Written along the way by @linh.on.foot. Costs are what they paid on the day.
- 1
Stop 1 · stay ~20m
Hoàn Kiếm Lake
Walk the north shore past the red Huc Bridge as the lake lights up.
Backpacker pro-tip · Weekend nights the streets around the lake go car-free.
- 2
Stop 2 · stay ~30m
Café Giảng
The original egg coffee, served since 1946 down a narrow alley.
Backpacker pro-tip · Order it hot, sitting in a bowl of warm water. Iced loses the custard texture.
Local cost: 35,000₫ (~$1.40) - 3
Stop 3 · stay ~40m
Tạ Hiện Beer Corner
Bia hơi — fresh draught beer brewed daily — on stools facing the street.
Backpacker pro-tip · Look for the yellow plastic jugs. That is the 15,000₫ fresh stuff.
Local cost: 15,000₫ a glass Pickpockets work the crowd after 9pm. - 4
Stop 4 · stay ~35m
Đồng Xuân Night Market
Friday to Sunday night market spilling south from the old covered hall.
Backpacker pro-tip · Bargain with a smile — start at 50% and settle around 70%.
- 5
Stop 5 · stay ~25m
Phở Bát Đàn
Queue, pay, carry your own bowl. Worth every minute of the line.
Backpacker pro-tip · Add a quẩy (fried dough) and dunk it.
Local cost: 60,000₫ bowl - 6
Stop 6 · stay ~1h
Train Street
Houses and cafés inches from the tracks. Finish with a coffee as the evening train passes.
Backpacker pro-tip · Buy a drink from a café — it is your ticket to sit trackside.
Access is restricted on some nights. Check the reviews tab before heading out.