As Vietnam settles into the new visa regulations it launched in mid-August, many younger travelers are visiting the country to experience the coupling of modern Vietnam and its traditional beauty. Matthew Kuschert is one such tourist hoping to take advantage of the new visa regulations in order to explore Hanoi for the first time. 

Matthew is from Australia and is also my son. With the new visa system in place, he decided to pay me a visit, which we used as an opportunity to explore the north of the country for the first time.

Hanoi was to be our focus along with one day in Ha Long Bay and a short stop in Vinh City on our way to run in a half-marathon. 

The first stop in Matthew’s adventure was Vinh City in Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam.

“I was surprised at how quiet this city was compared to the other major cities across the country,” he said about Vinh, the capital city of Nghe An Province. 

Aside from running the half-marathon, Matthew spent his day and a half in the city taking in the views and enjoying local cafés. By far the most impressive attraction in the region was visiting the birthplace of late President Ho Chi Minh. 

Despite having a good time in Vinh, it was Matthew’s four days in Hanoi that brought the 'wow' factor to his adventure in northern Vietnam.

Hanoi has really exploded since the pandemic, becoming a vibrant and enjoyable place filled with culture and new experiences. As soon as Matthew stepped off the overnight train, his face lit up with the energy of the capital city. 

The first tourist attraction we visited was the Hoa Lo Prison. This jail was built during French occupation and was used to house sorts of prisoners, from those that went against the control of the French regime to American pilots shot down during the war in Vietnam.

Visitors to the prison can use a headset to listen to the stories about the jail as they walk its grounds and get a sense of the suffering that occurred there over two centuries. 

Beer Street (Ta Hien Street) was Matthew’s next stop.

A rather quiet, small street during the day, Beer Street comes alive around sunset when tourists and locals gather to savor the atmosphere. Food of all varieties is available along the pub-lined street.

For a young adult, it was a familiar setting that brought out more than a few dance moves while sipping local beers. 

We had an early start on Day 2. First on the list of attractions we planned to visit was President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Accessing the building is difficult as the mausoleum is not open every day and, when it is open, the hours are limited to the morning and afternoon.

Seeing President Ho Chi Minh’s birthplace and final resting place in just three days was extremely emotional.

Matthew was clearly impacted and learned so much by having the opportunity to see the resting place of Vietnam’s great leader. 

After our morning visit to the mausoleum, museum, and President Ho Chi Minh’s home, we were off to Train Street in Hoan Kiem District to enjoy a beer as the lunch-time train rode by.

With a beer in one hand and a camera in the other, we stood in awe as the train from Hue motored through the narrow street. 

Of course, no visit to Hanoi is complete without a visit to 'the table in glass' Bun Cha Huong Lien Restaurant on Le Van Huu Street in Hai Ba Trung District.

Around two kilometers from Train Street, this particular bun cha restaurant was made famous in 2016 by U.S. President Barack Obama and international chef and TV star Anthony Bourdain thanks to a meal they shared here.

Matthew was lucky enough to sit in an empty seat next to the enshrined table used by the superstars when he enjoyed one of the best bun cha lunches in Vietnam. It is a simple place but a must-see when you visit Hanoi. 

So much history and learning is available around Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Matthew took the time to walk around the lake and check out many of the old buildings in the traditional heart of Hanoi.

The view of the lake at sunset was unbelievable and the old church just after sunset was a photographer’s dream. He was truly impressed with the Old Quarter. 

“I loved the feeling of the community spirit around the lake. The people all exercise, walk, and just have fun in this safe and relaxing environment,” he said. 

Just 150 kilometers south of Hanoi is Ha Long Bay. Matthew joined his family for a one-day tour of the UNESCO heritage site.

He spent the day exploring the unique rock islands and caves that litter the bay. The views were simply stunning and the swimming was perfect. 

New, faster, and more efficient visa processes are bringing more and more tech reliant young adults to Vietnam. They are experiencing the true heart and beauty of Vietnam in new ways and they are creating memories that will last a lifetime. 

“I think a week is a good time to spend in Hanoi if you want to see all the major attractions. It has been a great time and I want to come back again soon,” he said while sitting at Noi Bai Airport. 

Hanoi is a magical city where tradition meets progression and is the perfect destination for young travelers wanting an experience that is sure to be life-changing. Hanoians are friendly and their English communication has improved quite a bit over the past few years. It really is a place of timeless charm and modern adventure for young travelers.

Ninety-day visas are now available online for tourists from most countries. The electronic process has simplified the application steps and those at the immigration gate when you enter Vietnam.

Vietnam has so much to offer young travelers wanting to see and learn about this amazing Asian nation.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!