A Day In Hanoi with Mary
Our Junior Content Creator, Mary, takes you through a day whilst visiting her old stomping ground of Hanoi, Vietnam
Back in February, Mary, a part of our powerhouse creative team went and spent some time back in her home turf of Vietnam. Whilst stopping through Hanoi, Mary gave us a peek into some of her day there, tellin’ us the lowdown on where to: eat, drink and shop.
WARNING, DON’T READ THIS OAFWORLD HUNGRY
Before we start the day, let me tell you about Vietnam
I was born in Vietnam, and lived here for most of my younger years, moving around the country from city to city. Hanoi, where I’m gonna show you around, is the last city I lived in before I moved away but my family has stayed put since.
I really really didn't want to move when my mum broke the news (hey can you blame me, being the new kid sucks), but every time I come back, the city charms me in a new way. Winter in Hanoi is the perfect winter in my opinion, slightly chill but it’s not freezing and you spend weekends keeping warm by bouncing around having coffee, soup, tea and noodles - I wouldn't want to do anything else. So that’s exactly how we’re gonna spend the day!
I was born in Vietnam, and lived here for most of my younger years, moving around the country from city to city. Hanoi, where I’m gonna show you around, is the last city I lived in before I moved away but my family has stayed put since.
I really really didn't want to move when my mum broke the news (hey can you blame me, being the new kid sucks), but every time I come back, the city charms me in a new way. Winter in Hanoi is the perfect winter in my opinion, slightly chill but it’s not freezing and you spend weekends keeping warm by bouncing around having coffee, soup, tea and noodles - I wouldn't want to do anything else. So that’s exactly how we’re gonna spend the day!
OKAY, NOW LET'S GO! FIRST STOP, BREAKFAST
Xôi Yến
35b P. Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Breakfast is important and at this spot, you are guaranteed to have a meal that’ll start your day off right! They specialise in sticky rice, one of the most important carbs around (sorry pasta), which you can then top with, well, anything. We’re talking Pork floss, Pate, Fried Egg, Pork, Chicken; it’s a feast that’ll have a spring in your step, and is perfect for sharing with a pal.
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 6am-12am
GOTTA WASH THAT DOWN WITH A COFFEE
Loading T Cafe
8 P. Chân Cầm, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Okay, bellies are perfectly full, so let’s go to my favourite coffee shop! In an awe-worthy townhouse building with the most beautiful balconies, you’ll find the cafe on the second floor. There’s lots of foliage and plants about making it feel like a quiet garden amongst the hustle and bustle of the outside. This place takes the cake as it does my favourite hot beverage, Cinnamon Coffee, as well as having the most beautiful cups and saucers from their sister ceramics store which we’ll head to next.
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 8am-6pm
FED AND WATERED, LET'S SHOP
Hiên Vân Ceramics
8 P. Chân Cầm, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
I’ll take you down the hallway onto the cafe’s sister ceramics store we were just talking about. If, like me, you love to take in cute little trinkets and just can’t say no to seeing pretty things, this spot will have you lookin’ like the heart-eyes emoji. From cat figurines to huge vases all coming in uber-relaxing earth-y tones, it’s hard not to do some damage here (F.Y.I my wallet was very angry with me after visiting).
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 9am-6pm
ALL THAT SHOPPING HAS GOT AN APPETITE WORKED UP, TIME FOR LUNCH
Bún Chả Đắc Kim
1 P. Hàng Mành, Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
My stomach’s beginning to grumble, so we’ll head over to one of my favourite restaurants to grab a quick bite. If I’m in the mood for noodles, this is where I’ll always find myself wandering back to. They do rice noodles which you can top with a variety of grilled meats on top, finished off with herbs and the best bit, dipping sauces. What more could you ask for?
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 9am-9pm
ONE MORE THING, LET’S GET SOME FILM DEVELOPED
Lab 36
1 P. Lê Phụng Hiểu, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
I’m an avid film gal so when I’m back in Hanoi, this is the place I’ll come to get it developed! Take a look at some snaps I got whilst on my travels.
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 9am-9pm
Alright guys, thank you for tuning in to my day and keeping me company! I hope you loved all the spots and got some good pointers for where to go if you find yourself in Hanoi.
Check out Mary’s Day in the Life on our Instagram too, and get a closer look at all her top spots.
Check out Mary’s Day in the Life on our Instagram too, and get a closer look at all her top spots.
