Exploring Hanoi, Vietnam! 🇻🇳 | Old Quarter, train street, water puppet show, & MORE!
📚 Planning a trip to Vietnam? Check out our Vietnam eBook: adventuresofaplusk.com/vietna...
Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam! Hanoi is not only the second largest city and capital of the country, but also one of the world's most ancient capitals and is known for maintaining a rich Vietnamese culture. And we spent a couple days checking out some of its top sights!
🇻🇳 Read all of our Vietnam guides: adventuresofaplusk.com/vietnam/
Water Puppet tickets: www.viator.com/Hanoi-attracti...
Our camera + hiking gear: adventuresofaplusk.com/gear/
⌚Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
00:40 Riding motorbikes for the FIRST time!
02:53 Exploring the Old Quarter
03:29 Hidden Gem Coffee
05:12 St. Joseph Cathedral
06:02 Visiting Train Street
08:18 Hoàn Kiếm Lake
09:48 Water Puppet Show
12:10 Temple of Literature
13:50 Hỏa Lò Prison
15:38 Ice cream at Kem Tràng Tiền
📍Locations in this vlog
To see everywhere we went in this video, plus a bunch of spots we visited off camera, check out this custom Google Map we made for Vietnam, which you can download to your phone! www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edi...
NOTE: To download this map, you will want to click the rectangle in the top right corner of the map, which will open it on your Google Maps app. However, this will not automatically populate the map on your phone anytime you have Google Maps open, so to access it again in the future, click "saved" on the bottom part of the app, then "maps", and you should be able to see it as a saved map.
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👋🏼 About us
Hi y’all! We’re Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) living on the road in our self-converted sprinter van! You can often find us driving all around the US and Canada, scoping out the best coffee shops, eating tacos and ice cream (we're a 5+ taco and 2+ scoop household), and enjoying nature.
We help travelers spend less time (and stress!) planning their trip and more time enjoying it! Our detailed travel guides, KZhead videos, and travel resources share the must-visit local eats, popular and off the beaten path sights, and tons of tips to make planning your next adventure a whole lot easier.
Note: We’ve linked a handful of items so you can see exactly which products we take with us. Full disclosure--if you click on these links and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too!
This video was filmed in March 2023. 📚 Planning a trip to Vietnam? Check out our Vietnam eBook: adventuresofaplusk.com/vietnam-ebook/ 🇻🇳 Read all of our Vietnam guides: adventuresofaplusk.com/vietnam/ Watch more videos from SE Asia: kzhead.info/channel/PLZKRTK1yCEM5XYitnPtkS1Dy6ak5aqy3N.html See ALL of our gear here: adventuresofaplusk.com/gear/
Kathryn giggling the whole time the train was going through 😂😂
That was the best! You could totally feel her excitement ☺️
Fun fact: Temple of Literature is a mistranslation of the name. Văn Miếu is actually a temple to serve Confucius (Khổng Tử - 孔子). Back in the day of the Tang Empire, Khổng Tử was name by the Emperor as Văn Tuyên Vương (the word Văn in Văn Miếu was his first name). It just happened that Văn Miếu is also the first university, therefore, people (even Vietnamese) associated the word Văn to Literature (Văn in Vietnamese is literally translated to literature). That is why when translated to English, people forgot the real meaning of the temple and literally translated the name into Văn (Literature) - Miếu (Temple)
FYI the real name of that academy was Quoc Tu Giam , used at the beginning as a school for the heir of the throne prince Ly Can Duc ( son of king Ly Thanh Ton and queen Y Lan ) , then it was opened to the sons of high ranking officials of the kingdom and later widely opened to students from all social classes in order to recruit talented administrators to serve the country . The name Van Mieu ( Temple of Literature ) was used way later by the Vietnamese people to make a parallel with Vo Mieu ( the Military Academy which no longer exists today ) , located on Hoang Dieu street ( after the name of the governor of Hanoi who chose to die in hero instead of surrendering when the French attacked Hanoi in the 19th century ) . Confucius , Mencius and other famous masters are worshipped there because they are considered as the first teachers of that philosophy which is actually the base of the Chinese , Vietnamese , Japanese , Korean and Mongolian culture . They are like Plato or Socrates in the West .
Tên đầy đủ là Văn Miếu Quốc Tử Giám. Ban đầu chỉ gọi là Quốc Tử Giám là trường dậy học, trong trường dậy học có miếu thờ Khổng Tử nên sau này gọi thêm là Văn Miếu
Thanks for sharing!
In my opinion, you two are producing Rick Steves' caliber videos! In fact, I would say you have even more interest and energy. It's so fun to watch you enjoying your experience! As always, thanks for sharing with us and all the best to you as you continue to travel and share your vlogs!!
Thank you so much! That means a lot to us!
I can't wait for Hanoi!@
Hanoi is the only capital in Southeast Asia that has winter
Oh that's an interesting tid bit!
My son said, "thumbs up, doggie people!" He loved this video, he has been dying to see you guys ride a motorcycle this whole series 🤣 Adam's face and commentary was cracking me up while he was riding, and I'd probably feel the same way Kathryn did with the train so close!
haha your son is the best! Love it! He's got lots of footage of us riding motorcycles in the next couple videos! The motorbike ride through all that traffic was wild and the train passing through was crazy too!
He is VERY excited for that! Looking forward to them!
You have the best train scene in Hanoi. You can feel the wind that pulls everything along in the narrow alley. Many Vietnamese ask why tourists are crazy about this scene, not knowing that white people are always looking for adrenalin.
Thank you! It was so much fun!
Love walking through a city’s historic district…so much history and beauty! What an thrilling experience being that close to a passing train! Loved the looks in your faces!😊 The water puppet show was so entertaining and unique! I think a trip to Vietnam might be in order for our family! ❤
Hanoi was our favorite big city we visited! Just like you mentioned, so much to see and do! We hope y'all go! Thanks and thanks for watching!
Hà Nội is my favourite city in the world .. have been many times 🙏.. only place to stay is in the old Quarter, such a beautiful city . What I love most about Vietnam is the people.. the women are the hard working backbone of this country 😁👌..And I love their pride about the American war , saying proudly , we Won .. twice .. and they did 🥰.. Absolutely love your work , y,all remind me of Kara and Nate 🙏 keep up the great work . Hope you are going to Hue 🇻🇳❤️
Vietnam has a lot to be proud of! Thanks and thanks for watching! We unfortunately didn't have time to visit Hue on this trip. Next time!
I find myself look forward to your vlogs every week :D Great video both of you. As a Vietnamese, I honestly never cared about the train cafe. I guess because we have so many near death experiences in our daily life which we would not need to add one more to :D
I can relate!
ha makes sense! Thanks and thanks for watching!
I just discovered you guys and really enjoy your videos! I'm headed to Vietnam for a month at the end of June and really appreciated seeing the Puppet Theater. Initially it did not sound like something I would be interested in but now I'm convinced. I also tagged the cafes you mentioned. Thank you!
Hi Andria! We were a bit skeptical of the puppet show also before going, but we highly recommend it! It's only an hour and it's a fun show! In each of our videos we have a google my maps in the description of all the places we visited. Hope that helps and you have an awesome trip! Thanks and thanks for watching!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful city that has such a rich history. Seeing it through your lens today it’s hard to imagine all the war and hardships of the past. Thank you for taking us along excellent video! ~Cara 😊
We are so thankful we could visit Hanoi and share our experience! After watching most of the Ken Burns documentary and visiting some museums it is fascinating to see how resilient the people are. Thanks, guys!
Hanoi is crazy
Making me miss hanoi
❤😅Always do tourist events............they are popular for a reason!
Sometimes, touristy spots are dedicated to keeping the traditions alive. The water puppet show is an example as more and more traditional performances like this are gradually being forgotten by the Vietnamese people because we barely pay to come and enjoy the shows.
That makes sense. The water puppet show was an incredible experience!
Precious angels! My lord love ❤️ you kids!!
Love Hanoi!!!
I just love you two you're both so cute. That train is a rush for shur.😊 Keep the Videos coming.❤
The motor bike trip is quaint and common in Hanoi, but also; Thailand, Philippines, Burma, Laos, Taiwan, Korea, Malaysia, basically anywhere in Asia, maybe not so much anymore in Japan and Korea, but if you are anywhere from Ghoungzhou to Illigan City, expect motorbikes sometimes having six to eight members of the family on it!!!
I'm so glad you guys enjoyed the puppet show. I love watching your series in Vietnam!! Hope you guys are home safely. Hopefully some in the future, you'll visit Vietnam again. And visit Nha Trang and the deep south of Vietnam. Looking forward to your biking trip up north, did you go to Sapa? That's one place on my bucket list!
The puppet show was really really fun! We have made it back home safely and are now back on the road in the van! 🚐 We're so excited to share these motorbike trip videos! We unfortunately didn't have time for Sapa on this trip. We chose to go to Ninh Binh instead Thanks for watching!
I love that you did the puppet show even if it felt "touristy". I kinda dislike when folks push you away from things because they're "touristy" like, news flash, i'm a tourist! lol i think its so important to see these things that are part of their culture 🙂 Also glad you got your ice cream fix! hehe Thanks for bringing us along!
Exactly! We’re not from here so we want to see the “touristy” stuff. At least on the first visit!
You two are amazing. 🏍 Keep up the amazing work. God bless
I used to work and live in Hanoi for a few years. Things and destinations in your video are really special and unique in this beautiful city. Your production makes me want to comeback and visit those places again. Thanks for introducing Hanoi not only to international friends but also Vietnamese people like us. Wish you best luck and much energy on your next journeys, guys !
Thank you and thanks for watching!
Awesome! Love your videos.
Just saw a documentary on the Hanoi Hilton with a guy who was a prisoner there and everything that they did to him. Wow. Loved the water puppets! Reminded me of the things I used to go see when we lived in Okinawa. Love Asia.
We have watched most of the Ken Burns documentary and they talk about the Hanoi Hilton. Very interesting to learn about and see the differences of how the two country talk about the experience We've only spent this short amount of time in Asia now, but we can't wait to come back do more. So much to see and do!
There is a memorial to John McCain on Westlake. He did so much to normalize relations between Vietnam and the US. Really touching to see. I ❤ Vietnam
Yes we didn't make it over to that, but did know about it! We love Vietnam and Hanoi too!
Haha you’re reactions to your bike rides are hilarious 😂😅 That’s some experience.But good ones to experience coz we don’t have it in America. Stay safe and enjoy 😊 ❤
It was super fun!
Your unforgettable adventure and great vibes during your visit to Hà Nội make me yearn to explore Việt Nam. Cám ơn nhiều.
Thank you so much! Thanks for watching!
😍very exited watching your video,its remind me at old story films i had watch, you may be success female youtuber of the year,you so funny so cute i and peoples thought its fun😁
This video has it all! So unique, informative, beautifully shot, and just fun. You guys are killing it!!!
Thank you!
Hanoi was incredible! We spent 4 days filming there last November and had an amazing time. Their Pho Ga is so good! I truly enjoyed watching your vlog. Made me miss Hanoi even more. You guys are awesome!
Hanoi was one of our favorite places we visited! What a fun/cool vibe it has! Thanks and thanks for watching!
Really love the shots of the old city!
Another fun and adventurous video. Love it.
I love traveling with you two!! Thanks for all you do!!
Thanks for coming along!
Another cool video, especially with the Train. I watch live train videos all the time
Love how you documented your experience in Hanoi!! Great video, super informative too!
Thank you and thanks for watching, Austin!
Loving your enthusiasm. Thanks for all the information.👍😊💙🇻🇳
I love the history and geography you included in your video. It really put the place you visited into perspective. I've never been to Vietnam so I didn't know its culture that well. I think your video was a cool snippet of what life is like in Hanoi. It definitely seems like an amazing place to visit as someone who is Chinese but raised in America.
That is so awesome to hear, Anna! We're glad we could share our experience and people can learn from our videos!
Dear A+K, just wanted to let you know how I appreciate you filming in 4k and with this amazing clear footage. Never payed that much attention to 4k or 1080p, but since I have a new MacBookPro and seeing the difference, I can't wait for a new episode. Even the nightshotes, so clear. Just wow. And one minute in 10bit is 6GB? Guess you really have to carry big hard drives with you. And all that work just for us to enjoy. Thanks a lot really.
We do have a lot of hard drives! We’re glad you enjoy! Thanks and thank you for watching!
Looking forward to your Ha Giang Loop video next 🤙🏽
Excellent. Thanks for the journey. 🥰
What an amazing experience you guys are creating. Keep up the good work. Goodluck and stay safe!
Thank you and thanks for watching!
Thanks for another interesting video. I find it interesting how many of the signs are in English as well as Vietnamese. Until next time... Travel safe.
Yes there was a decent amount of English around which helps!
I really like how at the start of your videos you show on a map where you are. Scooter ride, YIKES! Adam your face said it all! LOL!!! How cool was the water puppet show!!!! Thank you for showing even the POW camp footage. It is not easy and very sad, but I agree, if you are able, it is important to see even the challenging historical places. You two are doing a fantastic presentation of Vietnam. The scooter tour coming up looks really fun!
We think showing that context helps! The scooter ride was exhilarating! Haha The water puppet show was so much fun and a great cultural experience! The Hanoi Hilton was tough to share, but we thought it was a great learning opportunity. Thank you! We’re reeeally excited to share what’s next
Just stumbled upon your Vietnam videos and they are so informative! Love your storytelling and high quality videos. Looking forward to checking out your other videos, cheers!
Thanks and thanks for watching!
My anxiety would be on 10 while riding those bikes thru town! Glad u stayed safe..... Safe travels for sure!
Ours was high at first, but just like when you're crossing the street in all that traffic you just have to look forward and trust the process haha it's organized chaos! Thank you!
You guys do a great job!!! I enjoy your videos. Keep it up.
Thank you and thanks for watching!
Great video again Adventures of A+K - Hanoi looks a great place to explore.
Hanoi is amazing! Thank you and thanks for watching ❤️
This country is so vibrant and beautiful 😍
Just got my T-shirt. Absolutely love love . Great quality. Great job.
Thats' amazing! Thanks and thanks for ordering!
You guys are legend. I truly enjoy your videos.
Thank you! ❤️
Wow just Wow! Me and the wife just found your videos on Vietnam and spent an entire Saturday evening watching your trek across the country and loved every moment. We were note taking places to visit as we planning to visit for our 60th birthdays in 18 months time. Far to much we loved to mention,but Hanoi old town,Hoi An and your travels around North Vietnam are highlights. You both bounce off each other and are so happy and entertaining,don’t change a thing please 👍
Hi Brendan! Thank you so much for watching! If you're still planning your trip we're currently completing lots of helpful content on our website for Vietnam
Brilliant and will certainly have a look on there 👍
Love you guys… your video definitely helped me a lot with my itinerary… thanks again 🙏
That’s awesome to hear! Thanks for watching!
Great job hitting many of the highlights in Hanoi, guys! That train seems a lot faster than the other train street. Love that cafe!! You guys should go find all the cool, unique cafes tucked away there ("Benny and Meekah" found a really cool one in their Hanoi video). Oooh...cannot wait because it sounds like the Ha Giang Loop is coming up!!
We had a blast in Hanoi! There are so many hidden gems all over the city! Can't wait to share what's next!
Love u guys & love watching your videos! Thanks for sharing! So beautiful & informative 😍 also got my A + K T-shirt! Love it! Thank u!!!
Wow! Thank you so much, Dawn! We're glad you like the shirt. Thank you for supporting us!
great video. Thanks for the tip on the quieter, less "aggresive" part of Train Street :)
I wanted to let you guys know thanks to your video/blog I dragged some friends out to the channel Islands for my first backpacking trip! We had the best time, and I was so thankful for all of the information you guys shared! Went off without a hitch, and I got everyone hyped to make the trek out to potato harbor :)
That is so awesome to hear! We’re so glad you had a great time and glad we could help in some way! Thanks and thanks for watching!
I visited your channel 3 years ago when i was looking for a review on Urtijëi in italy which was amazing. i think you guys had about 2 or 3 thousand subscribers back then and now reaching to almost 150 thousand and no doubt one day you’ll reach a million. I am just soo proud and happy to see you grow each day
Wow thank you for sticking with us! That is so cool!
You two are so much fun to watch. ❤
Thanks and thanks for watching! Go Stros!
Thank you for sharing this 👍🙏
Very nice information folks, nice clips... thx a lot
Do bullet train in Japan, standing on platform is so exciting!!!!!
Hopefully one day!
Fun Video! Those motorbikes though! 😳😅 Adam’s faces and Kathryn just laughing! 🤣. The water puppet show was cool! The train whipping by you guys was a bit scary…you have definitely gotten a lot braver as you have gotten older, Kathryn! 😅 Great Video❣️❣️❣️
The train was exhilarating!
That puppet show was so cool. Have never seen anything like that before and never knew it existed.
Adams commentary on the bike ride was SO FUNNY
The rice cream looks good! Looking forward to seeing the motorbike adventure.
It was tasty! Can't wait to share the first half this Sunday!
The train and water puppets were fascinating!!
Vietnam looks a fascinating country!
There is a bar in great falls, nc that is the only place that might be closer than that restaurant. It comes by the windows and you stand up so good for u-2 for standing your ground. We couldn’t
Oh wow! That would be neat to see!
Wow nice video, love hanoi❤
That puppet show was so cute. The museum was very interesting.
The puppet show was way more interesting than we thought it would be!
Love your videos - thanks for all the tips. Do you have to worry about getting sick - with the ice/street food etc?
We didn't have any worries about the food. We always drank bottled water and any drinks with ice are safe. The locals drink them too. If it's safe for them then it's safe for anyone. Thanks and thanks for watching!
You guys are so active ❣ Would love to go to Hanoi.
Nice video 🎉
😍
love you all ^^
The train experience phew 😅 😅❤
Going to Vietnam without riding the bike or at least having a bike ride is a big missing out. When I was there, I filled up the tank and just had a ride around the city for hours every day.
We're spending 6 days on a motorbike trip in our next two videos. There are legal reasons we didn't drive motorbikes ourselves
I was just there a .onth ago and visited most of those sites. Imcredible city..friendly people ..amazing food!
Totally agree!
Love the "Who are we???" comment for not eating ice cream for 5 weeks!!! Thanks again for sharing!!
😂
Adam: the cars are stopped we just go right by. Adam: People are walking, we just go right on by. I loved your expressions! Oh Kathryn that was awful close to a train I've ever seen anyone, no wonder you were trembling. I loved seeing the Water Puppet Show, & Hanoi.
Hanoi was such a fun city!
Your video being released at the same time of Mark Weins video with both being in Hanoi. Talking about what an amazing collab that would be!!
It would be so fun to meet him! Legend!
Thanks for risking your lives to entertain us. 😜
😂
Welcome to Vietnam
Lol sweets time in bustling traffic of hanoi XD
Which city do you prefer: Hanoi or Ho chi minh city? Thank you for another beautiful and informative video. We are going to be there next year, so I suggested your videos to someone who has not been to Vietnam before and will be there with us next year too.
Both are amazing cities, but because of the history, old architecture, and charm we'd pick Hanoi. If you can definitely check out both, but spend more time in the north and in Hanoi We hope y'all have a great trip!
Great video... what an adventure... some grab drivers even offered better than Grab prices .. train street seemed really dangerous... so close
Wow! Hard to beat the Grab prices. It's already cheap enough when it only costs $3 for a car ride across the city Train street definitely wouldn't fly in America that's for sure!
What month did you visit Hanoi as i noticed you guys wore jackets? We are going to visit Hanoi in November and I’m unsure what to bring.
Cảm giác buổi sáng sớm mà đứng ở cầu Thê Húc thả hồn thì tuyệt vời
good vid! getting close to 150!
Woohoo!
Great video! There are great finds in those Hanoi alley ways to explore, too (unlike the sketchy alley ways in the US where you can get mugged/murdered 😂). What did you think of Hanoi overall (many Westerners love it more than HCMC because it has more culture/tradition).
We enjoyed both cities, but Hanoi even more. We loved the history, architecture, and charm
hi , what is the name of the cafe that you chose at the train tracks ? :)
Hi! It’s called Hanoi 1990s!
Did you guys use the hop on hop off bus tour? The Grab bike ride is definitely a bit sketchy for me, think I will pass on that. Hopefully the 2nd train street location will still be accessible when I visit later this year. Wasn't planning on going to the water puppet show, but I guess is like the 'ping pong' show in Thailand, just have to go see it once.
Do research before making such a stupid comment. “Water puppet show” of Vietnam is not “Ping pong show” of Thailand. They are too different from each other. Water puppetry as a folk ancient art form evolved from serving everyday people to a show for royalty. Many centuries later, water puppetry (múa rối nước) still fascinates audiences, and is a cherished intangible cultural heritage of Vietnam. Type of sex shows like “Ping Pong show” of Thailand are banned strictly in Vietnam.
Nice video. The best water puppets show is in Hanoi. HCMC has also water puppets show but less interesting. Stay safe in VN
Do you have a mic in ur go pro coz the audio is very clear
No we don't have an added mic on our go pro
I read some readings about the origins of Vietnam and its people 🥦 Most Vietnamese are Chinese or mostly Chinese 🥬 Based on online sources, the Chinese spread to Laos, Vietnam and so on and thus as time progresses, there were wars and so on and here we have today 🥦 how the world is
What did you guys use as an adapter for your electrical devices? I’m visiting from the United States and don’t have any experience in Vietnam
We used an outlet adapter like this one amzn.to/2yZTCnO Check out these blog posts. They might be helpful for planning your trip! adventuresofaplusk.com/planning-a-trip-to-vietnam adventuresofaplusk.com/vietnam-tips
While you are there try rose pastries, rose jelly beans, etc. YUM
Those sound yummy!
Love you, guys. And yes, right, how can one operate without ice cream for five weeks!
I don't know! We barely survived!