A Hanoi blog by an actual local

Hanoi, the way people who live here actually see it

I'm Leo. Vietnamese-Australian, ex-Melbourne barista, five years deep into this city. No "vibrant tapestry" nonsense here, just street food, coffee, neighborhoods and honest tips from someone who eats here every day.

Start With Food Meet Leo
Busy street scene in Hanoi's Old Quarter with motorbikes and shopfronts

Where to start

Vietnamese street food vendor preparing dishes at a Hanoi stall

Food & Drink

Street food, egg coffee, and the dishes worth crossing town for.

 Historic gate at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi

Things To Do

The Old Quarter, temples and the spots actually worth your time.

 Colorful Old Quarter street in Hanoi with balconies

Where To Stay

Which neighborhood fits your trip, from first-timers to long stays.

Who's writing this

Born in Saigon, raised in Melbourne, and now completely obsessed with Hanoi. I moved here for a two-week holiday in 2021 and never left. Every recommendation on this site comes from actually eating, sleeping, or getting lost there myself, not a four-day layover.

Read the full story →