When I traveled to Hanoi, I realized there were three essentials you absolutely need to truly experience the city: Grab, a mask, and the courage to cross the street. These aren’t just tools for convenience or safety; to me, they felt like symbols that reflect the very essence of Hanoi.
1. Grab – The Lifeline of Transportation, but with Uncertain Dependence
Public transportation in Hanoi is still underdeveloped. While there are buses, the routes are complicated, and the language barrier makes them challenging for tourists. Naturally, everything comes down to one option: Grab.
Throughout my trip, Grab was my lifeline. Honestly, without it, my schedule would have been completely disrupted. But at the same time, it made me wonder—what if a city’s entire transportation system becomes overly dependent on one foreign-owned platform? If the service were suddenly halted or restricted, the chaos would be unimaginable. Transportation is not just a convenience; it’s the lifeblood of a city. Having that lifeblood controlled externally felt a little unsettling.
2. A Mask – The Minimum Shield Against Pollution
The second essential was a mask. Walking through the Old Quarter, I was shocked by the amount of exhaust fumes from old vehicles. Narrow roads packed with motorbikes, buses, and cars constantly on the move made the air quality noticeably poor.
Unlike wearing a mask in Korea due to fine dust, this was on a different level. At first, I wanted to take it off because it felt suffocating, but within minutes, my throat was sore and my head started to ache. That’s when I realized: in Hanoi, a mask isn’t just an option—it’s a survival tool.
3. The Courage to Cross the Street – Entering the Rhythm of the City
Finally, the courage to cross the street. In Korea, when the light turns green, you just walk. In Hanoi, it’s a different story. Even with the green light, motorbikes and buses keep flowing, and you have to step into the traffic with trust and composure.
At first, I stood frozen, too afraid to move. But when I finally took that step, the traffic miraculously adjusted—motorbikes swerving gracefully around me, buses slowing just enough. It wasn’t chaos; it was an unspoken rhythm.
This wasn’t just about crossing the road—it felt like a metaphor for life itself. Life rarely stops for you. You need the courage to step forward, and once you do, you somehow find your place in the flow. Hanoi’s crosswalks became a small but profound life lesson.
Nights in Hanoi – And the People
One night, I stumbled upon a large local pub, full of people who looked to be in their late 30s. To my surprise, they were drinking, singing, even throwing up in the restroom—just like carefree college students. Watching them, I thought, “Is this what Korea’s rapid growth era in the 1980s must have looked like? Work hard, play hard.” That youthful energy, still so alive in the city, left a strong impression on me.
At Hai Phong Airport – The Courage Found Again
On the last day at Hai Phong Airport, I noticed children running around freely in the departure hall, without a care in the world. In that moment, I thought, “Yes, no matter where we are, people always find a way to live, to grow, and to carry on.”
Back in Seoul, I often overthink: Will it work? Is it possible? But in Hanoi, I sensed a more resilient mindset: Somehow, it will work out. Paradoxically, Hanoi gave me courage to face my own life with more openness.
Coffee and Prices – A Different Perspective
And of course, the coffee. High-quality coffee for less than $2 a cup—it still amazes me. Luxury brands or high-end goods weren’t much cheaper than in Korea, but in local restaurants, even a big family meal rarely exceeded $25. Compared to the tight and expensive lifestyle in Seoul, Hanoi felt like it still carried a sense of room to breathe.
Conclusion – The Strange Aftertaste of Hanoi
My days in Hanoi were not easy. The heat, the pollution, the chaotic traffic… But looking back, those challenges became the very elements that helped me grow.
Hanoi was not just a travel destination—it was a city that made me reflect on the essence of living. So if you ever go, remember to pack these three essentials: Grab, a mask, and the courage to cross the street. But more importantly, bring an open heart to embrace the chaos and vitality of this remarkable city.
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