Types of accommodation available in Hanoi along with estate agent recommendations

An introduction to the districts in Hanoi that you might want to explore if deciding to live here

Che (pronounced chair) is a popular Vietnamese dessert or snack found at street stalls around Hanoi. Today we aim to (partly) demystify this unusual delicacy and encourage you to give it a try. First up, find a stall. Che stalls are usually characterised by a glass cabinet housing bowls of colourful … um stuff. Sometimes the … read the full post

A summary of the medical care available in Hanoi

Problems with hiring a self-drive car and the benefits of hiring a car and driver.

The gay scene in Hanoi remains more underground than some other countries in the region, such as Thailand or even Cambodia, but things are slowly changing and gay clubs are going slightly more mainstream these days. The best known gay bar, on the tourist scene at least, is GC Bar. The GC is centrally located … read the full post

An overview of the wonderful 54 Traditions Gallery, where you can view, learn about and buy antiquities, antiques and art from Vietnam’s 53 minorities and the Kinh

It’s rainy season in Vietnam, and though this usually just means a downpour late afternoon or overnight and shouldn’t be enough to disrupt schedules, sometimes it does set in and you’ll want something to do in miserable weather. So what to do in Hanoi? Personally, I find curling up on the sofa watching back-to-back episodes of How … read the full post

An overview of Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi

A review of some of the hostels offering dorm beds in Hanoi