Hanoi, Vietnam

• Hanoi is Vietnam's capital with a mix of French colonial architecture and chaotic Old Quarter streets packed with motorbikes. The traffic takes some getting used to - crossing streets means walking slowly so motorcycles can navigate around you, which feels scary at first.
• English is common in tourist areas like the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake, but drops off quickly elsewhere. The cafe culture is big here, and sitting alone with a laptop or book for hours is normal.
• Main safety issue is bag snatching - thieves on motorbikes grab bags from sidewalks, so walk on the inside edge away from the street. Street harassment is less common than in other Southeast Asian cities. Use Grab instead of random taxis, especially at night.
• The Old Quarter and French Quarter are walkable, while Tay Ho (West Lake) is quieter and popular with expats but further from most sights.

Vietnamese is the main language. English is common in tourist areas like the Old Quarter, French Quarter, and around Hoan Kiem Lake - hotels, restaurants, and tour companies usually have English speakers. Emergency services (113, 115) have some English operators. The Tourist Support Hotline (1800-1100) works in English. Outside tourist zones, English drops off fast, so you'll need basic phrases and Google Translate.

• Cover shoulders and knees at temples and pagodas. Bring a scarf if needed. Take off shoes before entering, and remove sunglasses and hats inside.
• Street harassment and catcalling are less common here than in other Southeast Asian cities. Vietnamese culture emphasizes respect and politeness, though this applies more to foreign women than locals.
• Cafe culture is big - sitting alone for hours with a book or laptop is normal. Try egg coffee (ca phe trung) at Cafe Giang in the Old Quarter, where it was invented.
• Basic phrases help: 'Xin chao' (hello), 'Cam on' (thank you), 'Xin loi' (excuse me/sorry). English drops off fast outside tourist zones, so keep Google Translate handy.
• Common scams: taxi drivers saying your hotel is closed, money exchange tricks switching bills, vendors charging for photos, and bag snatchers on motorbikes.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Police: 113. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Grab is the ride-hailing app to use - more reliable than random taxis. GrabBike (motorbike) runs about 8,000 VND base plus 12,000-14,000 VND per km. GrabCar (sedan) is 15,000 VND base plus 15,000-18,000 VND per km. You'll need a local SIM with data.
• For regular taxis, use Mai Linh (green cars) or Vinasun (white with green/red stripes). About 10,000-15,000 VND per km. Don't get in unmarked cars or with drivers who won't use the meter.
• The Old Quarter and French Quarter are walkable. Crossing streets takes confidence - walk slowly and steady so motorbikes can flow around you. Rush hour is 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM when traffic barely moves. There's a metro line (Cat Linh-Ha Dong) for 7,000-15,000 VND but it doesn't go many places yet.
• Don't sit near the curb at cafes or walk on the street side of sidewalks - motorbike bag snatching happens. If someone grabs your bag, let it go. Getting dragged isn't worth it.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, book a private car with a driver rather than driving yourself.

Explore Hanoi with local guides and curated experiences.