Vietnam's capital, with a centuries-old old town, Hoan Kiem Lake right in the center, and one of the country's best street food scenes, also a great base for Halong Bay.
For Halong Bay, an overnight stay on a junk boat is worth it, so you can experience the limestone cliffs in the calm morning and evening light without the day-trippers.
I took the bus from Da Nang to Hanoi (about 5:20–6:20 hrs, from €8), cheaper and faster than the night train (7–8 hrs, from €15).
Central location, shops, restaurants and bars an easy walk away. From €120 a night, good value for money. Excellent location, friendly and helpful staff, stylish and appealing decor. No notable downsides.
Verdict: Wins over with a central location, great service and stylish ambiance, a clear recommendation for a comfortable stay in the city.
Freshly steamed bao with savory and sweet fillings, traditional Vietnamese dumplings, handmade and delicious, simple but authentic food. Daily 8am to 8pm.
Verdict: The perfect snack for in between, soft, flavorful and with a variety of fillings.
Authentic Italian pizza and pasta, fresh ingredients and traditional preparation, cozy ambiance with stylish design. Daily 10am to 10pm.
Verdict: A must for anyone who doesn't want to go without first-class Italian food in Vietnam.
Aromatic Vietnamese coffee, the creamy coconut coffee is especially popular, relaxed atmosphere with stylish ambiance. Daily 8am to 10pm.
Verdict: The perfect spot for coffee lovers, the coconut coffee in particular is a treat.
Vietnamese coffee in a unique setting, a perfect view of the famous Train Street. Daily 8am to 10pm.
Verdict: Great coffee with a spectacular view of passing trains, a must for anyone who wants to experience the special flair of Train Street up close.
Also known as Pho Hang Voi, a famous street in the old town that runs along the railway tracks, known for cafés, bars and shops. You can watch the trains pass right by, a unique experience with a lively, colorful atmosphere.
If you love Vietnamese street food, don't miss the small food stalls in the old town. Mobile stalls and small kitchens with freshly prepared specialties like banh mi, pho or grilled skewers. Affordable prices, authentic food, a lively atmosphere, especially in the evening. Even if it can get hectic and crowded, that's exactly part of the charm of street food in Hanoi.
About an hour's drive from Hanoi, known for traditional incense stick making. You can watch the intricate process of how the incense sticks are hand-rolled, dried, and made available in various aromatic scents. Taxi from €40 per trip, guided tour from €160 per person.
A fascinating village where you experience up close how the colorful bundles dry in the sun and handmade incense sticks come to life. The idyllic village setting and skilled craftsmanship make the visit a unique experience.
Tip: Getting there by Grab taxi is the cheapest and most flexible option, it's best to book the round trip directly in the app, since it can be difficult to arrange a ride back on site.
From €40 per person for a day trip. One of Vietnam's most impressive natural wonders, majestic limestone cliffs rise out of the emerald-green water. Whether on a relaxed boat tour, kayaking or exploring hidden caves, Halong Bay offers unforgettable experiences.
Tip: For a relaxed trip, an overnight stay on a junk boat is recommended, to enjoy the magic of the bay in the early morning and evening hours without the big crowds.