Speaking of action, we saw trains of cyclos coming from the fancy hotels across town. Six, ten, twelve at a time, all in a row with foreigners sitting in them, and we were part of their tour! Here we are, drinking our local beer, having local appetizers, and the tourists are gawking at US! It was like being in the zoo. What a different perspective.

Billy at a local Bia Hoi

The next morning, it was time to explore our surroundings. The first “bad weather” of our Vietnam trip, the overcast gray skies were a nice break from hot and humid, and the mist gave a certain “ancient” feel to everything we saw.

Hanoi, supposedly the “most Asian City” in Vietnam, is not as modern as its southern rival. Once outside the Old Quarter, the peaceful tree-lined boulevards, sidewalk cafes, and French architecture cannot go unnoticed; perfect for strolling arm in arm with your lover. Hoan Kiem Lake serves this purpose, as many folks come here to relax, sit on park benches with old friends, or walk to get exercise. The Lake serves as a large and easy-to-recognize landmark with the streets all branching off from there. Make it back to the lake, and instantly we know about where we are.

Young lovers at Hoan Kiem Lake

Lunchtime approaches quickly each day, and several times we decided to eat at a recommended place called the Cyclo Café. Noted for its ambiance - all the seats are transformed cyclos - the food is worth mentioning as well. We each had the set lunch, at 50,000 dong ($3.33 USD), which is the best deal offered in this unique mid-priced restaurant.  There are several selections for this set price menu, which also includes coffee or tea.

It must be mentioned here that the Vietnamese coffee is some of the very best. Whether enjoyed after a sumptuous meal, or at many of the local cafes about the city, this flavorsome treat is not to be missed. We recommend finding a neighborhood coffee bean vendor and buying a kilo of your favorite coffee to take home or to your next destination. Well worth the reasonable price charged of $6.67 US.

Fresh grilled tuna on a bed of tomatoes, zucchini, olives and crushed capers

The streets here in the Old Quarter are bewilderingly winding and it is easy enough to think you are on one street when in actuality you want to be on the one above it or below it. However, the street signs are very well marked and in large letters that can actually be seen. The street names and features on the map we have even matches the roads! The Vietnamese seem to be very organized, except for the frenzied traffic, and even that is organized chaos.

Carrying sugar cane over the Long Bien Bridge

In an effort to escape the hustle and bustle of the vendor filled streets, we hired two cyclo drivers to take us across the Long Bien Bridge. Even though it looked like the bridge itself could fall down at any moment, we risked it. Built in 1902, spanning 5500 feet across the Red River, this bridge was continuously bombed during the Vietnam War. Supporting several rail lines and two highways it was heavily fortified and was an important target for the Americans. Yet the Vietnamese, with their reputable persistence, never ceased to rebuild it, time and time again after the bombings.

The slow and peaceful 2 hour cyclo ride was a welcomed change from the manic pace of crowded streets we left behind. 

After five days or so, we realized that we had hit upon pattern of cool, drizzly, heavy skied days. Everything is damp, through and through. This city holds great promise of beauty should the sun come out.  With the architecture being so influenced by the French, the men wearing berets, the bicycles, baguettes, and brie, it is very reminiscent of being in France.

We found ourselves wandering the Old District, seeing the grand Opera House and museum buildings. We took our time to reflect on our distinctive visit to Vietnam while sitting in cafes sipping coffee.

Typical street in Old Quarter

The sun eventually did come out to create splendor and shadow - even if it was only for moments at a time. Vietnam, with its intense history, its quality of goods offered for sale, the beauty of the countryside, and general all around variety at affordable prices is a highly recommended vacation destination in our judgment. 

Do yourself a favor and consider this newly opened country as a place for your next holiday.

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About the Authors

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli are recognized retirement experts and internationally published authors on topics of finance, medical tourism and world travel. With the wealth of information they share on their award winning website RetireEarlyLifestyle.com, they have been helping people achieve their own retirement dreams since 1991. They wrote the popular books, The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement and Your Retirement Dream IS Possible available on their website bookstore or on Amazon.com.

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