Vietnam

Hanoi:

Things To Do:

Check out the Hanoi Night Market.
Take a 2 day, 1 night trip to Halong Bay. The best thing to do is to stay overnight on a boat that takes you around the bay. I stayed with LaFairy Sails. The rooms were very nice (good AC) and the staff were really friendly. The food was average, but they were very accommodating for dietary restrictions and they gave you so much food. The 2 days are packed with activities such as kayaking and hiking, so don’t expect much relaxation time.
The Hoa Lu – Tam Coc full day tour takes you to visit the ancient capital and to Tam Coc, where you explore 3 small caves by boat. The boat tour takes you through the mountains and the rice fields. Then you have the option to bike through the rice fields, which I highly recommend!
Walk around the Old Quarter.
Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, there’s a lot of street performers, vendors and artists.
If you’re looking to get a good manicure or pedicure, check out Orchid’s Spa.
Go shopping at the small boutique shops along Pho Nha Tho.
Purchase a rice hat: they’re really cheap and useful for blocking the sun!

Accommodation:

The Old Quarter is the best place to say
- Nexy Hostel had a great location, fantastic staff and awesome happy hour deals. The rooms and bathrooms were clean, but nothing special. I would stay again!

Food / Drinks:

Phở Cuốn Hương Mai: small local restaurant that serves my favorite traditional Vietnamese dish: Phở Chiên Phồng (puffy fried rice noodles with vegetables and meat). This restaurant also had the best french fries I’ve ever had.
The Hanoi Social Club: delicious brunch spot with a great atmosphere. If it’s not too hot out, enjoy your meal on the rooftop garden.
Skyline Cafe Rooftop Bar: reasonably priced drinks with a great view.
New Day Restaurant: really good traditional Vietnamese food!
Prague Pub: central location on street full of bars with cheap drinks and good music.
Pho Ga 26: very hole in the wall Vietnamese restaurant, but fantastic Pho!

Notes:

The traffic in Hanoi is INSANE. The cars and motorbikes drive in every direction and the stop lights are more of a decoration than anything else. Make sure you’re very attentive crossing the roads, but don’t be afraid to just walk, the cars and bikes will go around you.
The nightlife in Hanoi is really fun, check it out!

Background photo taken at the rice fields in Tam Coc.