Any trip to Hanoi is not quite complete until one has done Halong Bay. Meandering around its limestone landscapes and clear tranquil waters are an assortment of boats of varying sizes encrusted with tourists. And for two days and one night, we were among the camera clicking hoards. We had opted for a premium option—a … Continue reading Two Days on Bai Tu Long Bay
Ha Noi Pearl—One Fabulous Little Hotel in Hanoi
We had made a quick weekend trip to Hanoi for a much needed break. It was going to be an easy, laid-back excursion to explore the city’s food and historical sites. As with all our travels, the choice of hotel was important as where we stayed was integral to the holiday experience. It was something … Continue reading Ha Noi Pearl—One Fabulous Little Hotel in Hanoi
A Walking Tour of Hanoi’s Fabulous Street Food
The chaos of Hanoi’s streets is fascinating. Festooned overhead are vast tangles of electric cables that hang like massive, high voltage beehives, teasing you with the prospect of a sudden unexpected jolt should they decide to fall. And there’s nothing more invigorating than crossing its scooter-laden streets. Walk at a steady pace and watch the … Continue reading A Walking Tour of Hanoi’s Fabulous Street Food
Hanoi’s Coffee Culture
If there's a city with a proud cafe culture, it is Hanoi. The locals are immensely proud of their local coffee, and sip it all day in their inimitable style. I wish we in Singapore were as proud of our local coffee as they are. In nooks and crannies, tucked deep inside narrow 'tube houses' … Continue reading Hanoi’s Coffee Culture
The Sofitel Metropole Hotel’s Forgotten Underground Bunker, Hanoi
While we're on the topic of war bunkers, the historic Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi hotel has its own underground air raid shelter. Forgotten for decades since the Vietnam (or American) War, it was rediscovered by chance after the renovation of the hotel's Bamboo Bar, and reopened in 2012 for public viewing. In tribute to the … Continue reading The Sofitel Metropole Hotel’s Forgotten Underground Bunker, Hanoi
The Historic Building D67, Hanoi
When I was in Hanoi not long ago, being the history nerd, I had Building D67 on my must-see list. Purpose-built in 1967, it was where the North Vietnamese generals based their headquarters during the Vietnam War (or the American War, as the Vietnamese call it). Among them was the great General Vo Nguyen Giap, … Continue reading The Historic Building D67, Hanoi
The Cat of Hanoi
The streets of Hanoi are crazy, chaotic, vibrant and exciting. Every pedestrian walkway and space in front of the shops is either filled with tables and chairs for a street-side food stall, or with scooters squashed together handlebar to handlebar. There's really no place for a cat to find a foothold. But while on a … Continue reading The Cat of Hanoi
Hanoi Street Food – Bun Rieu Nam Bo
I love exploring the street food of the countries and cities I visit. The cuisine and ways of eating tells as much about a country and its people as sightseeing does. More so, perhaps, as it literally gives you the flavour of the land, and a peek into the soul of the people. On a … Continue reading Hanoi Street Food – Bun Rieu Nam Bo
The Runaway Palate 
You must be logged in to post a comment.