10 Things You Must Do in Hanoi, Vietnam

Bia hoi is Hanoi's draft beer. Guess how much it costs -- 4 mugs for $1. It tastes like rice at first, but you'll like it after the second gulp. 

Ask your guide where the "bia hoi" district or street is at the French Quarter. 

Their lemon tea quenches your thirst after a 30-minute walk around the French Quarter. It tastes so good. 

Papaya? Dragon fruit? Mango? Watermelon? Eat all of them!

This frothy concoction makes you want to figure out how it's done so you can try it back home.

Vietnam's coffee luwak is popular because it tastes so good. Try a beverage called caphe sua da. 

Eat noodles at the sidewalk. Al fresco, anyone?

Pay respects to a great leader. I suggest walking towards the mausoleum so you can enjoy the city. 

Ha Long Bay is 4 hours away from Hanoi. Although I prefer Palawan, I'm impressed with how organized our tour was. The port was crammed with tourists, but everything was in order. 

The mountains seem to speak to you. They're eerie, yet harmless. 

I don't know whether these bags are authentic, but we heard that these companies outsource their manufacturing to Vietnam.

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised with Hanoi. It is VERY tourist-friendly. The people are warm, and the food is cheap. I would love to go back to Hanoi again. 

SOME TRAVEL TIPS:

- According to our guide, the best months are from August to March. June to July are humid, super-hot months. 

- If you're into night life, hit the bars early. They close before midnight.