It’s not top of most people’s lists of things to do when coming to Vietnam, but for those seeking a taste of home or just something different to do one evening, the Star Bowl tenpin bowling centre in Hanoi can provide an hour or so of laughs. The set up is exactly as I remember from … read the full post

Matchbox Restaurant used to be a cosy restaurant hidden away on Nui Truc; it was one of those places I always planned to visit but never quite made it to. Then it moved to the grounds of the Fine Arts Museum, upgrading its environment and planting it more firmly in tourist land. The restaurant is now housed in a … read the full post

I know I must have mentioned a few times how much I love West Lake. Well, now the weather’s improving — at least a bit — it’s a good time to hire a bicycle, get away from the madness of Old Quarter and cycle round the 17km shoreline of what must be one of the … read the full post

As I’m sure you’re aware, motorbikes are THE mode of transport in Vietnam, and Hanoi is the epitome of this love affair with two wheels. For many visitors, a drive from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City or vice versa is the best way to see the country, but others are satisfied with just the experience of a … read the full post

So called ‘BBQ chicken street’, on Ly Van Phuc just off Nguyen Thai Hoc, is hard to miss in the evening, as the plumes of  smoke drift into the night sky and the smell of barbecueing drifts along the street. Very distinct from the “BBQ Chicken” fast food joints that are rapidly springing up all … read the full post

Three March events caught my eye as I was perusing Hanoi Grapevine… Fundraising event for Ta Phin The first is an event this Saturday, March 5, at Green Mango. The event is a fundraiser for Ta Phin district in Sapa and aims to address the needs of the underpriviledged ethnic minorities in the area and to raise … read the full post