I’m coming to Hanoi…what should I see?
This isn’t an attempt at writing to SEO keywords or anything. Nor am I branching out into travel blogging. I just get asked a lot and I thought this would be quicker in the long run.
NOTE: I’m 48 with a kid and I work from home in the burbs — way beyond anywhere cool. So take all of the following with that in mind. I’m giving info on a city centre I rarely visit.
What should I see?
Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Or rather everything but nothing specific. Do the museums if that’s your thing but basically find a cafe — get a coffee or a beer and watch the world go by. That’s the single best thing to do. Eat and drink well.
Coffee?
Yeah — it’s good stuff. Local favourite is a caphe sua da (iced coffee with sweet milk — it’s better than it sounds). But if you’re here in the winter then I’d go with a western espresso-based drink rather than a warm version of Vietnamese coffee.
Lots of good places to drink it so I won’t give you a list as I’m not hip to the coffee scene. Cong Caphes are in with teh kidz (probably). Their coffee/coconut frozen thing is pretty good . All that egg coffee stuff is bollocks to my reckoning (travel blogger crap — never met a local who drank it more than once).
Food:
It’s all good. Google the best places to try pho/bun cha/bun bo nam bo. But I suggest it’s worth the pilgrimage to try Pho Thin.
If you want an all under one roof first step then I really like Nha Hang Ngon. Great value, nice staff, beautiful building, good atmosphere.
Bars:
Honestly I am so out of touch but go and try some bia hoi wherever. It’s cheap and it’s good and ice in beer is actually pretty okay in this heat.
Bars shut at 12 but you might find somewhere that opens sneakily.
Getting about:
Motorbikes. No need to drive — there’s Grab now. Download the app. Get a Grab bike taxi everywhere. No better way to see the city. Grab recently merged with Uber and covers cars too. Some taxis will rip you off but Mai Linh, Hanoi Taxis and ABC are all good. See pictured below.



Airport taxis can still overcharge. If you can — get your hotel to send a car.
Exercise:
If you’re there in late autumn or winter then hire a bicycle and cycle around Westlake stopping along the way for coffee, food and drinks.
Where can I watch football?
I get a lot of people messaging me on Twitter on this — hence the inclusion.
K+ normally has all the early and late games on Saturday, two to three of the 3pm games and most of the Sunday games. For the 3pm games — if any of the “big six” are playing then it’s very very likely that they are the games chosen.
However, you just might be able to watch Brighton v Sheff U if all the big clubs are playing at differing time slots.
You can check the TV schedule here but be warned — it often doesn’t name the game much in advance, if at all. Also remember these are local times.
If it’s lower league then forget it. Basically, if no one in your home country cares then don’t expect there to be a secret Coventry City fan club in Hanoi.
Beyond that — watch out for a K+ sign at a bar or cafe but unless there are numerous screens they may already be in use for another game.
Try Puku — it’s open 24 hours a day and has screens.
Or more central there is O’Leary’s. Never been but I’m told that although it’s pretty soulless it has multiple screens so you should be able to find at least one with your game on (if shown) or get a staff member to tune in. Website says it’s open to 23.30 potentially longer depending on “games and events”.
Everywhere has internet and it’s just about decent enough to stream a match if you can find it online.
I’m going to Halong Bay…
It’s great. It’s also a longer trip than you probably think. Don’t make it a day trip — try and go for at least one night, it’s a long way.
Will I get ripped off?
Maybe but it’s unlikely to be for much. Don’t ruin your holiday by fretting over a couple of quid. Generally though what you’re charged is THE price and haggling won’t change that. Honestly my advice is don’t haggle but just walk away if it’s more than you want to pay. If there is a cheaper price — they’ll come after you.
The air quality?
Yeah, it’s not great at times. At other times it’s perfectly fine. People live, work and travel in it 365 days a year — it’s not likely to do you any lasting damage in a week. There are AQI aps if you’re interested.
Don’t miss:
Newly pedestrianised roads around Hoan Kiem lake (Friday to Sunday). Take a walk, soak up the atmosphere, people watch, stop for drinks and food. It’s fun.
Please don’t…
Not the snake village please. Whatever your bullshit hostel says about it — it is cruel, it is dangerous, it doesn’t help Vietnam.
Final advice:
Smile. Don’t be aggressive. Even if you’re sorting out some bullshit, smile anyway. It’ll get sorted more quickly and generally things are just easier that way.
Oh and…
It’s still a great city. Changing quick but the change is pretty great too. You’ll have a blast.
More info (these two keep their info updated)
