Stepping into Hanoi felt like stepping into another world — one bursting with color, noise, motion, and energy. The moment we arrived in the Old Quarter, we were hit with a wave of life: tangled alleyways glowing with lantern light, the constant hum of scooters zipping past in all directions, the sizzling sound of street food being cooked right on the sidewalks. It was chaotic, beautiful, and completely electrifying. By pure coincidence, we arrived in Vietnam on the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, and the city was alive with celebration. Flags waved, music echoed through the streets, and you could feel a deep sense of national pride everywhere — a historic moment layered on top of an already unforgettable first day.
What Makes the Old Quarter So Special?
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is the city’s cultural heart — a maze of 36 ancient streets, each historically named for the trade once practiced there (like Silver Street or Paper Street). It’s a place where French colonial architecture collides with ancient temples and bustling street markets. Narrow buildings, tangled power lines, and shopfronts that turn into cafes or homes depending on the time of day give the area a unique rhythm. This is where Hanoi moves at full speed — and invites you to get swept up in it.
To get our bearings — and soak up the local energy — we’ve made it a habit to schedule a walking tour soon after arriving in a new city. In Hanoi, we set out early in the morning with our guide Huyen, who may just be our favorite guide of the trip so far. With a small, friendly group from France, Singapore, Switzerland, and Croatia, we began weaving through the lively streets of the Old Quarter. By 9:00 AM, the markets were already in full swing — vendors shouting prices, scooters squeezing past pedestrians, the smell of herbs and grilled meats drifting through the air. It wasn’t exactly peaceful, but it was the perfect time to meander, absorb, and be in the moment as Hanoi came alive around us.
More Than Tradition: How Vietnam Keeps Family Close, Even After Death
One of the most meaningful things we learned during our walking tour was the deep-rooted importance of honoring ancestors in Vietnamese culture. Though roughly 80% of the population doesn’t identify with an organized religion, nearly every home, business, and even street corner has a small altar dedicated to family members who have passed away. These altars are more than tradition — they’re part of daily life. Families place offerings of food, tea, incense, and even beer or sweets to invite the spirits of their loved ones to “join” them, especially on important days or anniversaries. Our guide Huyen shared several touching stories about her own family’s rituals — like how her grandmother’s favorite dish is always placed at the altar on her memorial day. It was a powerful reminder that even in a rapidly modernizing city like Hanoi, connection to family and heritage remains sacred.
Vietnam is on my bucket list. Love the pictures!
You would love it…so much to see! Thanks for reading:)