Hanoi Hotspots: Beyond the Backpackers

MASTERCLASS: Về Để Đi’s Nguyen Quan guides us through some of Hà Nội’s finest artisanal products – Photo courtesy of Alex Reeves

By Alex Reeves – @afreeves23

The world is changing and while this may sound like a big statement to kick off such a short article, give me a chance to explain myself.

As margins back home become tighter and it feels as though the concept of fun itself has been commodified and deliberately labelled at a price point just above what the average person can afford, people consider moving. Coupled with a generation of people starting to seek real human connection after emerging from their post-pandemic shadows and we’re onto something.

I’m already convinced that if Hanoian summers were not quite the human oven that they unavoidably are, that many more migrants (expats if you’re feeling precious) would have put down roots here and rolled the relocation dice on Việt Nam. That said, you can still have fun when it’s hot and more people than ever are willing to sacrifice suburbia for a slice of our urban chaos.

However, not everyone is of the right demographic, or inclination, to hit beer street and become lifelong bros with the nearest backpacker with acceptable levels of body odour. People are more health and lifestyle conscious and some of us are keener than ever to keep work and socialising quite separate but again this leaves us with the question, where to meet people?

The answer? Events. While hardly the solution of the century, this feels like an under-utilised aspect of life in Hà Nội. I recently attended a masterclass at The Intercontinental hotel where representatives of Việt Nam’s master chocolatier, Maison Marou, and premium distillery Về Để Đi talked us through their crafts and the relationship between them. While I enjoyed the intimacy of the event, there was room for more of us and The Intercontinental wants to see that in future while dispelling the idea that only their guests are welcome.

It isn’t only luxury hotels that are bringing people together. Tây Hồ has more than its fair share of crossfit and yoga communities while the likes of Gary Devitt, founder of Hanoi Events, has been trying to replicate the vibe of the Dublin event scene from where he heralds. The recent Taco Fest and the upcoming Burger Festival (12/10) are but just two examples of what he’s bringing to the table.

With a smorgasbord of events popping up, there’s a palpable shift. Hà Nội is shaping up to be an attractive prospect for foreigners who seek more than just the backpacker’s rite of passage. It’s for those who want to dip their toes into a cultural exchange that doesn’t end at ‘how much for this?’ at the night market.

So, whether you’re a digital nomad, a diplomatic attaché, or just a curious soul with a penchant for poetry or a good story, Hà Nội’s event scene is a treasure trove if you’re willing to seek. Connect, create, and maybe commiserate over a shared inability to ever quite master the art of crossing the street. VNS