Vietnam had been on our travel bucket list, and this year, we finally made it happen! My friend and I embarked on a 7-day adventure to Hanoi and Sapa, and it was everything we anticipated it to be of and more. Here's a glimpse into our unforgettable journey:
Day 1: Hanoi - Old Quarter Charm and Street Food Delights
Our adventure began in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter. After checking into San Premium hotel, we dove headfirst into the city's vibrant street food scene. We started our culinary journey at An Cafe, a charming local spot, before indulging in mouthwatering barbecue sticks and local sausages from street vendors.
Fueled up, we explored the iconic St. Joseph Cathedral, marveling at its Gothic architecture. A hidden gem, C.O.C. specialty cafe, provided the perfect caffeine fix with its unique and delicious coffee creations. We spent the afternoon sifting through vintage clothes, unearthing some unique treasures. As the sun began to set, we found ourselves amidst the lively atmosphere of Ta Hien Beer Street, soaking in the energy of Hanoi's nightlife.
Day 2: Coffee Connoisseurs and Rooftop Views
Day two was all about Hanoi's famous coffee culture. We started our day with a stroll down Train Street, capturing the iconic scene of trains passing through narrow residential streets.
Many cafes have sprung up along the street, offering a front-row seat to this unusual event. However, be aware that safety is a concern, and it's crucial to follow the guidance of locals and cafe owners when the train approaches.
Next up, we embarked on a Vietnamese Coffee Workshop, where we learned the art of brewing five different types of Vietnamese coffee - including the iconic egg coffee and refreshing coconut coffee.
With our caffeine levels topped up, we relaxed by the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The evening was a mix of street shopping and breathtaking city views from a rooftop bar, sipping on cocktails and watching the city lights twinkle below.
Day 3: Art, Cocktails, and a Scenic Train Ride
We kicked off our day with a delightful breakfast at Bunny Cup, a cute cafe with adorable bunny-themed decor. Next, we immersed ourselves in the captivating Lights Museum at Trang Tien Plaza, a unique and mesmerizing experience.
The I-Museum is located on the 5th floor of the Trang Tien Plaza in Hanoi, the I-Museum is a captivating digital art space. It offers visitors a multi-sensory experience with vibrant and realistic light and sound displays. The museum features five distinct exhibition areas, each with its own unique theme, from immersive natural landscapes to mesmerizing mirrored spaces. You can even interact with some of the exhibits, creating colorful animals with 3D mapping technology. It's a great place to explore the intersection of art and technology and capture some stunning photos. While you're there, you can also check out the rest of Trang Tien Plaza, a popular shopping mall with a variety of shops and restaurants.
Hanoi House, a gem nestled in the heart of the city, captivated us with its unique ambiance and expertly crafted specialty cocktails that tantalized our taste buds. As we settled into our cozy seats, we were immediately drawn to the breathtaking views that stretched out before us,
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we found ourselves at Victor Bar, enjoying the vibrant sunset hues. With our hearts full and cameras filled with memories, we headed to the train station to catch the overnight train to Sapa.
Book your Sleeper Train tickets here.
Day 4: Sapa - Mountain Magic and Hidden Bars
We arrived in Sapa, a charming town nestled amidst the Hoang Lien Son Mountains, and checked into the cozy Sapa Rosie House.
Nestled amidst stunning scenery, Sapa Rosie House boasts comfortable rooms, a beautiful garden, and a delicious in-house restaurant. Whether you're traveling solo, with a partner, or with the whole family, you'll find the perfect space to unwind.
Book your best-priced stay in Sapa Rosie House here.
After a hearty breakfast, we explored the town, browsing through local markets for unique souvenirs and taking in the breathtaking mountain scenery.
Our afternoon was spent discovering Whisper, a hidden bar tucked away from the bustling streets, where the entrance is almost unnoticeable to the untrained eye.
The cocktail menu was nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing a creative array of beverages crafted by skilled mixologists who clearly took pride in their art. Each drink was a masterpiece, with unique flavor combinations that tantalized the taste buds. We enjoyed the opportunity to explore the signature cocktails, each with its own story and inspiration, from the refreshing notes of citrus in the "Sunset Spritz" to the rich, complex flavors of the "Smoky Old Fashioned."
Day 5: Trekking through Tribal Villages
Today was an unforgettable experience, centered around immersing ourselves in the breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Sapa. Our adventure began with an invigorating village hike, setting off from the stunningly picturesque Cat Cat Village, which is nestled among the rolling hills and lush terraced rice fields that Sapa is famous for.
As we made our way through the village, we were immediately captivated by the vibrant atmosphere. The air was filled with the enticing aromas of various local delicacies wafting from the numerous food stalls that lined the pathways. Each stall offered a unique culinary delight, from steaming bowls of pho to freshly grilled skewers and sweet treats showcasing the region's rich agricultural bounty.
Our hike continued through stunning landscapes, taking us off the beaten path and deeper into the local villages. We returned to Sapa tired but exhilarated after our 9AM - 3PM trek, ready for a delicious dinner and a good night's sleep before our overnight bus back to Hanoi.
Day 6: Lasting Impressions and Farewell to Hanoi
Back in Hanoi, we savored a delicious breakfast and coffee at Still Color Cafe, a haven of tranquility. We spent the day doing some last-minute souvenir shopping and soaking up the city's atmosphere one last time. Hanoi had truly captured our hearts, and it was bittersweet to say goodbye.
Day 7: Homeward Bound
With heavy hearts but incredible memories, we boarded our early morning flight back to Manila. Vietnam had exceeded our expectations, and we couldn't wait to plan our next adventure back!
Tips for your Hanoi & Sapa adventure:
Pack for all weather: Hanoi can be humid, while Sapa's mountain climate is cooler, especially at night. Layers are key!
Embrace the street food: Don't be afraid to try everything! Hanoi's street food scene is incredible.
Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases: It'll enhance your interactions with locals and enrich your experience.
Bargain respectfully: Negotiating prices is common in markets, but always be polite and respectful.
Book your Sapa transport in advance: Especially during peak season, trains and buses can fill up quickly.
We hope our adventure inspires you to explore the wonders of Hanoi and Sapa! It's a journey you won't soon forget.
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