TheSmartLocal – Singapore’s Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal

Skip to content
b2ap3_thumbnail_IMG_4243.JPG

Hanoi…a street adventure with the HanoiKids.

Among all my overseas family vacation, Hanoi has something special that engraved her on my family and my heart…no, it’s not the awesomely beautiful Halong Bay or the ever delicious national noodle dish , Pho…rather it’s our sojourn with the HanoiKids. I chanced upon HanoiKids from tripadvisor, where they enjoyed a 99.8% excellent rating! Unbelievable but true! and I am here to share my experience with you (^__^)//

HanoiKids (http://www.hanoikids.org)* is a non-profit organisation where university students function as “”travel mates” but personally, they are more like tour ambassadors to their country. They do not charge any service fee as their main objective is to gather English-speaking opportunities to hone their English language proficiency through bringing overseas visitors around their exotic city . The organisation holds 2 stringent selection annually to recruit members based on criteria like sincerity, enthusiasm, knowledge proficiency, personality etc. I understand they usually receive 400+ applications, of which only 70 are shortlisted. So those that eventually make it through the funneling, have that special quality that the organisation takes great pride in.
* please be advised not to search the internet under Hanoikids.com or Hanoikidstours.com  as those are not the genuine websites.

We were so lucky to have the affable Ms. Hoang Anh (alias Susu) and Mr.Viet Anh (alias Oriole) accompanied us. In the emails to them, my wish list to Susu was that our 1/2day tour was to emphasise on Vietnam cuisine, street food…the real Vietnamese food..and we got more than we bargained for. It was an awesome experience…They certainly “buddied”  us into Vietnam, in ways no run-of-the-mill packaged tours can, as there is constant interaction, just like “old friends” taking a trip together. The following are tips and info for easy read:

1) Email HanoiKids (hanoikidsvn@gmail.com) in advance (1-2 month ahead would be nice) for better planning

2) If you are comfortable, do email them your Facebook timeline for their reference. Communicate your preference clearly so that they can assign the appropriate travel-mates. Contact info will given to you a few days prior your trip.

3) Please pay for HanoiKids travel-mates meals, drinks, transport, etc. They are university students and not working yet.

4) HanoiKids is a non profit organisation. They do not expect any service fee. Their objective is purely mutually beneficial – for the opportunity to practise their oratorical English and expose themselves to foreign cultures…But do buy them a momento or perhaps local snacks from your country as a token of appreciation. But do not mistaken that they are little children..as some visitors presented gifts like crayons, colour pencils and drawing kits ! lol

5) “Travel mates” who made it into the ranks of HanoiKids go through stringent selection process. Your expectation of them are likely to be met or exceeded most of the time. But do be extend your understanding and empathy as they are still young adults. They may not be able to accommodate requests especially during varsity examination periods.

6) Be patience…their pronunciation of some English may be misunderstood. They mentioned Singapore as “junk” country. When I verified, they meant “young” country. This also happened with our tour guide during our Halong Bay cruise. So be understanding and just correct them…that’s what they like.

7) My best advice now – ENGAGE HanoiKids ! Or regret. (^__^) . Have a great trip to Hanoi.

b2ap3_thumbnail_IMG_4243.JPG

Susu (2nd from the right) and Oriole (extreme right) showing us The Temple of Literature

 

b2ap3_thumbnail_IMG_4263.JPG

The bell was used as alarm bell every morning to wake up scholars residing in the compound.

 

b2ap3_thumbnail_IMG_4214_20130604-145231_1.JPG

We were brought to Cafe Qiang for it’s unique “egg coffee”…no one could have imagine a gem of a place behind that dark narrow alley..

 

b2ap3_thumbnail_IMG_4219.JPG

That lovely unique “egg coffee”….

b2ap3_thumbnail_IMG_4222.JPG

Check out the menu !!!!!

 

b2ap3_thumbnail_IMG_4221.JPG

A plate of melon seeds is always served together…sort of a Vietnamese culture.

 

b2ap3_thumbnail_IMG_4223.JPG

Cultural exchanges in session…..priceless moment !

 

b2ap3_thumbnail_IMG_4267.JPG

Awesome local Vietnam fares….. it was a again…awesome !

 

b2ap3_thumbnail_IMG_4270.JPG

Bonding over food – the universal medium….

b2ap3_thumbnail_IMG_4272.JPG

Awesome food ! …

 

b2ap3_thumbnail_IMG_4271.JPG

I could eat this meat patties every day and not get tired…..

b2ap3_thumbnail_IMG_4275.JPG

I did not get to eat this salt & pepper pork ribs …cause my daughter wolved it down so quickly…. Sigh…

 

b2ap3_thumbnail_IMG_4288.JPG

Streetside cafe and dessert shop….” to know Vietnam, is to know it’s street culture”… as advised by Oriole…certainly so…

 

b2ap3_thumbnail_IMG_4294-001.JPG

Peeled melons seeds on the floors around the stools and tables….great company, great times…

 

b2ap3_thumbnail_IMG_4298.JPG

Unique dessert…minced yam in jelly paste with coconut milk…

 

b2ap3_thumbnail_IMG_4299.JPG

Deep fried banana with sago in coconut milk….

 

b2ap3_thumbnail_IMG_4292.JPG

Best drink on a hot summer day in Hanoi ? Iced lemonade…superb !

 

b2ap3_thumbnail_IMG_4290.JPG

Low stools and tables are the norms in streetside stalls…..adding to the unique charm of Hanoi.

 

b2ap3_thumbnail_IMG_4316.JPG

Taking great care of my kids….Hanoi kids taking care of Singapore kids…lol

 

b2ap3_thumbnail_IMG_4321.JPG

At the Hanoi wholesale market….. try not ask your Hanoi Kids travel mates to haggle prices…it does not usually go down well with the storekeepers…

Words and pictures can only say so much… one tour with Hanoi Kids will elevate your enjoyment and understanding of Hanoi…
….Cảm ơn bạn, Hanoi Kids !! See you again in the future !!!….