Part 3: Northern Vietnam – Hanoi Hustle & Pho Perfection

Our journey through Vietnam took us to our final stop—Hanoi, the vibrant capital where history, culture, and food collide. We traveled by sleeper train—a thrilling experience that felt straight out of a Harry Potter movie, complete with food carts rolling down the aisle. The beds were surprisingly long enough for Eric (always a bonus), and we woke up refreshed and ready to check out Hanoi. Our base for the next few days was the cozy Eli Rina Hotel, a beautiful little boutique hotel that was conveniently located to dive into all that Hanoi has to offer.

Hanoi – History, Trains, and Turtles

Hanoi Hilton & Train Street: The former prison, labeled the Hanoi Hilton, (where John McCain was held) was heavy. We walked through its halls, reflecting on the history that took place there, to include its dark history before the Vietnam/American war. 

             

Not far from the prison is Train Street, where we had a truly wild experience—sipping coffee while a speeding train zoomed past just inches away! Talk about a caffeine rush. 🚂 (Heard it’s closed sometimes now—too close for comfort?)

Sword Lake: A tranquil lake that is home to the Ngoc Son Temple. A cool historical tidbit: the lake is also famous for its former residents, the Hoan Kiem turtles, one of the world’s longest-living species—until the last one passed away in 2016. It’s said the turtles were symbols of wisdom and longevity. 🐢✨

Tamero Craft Beer: No trip is complete without tasting some local brews. 🍺😄 Met a brewery owner with a wild story—grandpa’s garage turned brewpub, a funky bathroom, and government drama. Beer was top-notch, and the food didn’t disappoint either. We even were taste testers for some new dishes!

Ninh Binh: Epic day trip! A sampan boat ride through a jungle straight out of a movie (literally—King Kong was filmed here) then a brutal 500-step climb to a dragon statue on Lying Dragon Mountain. Uneven steps, sweaty brows, unreal views, painful, but so worth it.

          

Pho Real – The Food Finale 🍜🥢
And then, of course, there was the food. No visit to any town in Vietnam is complete without getting some Pho, and Phu Bo Duong Tai served us the best pho in the world. The place had a true local vibe—small stools, street-side seating, and locals chatting away. Eric has a theory: the closer to the ground you sit, the better the food. And after slurping up this pho, we’re convinced! 🍲

Wrap-Up: Vietnam Stole Our Hearts

From Ho Chi Minh’s hustle to Hanoi’s charm, this 60-day adventure was unforgettable. Stunning scenery, mind-blowing food, and locals so kind we’re basically family now. Vietnam’s history, mountains, and cities left us hooked—we’ll be back!

There you have it—three parts, one epic trip. Now, who’s booking a ticket?