Hanoi is an 'urban gem' in American newspapers

Street food is considered the soul of Hanoi .

Scott Campbell, a veteran travel reporter for Condé Nast Traveler , America's most prestigious travel magazine, recently shared an article about Hanoi, affirming that the Vietnamese capital is not only a "gateway" to journeys to explore the North, but also a worthy stopover to stay and experience.

Hanoi has long been known as a transit point before international tourists continue their journey to Ha Long Bay, Sa Pa or Ninh Binh, but this city itself is the place “worth stopping”.

Hanoi has a conical hat making village that is over a thousand years old.

A thousand years of history is told through moss-covered pagodas, tamarind-lined avenues planned by the French, or slogans and monuments marking the revolutionary struggle period. The blend of pride and charm has created the unmistakable charm of the capital.

Although there are currently no direct flights from the US to Hanoi, more and more tourists still choose to stop here to watch the misty sunrise over Hoan Kiem Lake, listen to the clinking of spoons in pho restaurants in the early morning, or experience the dramatic feeling when the train runs close to "train street", where the rails run between residential areas just a few inches from the seats.

Train Street is one of the most famous attractions in Hanoi.

In the introduction to the attractions, Campbell asserted that almost no one comes to Hanoi without visiting the "train street". He distinguishes two streets: one is located in the middle of the old quarter, famous for its cafes next to the railway tracks, where each passing train makes visitors "hold their breath"; the other is near Hanoi station, more rustic, an ideal place to drink condensed milk coffee and observe local life.

Besides, Campbell commented that Hanoi is a paradise of traditional craft villages. Silk, pottery, lacquer, incense making, and hat making all still exist like the breath of time in the suburban villages.

The author suggests that visitors should spend half a day visiting Quang Phu Cau incense village or Chuong village, where the old lifestyle is still maintained with families who have been doing the craft for many generations.

Chuong village used to make conical hats for the Hue royal court and merchants throughout the Red River Delta.

Hoan Kiem Lake is what Campbell calls the “peaceful heart” of the city, where seniors practice tai chi in the early morning and couples stroll hand in hand at night. From the crimson The Huc Bridge to the 36 Streets, or from the ancient Temple of Literature to the Hoa Lo Prison Museum steeped in 20th-century history, all are included in the list of must-sees.

According to Campbell, street food is the soul of Hanoi. From Pho Bat Dan, Thanh Tri rice rolls to the famous Huong Lien bun cha that once welcomed President Obama...

In addition, he especially emphasized Giang's egg coffee and Cong Caphe's coconut coffee as two creative symbols from the time of scarce ingredients but full of sophistication of Hanoi people.

On most Hanoi street corners, the clatter of woks, boiling pots and low plastic stools create impromptu sidewalk eateries. The best food is often found in the old guild quarters, offering simple, cheap meals made with meat or tofu.

Visitors hardly have to go far to find a great meal thanks to Hanoi's street food culture.

For those looking for a luxury experience, Capella Hanoi, a boutique hotel designed by architect Bill Bensley, and Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, which has hosted many world-famous figures. Or if you want to see the city from above, Lotte Hotel is an ideal choice with an infinity pool on the 62nd floor. The author also mentioned Four Seasons Hanoi, scheduled to open in 2026, promising to become a new accommodation right next to Hoan Kiem Lake.

Scott Campbell concludes his article by stating that Hanoi is “both ancient and modern”, a place where visitors can find peace by the lake, excitement in the early morning markets, sophistication in art and creativity in cuisine.