Vietnam

We were welcomed to Vietnam by the chaos, energy, and thick humidity of Hanoi.

Diving right in to walking around the Old Quarter, enjoying cold beers, and getting post-flight massages was the only way to stay awake after the long flight. Hanoi is known for it's food and while it may seem challenging to figure out which stand to go to and what to order, a local guide can take you around to all the best spots. Tasting things like Bahn Xeo, Bun Cha, and lots of other things whose names escape me.

Travelling from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, spend a couple days exploring the beautiful bay. Cruises—like the one we did—go to different spots in the bay and provide activities like kayaking to secluded beaches and hiking to caves on small islands. Riding alongside giant rock pillars jutting out of the water is almost as breathtaking as watching the sun set over the bay, lighting up the horizon.

South of Hanoi is Hoi An, known for it’s Old Town covered by multi-colored lanterns, delicious Bahn Mi, and customized hand-made clothing.

Despite the chaotic energy, Vietnam has beauty to be found in the nooks and crannies.

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HANOI

WE ONLY SPENT ONE FULL DAY IN HANOI, SO DON’T KNOW ALL THE INS AND OUTS, BUT WE LIKED OUR HOTEL IN THE OLD QUARTER AND WE WENT ON A FOOD TOUR (BOOKED THROUGH OUR HOTEL) THAT WAS A FUN WAY TO TRY LOCAL FOOD WITHOUT BEING AFRAID TO ORDER.

STAY

La Siesta Diamond Hotel - nice hotel, inexpensive, has a decent spa (worth it for a post-flight massage)

FOOD

Banh Cuon Nong - Food Tour stop 1: Family restaurant specializing in Banh Cuon
Quán Ăn Mr Bảy - Food Tour Stop 2: came here for Bahn Xeo (rice pancake in spring rolls)
Bún Chả Đắc Kim - Food Tour Stop 3: came here for Bun Cha
Quán gốc Đa - Food Tour Stop 4: came here for their “cakes”--meat filled pastries

ACTIVITES

Old Quarter - interesting to walk around...lots of shops, restaurants, interesting buildings.
Hoàn Kiếm Lake - a lake in the middle of the Old Quarter that is nice to walk along. They close down the streets on the north side of the lake on the weekends (I believe Sunday nights) and everyone comes out and walks around

HA LONG BAY

We did a 2 day 2 night cruise through Ha Long Bay on the Dragon Legend. I think it’s worth it to take a couple days to actually get further out into the bay (it’s beautiful) but I think 3 days 2 nights would feel too long on the boat. It’s a nice boat with spacious rooms, great staff and all food & transport to/from Hanoi is included. The first day we did an afternoon kayak to a beach and the next morning we did visited Thien Canh Son Cave on an island in the bay.

HOI AN

STAY

Almanity Hoi An - resort with a great pool area and extravagant breakfast. We got a deal that included a massage for both of us everyday we were staying there!

FOOD

Morning Glory - delicious dinner spot and apparently have good cooking classes.
Madam Khanh “The Banh Mi Queen” - An absolute MUST GO. The bahn mi is delicious and cheap. grab a sandwich (or two) and a beer for lunch. you won’t be bummed.

DRINKS

The Chef - head here to enjoy a coffee or a beer on the rooftop.

ACTIVITES

Old Town & Night Market - old town along the canals, really beautiful at sundown and in the evening--it’s covered with lanterns everywhere and great old buildings.

SHOP

Tuong Tailor - take some time to think about some clothes you would like to get custom made and GO HERE. It’s such an interesting and fun experience showing them a photo of what you want, picking the fabric, and then coming back for fittings to get it just right. Prices are insanely cheap compared to the states and they are fast. Their quality was great also!