It’s been well over a year since I wrote about getting a cheap and decent massage in Hanoi, and that’s proven to be a popular post, so: time for another massage-related post. In the name of research, I headed to Huong Sen Healthcare Centre. I mentioned Huong Sen II in my last post, but this … read the full post

Tucked away between a travel agent and a clothes shop, the entrance to Hanoi Cozy Hotel 2 is as intriguing as it is hard to spot. With no street frontage apart from a doorway, it’s difficult to imagine what hides within. Located at the southern end of busy Hang Be Street, Hanoi Cozy Hotel 2 … read the full post

One could argue that all of Hanoi’s streets are food streets, in that it’s hard to find any that don’t have at least one vendor selling pho or banh my or any of the other delicious street foods on offer here. But two things make so-called “food street” different and worthy of its name: firstly, … read the full post

With a bright yellow and red sign and windows adorned with travel offers, the exterior of Camellia Hotel 6 has nothing to differentiate it from the countless other budget hotels in the area, but it’s an expat and traveller favourite for good reason. Located down a vibrant alley off Dinh Liet, a few minutes’ walk … read the full post

Restaurant Cha Ca La Vong recently featured in the New York Times in an article that talked about how variants of the same-named dish — a mixture of fish, turmeric, dill, shrimp paste, fish sauce, chillies, noodles and other herbs — are appearing on menus in the United States. Author Florence Fabricant notes that, despite … read the full post

It’s lotus flower season in Hanoi and the West Lake area is awash with the beautiful blooms. Lotus flowers hold particular significance in Vietnam, as they are considered one of four graceful flowers and plants, along with pine, bamboo and chrysanthemum. They are a symbol of purity, commitment, optimism for the future, beauty, majesty, grace, … read the full post

Delicious Wines opened a few months ago on Tong Duy Tan, alternatively known as food street, and is run by the same people who own Matchbox by the Fine Arts Museum. As a brand consultant, when someone names their new wine shop/wine bar something like “Delicious Wines”, I immediately doubt their promise; after all, if … read the full post

Centrally located in Old Quarter, Essence Hanoi stands out along Ta Hien with its white frontage, stylish signage and uniformed doorman, which all hint at the quality within. Essence is within easy reach of the delights of the 36 streets as well as Hoan Kiem lake and the French Quarter. It’s also easy to pick … read the full post

About two kilometres south of Hoan Kiem Lake on Bui Thi Xuan – one of the small streets that runs parallel to Pho Hue and Ba Trieu – sits Hanoi’s latest must-go restaurant, Pots n Pans. Somewhat tucked away among the bright lights of karaoke bars, its subtle and stylish exterior is easy to miss, but … read the full post

Dau pagoda, considered Vietnam’s oldest, is located 24 kilometres south of the centre of Hanoi, in Bac Ninh province, and takes about one hour to reach by road. In the third century, the area in which it is located was the capital of Giai Chi, at the time Vietnam’s political, economic and cultural centre. Khau … read the full post