We landed just after half past noon, and when the doors of MH752 opened, we stepped straight into brighter light, warmer air, and the familiar airport buzz. Voices echoed, suitcases rolled, and just like that, the journey was officially over.
Inside the terminal, we followed the signs for arrivals and made a quick pit stop at the restroom to freshen up. It was cool, quiet, and exactly what we needed before moving again. Then came the long walk to Immigration—wide corridors, shiny floors, and a steady stream of tired but hopeful travelers all heading the same way.
Immigration moved quickly. Passports were stamped with calm efficiency, and within ten minutes, we were through. Another short wait at Carousel 5 followed, and soon our bright yellow submarines appeared, impossible to miss and very welcome.
Outside the terminal, Hanoi greeted us in full daylight. A week earlier, we had arranged an airport transfer with our Airbnb hosts and were told to meet our driver, Nam, at Column 10. The price was fixed at VND430,000 (≈ MYR64/USD17/EUR14), which gave us one less thing to think about. We reached the column at 12:50 p.m., and ten minutes later, Nam arrived right on time.
The drive into the city began on wide highways before slowly tightening into busier roads filled with scooters, cars, and noise. As we entered the Old Quarter, everything felt closer, louder, and more alive.
At a quarter to two, we arrived at our homestay at 23B P. Hàng Tre. The street was calmer than the main roads, with soft lights and quiet corners. We paid Nam, added a small tip, and asked him to pick us up again for our return flight in seven days. Then we hauled our bags inside.
Check‑in was easy. We walked up to the unit and collected the key card from the lockbox—no fuss, no waiting.
The homestay immediately won us over. Set in a historic colonial building, it felt cosy and nostalgic, yet perfectly placed near Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. Everything was bright, clean, and well looked after. We had fast WiFi, a huge Netflix‑ready TV, and a compact but fully equipped kitchen. The washer and dryer were a real luxury.
The queen‑sized bed came with fresh linens and a very comfortable mattress. Cat quickly claimed the daybed by the window, curling up there with her tablet almost every day. The bathroom blended modern design with local touches, and the balcony—filled with natural light—looked out onto the busy Vành Đai 1 street below.
Friendly local neighbours, a convenience store seven minutes away, and endless food options nearby made it easy to settle in. At RM233 (≈ MYRx/USDx/EURx) a night, we felt it was excellent value. Van and her team were warm, helpful, and welcoming. For seven nights, this place truly felt like home.
After a quick look around, we dropped off our yellow submarines and went out to find lunch. The traffic and constant honking were a shock at first, and everything felt chaotic. We wandered until we found a small noodle shop and ordered two bowls of bún cá, fried fish noodle soup. Light, savoury, and comforting, it hit the spot. With two slightly diluted Coca‑Colas, our first meal in Hanoi came to VND 120,000.
We walked a little more, stopped by 7‑Eleven for drinking water, and then strolled along 52 P. Lò Sũ back toward Hàng Tre. The city felt less overwhelming now—still busy, but exciting instead of stressful.
On the way, we stopped at Hope Cafe 23 for Vietnamese milk coffee. Strong, sweet, and only VND 30,000, it was the perfect final pause. Soon after, we returned to the homestay, tired, content, and ready to let Hanoi wait until morning.
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📍 Location:
Noi Bai International Airport - https://maps.app.goo.gl/i4BZvrPcCNE9zJP87
23B P. Hàng Tre - https://maps.app.goo.gl/LrtA6xLFHWhzzzA29
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