Hanoi, the Way Locals See It
Every Gaido article about Hanoi, written with the help of our local guides: where to eat, what to skip, and the tours worth your time.
The Hanoi App Stack: What to Install Before You Fly
You land at Noi Bai with no signal, no dong and no way to call a car — and none of it is an airport problem, it is a last-week problem. The eSIM, maps, rideshare and money setup that takes ten minutes at home and saves your entire first day in Hanoi.
Private Tours in Hanoi That Won't Make You Feel Like a Tourist
The difference between seeing Hanoi and knowing it comes down to who shows you around. Four private tours led by local guides — a walking food tour through the Old Quarter's hidden kitchens, a backstreet food crawl through alleyways you'd never find alone, a full-day city immersion, and a 12-hour Ha Long Bay expedition — that turn a trip into genuine understanding.
A Different Kind of Hanoi Trip: 5 Spots Locals Love
Your itinerary is tight, optimized for maximum coverage. But Hanoi rewards the slow and the curious. Here are five spots — a first restaurant on a famous food street, a five-story dessert house, a solemn mausoleum, a museum built for wandering, and a backstreet motorbike tour — that make for a different kind of Hanoi trip.
Hanoi Travel Tips Locals Want You to Know Before Visiting
Hanoi's motorbikes, street food, and winding Old Quarter streets can overwhelm first-timers. These are the practical tips — from xe ôm etiquette to the best time to visit — that turn confusion into confidence.
Where to Eat in Hanoi: A Local's Guide to the Best Bites
Five Hanoi food spots locals actually eat at: the beef pho perfected since the 1960s, a Michelin-recognised eel noodle shop, a Hai Phong–style bánh mì, late-night chicken pho, and a cold dessert in a five-story time capsule.
The Outdoor Side of Hanoi Most Visitors Never See
Beyond the Old Quarter lies another Hanoi: sunrise mist over ancient lakes, a historic bridge glowing at golden hour, cloud forests 90 minutes from the city, and a boat pilgrimage through limestone cliffs. Where locals go to breathe.
5 Essential First Timer Experiences in Hanoi You Can't Miss
Stepping into Hanoi for the first time is like walking into a living, breathing story. These are the experiences that will give you an authentic feel for this captivating city from day one, curated by local guides born and raised here.