A Quick Guide to Running Around Hanoi
Hanoi is probably not at the top of your list of places to go running; it’s probably not even on the list at all. But if you find yourself running around Hanoi, here are a few thoughts to get you started…
3 Places to Run
1) Hoan Kiem Lake
If you’re visiting as a tourist, you’ve probably got somewhere to stay near the Old Quarter, in which case, Hoan Kiem Lake is the ideal running spot. It’s approximately a mile around the lake, depending on how much ducking and diving you have to do around all the other tourists.
I prefer running it at night, especially at weekends, where the road around it is closed to traffic, but I’ve also heard it attracts a lot of runners in the mornings too.
Ho Tay
You can make a loop around Ho Tay that fits anywhere between 14.5 and 17 kilometres, depending on whether you include Truc Bach. You’ve got to be a little careful of the traffic, but on the bright side, there’s a lake to one side for most of the route, so you don’t have to cross the road much at all.
Banana Island
Surprisingly close to the city, there’s an island full of banana plantations, which makes a wonderful change from the chaotic nature of the rest of the city. Some of the dogs can be a little intimidating. I’ll post a video soon.
3 Places to Eat Bun Cha
If you’re going to Hanoi, Bún Chả should be first on your list of foods to try. It’s a bowl of grilled pork in what I guess is a broth, with a plate of rice noodles on the side. It’s usually a breakfast or lunch food, and is available throughout Hanoi. It’s worth trying twice, for example, I really like Bún Chả Ta, whereas Joy much prefers Tuyết Bún Chả.
Bún Chả Ta Hanoi – https://maps.app.goo.gl/L52Uy7tqznYMEMWU6
- Currently a Michelin Bib Gourmand
Tuyết Bún Chả 34 – https://maps.app.goo.gl/r7Kdiy7ZdWAWbYWJ7
- Currently a Michelin Bib Gourmand
Friends Bún Chả – https://maps.app.goo.gl/ns84jCisDA3TBgmH9
- A good spot for some food before or after running around Banana Island
3 Other Places to Eat
Obviously, Phở is top of the menu:
Phở Thìn Bờ Hồ – https://maps.app.goo.gl/iYukWK65mSYY125E8
- Hidden away at the top of Hoan Kiem Lake
Phở Thìn 13 – https://maps.app.goo.gl/SS53MPeoAAWBYvF86
- Probably the best Phở I’ve had.
All the Street Food – All the streets
- When asking Joy where she’d recommend, her answer was the street food. There’s plenty of meat skewers around Hoan Kiem night market, and generally, the little bánh mì stalls do better sandwiches than some of the Tripadvisor highlights.
3 Places to Eat Western Food
I know people like to criticize people for travelling halfway around the world, then having food that you can get at home, but sometimes it’s what is needed. You’ll generally find the best Western food around Westlake (Ho Tay). A few top picks include:
Pizza Belga – https://maps.app.goo.gl/sLixe11cm7kKeVSc6
- The best pizza in Hanoi
Good Time Burger – https://maps.app.goo.gl/NfngcjT63ty53TrX6
- A Vietnamese take on a fast-food burger chain. I’d go for the Vietkieu sensation.
Hanoi Taco Bar – https://maps.app.goo.gl/SpayAQ9zMPb8tdAy6
- We like their quesadillas
3 Places to Drink
Generally, most places will serve good coffee in Vietnam. You should definitely try an egg coffee and a salt coffee while you visit – the coffee tends to be a little strong here, so if you like a well caffeinated run, you’re in for a treat.
Ka Coffee – https://maps.app.goo.gl/upzaK1YQkecGq1ai8
- Our favourite place to drink coffee, the salt coffee is a highlight.
Cộng Cafe
- Probably the best of the chain coffees, you’ll find them everywhere.
The Unicorn Cocktail Bar – https://www.facebook.com/unicornhanoi
- Home of the famous Phở Cocktail. Unfortunately, it’s in the middle of relocating, but keep an eye on their Facebook page to see if they are open again soon.
3 Underrated Things to See
- Learn about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups
- Fascinating place about the Vietnamese ceramic industry, with the ceramic village just around the corner
- So many fruits to try, and a more Vietnamese experience than the markets near Hoan Kiem Lake
(And for a bonus one: Hoa Lo Prison – now a museum showing the history of this political prison)
3 Tips for Running
- Early mornings or late at night. Running during the day in Hanoi, especially in the summer, can be miserable.
- Check the Air Quality Index before you run. If you must run, but the conditions are awful, perhaps just make it a small one.
- Remain calm amidst the chaos. If you find yourself getting angry at people stepping out in front of you or nearly hitting you with their vehicle, you’re in for a rather frustrating run.
Hopefully that’s of help to someone out there. Even if you’re not a runner, be sure to enjoy the food and coffee, and I hope you have a great time in Vietnam
