28 May 2026
Hanoi differently
Authentic, chaotic, colourful, dense, noisy, alive. These are the words that best describe Hanoi, a city full of contrasts. As a departure or arrival point for a stay in Vietnam, the capital leaves no one indifferent, and can often frighten travellers who deliberately choose to spend little time there. Yet Hanoi has much to offer beyond the major tourist sites, and allows travellers to really immerse themselves in local culture and life. If you're passing through Hanoi and have a little time to spare, here are my top tips for living like a local and discovering Hanoi differently.
