“Asian Review 012” ― Hanoi part4
“Bia Hoi Junction” in Hanoi
At night, beer halls called “Bia Hoi” are widely-regarded to be the popular places to go. The space of “Bia Hoi” is filled with long tables lined up in parallel and you can see many people enjoying the night chatting with a group holding a mug.
There is a place called “Old Quarter” on the north side of Hoan Kiem Lake. Each narrow street has shops lined up based on the products they sell. For example, shops that handle art are on this street, and those selling bags are on that street. At the end of the streets, there are wholesalers selling local beers cheaply, and the number of people standing and drinking there have increased. Also at the intersection nearby, the number of stores offering cheap local beer and fried chicken has increased, and became popular among western expats. It has become famous to be known as “Bia Hoi Junction”. At “Bia Hoi Junction,” you can spot Westerners, Asian tourists, and Vietnamese people all sitting in “bath chairs (plastic stools)” having fun with their friends, and meeting new people.
During a trip, it seems that Japanese and Chinese enjoy talking mainly with their friends, taking pictures and returning home, but Westerners seem to enjoy speaking with the locals and other travelers in particular.
In Hanoi, there are many Vietnamese groups who enjoy dining while talking at restaurants every afternoon and many people enjoy living steadily while doing relatively diligent work.
If there was a person who was a bit late for a meeting, if he says that the roads were crowded, they will forgive him by laughing and stating that “It is unavoidable”. This seems to reflect the broad-minded national character.
Considering this, I felt that Japanese have a punctual national character. I think the slow life in Vietnam is not bad.