Day 1 in Hanoi was fascinating. For anyone travelling to Vietnam for the first time, overwhelmed is probably the most prominent initial emotion. However, after 24 hours, it’s safe to say that Hanoi is a crazy and chaotic, but beautiful city.

We started the day with an egg coffee at the famous Cafè Giâng. We have never seen so many people waiting for coffee. It took some time to get used to the miniature stools and tables, but authenticity is key. Also, 10/10 for the egg coffee, by the way (from me, but from Pat, a 6.8/10).

Shortly after, we took a stroll to the ATM which presented some lengthy challenges. Anyway, 2,000,000 ₫ later, we were set to explore the city. We walked to Hanoi’s famous Train Street, where coffee shops, food stalls and houses are built either side of the train tracks – pretty amazing.

After avoiding any train casualties, we walked back to Old Quarter in Hanoi and shopped the art, ceramic, shoe, clothes, jewellery, lights, fruit and hat stalls of Hanoi. Pat was very happy with his $29 AUD The North Face jacket purchase and I am now part of the Nike Dunk club. Yes Jake, I will get you a pair tomorrow.

We hauled our purchases to Hoan Kiem Lake, a beautiful lake in the middle of Old Quarter. We were roped into buying way too many Bánh Tiêu (Vietnamese Donuts) because we are “so beautiful” and Pat has a luscious beard for a 22-year-old. Don’t worry – we have since worked on our bartering skills, diligently.

We enjoyed some vegetable spring rolls with a beer on the Hanoi street side, and met James, who has lived and taught in Vietnam for the last 2 years after moving from the UK. Many thanks to James for all his tips and tricks and for the Hoi An food tour recommendation.

As if we hadn’t achieved enough already, we returned to the hotel to treat ourselves with a traditional Vietnamese massage and shower before dinner at Ngan Chày Tòi. We enjoyed beautiful garlic chicken with rice and a fish soup dish, which we didn’t order, and consequently didn’t touch. Anyway, for $20, it was a delightful dinner.

Finally, Pat found his favourite corner in the world (after I bought another pair of shoes, of course). Beer Corner of Hanoi is the place to be – if you want balloons, fairy floss, prawn crackers, a Vietnamese meal and of course, beer. After trying every beer on the menu, the favourite is Tiger (supposedly because it’s a good beer and not because it has any correlation to the Wests Tigers).

We can’t wait to see what the organised chaos brings us tomorrow.

Cảm ơn for reading our update – stay tuned for Day 2!