World pickleball stars begin their Vietnam journey with a historical and culinary dive into the capital
HANOI, Vietnam – As the April sun climbed over Hanoi, the clang of cyclo bells and the aroma of strong Vietnamese coffee signaled the beginning of a different kind of game for the Phoenix Flames. The world-renowned pickleball team, led by top-ranked player Andrei Daescu, arrived in the capital as part of the “Rise with the Flames” cultural and athletic event series.
Guided by BestPrice Travel, the tour brought to life its tagline - "Where Culture Meets the Court" - as the athletes set aside their paddles and stepped into the rich heritage of Hanoi.
The team’s first stop: the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s 11th-century university dedicated to Confucius and academic excellence. It’s a striking contrast to the competitive world of sport, but for the athletes, it was a moment to reflect.
“This place has a quiet power,” said a player from the team as he walked past the ancient stone steles, each bearing the names of scholars from centuries ago. The team listened intently as local guides explained the importance of education in Vietnamese history - a theme that resonated with the discipline required in professional athletics.
The symbolic attraction is depicted on the 100,000 Vietnamese Dong banknote
From quiet courtyards to bustling streets, the players climbed into traditional cyclos for a ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter—a maze of narrow lanes known for its French colonial architecture and vibrant street life. Each street, once dedicated to a specific craft or trade, offered a sensory feast: the scent of incense, the hum of motorbikes, the sizzle of street food being prepared just steps away.
It was an experience that captured the very essence of Vietnam—layered, lively, and steeped in history. A must in any Vietnam tour, this is the signature of what travel here truly feels like: a seamless blend of past and present, tradition and motion, all unfolding in real time.
Later in the day, the group made their way to Hoan Kiem Lake, the symbolic heart of Hanoi. There, they crossed the Huc Bridge - its striking red beams gleaming in the midday sun - toward Ngoc Son Temple, a shrine nestled on a small island. The temple, surrounded by still waters and shaded by ancient trees, is steeped in both myth and military history.
Inside, the athletes were introduced to one of Vietnam’s most enduring legends: the tale of a magical sword entrusted to a 15th-century emperor by a divine turtle, used to drive out foreign invaders and later returned to the lake’s depths. It’s a story that blends folklore with patriotism, resilience with reverence.
The cultural journey wrapped up on a sweet note at Café Đinh, a modest upstairs café overlooking the lake. There, the team was introduced to egg coffee, a beloved Hanoi specialty made from whipped egg yolk, sugar, and bold Vietnamese coffee. Rich, frothy, and unexpectedly indulgent, it quickly won over every player.
Curious and excited, the athletes clinked spoons and shared their first sips on Instagram. Surrounded by faded posters and the soft hum of classic Vietnamese ballads, they found the café’s nostalgic charm the perfect place to unwind. More than just a caffeine fix, it became a moment to connect, not only with Hanoi’s flavors but with the locals who proudly shared them.
Sip a cup of egg coffee and share your excitement with this Vietnamese specialty
This outing was more than a photo-op. BestPrice Travel designed the itinerary as part of a broader mission: to offer elite athletes immersive experiences that go beyond the tournament circuit. The “Rise with the Flames” initiative is intended to bridge worlds, using sport as an entry point into cultural exchange.
“Players like Daescu inspire people on the court, but here they’re students - curious, open, engaged,” said Mr. Thanh Tu Bui, Chief Marketing Officer of BestPrice Travel. “This tour is a reminder that travel can still surprise even those used to the global stage.”
Reflecting on the experience, Andrei Daescu summed it up with a smile:
“This trip has been amazing. I’ll definitely come back to Hanoi.”
For Andrei Daescu and the Phoenix Flames, their first day in Hanoi was more than sightseeing—it was a cultural handshake between worlds. Through temples and alleyways, lakes and coffee cups, the team experienced a city that plays to a rhythm both ancient and alive.
As they continue their journey across Vietnam, this opening chapter sets the tone for a series that’s redefining what it means to travel as an athlete. In Hanoi, they didn’t just rise to the occasion but rose with the culture.
The court may be waiting, but for now, the memories of Hanoi - its stories, its streets, and its spirit - are already part of the game. If these moments sparked your curiosity, don’t hesitate to discover more through a Hanoi city tour.
