & Cafe - This café seemed geared towards foreigners, which may have something to do with being 1 block away from our hotel. Despite this, I would still highly recommend it for its charming ambiance and delicious food. Seating can be hard to come by in many restaurants in Hanoi, but An Bread & Cafe has a cozy seating area in the back that adds to the overall charm of the place. While the prices may be a bit higher than what you'll find at local shops, the Bahn Mi sandwiches are out of this world and the drinks are a fun touch. It's definitely an Instagram-worthy spot.
Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn - This pho restaurant is one of the most famous in Hanoi, and for good reason. The broths are slow-cooked all day in huge vats, making for a truly delicious bowl of pho. If you're planning to visit, be sure to get there early as the line can get long, and there's limited seating. If you're in a group, have someone scour for seating while the rest of the party stands in line. I would also highly recommend getting a side of fried donuts to dip in the broth. It's a must-try!
Banh My Mama - This was also one of the highlights from our food tour. Although it's just a small stall with a couple of stools in the back, don't let the humble exterior fool you. The banh mi here is of the highest quality and is truly a standout in terms of taste and texture. Unlike the tough and often unappetizing banh mi bread you might find in the US, the bread here is soft and flaky, making for an enjoyable eating experience. Plus, the prices are unbeatable for the quality of food you receive. The owner of the stall is incredibly friendly and always willing to chat with customers. Everything is prepared to order, so you know you're getting the freshest ingredients possible. And with multiple varieties of banh mi on offer, you're sure to find something that meets your taste preferences.
With so many amazing food options in Hanoi, it's hard to know where to start. But with these recommendations, you'll be well on your way to trying some of the best food the city has to offer!
These are my top recommendations after a short trip but hopefully, this sparks your interest in visiting Hanoi.
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