Patricia and Aida’s Hanoi Group Trip: 18 Friends, One Warm Welcome
Last updated: August 13, 2026
Patricia, Aida and the group starting the day with breakfast overlooking a Hanoi lake.
My Hanoi group trip with Patricia, Aida and their crew of 18 American friends began with the kind of warmth this city is known for — a shared breakfast overlooking the water, laughter carrying across the table before the day had even properly started.
- Traveller: 18 American friends, led by Patricia and Aida
- Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
- Trip style: high-energy group getaway — equal parts culture and connection
- Highlights: a lively lakeside breakfast together, and a morning exploring the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam), Vietnam’s first national university
The Hanoi Group Trip That Started With Breakfast
There’s something about a big table and a good view that gets a group talking, and Patricia and Aida’s crew proved it. Eighteen friends, some old travel buddies and some meeting for the first time on this trip, settled in at a lakeside restaurant for breakfast — plates passed around, coffee poured, the Hanoi skyline and water stretching out past the window.
What made me happiest as their travel consultant was watching 18 people from the other side of the world settle into the rhythm of Vietnamese life so naturally — unhurried mornings, shared food, and a table that stayed loud with conversation long after the plates were empty.
Stepping Into Vietnam’s First University
From breakfast, the group made their way to the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam), founded in 1070 and home to Vietnam’s first national university. Walking through its courtyards and past the rows of stone stelae honouring centuries of scholars, the group gathered in front of the Khue Van Cac gate — one of the most recognisable, most photographed corners of old Hanoi.
Eighteen people, all different paces and interests, but everyone slowed down here — reading the old inscriptions, admiring the tiled roofs, taking the same group photo three or four times until everyone was happy with it.
The Energy Patricia and Aida Brought to Vietnam
Don’t mistake this group for a quiet one. Patricia and Aida’s crew are true experts at enjoying themselves, and that energy showed up everywhere — at the breakfast table, in the temple courtyards, in every group photo where someone was mid-laugh.
“Discovery has no limits, and joy has no age.”
Patricia and Aida gave me a huge burst of inspiration with that reminder. Thank you both, and the entire group, for trusting me with this journey.
Tips from Patricia & Aida’s Trip
- Book a lakeside table ahead: for a group this size, reserve your breakfast spot in advance — the tables with a view fill up fast.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the Temple of Literature’s courtyards cover more ground on foot than you’d expect.
- Dress modestly for the temple: covered shoulders and knees are appreciated at Van Mieu, a still-active site of learning and worship.
- Give the Khue Van Cac gate real time: it’s one of Hanoi’s most photographed spots, and a big group needs a few tries to get everyone in frame.
Want a Trip Like Patricia and Aida’s?
Like the sound of Patricia and Aida’s crew? A relaxed Hanoi morning like theirs — breakfast with a view, then a walk through the Temple of Literature — is a natural start to our Best of Northern Vietnam tour, and I’d happily tailor the same pace, the same warmth, to suit your group. Just message me, Hera, and we’ll start planning.
Over to you: have you already explored Hanoi with a big group of friends? I’d love to hear how you found it — tell me in the comments below. Thank you!
Quick FAQ from This Group’s Trip
Is the Temple of Literature worth visiting in Hanoi?
Yes — Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam is Vietnam’s first national university, founded in 1070, and one of the best-preserved historic sites in Hanoi’s Old Quarter area. Its courtyards, stone stelae and the Khue Van Cac gate make it a highlight for groups of any size.
How many days do you need in Hanoi?
Two to three days is enough to see Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the Temple of Literature and enjoy at least one unhurried lakeside breakfast — longer if you want to add day trips like Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh.
Is Vietnam good for a big group trip?
Very much so. An 18-person group can move through Vietnam easily with a private guide and vehicle, and simple moments like a shared breakfast or a group photo at a historic site often end up being the best memories of the whole trip.
Ready for a Hanoi welcome and a Vietnam trip of your own? Get in touch with My Viva Tour and let’s start planning.
