Read this blog: The one where we sort out Hong Kong travel cards
Monday 24th February 2025
After a lie-in and with no breakfast provided at the hotel we went out planning to have a coffee and some sustenance first. A building on Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square rises like the stern of a ship with balcony seating on several levels for cafés and restaurants. We went to Highland Coffee overlooking the Trúc Bạch Lake to sit outside and enjoy the view, even if it was a damp, grey morning.
We had not visited any markets in Hanoi this trip and decided to rectify this. Originally built by the French in 1889, Đồng Xuân Market has been renovated several times since, most recently in 1994 after a fire almost destroyed the building. Đồng Xuân Market is now the largest covered market in Hanoi selling everything from clothes and household goods to food. As it is wholesale, not retail, we were not really the target audience.
Robert wanted to return to the Pasteur Street Craft Beer bar [see Selfie of the day] before we left Hanoi and had planned a craft beer walking tour for himself.
The tour also took us to the 7 Bridges Brewing Company which had a taproom near our hotel.
We were very grateful to Steph for recommending Bao Wow which was also conveniently close. Unsurprisingly the speciality was bao buns and the food was delicious [see Dish of the day].
The following day we caught a flight from Hanoi to Hong Kong.
Robert had downloaded the Octopus app before we left Hanoi but had been unable to load it with any funds. Instead we bought single trip travel cards for the train ride from the airport into the city. We arrived quite late, having lost a hour in transit but fortunately the Shack Tapazaka bar near our hotel provided us with a refreshing pint of Sapporo and some Japanese style snacks before bed time.
Joe and the staff at Shack Tapazaka were both welcoming and helpful. They advised us to use the Tourist Octopus app. This option is the best one for visitors as it allows you to top up as you go but also allows you to get a refund on any money which is not spent by the end of your stay.
Selfie of the day:
Dish of the day:
Route Map:
