Need a Break from Saigon? A Local’s Guide to Rediscovering Vietnam in Hanoi
As an expat in Saigon, you’ve likely mastered the art of the motorbike ballet, found your favorite cơm tấm lady, and embraced the city’s incredible, forward-moving energy. Saigon is a phenomenal place to live.
But after a while, the familiar rhythm can leave you craving a different kind of Vietnam. A place with four seasons, a thousand years of history etched into its streets, and a pace that invites you to slow down and simply wander.
That place is Hanoi. And a weekend trip to the capital is the ultimate reset button for any Saigon resident.
My name is Ha Viet, a Hanoi native with a deep passion for travel, architecture, and sharing the hidden soul of my city. I’ve seen countless travelers fall in love with Hanoi, but I believe Saigon expats are uniquely positioned to appreciate its magic. Here’s my guide to making the most of a weekend escape from the south to the north.
The Soulful Contrast: Why Hanoi Resonates
The first thing you’ll notice is the atmosphere. Where Saigon is a symphony of dynamic energy, Hanoi is a piece of classical music. The air in autumn feels crisp, the light in winter is soft and golden, and the city’s many lakes offer a sense of tranquility that’s hard to find in HCMC.
Strolling through the French Quarter, you’re not just seeing colonial buildings; you’re feeling a tangible connection to a bygone era. In the Old Quarter, every narrow alley and traditional shophouse tells a story. It’s this deep-rooted sense of history that provides such a powerful contrast to the modern buzz of Saigon, making you feel like you’ve traveled to a different country, not just a different city.
An Expat’s Itinerary: Beyond the Tourist Trail
You’re a resident, not a tourist on a tight schedule. You have the luxury of exploring deeper. Here’s a simple itinerary focused on authentic experiences:
Friday Evening: Arrive and Unwind in Tay Ho (West Lake)
Skip the chaotic backpacker bars. Head to Tay Ho, Hanoi’s chic, modern neighborhood. It’s where Hanoi’s creative and expat communities converge. Find a lakeside bistro, enjoy the sunset over the water, and feel the city’s pace slow to a gentle hum.
Saturday: Old Quarter Immersion & Culinary Classics
Spend the morning getting lost in the Old Quarter’s 36 Streets. Forget a rigid plan; just wander. In the afternoon, embark on a culinary pilgrimage. This is your chance to taste the northern originals: find a generations-old spot for phở bò, seek out the legendary birthplace of cà phê trứng (egg coffee), and of course, sit on a tiny stool for an authentic bún chả experience. The flavors are subtler, more nuanced than their southern counterparts, and tell a story of their own.
Sunday Morning: A Final Dose of Culture
Before your flight back, visit the Temple of Literature. As Vietnam’s first university, it’s a beautiful, peaceful complex that offers a final moment of quiet reflection before you return to the vibrant energy of Saigon.
Finding Your Hanoi ‘Home Base’
As a travel and design enthusiast, I believe where you stay fundamentally shapes your experience of a city. For a short trip, a well-chosen base is everything. You want a space that is not only comfortable but also feels connected to the neighborhood you’re in. It should be a launchpad for discovery and a peaceful retreat at the end of the day.
This philosophy is what led me to create The Urban Hanoi, a small collection of apartments I’ve designed in the city’s most fascinating neighborhoods. I wanted to offer travelers a more personal, design-forward alternative to generic hotels—a chance to truly live in the city for a weekend.
For fellow residents of Vietnam, I’m passionate about helping you connect with the north. It’s a joy to host Saigon expats and hear them say, “Wow, I feel like I’m seeing a whole new side of the country.”
A Special Invitation for LivinginVietnam Readers
Discovering the diversity of Vietnam is one of the great privileges of living here. To help you on your next northern adventure, the team at The Urban Hanoi would like to offer an exclusive 10% discount to all readers of LivinginVietnam.com
Simply use the code [LIV] when booking directly on our website.
We believe in building a community of people who appreciate the beauty and diversity of Vietnam. We hope this guide inspires your next trip, and we look forward to welcoming you to the capital.
Explore our spaces and plan your Hanoi escape at https://www.theurbanhanoi.com/.