I got the privilege of taking a work trip to Hanoi, Vietnam for a week in September. While I spent most of the work week in an office building, I was able to explore during the evenings and on the weekend. It was my first time traveling "solo" to another country which was really intimidating, but Vietnam is a gorgeous country with some of the best valued food!
What should you budget?
Vietnam is on the cheaper scale in terms of cost. I stayed at 5-star hotel since it was a business trip, but even then the bill wasn't terrible (I think around a little less than $200/night), but 2 or 3-star hotels in Hanoi old quarter are around $20-$70 per night. Hanoian Central Hotel would be my top choice in downtown or if i'm really trying to be even more central probably this boutique hotel and if i'm really trying to save i'd stay here.
When should you go?
I went in September and it was monsoon season and HOT, probably the hottest place i've ever been in my life, just look at the sweat in the photo above from the hike. I recommend going when it's cooler if you don't do well with humidity (december through february) or spring for a more consistent light to dry season where flowers are in bloom and parks are beautiful.
Getting There and before you go
I HIGHLY recommend you schedule airport transfer ahead of time. I had a scary encounter arriving alone at night at the Hanoi airport. My flight got in around 10pm and while I was trying to figure out the Grab app, I was approached by lots of men asking me my age on google trasnalte and where I was going, trying to get me into their cab and overall it was not a fun way to start the trip because i was super sleep deprived and exhausted and my data plan wasn't working and i my debit card expired (it was overwhelming lol). Just because people label Vietnam as a safe country for female travelers, doesn't mean that there's no crime. You need to take care of yourself and be cautious when traveling alone. I was pretty shaken up from the airport experience, but overall had a great trip after that was over and my coworkers arrived.
Bring a debit card and make sure it's not expired! You will need cash for most things in Vietnam. You will also need to obtain a e-visa online if you're just visiting for tourism and you can read about it here.
This was my first time flying business class and it was amazing! The seats reclined so i could actually fall asleep and they woke me up to meals which was so nice. It definitely helped me feel better with how long the flight was. You can also bring the biodance face masks and hydrate yourself since you have the privacy of first class.
I stopped in Japan on the way back since all flights route through Tokyo or Seoul. If you're coming from the west coast. This really helped break up the long flight for me.
Where to Stay
Since it was a work trip, we stayed at a nice hotel a little outside of the craziness, The Sheraton Hanoi. This is a 4-star hotel and it was incredibly nice. They had a large, full buffet breakfast every morning where they made iced americanos, an omelette station, etc. The staff was extremely friendly and they helped me find cabs and help with baggage, laundry, etc. It was a super safe, comfortable environment and I was happy we stayed there. I'm less adventurous when i'm by myself, so I recommend paying more for safety and comfort. I also enjoy the free buffet breakfast (in Asia these are actually good compared to the US and they have an egg station, pho station, fruit, crossiants, espresso, etc.).
If you want to stay more central to things, then you can stay in the city center area, but it is busier. A lot of the tours left from Hanoi old quarter, so it might make more sense for you to be centered there!
Eating all the things
Vietnamese cuisine is one of my favorites, especially with all the vegetarian-friendly options since i'm pescatarian. If you're avoiding meat, then opt for bahn mis with tofu and veggies, spring veggie rolls (these were as cheap as $0.40 cents) or pho with veggies or seafood broth (around $0.60 cents).
Coffee Culture
You must try the egg coffee while you're there. Cafe Giang is super crowded, but you must try while you're there! I was super happy they made the egg coffee iced (egg yolk and condensed milk). If you're looking for a funny gift to bring back for a coffee lover, you should get some luwak espresso beans. Vietnamese iced coffees are everywhere, let it cool you down in the heat!
things to do
Hanoi Train Street is a classic place to visit while you're there. You will have to buy a drink or meal to sit at the shops where the train goes by, but we really enjoyed the experience! Just walk around and explore the colorful busy streets.
Things that are cheaper in Vietnam that should do and buy!
You should definitely get your nails and massage done; the price of both was like $22 total after tip (which tipping isn't very standard in vietnam). Art is also really affordable here, and they roll the artwork pieces up for you. You can also bring an empty suitcase and buy some outdoor gear here; if you look at most of the items in your closet they're probably made in China or Vietnam, so you can get nice quality items for super cheap (e.g., patagonia, artcteyx, etc.). Lots of my male coworkers also get fitted and buy suits here because it's incredibly affordable and done well (think a few hundred vs a thousand+). I also got some beautiful pottery and mugs (i recommend keeping safe in your carryon). Rattan items are also super cheap, so you can get some really nice pieces for your kitchen; I found a beautiful batik rattan tray for my espresso machine and also a nice artwork just from walking around and looking in stores.
Day Trips
Theres a Ninh Binh tour that leave from Hanoi and it's the perfect way to be stress free and explore more of the cultural countryside of Vietnam; this also included Tam Coc and the Mua Cave via boat as well as a bike ride through the countryside. The tour we did took us on an easy bike ride (though it did start downpouring on us since it was monsoon season), a short hike to the viewpoint (below left), and a boat ride through the mountains. If the weather is good, then you should also try and visit the sapa rice fields for some beautiful photography or a cruise tour around Halong Bay from Hanoi. I didn't get the chance since I was working during the week, but if you're there for entirely vacation, then you can certainly fit more in. I booked the Ninh Binh tour the day before and it wasn't sold out; viator has free cancellation which is great if the weather forecast changes.
Tips
Do NOT drink or brush your teeth in the water unless you're in a good hotel. I brushed my teeth In the sink at my hotel, but I would not do this unless you are at an expensive, well-rated hotel. The water in Vietnam is known to contains heavy metals and other things that cannot be filtered out. Drink bottled water only; water filters will not work here.
Organize hotel airport transfer before you arrive. This will set you up for success, especially if you're traveling alone like I was!
If you plan to take tours, you should stay in the Hanoi old quarter as most tours depart from there.
Be prepared to sweat. Bring lots of loose, linen clothing and sun protection. The heat and humidity was overwhelming at times, so be prepared.
Be ready to be overstimulated like you've never been before, especially with the heavy humidity and heat it can be overwhelming if it's your first time to Southeast Asia. There are lots of scooters here, so watch your belongings and keep them close!
Remember that Vietnam is a communist country and the people have had to endure the devestations of the Vietnam war, so be mindful that Americans might not be their favorite people and treat their country with respect and compassion as you visit their home.
