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

Looks like I'll be going back to Vietnam in January 2026. The last time I went was back in 2008 and that was with family.

My trip will be 2 weeks long. 1 week will be in the North and the other week will be in the South.

In terms of accommodations for Ho Chi Minh, do you guys have any recommendations? Budget wise I'm okay with mid tier hotels.