Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

The next day, we visited the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, one of the most fascinating museums in the city. The museum focuses on the 54 ethnic groups that make up Vietnam, highlighting their cultures, traditions, clothing, tools, and daily life.

Inside, there are detailed exhibits explaining the histories and customs of different communities across the country. One of the most interesting parts of the museum, though, is outside. The large outdoor area features full-scale traditional houses and buildings from different ethnic groups, including towering communal houses and stilt homes that you can actually walk inside. 

Temple of Literature

Later we visited the Temple of Literature which was built in 1070 and was originally dedicated to Confucius. It later became Vietnam’s first national university, where scholars studied Confucian teachings and prepared for imperial examinations.

Train Street

In the evening, we made our way to the famous Train Street in Hanoi. It’s a narrow residential street where trains pass just inches away from people’s doorsteps, and residents have adapted to this unusual setup with cafes, small shops, and seating areas lining the tracks. I recommend confirming the train times before heading so you can time it right (be aware that vendors may say the train is coming soon to encourage you to sit and order at their establishment).

Grab a coffee or a beer and simply admire the setup until the train comes rolling through!

Hỏa Lò Prison

We had one more full-ish day in Hanoi. We started with breakfast at a cafe along Tây Hồ Lake where we were staying, which was lovely, and then headed to the Hỏa Lò Prison, also known as the “Hanoi Hilton.”

The prison has a sobering history, originally used by the French colonists for political prisoners and later during the Vietnam War to hold American POWs. Walking through the exhibits, you can see preserved cells, historical photographs, and artifacts that tell the stories of those who were imprisoned there. Hanoi has such a complex history, and I definitely recommend this museum for a glimpse into its past. 

Stop 6: Ha Giang (3 Days)

Where I Stayed

For our last leg of Vietnam, we booked a 3-day, 2-night Ha Giang Loop tour through Jasmine Tours. The Ha Giang Loop is a scenic motorbike route through northern Vietnam’s mountainous region, and honestly, it’s one of the top experiences I’ve ever had. We stayed in a hostel the first night and various guest houses/ hostels along the way.

Getting There

We took a VIP overnight bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang, arriving early the next morning (around 3 a.m.) for our adventure. The bus was surprisingly comfortable, with each person having their own bed, blanket, outlet, and privacy curtain.

The Loop

For the loop, we opted to have drivers, which I strongly recommend unless you’re a SEASONED motorcycle driver. The winding, narrow, and occasionally muddy roads are not for the inexperienced. After a few hours of shuteye at our hostel, we got briefed and divided into groups of around 10, sized for helmets, and introduced to our drivers (AKA our lifelines for the next few days). My rider was about 19 years old but had grown up in the area and was just as comfortable tearing down mountain roads on a motorbike as he was walking. He told me he was working hard to save money for his and his girlfriend’s wedding; two years later, he’s now married with his first child!

Our bags were strapped to the back of the bikes (we stored heavier luggage at the homebase in Ha Giang and brought only what we needed for the 3-day trip), and then we were off! The sensation of flying down steep mountains, wind in your hair, with breathtaking views all around, is hard to beat. We passed through villages, stopped along the way to stretch and take in the scenery, and cracked open a beer or two. 

Words hardly do it justice. 

After several hours on the bikes, we reached our stop for the night, where we enjoyed dinner, “happy water” that magically erased any soreness, and endless karaoke.

Day 2

The second day began with a stop in front of a stunning backdrop, where local ladies braided tourists’ hair with flowers, an excellent solution for helmet hair. We continued riding and made a stop at a point where you can see China across the border. I was so close to China that I even got a text from my phone plan welcoming me to the country!

Along the way, we saw farmers tending to their land and lots of animals, as well as local kids walking along the streets, playing, or helping their parents. It was amazing to witness this vastly different way of life and to see people farming on such steep mountainsides.

We also stopped at Nho Que River Valley, a winding river surrounded by towering limestone peaks, and even took a boat tour to enjoy the scenery from a completely different perspective. Another highlight was Ma Pi Leng Pass, or the “High Pass,” an iconic viewpoint overlooking the river gorge. It makes for incredible photos (if you can brave the terrifyingly high overlook)!

Day 3

The last day was our ride back down the mountains, soaking in the last views of the terraced rice fields and breathing in the fresh mountain air. We said farewell to our drivers, tipped them generously, and made our way back to Hanoi the same way we came. And from Hanoi, we headed straight to the airport!

2 weeks in Vietnam flew by and left me wanting more (not to worry, I returned with my dad 5 months later, but more on that soon). Such an incredible country filled with beautiful sights, friendly people, and delicious food.