Walkabout Hanoi, Vietnam: An Exploration Of Ba Vi

One of Southeast Asia's oldest cities, Hanoi offers a remarkable mosaic of culture, history, and contemporary energy. With a millennium of history, this city has seen wars, political turmoil, colonization, and the rise and fall of dynasties. It is now a thriving metropolis that deftly blends the energy of the modern world with the grace of antiquity. As a tourist, teacher, and content developer, I explored this special fusion of the past and present on my trip across Hanoi.

The Old Quarter, which has the Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoàn Kiếm Lake) at its center, is one of the city's top attractions. This neighborhood, which features historic sites and colonial architecture, is a microcosm of Hanoi's past. Alongside my university colleagues, we explored the heart of this historic district while on this trip, marveling at the beautifully maintained structures and the lively street life that perfectly captures the essence of Hanoi.

Hanoi's quick modernization and development has produced both advantages and disadvantages. The city faces challenges in maintaining its historic architecture, pollution, and managing it’s well-known traffic congestion. The preservation of Hanoi's historical and cultural legacy is nevertheless of utmost importance despite these obstacles. There is constant work being done to preserve historical landmarks and locations all around the city.

When one ventures outside the Old Quarter, Hanoi displays its complex nature. I've found that the more time I spend here, venturing into areas beyond the beaten path, the more I come to love this city. Discovering hidden areas and back alleys while seeing inhabitants going about their daily lives has a particular allure.

I slept at the chic SoJo Ga Hanoi Hotel, which is close to the Hanoi Train Station.  The hotel was a good starting point for our adventures, with its contemporary albeit tiny rooms. But I soon discovered that it may be quite noisy to stay across from a major train station.

Seeing Ba Vi National Park was one of the trip's highlights. This 11,000 hectare protected area is well-known for its stunning natural surroundings and rich cultural legacy. The park is home to a wide variety of flora and animals, including more than 200 types of wild orchids, in addition to being a sanctuary for ecotourism. Hiking up to one of the park's three summits provided an opportunity to commune with nature and enjoy breath-taking views.

The Muong people and other nearby communities enrich the diverse fabric of the park. These groups have been here for many generations, upholding traditions ingrained in the forest and the soil. Exploring these settlements provides a window into customs and ways of life that coexist peacefully with the park's natural surroundings.

It was a peaceful experience to stay at the Amour Resort in the park. Following an excursion and hiking day, the resort offered a tranquil haven. This place has some really great breakfasts—by far the finest I've had in Vietnam.

We also made the surprising but fascinating discovery of visiting an abandoned water park tucked away in the jungle as part of our adventure. The water slide set against the lush vegetation was a striking image that highlighted the variety of experiences that Hanoi and its environs have to offer.

Workshops and cultural events with my academic colleagues marked the end of the trip. Not only were these exercises enjoyable, like learning the Cha Cha Cha, but they also contributed to our growth mentality and ongoing education. A sumptuous meal marked the end of the journey and provided a suitable cap to an enriching adventure.

When I think back on my previous trips to Hanoi, I see that each time has shown a new side to this intricate city. Every time I go, I learn more about and appreciate its distinct metropolitan culture and the surrounding environments. Hanoi is a city that never ceases to amaze me, and I can't wait to go back and see more of this exciting region of the world.