Have Perut Will Travel...: HAN Day 3 │ Running Bean • St Joseph's Cathedral • Vincom Center!

A Birthday Morning Begins

Sunday morning started quietly. We left our homestay with light steps and easy smiles, knowing the day was already special. It was my birthday, and breakfast was waiting. We hailed a Grab for VND 33,280 (≈ MYR5/USD1/EUR1) and watched the city wake up as we headed to The Running Bean Nhà Thờ – Coffee and Brunch.

Breakfast at The Running Bean Nhà Thờ

The café felt warm and lively when we arrived. Peter greeted us with big smiles and boundless energy, instantly setting a celebratory mood. We ordered the Big Bacon Eggs, Eggs Benedict Croissant with Smoked Salmon, a Hot Egg Coffee, and a Yuzu Cascara Tea.

The egg coffee stole the moment. Thick, creamy foam rested on top, and the first sip was rich, smooth, and comforting—almost like a soft dessert. We slowed down and savored it. The bill came to VND664,200 (≈ MYR99/USD26/EUR22), and it was worth every note. It was the perfect birthday start.

Crossing to St. Joseph’s Cathedral

After breakfast, we crossed the street to St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Built between 1884 and 1886, its Neo Gothic design—tall spires, pointed arches, and weathered stone—towered calmly over Nhà Chung Street. Still an active church and a city landmark, it offered a quiet pause amid Hanoi’s movement. After our usual photos and wefies, we booked another Grab for VND37,440 (≈ MYR6/USD1/EUR1) and headed to Vincom Center Bà Triệu.

Birthday Shopping at Vincom Center

We arrived at half past ten, welcomed by cool air and polished floors. Vincom Center Ba Trieu felt busy but relaxed, with shoppers drifting between stores. We went straight to Adidas Originals. Inside, the space felt sleek and energetic—bold branding, clean lines, and racks neatly arranged by color and style. We browsed slowly, lifting hangers, checking sizes, and comparing designs.

Then we saw it—a Manchester United T shirt and shorts set. The moment felt electric. I ran my hands over the fabric, studied the crest, and couldn’t stop smiling. It was clearly the birthday gift.

At VND2,300,000 (≈ MYR6/USD1/EUR1), it was a proper splurge—and completely worth it. We left the store lighter in mood, bag in hand.

Browsing, Essentials, and a Coffee Break

We continued browsing at another Adidas store, then moved on to Levi’s, flipping through rows of denim, feeling different cuts, and pointing out familiar classics.

Upstairs at VinMart, the mood shifted to practical. Bright aisles and neatly stacked shelves made it easy to pick up essentials. We spent VND 413,507 (≈ MYR62/USD16/EUR13), including a box of local instant coffee—useful, comforting, and very us.

We browsed a bit more at Anta and Lecoq Sportif, trying on shoes and admiring clean, sporty designs. After a quick bathroom stop, we headed to Highlands Coffee. We ordered an Iced Tea with Sesame Seeds and an Iced Tea with Peach Jelly. Cold and refreshing, they hit the spot. The total was VND 90,000 (≈ MYR13/USD4/EUR3).

Pressing Pause—for Now

After a quick look at Uniqlo, we rode the elevator to the ground floor. Vincom Center had given us birthday joy, small comforts, and easy moments.

We paused there—because the next Grab car was already waiting, ready to take us to another Adidas store for more birthday shopping.

Stay tuned. The celebration wasn’t over yet.