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

If you’ve managed to walk around Old Quarter in Hanoi and not be accosted by a lady in a conical hat trying to put her shoulder pole, supporting baskets of fruit, on your shoulder for a photo, you’re in the minority. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been approached and have yet to say … read the full post

Events in Hanoi in June and July, including a stand-up comedy event, French films and saying goodbye to Hanoian stalwarts The Props.

Soon after we moved to Hanoi, the film Avatar was released. We were keen to see it and heard about the Megastar Cinema in Hai Ba Trung district, south of Hoan Kiem. Without high expectations we headed along to Vincom Towers — home to a shopping centre, spa, apartments, eateries and the cinema. These things aren’t top of … read the full post

The Bookworm is the self-proclaimed “best little book cafe in Southeast Asia” and while some may argue, I see no reason to dispute the fact. The cool, tidy interior — though not spacious — is a pleasant spot for browsing and the choice of more than 10,000 new and used English-language books and friendly staff ensure … read the full post

Son Tinh campsite, 40km from Hanoi’s centre (but still technically in Hanoi), provides a peaceful retreat from the capital’s maddening crowds. It had received favourable reviews — especially from families — since its opening earlier this year so we took a trip out to check it out. We went by motorbike which worked out well: the … read the full post

Ever wanted a private poetry reading? You know you have, oh most clever Travelfish.org reader in Hanoi … As luck would have it, the Hanoi Writers’ Collective is staging a seductive-sounding literary and musical event on Saturday June 4 at to raise money for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking via the Centre for … read the full post

I’m a karaoke fan. I have been since I was younger and partook of the Western variety: pub, lots of people, get drunk, write your name down and hope no-one boos. Fortunately my boyfriend is also a fan and will rave about the time in Tallin on a stag do when he got the whole … read the full post

Chica Restaurant, centrally located on Hang Be Street, is a too-well kept secret; meaning that despite the good food, the great setting and the friendly staff it’s usually almost empty. I first visited on my birthday last year, having had a craving for steak and hearing that their steak and wine night was a great … read the full post

Vietnam’s favourite dish, pho, takes its name from the type of noodle that is used in its preparation, and this noodle is used in numerous other dishes. I’ve recently moved to a new apartment and find myself living in the epicentre of pho-land: within a few minutes’ walk I pass half a dozen restaurants selling … read the full post