Postcard from Vietnam: Guided by young people through Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Arriving in a new destination, travellers often scramble to get their bearings.
One can read a map, identify key landmarks, get a vantage from someplace high such as a mountain or tall building or, if one is fortunate enough, meet a local who will help them.
Orienting oneself is most challenging in large cities, particularly those in which the visitor does not speak the local language.
This was the case when we arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam in the winter of 2023.
The inside track
Ed Jackiewicz is Professor of Geography and Environmental Studies and Ron Davidson is a cultural geographer, both at California State University, Northridge, USA.
For those not familiar with Hanoi, it is a city of more than 8 million people, all of whom appear to be whizzing past on motor scooters that do not stop, nor even slow down, for pedestrians.
Strolling the city requires a combination of bravery and trust. For this reason, Hanoi might feel alienating, especially to a short-term visitor who gets to know little beyond its “streets of fire”.
We found a quick way through this intimidating facade, however; one that illuminated the warmth and humanity of the people behind the roaring traffic: A walking night market and street food tour in the city’s Old Quarter.
At our inquiry, our hotel concierge contacted two college students who would lead the way for free in exchange for the opportunity to practise English.
Read more “GT” Travel Experiences in Asia
In the early evening, our guides arrived at our hotel and introduced themselves as Anna and Helen. And we were on our way. They navigated us through streams of mopeds to multiple Old Quarter eateries, an open-air market, and a favourite ice cream stand.
Both were very competent English speakers. As we went they shared their background stories, as well as their thoughts and opinions about life in Vietnam.
We would not have gained as much insight and sense of personal connection to Hanoi, let alone tried such a variety of incredible food, had we gone about town on our own.
At the end of the evening, we tipped Amy and Helen the same amount a professional tour guide would have charged us, but we left with a much more enriching and memorable experience.
Give it a try!
Featured image (top of post): The authors and their guides Anna and Helen. Background Hanoi street scene image by Frida Aguilar Estrada (CC0) via Unsplash.
