Hanoi (Aug 1-2 and Aug 3-4, 2025):
United Arab Emirates:
Abu Dhabi
Singapore:
Singapore
Malaysia:
Langkawi
Kuala Lumpur
Thailand:
Chiang Rai
Chiang Mai
Sukhothai
Bangkok
Vietnam:
Hanoi
Halong Bay
Phú Quoc
History of Hanoi in a few lines:
Origins:
Founded in 1010 as Thăng Long (“Rising Dragon”) by Emperor Lý Thái Tổ, becoming the capital of the Đại Việt kingdom.
Cultural and political center:
For centuries it was the political and cultural heart of Vietnam, influenced by imperial dynasties and traditional architecture.
Colonial era:
In the 19th century, under French rule, Hanoi was transformed with boulevards, colonial buildings and became the capital of French Indochina.
20th Century:
It was a key location in the fight for independence and in the Vietnam War. After reunification in 1976, it became the country's capital.
Present:
Today it is a city that combines tradition and modernity, with ancient temples, historic lakes and a vibrant urban life.
It's a truly crazy city, but that doesn't mean you can't have spontaneous fun without even trying 😅
Or having a quiet drink on a terrace while a train rips off your makeup 🤣:
We loved its chaos, the people, the culture, how fast-paced they are. It's not a particularly beautiful or clean city, but that's also part of its charm. This is the city that never sleeps because there's a buzz at all hours. Bars are open until late; some do accept cards, but they charge a small surcharge that was negligible for us.
Ha Noi Lake View Hotel & Travel: very centrally located, although it's a very basic hotel. It's fine for one or two days, but what more do you need? Breakfast is included on the top floor, the windows are a bit dull, but the breakfast is very ordinary. If you want eggs, you have to ask for them; don't expect them to make them.
We didn't see any traffic accidents, which is unusual because they take a risk just by going out.
Hanoi goes very well with Halong Bay because it is the natural gateway to visit the bay and take a classic northern route between city, culture and landscapes, and with Phú Quốc because it offers a perfect end to your trip on the beach after exploring temples, traditional neighborhoods and the nature of the north.
Flight: We flew from Bangkok 48€/person with AirAsia.
Hotel: Ha Noi Lake View Hotel & Travel €48 for 2 people, 1 day.
Travel insurance: Heymondo (Tranquility trip, for 22 days): €80/person.
Information obtained from the web https://www.exteriores.gob.es
Passport: required with a minimum validity of 6 months.
Visa: No visa is required for stays of up to 45 days.
Travel insurance: Highly recommended.
Vaccines: None.
Security: Although the country is very safe, robberies are frequent in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and in tourist areas such as Lao Cai, Sapa, Hoi An, Halong Bay, etc., so it is recommended to leave your belongings in a safe place during short daily commutes and, in any case, remain vigilant.
Badge: Vietnamese Dong (VND).
Payment card/currency exchange: we always go with Revolut y N26.
Roaming: NO Yes, so if you have data enabled, you might get a nice little gift in return. We recommend it. Airalo in Asia better than Holafly.
GPS: Maps.me Download the maps for Spain and they work great offline, whether you're on foot, by car, or on public transport.
Translator: It's gotten us out of a few tight spots; it's a translator that doesn't require an internet connection, just download the language before you leave and you're good to go. Offline translator.
International driving permit: It is necessary because it does not belong to the EU. It order through the website DGT. We remind you that they drive on the left because it was a British colony. The app GRAB It works very well and is very cheap.
The card costs €10.51. The good thing is you can order it online and pick it up without an appointment. It took a couple of days for ours, then you go to pick it up and it's a cardboard card like the ones they had 20 years ago.
Other destinations in Vietnam: 
