Name: Hanoi, Vietnam’s Capital — Way Cooler Than I Expected!
Uploaded: 2025-11-26T01:26:01.000Z
Duration: 35 min 28 s
Description: Thousands of YouTube videos with English-Chinese subtitles! Now you can learn to understand native speakers, expand your vocabulary, and improve your pronunciation...

Fresh mangoes, fresh apricots, fresh oranges.

And in this video, we're visiting Hanoi, Vietnam's capital and second most populous city, home to over 8.7 million people.

Here, ancient temples stand beside honking scooters and history whispers from every street corner.

I'm taking you on a journey through Hanoi's old world charm and modern hustle, plus the breathtaking nature that surrounds the city.

Get ready for some cool adventures because this is cool Vision.

Hanoi lies in northern Vietnam, nestled in the Red river Delta, just about 90 kilometers from the coast.

Unlike Saigon, Hanoi experiences four distinct seasons, from humid summers to misty romantic winters.

Founded way back in 1010, its roots run deep over a thousand years of rich, layered history.

The city endured Chinese domination, French colonization and fierce battles during the Vietnam War.

And yet through it all, Hanoi has risen to become the proud capital of a reunified Vietnam.

And today it's a vibrant blend of the old, the new, and the wonderfully unexpected.

Hanoi streets are ruled by motorbikes, 6.9 million of them to be exact.

Compared to just 1.1 million cars, it's not quite as wild as Saigon, but

still, the city center doesn't have the laid back vibe that you'll find elsewhere in Vietnam.

As the capital, it's the seat of government and the police presence is real.

Matter of fact, the day I arrived, Xi Jinping came to town.

I'm sure he was surprised too when you thought you planned everything perfectly for the day.

And then Xi Jinping comes to town to negotiate U.S. tariffs and the streets are blocked.

In Hanoi, it only takes five minutes for traffic to turn into a full blown gridlock.

After all this stress, I thought I'd get a coffee and unwind, but little did I know.

Lets dive into the sights, starting with one of the wildest train street.

This narrow alley somehow fits homes, cafes and a full size train all in one breath.

Several times a day, a train barrels through just inches from people sipping coffee or posing for Instagram.

The train roars past like it owns the tracks.

It's loud, exhilarating, and just the right amount of terrifying.

Train times shift, so always check ahead.

It was a little quicker than I thought, though.

Next, we head to the Old Quarter, Hanoi's beating heart.

Alleyways packed tight, French colonial facades and ancient temples peek out behind tangled wires.

Every corner tempts you with the scent of sizzling street food, fresh fruit and strong Vietnamese coffee.

But when the sun sets, the Old Quarter transforms.

Neon lights flicker on, beer kegs roll out, and sidewalks become buzzing bars.

Live music, laughter, and clinking glasses fill the air.

This is like a peaceful oasis inside of all this madness that's happening.

People come here to do all sorts of things, like practicing Tai Chi in the morning, doing group exercises and dancing.

The lake's centerpiece, Turtle Tower, sits quietly in the middle, while the red Bridge to Ngok Son Temple adds a pop of color.

On weekends, the streets around the lake close to traffic and become a vibrant walking zone, perfect for people watching, snacking, and

In this area, you can visit one of the two water puppet theaters that bring Vietnam's ancient storytelling tradition to life.

With wooden puppets dancing across a shallow pool, stories of village life, legends and myths unfold to the sound of live folk music.

Skilled puppeteers stand hidden behind a screen, controlling every movement with precision and flair.

It's a true cultural gem that delights both kids and adults.

Next, St. Joseph Cathedral, right in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter.

Among all this chaos, you see a building that looks like Notre Dame's distant cousin.

It was built by the French in 1886, and it's a striking example of French colonial architecture.

Here in Hanoi, with its twin bell towers and stained glass windows, it feels like a peaceful slice of Europe in the middle of a buzzing Asian city.

Step inside and the chaos of Hanoi melts away, replaced by cool stone walls, wooden pews, and

It's especially beautiful at night when the facade glows under warm lights.

Apart from tourism and politics, Hanoi is a growing powerhouse in finance, manufacturing, technology and services.

Industrial zones around the city crank out everything from electronics to textiles and heavy machinery.

The Hanoi Stock Exchange, Vietnam's second largest, focuses on bond trading and small to medium enterprise listings.

Real estate here is booming, with shiny malls and high end housing rising across the skyline.

But here's a fun over 3/4 of jobs in Hanoi are still state owned.

Even so, the private sector is gaining ground fast, especially in tech services and manufacturing.

By the way, we'll take a company tour at the end of the video, so stay tuned.

Tourism also fuels the local economy, with Noi Bay International Airport, just 45 km from the city center, bringing in a steady stream of visitors.

Since the 1980s, Vietnam's economy has opened up dramatically, but

make no mistake, the Communist Party still runs the political show.

It's a unique capitalist in business, Communist in politics, much like his northern neighbor, China.

And nowhere is that contrast more visible than at Lenin Square.

There stands a towering statue of Vladimir Lenin, ever serious in his stone glory.

But around him, skateboarders flipping tricks, kids exercising and kicking soccer balls, and locals hosting lively festivals.

Right opposite Lenin Square, the flag tower of Hanoi stands tall as one of the city's iconic landmarks.

Built in the early 19th century, this towering structure was once part of the old Hanoi citadel's defense system.

For history buffs, Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum is a must see.

Located in Badinh Square, it's a place of deep national pride and draws long lines of visitors every day.

But be warned, the lines are so serious, and the rules are even more so.

No photos, no chewing gum, and guards are watching every move.

It can feel a bit stressful with the strict restrictions and constant monitoring.

After about an hour in line, you finally get to see the embalmed body of Vietnam's revolutionary leader, but

The mausoleum itself is massive and austere, yet it holds a quiet, powerful dignity.

Security is tight, so don't try to wander beyond the allowed areas.

I say if your time in Hanoi is limited, it's okay to skip this one.