-
Travel Plan: Eating Snake in Hanoi’s Snake Village (Le Mat)
Squeezed between culinary powerhouses like China, Thailand, and Japan, Vietnamese cuisine has always punched above its weight. Scintillating phở and irresistible bánh mì are just some of the tastes and aromas that have left a deep impression on foreign palates, surprising travellers with flavours and textures they didn’t even know they craved. Hanoi’s bright lights and buzzing streets may already include a spectrum of Vietnamese cuisine, but venture beyond the city’s limits, and you’ll stumble upon a humble village home to a cultural icon and a dark tourist rite-of-passage. It’s a corner of Vietnam where culture, courage, and curiosity collide; a place that asks one simple question of every visitor…
-
The 20 Best Highlights to See in Hanoi
Hanoi, a city that beautifully captures the essence of what makes Vietnam so incomparable, invites you to immerse yourself in its iconic sensory wonderland. As you stroll through the traditional streets of the Old Quarter under a symphony of buzzing scooters, enthusiastic vendors, and the tantalising aroma of freshly prepared pho permeates the air, creating an unforgettable experience. Hanoi’s kaleidoscope of experiences will leave you enchanted. You’ll be left telling your friends back home, “you don’t know man, you weren’t there!“ So in that case, here are the 20 best sights to see in Hanoi! This article may contain affiliate links, for which I may be compensated at no extra…
-
Hanoi: The Cultural Crucible
Never before have I visited a place with so much to write about. Many of my experiences in Hanoi were worthy of their own story. Yet along the way, there were several sites and peculiar moments that were equally fascinating and worthy of a tale, though not quite meaty enough to earn a whole post to themselves. As such, this is their story. These are the unsung and wonderful tales of all the sites and everything else Hanoi has to offer. This article may contain affiliate links which I may be compensated for at no extra cost to you dear readers! Finally Arrived in Vietnam As the first 2 days…
-
Hanoi: Reaching My Travelling Peak in Sapa
I’ve been blessed with some unforgettable travelling moments. From swimming alongside manta rays to living with nomadic tribes and walking along the Great Wall thrice! With the COVID pandemic putting a 3-year hiatus on my travels during what should have been the prime of my life, it affected me quite a bit. Little did I predict that the first real international trip I would take after that involuntary break would be the best travelling experience I’ve ever had in my ENTIRE life. The universe and its divine powers culminated in what would become the pinnacle of my life, a moment that I would cherish for the rest of my days.…
-
Hanoi: A Snake’s Heart For Dinner
Exploring jaw-dropping landscapes and sampling mouthwatering local cuisine is an important part of the travelling experience. Yet, there’s a lesser-known side to travelling, one with a far more morbid tone – dark tourism. As the name might suggest, this is not everyone’s cup of tea, far from it in fact. While many are content staying snug within their comfort zone, others prefer venturing into the murky waters and experiencing the darker side of life. For better or for worse, I am one of those people. Vietnam had just the kind of experience I was looking for. It was one that would garner disapproving looks and vitriolic anger from some, particularly…
-
Hanoi: Discovering a Lost World
Fresh off the boat from Halong Bay, Jess and I headed back to Hanoi for our first real evening in the city. With no time to lose, we had another tour booked for the next day to make the most of our time in Northern Vietnam. Naturally, it would be one of the other highly touted spots that has gained quite a reputation in the region – Ninh Binh. Renowned for its outstanding natural beauty, this region of the world has plenty of jaw-dropping locations. Ninh Binh is one of those must-see experiences amongst travellers, so it was time to jump on the bandwagon. This article may contain affiliate links…
