Honest writing
about Vietnam travel.

Long-form posts on safety, real costs, operator analysis, and the practical realities the marketing sites skip.

• June 3, 2027·Vietnam·3 min read

  Sapa or Ha Giang first? How to sequence northern Vietnam from Hanoi

  Both are night-bus trips north from Hanoi, both are mountains and minority villages — but they're not the same trip, and doing both back-to-back is a mistake for most people. Here's how to choose and sequence.

  Read the note
• December 20, 2026·Vietnam·11 min read

  Hanoi food — the real best places, by dish

  Every Hanoi food list features the same five Bourdain-and-Obama spots. Most aren't the best anymore. Here is the honest guide to where Hanoi locals actually eat, organized by dish.

  Read the note
• June 20, 2026·Vietnam·8 min read

  Hanoi in 48 hours, done right

  Most Hanoi itineraries rush you through the Old Quarter, push you onto Train Street, and call it a day. Hanoi is better than that. Here is the 48 hours that actually leaves you understanding the city.

  Read the note