#Hanoi Old Quarter

A scenic view of Turtle Tower on Hoan Kiem Lake surrounded by lush greenery in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Mid-Autumn Hanoi: Where to Experience Tet Trung Thu

Hanoi's Mid-Autumn Festival is louder, messier, and more joyful than any travel guide prepares you for. Here's where to find the real thing.

Jun 23, 20264 min readnorth

Food & Drink

Hanoi's 10 Best Coffee Shops, Ranked and Actually Worth Your Time

From the birthplace of egg coffee to a bookshop-cafe that genuinely deserves the hype, these are Hanoi's ten best cafes — with addresses and what to order.

Jun 20, 20265 min readnorth

Explore the ancient architecture of a Hà Nội temple in Vietnam's Old Quarter.

Destinations

Two White Horse Temples, Two Completely Different Trips

Vietnam has two 'Bach Ma' temples with almost nothing in common except the name. Here's what each one actually is and why the confusion is worth sorting out.

May 29, 20265 min readcentral

Beautiful cathedral facade glowing under night sky, reflected in a puddle.

Destinations

Nha Tho Lon Ha Noi: A Traveler's Guide to Hanoi's Big Church

Everything you need to know about visiting Hanoi's St. Joseph's Cathedral — history, nearby food, timing, and the stuff guidebooks skip.

May 25, 20266 min readnorth

Close-up of Vietnamese banh mi and beer on a Hanoi street-side cafe table, exuding a rustic and authentic vibe.

Food & Drink

Bia Hoi Hanoi: Where to Drink Fresh Draft Beer for Under 10,000 VND

Hanoi's 'bia hoi' scene runs on cheap, fresh-brewed draft poured daily from plastic chairs on the pavement. Here's where to find it and how it works.

May 19, 20264 min readnorth

Scenic view of the Huc Bridge in Hanoi, Vietnam, illuminated at twilight over Hoan Kiem Lake with reflections and vibrant sky.

Destinations

The Huc Bridge, Hanoi: A Traveler's Guide

Everything you need to know about visiting The Huc Bridge in Hanoi — history, best times, what to do at Hoan Kiem Lake, and where to eat nearby.

May 16, 20266 min readnorth

Two women in traditional attire playing string instruments outside a homestay.

Destinations

Hat Xam: The Blind Beggar Music of Vietnam Making a Comeback

Hat xam was sung by blind street performers for centuries — then nearly vanished. Here's where to hear it live in Hanoi today.

May 15, 20264 min readnorth

Travel Tips

Mid-Autumn Hanoi: Where to Experience Tet Trung Thu

Hanoi's Mid-Autumn Festival is louder, messier, and more joyful than any travel guide prepares you for. Here's where to find the real thing.

Jun 23, 20264 min readnorth

Food & Drink

Hanoi's 10 Best Coffee Shops, Ranked and Actually Worth Your Time

From the birthplace of egg coffee to a bookshop-cafe that genuinely deserves the hype, these are Hanoi's ten best cafes — with addresses and what to order.

Jun 20, 20265 min readnorth

Destinations

Two White Horse Temples, Two Completely Different Trips

Vietnam has two 'Bach Ma' temples with almost nothing in common except the name. Here's what each one actually is and why the confusion is worth sorting out.

May 29, 20265 min readcentral

Destinations