Hanoi

The Architectural Tapestry of Hanoi: A City Shaped by History

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Hanoi is busy, dense, and chaotic. But if you manage to stay long enough, you get to see its romantic, whimsical side. Hanoi captured my curiosity like no other city, with its French colonial buildings and planning, its imperial Chinese presence setting the background for its distinct Dai Viet spirit. I spent my trip researching its history by reading books, visiting Vietnamese war and art museums, and taking personal accounts from cab drivers and vendors.

I lived in the Old Quarter for 6 weeks and learned to walk through the sea of bikes and street vendors, beating the heat with fresh orange juice or licorice lemon iced tea. My mornings started with a bowl of Pho as I walked around the city camera in hand, capturing everything, creating a mental map of the old town through the unique shops on each street. The old town retains its organization by trade, and the scent of cinnamon from the spice street often guided me back to my hostel. On the weekends, the city would shut down for vehicles—a positive echo of its socialist past—leaving the streets open for children joyfully zipping around in toy cars. Couples gathered for wholesome dates on Hoan Kiem and Tay Ho Lake, enjoying iced tea and coffee.