Everything worth knowing
about Vietnam
Honest, practical articles from people who actually live here — written the way we’d brief a friend before a trip.
All articles
Hanoi Reviews 2026: An Honest 7.2 out of 10
Honest Hanoi reviews for 2026: rated across 10 categories, the real pros and cons, food, air quality, day trips to Ha Long and Ninh Binh. Is it worth it?
Hanoi Shopping 2026: Markets, Silk and Craft Villages
Where to buy silk, ceramics and souvenirs in Hanoi: Dong Xuan market, Hang Gai street, Bat Trang and Van Phuc villages, malls. Prices, map, haggling rules.
Hanoi Prices 2026: Food from $2, Hotels from $17
What Hanoi costs in 2026 — food, hotels, transport, tickets, spa and SIM cards in dong and dollars. Budgets for two weeks and a month of living.
Hanoi 2026: Neighbourhoods, Things to See & Food
Hanoi guide: the Old Quarter, where to stay, what to see, street food, day trips to Ha Long and Sapa, and getting around Vietnam’s capital.
Beaches Near Hanoi: Cat Ba, Ha Long & Day Trips 2026
Where to find a beach from Hanoi: Cat Ba, Do Son, Ha Long, Quan Lan and Co To — how to get there, the swimming season and day-trip tips.
Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City: Which to Visit in 2026
Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City? North vs south compared — weather, prices, food, atmosphere, things to do and who each city suits.
Flights to Hanoi: Noi Bai Airport, Hubs & Transfers
How to reach Hanoi by air: Noi Bai (HAN) airport, international hubs, domestic flights and the airport-to-centre transfer — with booking tips.
Hanoi Food, Transport & Prices 2026: A Daily Budget
Hanoi on the ground: how to get around, what food and transport cost, a daily budget in USD, when to go and where to shop.
Where to Stay in Hanoi: Best Areas & Hotels 2026
Where to stay in Hanoi: the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, French Quarter and Tay Ho compared, hotels by budget and how to book as a foreigner.
Hanoi Tips & FAQ: Scams, Etiquette & Safety 2026
Practical Hanoi tips: common scams, etiquette, crossing the road, safety, apps and visas — the things first-time visitors need to know.
Tours from Hanoi: Ha Long, Ninh Binh, Sapa & More
The best tours and day trips from Hanoi: Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa, the Perfume Pagoda and Bat Trang — how to choose and what they cost.