Nobody Told Me Hanoi Would Be Like This, WOW!

What is Hanoi, Vietnam really like beyond the tourist attractions? In this episode of This Is Somewhere, I spend my first days in Hanoi exploring the city through its food, traditions, neighborhoods, and most importantly, the people who call it home. We begin with a local food tour through the streets of Hanoi, trying some of Northern Vietnam’s most popular dishes, including bún chả, dry phở, eel noodles, Vietnamese desserts, egg coffee, coconut coffee, and finally, my first bánh mì in Vietnam. Along the way, we experience the famous Hanoi Train Street, visit traditional villages where generations of families still make Vietnamese conical hats and bamboo products by hand, and explore Hanoi from the back of a vintage military Jeep. But the most meaningful part of the journey takes us beyond the crowded streets to Banana Island, a quiet farming community along the Red River. There, I meet Mrs. Singh, a local farmer whose family has worked the land for generations. As Hanoi continues to grow and modernize, she shares her concerns about the future of her farm, her home, and a way of life that may one day disappear. From Michelin Guide restaurants and Vietnamese street food to traditional craftsmanship, coffee culture, local neighborhoods, and conversations with the people who call Hanoi home, this journey gave me a completely different perspective on Vietnam. The food may bring you to a destination, but it’s the people, the conversations, and the stories you never planned to find that stay with you. Welcome to Hanoi. Welcome to Vietnam. This Is Somewhere. 📍 Highlights in This Episode: • Exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter • Vietnamese street food and Michelin Guide food tour • Trying bún chả, dry phở, and eel noodles • Experiencing Hanoi Train Street • Visiting traditional Vietnamese craft villages • Learning how Vietnamese conical hats are made • Trying Hanoi’s famous egg coffee and coconut coffee • Exploring Hanoi by vintage military Jeep • Visiting Banana Island on the Red River • Meeting a local farming family • Learning about Hanoi’s rapid modernization • Trying my first bánh mì in Vietnam • Experiencing Hanoi’s weekend nightlife If you enjoy cinematic travel documentaries, Vietnamese food, local culture, hidden gems, and stories about the people who make destinations unforgettable, subscribe and join me as we continue traveling through Vietnam. Next stop: Ninh Bình. #Hanoi #Vietnam #HanoiTravel #VietnamTravel #VietnamFood #VietnamStreetFood #HanoiFood #TrainStreet #VietnamTravelVlog #TravelDocumentary #CinematicTravel #ThisIsSomewhere ⸻ Planning your own adventure? I use GetYourGuide to discover and book the best tours, experiences, and hidden gems around the world. 📱 Download the GetYourGuide App: https://gyg.me/craiglou-app 🎟️ Explore My Favorite Tours: https://www.getyourguide.com/explorer... 🎁 Save 5% on your booking with code: CRAIGLOU5 Every app download and booking made through my links helps support the channel at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting independent travel storytelling! ⸻ 🗞 Join the Community HERE! 🌐 Website: www.craiglou.com 📄 Media Kit: https://www.craiglou.com/mediakit ⸻ 🔗 Stay Connected With Me: 📸 Instagram: @craiglou_ 🎥 TikTok: @craiglou_ 🌍 Website: www.craiglou.com ⸻ Host: Craig Lou Founder of This Is Somewhere Travel Storyteller | Filmmaker | Photographer ⸻ KEYWORDS: Hanoi Vietnam, Hanoi travel vlog, Hanoi travel guide, Hanoi Vietnam travel vlog, things to do in Hanoi, best things to do in Hanoi, Hanoi street food, Vietnam street food, Hanoi food tour, Michelin Guide Hanoi, Michelin food tour Vietnam, best food in Hanoi, bun cha Hanoi, pho Hanoi, dry pho Vietnam, Vietnamese food, egg coffee Hanoi, coconut coffee Vietnam, banh mi Vietnam, Hanoi Train Street, Train Street Hanoi, Hanoi Old Quarter, Banana Island Hanoi, Red River Hanoi, Hanoi Jeep tour, Vietnam Jeep tour, Hanoi hidden gems, Hanoi local life, Vietnamese culture, Vietnam traditions, Vietnamese conical hats, Vietnam craft villages, Hanoi nightlife, first time in Vietnam, Black traveler in Vietnam, Vietnam travel documentary, cinematic travel vlog, Vietnam tourism, Vietnam vacation, Vietnam itinerary, travel Vietnam, visiting Hanoi, Hanoi 2026, Vietnam 2026, This Is Somewhere, Craig Lou