Have you ever thought about visiting Vietnam? It’s an incredible destination that buzzes with energy. Locals dart around on scooters like absolute pros, busy marketplaces overflow with everything imaginable, and the food — well, it’s almost too good to be true. Vietnam isn’t just beautiful; it’s also very affordable, making it perfect for travellers wanting an amazing experience without breaking the bank.
If you’re after a budget-friendly getaway or just some travel inspiration, here’s what you need to know about where to stay, eat, and explore in Hanoi — plus my personal tips for choosing a Halong Bay Cruise.
Planning your trip?
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Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
SIM Cards: Simify
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Essential guide to Hanoi
Before visiting, I half expected Hanoi to be similar to places like Bali, where shop owners compete loudly for tourists’ attention. I couldn’t have been more wrong. For a moment, it felt like I’d turned invisible — a very noticeable foreigner, sure, but no hassling, shouting, or grabbing. If you’ve been to Bali or Thailand, you’ll really appreciate how peaceful the experience is. I asked a local about it, and she explained that while Vietnamese people are very welcoming, they’re also respectful and don’t want to disturb someone on holiday. That alone gives you a glimpse into how genuinely lovely the locals are.
Hanoi itself is alive with chaos — particularly the traffic. If you think you’ve dealt with crazy traffic before, trust me, you haven’t seen anything like this. Stepping out of the hotel for the first time felt like stepping into a real-life game of Frogger. Here’s the golden rule for crossing the street: pick your moment, walk slowly but confidently, and don’t stop or turn back. The scooters will part around you like water.
Honestly, Hanoi isn’t a city packed with major tourist sites that you must tick off. Instead, it’s all about soaking up the vibe — weaving through narrow streets, dodging motorbikes, and finding little sanctuaries in cafés and bars. Some of my favourite moments were spent sitting on a rooftop terrace, sipping a cold drink and watching the chaos unfold below.
must
When it came to food, I steered clear of street food — mostly out of caution — but every meal I had in local restaurants was excellent (and incredibly cheap). It’s easy to eat like royalty in Hanoi. Even with entrees, mains, desserts, and a few drinks, it was rare to spend more than $25 USD for two people. I had no issues with tummy troubles either, and even though I’m vegetarian, every place I visited was happy to adapt dishes so I could try traditional favourites without meat.
Choosing the right restaurant can be a bit hit and miss. Some spots clearly cater more to tourists, offering strange fusion menus and oddball décor. I found the simpler, more traditional places always served the best food. Don’t be afraid to try something you’ve never heard of — taking a few food risks really paid off.
I had heard a few stories about opportunistic thieves on scooters snatching bags and cameras, but honestly, I never saw anything like that firsthand. Hanoi felt very safe to me overall, aside from one slightly odd encounter at a day spa, which ended up being more bizarre than threatening.
After two days, though, I was ready to move on. Hanoi is intense — a dense little city full of life — but the thick pollution from all the scooters can start to wear on you. Two days was the perfect amount of time before heading east to enjoy the stunning coastline.
Where to stay in Hanoi
Hanoi Elegance Ruby – A simple but classy hotel with incredible service. It’s great value for money, clean, and perfectly located for exploring the city.
Where to eat in Hanoi
Gourmet Corner Restaurant – Sitting on top of the Hanoi Elegance Diamond Hotel, this spot serves delicious Vietnamese food with fantastic views over the city.
Gourmet Corner Restaurant
Quan An Ngon – A lively, bustling restaurant offering an overwhelming range of traditional Vietnamese dishes at affordable prices. Great atmosphere too!
Essential guide to Halong Bay
BBooking a Halong Bay cruise can feel overwhelming — there are so many companies, and the horror stories online (theft, rats, bad food) don’t help. But if you take the time to book a reputable cruise, it’s absolutely worth it. I chose the Paloma Cruise, based on a friend’s recommendation, and it was one of the highlights of my trip.
Paloma Cruise
The drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay isn’t glamorous. The roads are rough, the traffic’s wild, and the air can be thick with heat and humidity. But seeing things like a live water buffalo strapped to the back of a motorbike somehow made the bumpy ride worth it. Booking with a good cruise company also means you’ll get an air-conditioned, more comfortable transfer — highly recommend prioritizing that.
If you can swing it, definitely book a 2-night, 3-day cruise rather than just one night. After all the effort to get there, you’ll want time to really enjoy it. Plus, it’s 100% worth spending a bit more to get a cabin with a private balcony. Watching the sunrise and sunset from your own little spot is unforgettable.
2-night, 3-day cruise
Halong Bay itself is stunning — limestone karsts rise up dramatically from the water, creating a surreal, otherworldly landscape. While the water isn’t always crystal-clear, the scenery more than makes up for it. I didn’t mind the number of other boats either; seeing them lit up at night, drifting past, only added to the magic.
We visited floating villages where families live their entire lives on interconnected boats and houses. It’s incredible how communities adapt so seamlessly to life on the water. (And in case you’re wondering, teenage couples have their own “parking” system — sneaking off in little boats to find hidden corners for date nights.)
Another highlight was visiting the Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave). Despite the crowds, it’s a really impressive natural wonder and well worth a visit.
Sung Sot Cave
During the cruise, we also had the chance to kayak around secluded lagoons, swim off the boat, eat endless fresh food, and just completely switch off. Days like that — kayaking between giant limestone cliffs, jumping off the boat into calm waters — are what travelling is all about for me.
My tips for booking a Halong Bay Cruise:
My tips for booking a Halong Bay Cruise:
- Choose a 2-night, 3-day cruise to get the full experience.
- Book through personal recommendations if you can.
- You get what you pay for — spend a little extra for a better cruise experience.
- Prioritise a cabin with a balcony if your budget allows.
Where to stay on Halong Bay
Paloma Cruise – The boat was beautifully maintained, with spacious, clean cabins (ours had a private balcony and air-con). The food was fresh and plentiful, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience.