My Solo Trip to Hanoi, Vietnam

In October 2023, I snagged an incredible flight deal to Japan which included a stop in Hanoi, Vietnam. I made it into a weeklong stop. This was my first time travelling solo in Asia! I spent most of my time within Hanoi, and also did one overnight Ha Long Bay cruise.
FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO:
My Hanoi accommodation: bendecirhotel.com/
Street food tour: www.hanoistreetfoodtour.com/w...
Ha long bay cruise: www.indochina-junk.com/bai-tu...
Want to support me? Buy me a coffee (or bubble tea :D🧋) here! www.buymeacoffee.com/daphnexp...
SOME OF MY FAVOURITE TRAVEL TOOLS
Airalo - I use eSIMs instead of sim cards. It's super convenient! airalo.pxf.io/NkN4oV
GetYourGuide - I've used this to book tours and activities. gyg.me/3LtH1unZ
Wise - I use the Wise card to pay for things when travelling, as well as being able to easily withdraw cash from ATMs. It's a multi-currency debit card. wise.prf.hn/l/1MbymqZ
MY FILMING GEAR
Camera - Panasonic GH5
Lens - Panasonic Leica 12-60mm (90%+ of my footage is shot with this lens)
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45-150mm f4-5.6
Shotgun microphone - Rode VideoMicro
Lavalier microphone - Rode lavalier and Wireless Go
Tripod - MeFOTO Backpacker
Mini tripod - Manfrotto PIXI evo
Drone - DJI Mavic Mini
Editing software - DaVinci Resolve
Music from Musicbed. Get a free month when you sign up here: www.musicbed.com/invite/IANFx
Follow me:
Instagram @daphnexplores
Website www.daphnexplores.com
This description contains affiliate links.
0:00 Arrival
1:36 Hoan Kiem Lake
2:30 Cafe Dinh (Egg coffee)
3:03 Old Quarter, Dong Xuan market
3:44 Street food tour
6:18 Temple of Literature
7:38 Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
8:12 Cong Caphe, Banh mi 25, and che
9:29 Hoa Lo Prison, Vietnamese Women's museum
10:27 Hidden Gem Cafe
10:57 Old Quarter streets at night, bia hoi
11:44 Ha Long Bay cruise day 1
16:54 Ha Long Bay cruise day 2
18:45 Pho 10, last evening in Hanoi
19:26 Grab motorbike and snail noodle soup

[@nguyenthach1394]

I'm Vietnamese, and I can't cease to imagine how beautiful my country can be through your lens. Hope you had an amazing trip here 💖

[@DaphneXplores]

I did, thanks for watching!

[@user-uk3ry3xt9v]

Nguyen....I would like to date you

[@chrismichaels6928]

I’m American. I traveled to Vietnam in 2006. I landed in Hanoi. I was nervous the first night. The next morning I woke up and walked around the city for miles and miles. It was heaven. Everyone was so sweet and friendly to me. I rented a room in a guest house in the old quarter for $7 a night. The family treated me so wonderfully and were so supportive of my inquisitive nature. I love table tennis so I found a small club and befriended Nguyen Thi Mai - a former champion! I took lessons from her and I became great friends with her and her husband. We ate together many nights under the Hanoi moon and drank vodka and talked for hours. Although I did travel to Dien Bien Phu, Hué and Nha Trang - I fell in love with Hanoi. I’m 52 now and hoping I can find a way to retire in Hanoi. I miss this incredible city with all my heart ❤️….

[@petermcfadden9426]

I visited Hanoi 25 years ago, when tourism was just starting in Vietnam. No motorbikes then, only bicycles. It was lovely cycling round the lakes, chatting to the locals. Greetings from North Wales, UK.

[@DaphneXplores]

Wow that must have been quite different!

[@MsKolo92]

This is by far the best video I have seen about Hanoi. I just came back from there and I can appreciate how real and non-glossy you kept it. Most Travel KZbin content really over-sell a location which can be a disservice.

[@AudhamEnThaTokyo]

I adore Hanoi. I've been there 5 times already and going back in September. It's my happy place. The greenery, the colors, the architecture, the food, the people. I love it. You've captured it so well in this video!!

[@DaphneXplores]

Wow 5 times already, that’s amazing! Thanks for watching!

[@grandmasterjo1]

Vietnam. Beautiful people in a beautiful country. I was pleasantly surprised at this country that was war torn in the 70,s The zest and attitude of these wonderful people was truly amazing. Warm kind helpful honest people that welcomed all. Thank you Vietnam 🇻🇳 I will surely visit again 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@trangle9406]

A beautifully made vlog, I really enjoyed watching it. This is one of the best Ha Noi/Ha Long Bay videos.

[@DaphneXplores]

Thanks a bunch!

[@mmcin719]

We have been there twice, in 1994 and 2018. Hanoi had not changed a lot but the roads and tours of Halong bay were so different. The 1994 boats were fishing boats and in 18 the boats were big and modern. Vietnam is a great place to visit.

[@mattroidangdong]

The Old Quarter area of ​​course has not changed much. If you have the opportunity, visit Hanoi's new cities, which are very large and developed.

[@tuananhtranhuu]

In 1994 the population in urban of Hà nội was about 700k but now is about 7million that is very big change

[@FAC321]

you have such a beautiful and soothing narrating voice - really adds something to your videos. Thx

[@donstayho4539]

as former Hanoi residents, we enjoyed your video so much and I can attest to the accuracy, and authenticity but was also impressed with the voiceovers, editing, videoing and pics as well as the well researched subject matter! Bravo Daphne!!!!

[@DaphneXplores]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DougASAP]

Thanks Daphne! My wife and I are visiting Vietnam later this year and this is very helpful!

[@TicTic.]

Hãy tham khảo thời tiết trước khi đến để có sự chuận bị kĩ lưỡng. Nếu vợ chồng bạn đến miền bắc VN thì nên mang thêm áo ấm (cuối năm là mùa đông ở phía bắc VN). Còn nếu bạn vào miền nam VN thì thời tiết chủ đạo là nắng nóng.

[@gracestanatic]

Absolutely loved Vietnam, would love to back for another visit. Your video refreshed all my memories of Hanoi and... Egg ☕. Thank you

[@DaphneXplores]

Thanks for watching!

[@nhadofilan]

I love this--- story telling, the view, the culture, and food!

[@danhale495]

I lived in Vietnam for 3 months. Travelled from Saigon to Hanoi. Was one of the best experiences of my life ❤️

[@abyrupus]

Love this video, for not only showing attractions but also everyday streets and shops. Very calming video.

[@DaphneXplores]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@tarzan12345]

Superbly filmed, produced and narrated. Love it.

[@DaphneXplores]

Thanks so much!

[@BrianaisGoingPlaces]

You did a lot of lovely things in Vietnam. I enjoyed seeing all the nice coffee you got to have.

[@DaphneXplores]

Thanks for watching! The coffee was so good 😊

[@kimballamram552]

Vietnam is now the second largest coffee producer as Brazil has been the top producer for more than 150 years@@DaphneXplores

[@atventurejournal]

I’ve been wanting to go there for so long and your vlog made me want to go even more! Wonderful vlog🤩

[@DaphneXplores]

Hope you get to make the trip soon!

[@samwilliams3088]

Thank you for a wonderful and interesting tour! My interest in visiting Hanoi has just been increased!

[@leoslayer3304]

Awesome vlog, I am going to Hanoi for 3 days in April, you have given me some great ideas, thank you 🙏

[@DaphneXplores]

Enjoy your trip!

[@drr229]

Hi great video. Brought back happy memories. I stayed in thr Bendicer last July and Hanoi for 5 nights, loved the place. Ha ha i still cant get over how nice the sticky coconut rice ice cream was too. Enjoy your travels 🙏

[@DaphneXplores]

Oh awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@zenanada3563]

I feel so much delighted to read all comments of you guys had been traveling to VietNam,hope that more and more tourist will reach here and explore the beautiful traditions of our country ❤❤

[@JohnDoe-ft2nh]

Thank you for visiting our beautiful, friendly, lovely country. Come again. Have a great trip.

[@MimiDiessel]

Fabulous sharing video about Hanoi, fully watched. I was there for a month 3 weeks ago too, I enjoyed my trip there too. I have just subscribed your channel and greetings from Sydney - Australia

[@DaphneXplores]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@user-xl5uz4yk3n]

Mieszkam w Polsce pod Łodzią. Mój kolega pochodzi z Wietnamu. Oglądam ten film i podziwiam piękny kraj. Pozdrawiam mieszkańców Wietnamu ❤❤❤❤❤. Renata

[@haduong96353a]

Hey bro. Xin chào

[@maxdavies9327]

Great work Daphne, fantastic pictures covered with very good commentry. For a one person show you do a really great job. Keep up the good work. Max and Fiona. Australia.

[@DaphneXplores]

Thanks for the comment, appreciate it!

[@gullsrus]

Very well filmed and narratid. Very enjoyable,im going to Hanoi soon. Thank you.

[@alegoesglobal8582]

Hiya! I want to say that how incredible your video content is. I really enjoy your form of storytelling, its lovely to see that this style of vlogs exists. All the best!! x

[@DaphneXplores]

Thank you for your comment! Glad you like it!

[@medagudaityte3944]

filmed so intimately, it made me cry from missing the bustling hanoi. you did a great job at expressing how it feels to be there💕

[@DaphneXplores]

Thank you, I hope you get to go again soon!

[@annawong5027]

Great vlog, the food tour looked fantastic! I miss the super cheap banh mis. I couldn't cross the roads at all and had to close my eyes as my friend led me to safety. She was used to it from her trips to India

[@DaphneXplores]

Thanks for watching! Haha, I was convinced that you could cross the roads eyes closed and still be alright. Not that I'd recommend it!

[@jonathanchester5916]

Thank you for taking us there !

[@Peaceone7]

Beautiful video, Thank you for sharing! ❤

[@QuynhHVu]

Oh, this is such a beautiful and calming Video of Hanoi and Ha Long Bay! The stunning scenery is very well edited with music and your lovely voice over. It is also empowering to see you travelling alone and have a good time. I‘m gonna have a lot of fun watching your other videos as well! I hope you have as much fun creating those videos as we have watching them! Greetings from Germany!

[@DaphneXplores]

Comments like yours keep me going! Thanks for watching!

[@Langkinhsaigon-SaigonHoloscope]

Congratulations for your interesting trip to my beautiful country.👍 Just seeing your channel recently and as an KZbinr, I can see clearly that you put lots of effort to those clips, even in the small but important details: the precise writing of the Vietnamese names (dishes, location, places....).👏 Thanks much for visiting Vietnam and also introduce it to the world. Rock on!👋

[@suisujin]

It is a nice video, I was looking for info about Vietnam because I am wondering if I should visit this country. Your video was the first one I found giving me true insights about it. Thank you!

[@hasonmorris4968]

Vietnam is a beautiful country, I would love to visit there someday, you’ve been blessed

[@GregPetaSmith]

Fantastic video - you do a lovely job of storytelling, filming and editing ! Thanks so much ❤

[@DaphneXplores]

Thanks so much!

[@BenSussmanpro]

Really nice travelogue. Hope to visit someday. Thank you.

[@easycookinghobbies5421]

Beautiful video...we just finished one week tour today...tour was fantastic enjoyed every day❤❤ .. beautiful places and lovely, friendly people ❤❤❤

[@eugene9972]

I love your video in Hanoi, I last visited at age 10, 1972; at that time was a city called Saigon, maybe one day will visit before I get too old for travel

[@littlebigwanders]

Very interesting style of vlogging! Felt like a documentary. I love how you included the city sounds in much of your footage. Very cool stuff. We're half way through our Vietnam videos and yours happens to recommend ours. Thanks for sharing. Subscribed!

[@DaphneXplores]

Thank you!

[@RussSchoonmaker]

I agree, like watching an NHK spotlight video

[@mandulovesdumplings]

Gorgeous travel log. I really loved your narration too. Thank you for this tour of such a beautiful city - I hope to visit and retrace your steps!

[@DaphneXplores]

Thank you for watching! I hope you’ll get to visit too!

[@bindar8473]

Beautiful vlog, thanks so much for sharing! I’m headed to Hanoi by myself in April, this makes me so excited!!

[@DaphneXplores]

Yay have fun!

[@paulwoaert]

The tone of the narration and the music which accompanies this travel video in Hanoi particularly delighted me with their originality. The quality of the very measured interpretation which is made of this magnificent old quarter of Hanoi which I know very well manifests a level of taste which is both sensitive and refined, totally different from the hundreds of videos on Hanoi which often pollute us with their cheap songs, aggressive, vulgar, primary and stereotypical. So : Bravo.

[@DaphneXplores]

Thanks, I’m glad you liked it!

[@jellyjellyjelly2]

This video is calming but informative! Much love 💘

[@BarefootVlogger]

Excellent writing on this vlog. Very well done. Just subbed, you deserve way more.

[@DaphneXplores]

Much appreciated!

[@quocthang7857]

I love the vibe of this video

[@renataz8885]

Very nice video, thank you for doing it and sharing with us ❤

[@DaphneXplores]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnquinn449]

Excellent vlog I hope to go to Hanoi in the summer of 24 .Will definitely watch more of your adventures.Thank You

[@DaphneXplores]

Thanks for watching, enjoy your travels!

[@dn1969]

Great contents..enjoy your stay. Thank you for sharing!

[@DaphneXplores]

Thank you!

[@lynnguyen6394]

Great vlogs. Will visit Ha Long Bay one day. Thanks for sharing.

[@DaphneXplores]

Thanks for watching!

[@WSMOURO]

I loved this. Thank you.

[@JmhWalker]

가장좋아하는나라❤❤❤ 흥미로운나라❤❤❤ 영상감사합니다❤❤

[@kaiwt2133]

I’m flying to Hanoi tomorrow for the first time and doing my last minute research 😅. Your video is a great help, thanks!

[@DaphneXplores]

Have fun!

[@paulseoighemcgee5772]

Beautiful content , well done Daphne !

[@DaphneXplores]

Thank you!

[@ladymusa2038]

this is the vlog that I wanted to watch, very straightforward☺

[@DaphneXplores]

Thanks for watching!

[@antrog1895]

This is a brilliant video, well done it’s so laid back easy viewing. We’ve been to all of these places yet you filmed things we didn’t see. The heron catching the flying fish was extraordinary 👍 Many thanks and good luck for the future.

[@DaphneXplores]

The heron catching fish was so cool to see! Thanks for watching!

[@dorcasclement3344]

Awesome story telling skills, feels so much like a movie. Love it❤

[@briantrieu2767]

Great video and thankyou for sharing your experience..

[@DaphneXplores]

Thanks for watching!

[@johneldard6673]

Well done. Entertaining. Thank you

[@charlieheywood7401]

G-DAY. Thank you for this video. Am hopping to visit HANOI this year. Your video has shown me places I want to see and others I not see in u tube. Please stay safe and keep healthy. Thank you again for video.

[@DaphneXplores]

Thank you, enjoy your trip!

[@julzamidala2865]

Wow, great video! Was just there two weeks ago and stayed across from you at the Shining Central. Such an amazing city.

[@DaphneXplores]

It really is! Thanks for watching!

[@hectornunez7165]

Really neat video! Hopefully I’m able to go out there in October.

[@netsaim]

absolutely love this!!!!

[@DaphneXplores]

Glad you like it!

[@mafkrimnra8084]

Love your video so calming , think I’m going to Hanoi later

[@parslysoda]

love your vlogs

[@DaphneXplores]

Thanks for watching!

[@khanhdiep6607]

Beautiful - a nice touch of sincerity 🙏🌹

[@DHARMIK_M]

Cinematgrapy 10/10 Narration 20/10 Very smoothly explained and recorded. Keep up.

[@TheBaldyVlogger]

Great vlog very well put together ❤

[@DaphneXplores]

Thank you!

[@tn4653]

We were never friends in high school, but I'm so happy to have stumbled across your travel videos and especially love your storytelling. Thanks for sharing a bit of your time in Vietnam with us all. Wishing you the best, Tien

[@DaphneXplores]

Tien!! Haha well I’m glad you enjoy them. I really appreciate you commenting! Hope you’re well!

[@traveltimes4109]

Really a great video! Showing a lot of different areas and yummy food. My son has been there twice. 👍 well done

[@DaphneXplores]

Thank you!

[@AnishRemtulla-vv9hj]

Great job really enjoyed it. So well done calming meaningful and exceptional explanation

[@DaphneXplores]

Thank you!

[@alexmelendez5404]

BEST TRAVEL VIDEO EVVVVVVVER

[@HenryWrideExplores]

Great video! I think going on a food tour is a great way to experience Vietnamese culture with a local. didn’t get to visit all of these spots, but I’ll make sure to visit them during my next trip.

[@TysuChudu]

Hello. Beautiful video. I love it❤

[@RaviSingh-cr9mo]

Thank you so much .. really loved your video

[@DaphneXplores]

Thank you!

[@soryudocumentary9538]

Wonderful production quality!

[@JohnDoe-dh3xc]

Visiting for sure 😊

[@haduong96353a]

From Haiphong with love. Beautiful and informative vlog. Keep up the good work, lady.

[@stephaniev3.083]

Fabulous video! Excellent video editing and great shots! Thanks especially for sharing the names of the hotel and tour operator 🙏

[@DaphneXplores]

Thank you!

[@BoaStoryTV]

you're video is very good, thank you

[@btlan6121]

Interesting clip with comments that come from a foreigner! You are a quick learner and a positive/easy going traveller to adapt any situations. That is necessary while u r in VN. Good luck.

[@DT-gs3wi]

Beautiful story of indochina

[@user-mc9we9el6r]

The Culture and food drink the Nature so beautiful of Hanoi। Thank you।

[@Blackcat-jt9in]

Great vlog!

[@DaphneXplores]

Thank you!

[@viethai93]

Một video quá tuyệt vời. Cảm ơn bạn đã làm video này

[@AS-iq7sx]

From Hanoi to Saigon city = beautiful travel

[@RealmDesigner]

I really enjoyed this! Subbed!

[@DaphneXplores]

Thank you!

[@naveengp3205]

Great video😊

[@DaphneXplores]

Thanks!

[@ravendranrasalingam490]

Thank you so very much for this very helpful vlog. My wife and I are planning to do Hanoi and Ha Long Bay this time next year for a total of a week before flying south to Danang / Hoi An for a few days.

[@DaphneXplores]

Enjoy!

[@jonsil001]

So awesome. I love your pace and your narration, very relaxing to watch. Reminds me of Globe Trekker on the travel channel from back in the day.

[@DaphneXplores]

Thanks so much!

[@lamar6007]

I traveled to to Hanoi quite a bit, so I hope you enjoy your journey there

[@DaphneXplores]

I did enjoy it, thank you!

[@jancjmusic772]

Thank you for your very interesting informative video, my next vacation from milan to asia ( mostly i go to the philippines) will be vietnam ,as i am a half asian i love visiting asia and enjoy the beauty of it, kudos to you for representing the asian beauty. love and regards from Milan.Italy.

[@shogoshibata4477]

Oh I loved it

[@DaphneXplores]

Thanks!

[@SomethingGoodChannel]

This is an interesting trip.

[@breadcroww]

The food tour looked so good 😛

[@DaphneXplores]

I was sooo full!

[@hectorhaberfield3217]

It was a great video and I’m looking forward to going to Hanoi, to stay in the old quarter

[@DaphneXplores]

Thanks for watching!

[@chelseajeong3935]

Your videos are so calming, from the voice commentary to the cinematic shots. Huge fan of your work. Looking forward to more travel videos! Also, side note - cute top @10:47, where'd you get it from? :)

[@DaphneXplores]

Thank you! My top is the Lota Sculpt from Dynamite (Canadian brand). They are still selling it now if you are able to buy from them!

[@steverodriguez5194]

Awesome 👌

[@steverodriguez5194]

Thank you so much

[@awanderfullifeblog]

I miss Hanoi! I haven't been since before the pandemic. I tend to favor Ho Chi Minh but this vlog definitely makes me want to go back. Happy Travels!

[@DaphneXplores]

Sounds like it’s time for another visit! Thanks for watching!

[@YummyFoodandTravelTV]

Nice video!