My last night in Hanoi right now. I did 3 nights, then 2 nights Ha Long Bay cruise (bai tu long to be exact) which was amazing, and one more night before flying to Danang.

I really enjoy Hanoi, even moreso than HCMC, especially in the old quarter. The streets are charming and a great mix of architecture.

People aren't as pushy here as in HCMC.

Hoam Kiem lake is a great little spot in the middle of a bustling city.

Did not experience mandatory tips, just some westernized places with service charge.

I enjoyed it more than bangkok or HCMC.

I hated Hanoi the first time i went over 10 years ago but it was my first time overseas and only saw BKK for like 4 days then Cambodia before flying into Hanoi. Thought everyone was rude and was just overall rough. Well 30+ countries later and all sorts of exposure and I definitely want to go back as a more seasoned traveler. Made it back there after a 24hr bus ride out of Laos like 4 years later but only saw the bar before getting on another bus that night.

For anybody curious, I just booking in-laws RT to Vietnam with a few nights in Tokyo for just over $800 per person RT

https://www.google.com/travel/flight...jSrueJxWtR5T4A

Fuck that's a rough layover on the return there, 12 hours?

Rather than layover you can do a few nights in Tokyo without extra charge.

Looks like yvrdeals also found it: https://yvrdeals.com/vancouver-to-vi...-788-roundtrip