Guided by young people through Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Arriving in a new destination, travellers often scramble to get their bearings. One can read a map, identify key landmarks, get a vantage from someplace high such as a mountain or tall building or, if one is fortunate enough, meet a local who will help them.

Orienting oneself is most challenging in large cities, particularly those in which the visitor does not speak the local language.

This was the case when we arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam in the winter of 2023.

The inside track: Ed Jackiewicz is Professor of Geography and Environmental Studies and Ron Davidson is a cultural geographer, both at California State University, Northridge, USA.

For those not familiar with Hanoi, it is a city of more than 8 million people, all of whom appear to be whizzing past on motor scooters that do not stop, nor even slow down, for pedestrians.

Strolling the city requires a combination of bravery and trust. For this reason, Hanoi might feel alienating, especially to a short-term visitor who gets to know little beyond its “streets of fire”.

We found a quick way through this intimidating facade … continue reading this “GT” Travel Postcard in full at The “GT” Travel Blog.