Wandering Through Vietnam #2: Mad Monkey & St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi

After exploring the beautiful Tran Quoc Pagoda, I was tired of carrying my backpack around. The hostel check-in wasn't until later, but we decided to drop off our luggage there and pick up a rental scooter as well. So, we booked a Grab taxi and headed to the hostel.

The Mad Monkey Hostel is part of a chain that operates in many cities across Southeast Asia. It offers both dormitory-style and private rooms, catering to different preferences and budgets. In Hanoi, the Mad Monkey is right in the heart of the Old Quarter, making travel easy. It offers easy access to many of the city's attractions, markets, and eateries. They also have daily events like free drinks at happy hour, bar hopping, and themed parties. Staying at a hostel like this is an experience in itself, beyond just exploring the city.

We had booked two beds in a 10-bed mixed dorm. The rooms were clean and comfortable. Since the temperature in Hanoi was pretty chilly, I was worried about the availability of hot water, but thankfully, the hostel had hot water available 24/7. We also rented a scooter from them for four days, which cost us around 2,000 INR ($22). The hostel stay for four days was around 2,500 INR ($28) per person.

We dropped off our luggage, freshened up, and relaxed on the couch. We had planned to go to a café for breakfast, but Ramesh spotted a delicious-looking breakfast plate. Since we were already tired and hungry, we figured—why not try the hostel breakfast? Ramesh ordered a full English breakfast, and I went with Eggs Benedict. We also ordered a bowl of fries to share. The fries were hand-cut, crispy on the outside, and soft inside—really yummy!

The Eggs Benedict looked amazing on the plate! The soft, toasted bun held slices of ham and a perfectly poached egg. I did not expect the ham to be there, and since I don’t eat it, I gave it to Ramesh—he was very happy about it, of course. When I cut into the egg, the yolk ran out, mixing with the creamy hollandaise sauce. The sauce was rich and buttery, with a little spice that made it even better. The fresh, crunchy salad added a nice contrast. Every bite was soft and flavorful. It was a delicious and satisfying breakfast!

From Ramesh's plate, I tried the eggs, beans and mushrooms. The eggs were soft, with a rich, creamy yolk that tasted really good. The beans were warm and sweet, with a little tangy flavor. They went well with the toast. The mushrooms were soft and buttery, with a nice, herby taste.

After the filling breakfast, we got on our scooter and made our way to St. Joseph's Cathedral—one of Hanoi's most famous landmarks. Built in the 1800s by the French, it is the oldest church in the city. Its design is said to resemble the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

The cathedral’s exterior was grand and mesmerizing. Its towering spires and intricate details gave it a majestic, almost timeless feel. It was like a castle straight out of a storybook. The aged stone walls added character, while the large stained-glass windows made me curious to see the inside. The massive wooden doors and the cross above made it feel both welcoming and sacred. The cathedral is located in the Old Quarter, in the middle of the busy streets surrounded by cafes and restaurants. And yet, it remains a peaceful and spiritual place. There are specific time slots when visitors are allowed inside, and we still had 30 minutes until the next opening.

While waiting, we spotted a Circle K just across the street. Circle K is a popular convenience store chain found in many countries, including Vietnam. It’s known for being open 24/7 and selling snacks, drinks, hot food, and everyday essentials. During our trip, this became our go-to spot for quick breakfasts like sandwiches and instant noodles. What impressed me the most was that you could buy cup noodles at the store and prepare them there! They had a dispenser that poured boiling hot water.

We walked into Circle K and wandered around for a bit. This place is an absolute haven for snack lovers! I was amazed by the variety of Lay’s flavors—ones I had never even imagined. There were even Oreo and KitKat ice creams! Despite the temptation, we controlled ourselves and left with only an iced tea—which, by the way, was amazing!

Finally, it was time to explore the interiors of St. Joseph's Cathedral. As soon as I stepped inside, I felt like I had entered a completely different world. The absolute silence was a striking contrast to the noisy streets outside. The high ceilings made the place look huge, and the colorful stained-glass windows filled the church with soft light.

The wooden benches were lined up neatly, leading to a beautiful altar with candles and statues. The walls had pretty carvings, and big chandeliers hung from the ceiling, making everything look grand. The carvings on the wood were intricate, showing detailed patterns that must have taken years to complete. The craftsmanship throughout the cathedral was simply amazing, from the arches of the ceiling to the delicate patterns on the doors. Everything had a sense of timelessness, as if the church had stood there, unchanged, for centuries. It was quiet, and the peaceful feeling made me want to just sit and take it all in. The mix of old, beautiful designs and the warm glow of the lights made the place feel special and comforting.

One of the most fascinating features of the cathedral was its stained-glass windows. Each window told a different story, with images of saints and religious figures painted in bright colors. When the sunlight passed through, the entire church seemed to glow with shades of blue, red, and yellow. It was like a magical painting coming to life. I found myself staring at them, trying to understand the stories they were telling. Even though I didn’t know all the details, I could feel the deep history behind them. It was quiet, and the serene atmosphere made me want to just sit and take it all in. The mix of historic charm and warm lighting made the place feel special and comforting. For a moment, I forgot the world outside and just enjoyed the peace that surrounded me.

It was only half a day that I had been in the city but Hanoi had already charmed me, and there was still so much more to see!