[Travel] Backpacking IndoChina Day 11: Out and About with Hanoikids


I have not so recently discovered that a lot of countries actually have these so-called volunteer guides and with a good amount of research, it can actually be a very rewarding experience. It certainly beats joining an expensive day tour with busloads of people being rounded up like a flock of sheep.It certainly has its advantages which I hope to cover in another post but today is an experience that’s already a year overdue. I tried booking last year but they were unable to accommodate me since apparently, you have to book at least a couple of months ahead. This year I got lucky. I asked for a full day tour of West Lake and the Old Quarter only and figured I can ask to throw in another site if time permits. We agreed to meet at 10am in the hostel’s lobby and coming from the train station, we barely had enough time to grab a quick breakfast and a shower.



The girl Janey was already waiting at the lobby when we came down. She quickly explained that one of the guide couldn’t make it so she came in his stead at the last minute and that we would be joining another group scheduled that day. I was slightly disappointed since I was looking forward to monopolize the guide’s attention ( lol ) and have a more in-depth experience this time as opposed to my DIY escapades the previous year. When the other group arrived though, it became clear that indeed – the more, the merrier. We were joined by David from Israel,Vuong from Germany, and Frankie who will be our main guide. We quickly set out and I told Frankie that we would like to try the famous egg coffee since I’ve heard the joint that serves it is difficult to locate unless you’re with a local. This proved to be true. It was really nice sitting down to a fun multi-cultural exchange over a cup of heavenly coffee. Buncha, another dish on what is turning out to be a food on foot tour was next on the menu. Frankie and Janey guided us into one of the hole-in-the-wall joint and ordered the dish for everyone. A noodle based soup, we thought we should have started here before the coffee but everyone enjoyed it nonetheless.






After our meal, we strolled around the French Quarter and paid a visit to the historic Metropole Hotel. It’s list of guests over the past one hundred years was quite impressive from Royalties to icons like Charlie Chaplin and Oliver Stone among others. It was also interesting to see the hotel’s bomb shelter and I can only imagine guests all huddled inside during turbulent times. Some bits and pieces of history trivia from Hanoikids were nicely interjected with amusing discussions about TV series, music, and SNS ^.^  We then caught a cab for West Lake. It was a cold day with an overcast sky, a gloomy weather for some of the locals maybe but nothing could dampen my spirit that morning. Too bad the kids have to go since they have classes to attend to. Except for the tour being cut short which was a bit disappointing, I still enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone. I really had fun discussing just about anything from music, pop culture, and history.

By the way, Hanoikids is a volunteer organization and you’re not financially obligated although of course, you are expected to pick up the tab in restaurants or cover taxi fares. All these arrangements are actually disclosed on their website here.

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