A Fresh Start
We left the homestay at eight on a Monday morning, while the street was still quiet and the air felt fresh. After last night’s disappointment at Thu Ann Spa, we wanted the day to feel lighter. We locked the door, adjusted our bags, and stepped outside together, ready to begin again.
Breakfast Plans Change
Our first stop was meant to be the most important meal of the day: Hanoi Coffee Culture. We crossed Hàng Tre Street and walked north along Nguyễn Hữu Huân Street. Five minutes later, we arrived—only to learn there was a forty five minute wait. We looked at each other, sighed, and decided not to force it.
La Capo Cafe to the Rescue
We crossed the street to La Capo Cafe instead. After a quick look at the menu, we ordered a Serious Breakfast, a Club Sandwich, a hot milk tea, and an orange lemongrass peach tea. While we waited, we felt thankful just to be seated. We told ourselves that simple plans were sometimes the best ones.
As we ate, the mood slowly improved. The food was warm and filling, and the drinks were comforting. We talked about letting go of small disappointments and enjoying what was in front of us. The total came to VND362,000 (≈ MYR54/USD14/EUR12), and we truly felt that La Capo Cafe had saved the morning.
Right after breakfast, my stomach suddenly twisted hard. Without hesitation, we hurried back to the homestay, which was thankfully only a few minutes away.
Back Out to Hoan Kiem Lake
Once everything was settled, we headed out again. We crossed Hàng Tre Street, turned left, then right onto Lò Sũ Street. Motorbikes hummed past, vendors called softly, and balconies with hanging plants lined the road. At the end of the street, Hoan Kiem Lake opened up in front of us, calm and wide, reflecting the pale morning sky.
We walked toward the Hanoi City Tour stop. Since it was Monday, the crowd was light. As we did not plan to get off at any stops, we chose the one hour round trip ride for VND150,000 (≈ MYR22/USD6/EUR5) each and enjoyed watching the city roll by.
A Sweet Break by the Lake
An hour later, we were back where we started, relaxed and sun touched. We walked to Thuy Ta Legend for gelato by the lake. Cat chose Chocolate Mint, and I had Mango Sorbet. Together they cost VND150,000 (≈ MYR22/USD6/EUR5).
The café felt calm and open, with soft voices, clinking spoons, and the lake stretching quietly beside us. As we ate, we thought about how the day had finally found its balance. Sometimes, all it took was something cold, sweet, and unplanned.
Souvenirs and a Slow Afternoon
After gelato, we crossed the street to look for souvenirs. We browsed a few shops before settling on Dan Chu Handicrafts, where we bought fridge magnets for VND350,000 (≈ MYR46/USD12/EUR10)—small reminders of an easier morning.
We then walked south along Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street toward McDonald’s Hồ Gươm. Traffic buzzed around us, street food scents filled the air, and people moved at an easy pace along the lake. We ordered the couple set to go for VND209,000 (≈ MYR31/USD8/EUR7), booked a Grab car back to the homestay for VND33,280 (≈ MYR5/USD1/EUR1), and finally settled in.
Lunch was simple, the curtains were drawn, and we rested for the afternoon.
🚌✨ Next up: a double decker bus ride around Hanoi. Don’t miss it!
Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)
📍 Location:
23B P. Hàng Tre - https://maps.app.goo.gl/LrtA6xLFHWhzzzA29
La Capo Cafe - https://maps.app.goo.gl/yFURJJzTPAS8Q97S6
Thuy Ta Legend - https://maps.app.goo.gl/cb4xfhb6noqYJgBR7
Dân Chủ Handicraft - https://maps.app.goo.gl/7YVHqiiVacQQN7wz6
McDonald's Hồ Gươm - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q9VwYPj2PDcYncXC7
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