We originally planned on taking the reunification express train up the entirety of Vietnam. However, we discovered very inexpensive airfare on Vietnam Airlines and jumped at the opportunity of forgoing a 20 hour train ride for a 1 hour flight.

We settled in to our room at Backpackers’ Hostel – a quintessential hostel started by some Aussies in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. One of our favorite travel hacks is to book private rooms at hostels. We feel you get the best of both worlds – the privacy of a traditional hotel and the fun and social atmosphere of the hostel. Signs were posted in the lobby about a trip that night to snake village and Shannon and I jumped on it.

This place was not for the feint of heart. Snakes are corralled and killed right in front of you. The still-beating heart is put into a glass with warm blood and taken as a type of medicine. The snakes are then used to make several types of food. Shannon didn’t like the snake meat dishes at all.

The next day we wandered around the old quarter of Hanoi – every street/alley is devoted to a different craft or service. Hoan Kiem Lake with a temple in the middle was also a nice spot to explore.

We also checked out St. Joseph’s Cathedral and the famous Hoa Lo Prison and Museum (nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton during the Vietnam War) that housed U.S. Senator John McCain as a prisoner.

The former prison is now a museum with tons of war relics including John McCain’s flight suit he was wearing when he was captured during the war.

At night we took in a water puppet show and some drinks in the city center.