Harlo? Hanoi?

Spending a few days in Hanoi as a tourist is the best way to remove all doubts about Hanoi ...


Before I went there, when I told some people I was going to Hanoi for a holiday, I get 1 of 3 reactions ...

(1) From people who know a little about Hanoi, you know, like they know Hanoi is not in Thailand - "What the fuck are you going to do there?", accompanied by a look that was telling me they think I have too much money and should have just given it to them instead of spending time in Hanoi.

(2) From people who know a little more about Hanoi, you know, like that Hanoi is in Vietnam - "What the fuck is there to do in Hanoi?". That's normally followed that look that says they think I need some vacation counselling.

(3) From people who have worked in Hanoi - "Great choice. It'll be great ...", normally said with a twinkle in the eye.


Let me tell you something people - Hanoi is kickass good !!! Kickass as in much better than KL. Kickass as in beating your typical Cameron Highlands vacation. Kickass as in people in Category 1 and 2 above should shut their trap and just let me form my own judgement.

Hanoi is a mix contrasts - busy, narrow lanes filled with chaotic traffic, rural areas so quiet you just hear the oars breaking the water; baguettes in high end cafes, pho on street kitchens.



I heart Hanoi. I'm so going back.

I'll post all about my little trip to Hanoi in the days to come. Watch this space ...