For 91 Days in Hanoi

Adventures, anecdotes and advice from three months exploring Hanoi

For 91 Days we lived in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam. We had just spent the previous 91 days in South Vietnam, and couldn’t leave without dedicating the same amount of time to the north. With some of the most bizarre nature we’ve ever seen, a fascinating culture, and incredible food, Hanoi and the northern half of the country provided us plenty of adventure for three months.

Whether you're planning your own journey to Vietnam, or just interested in seeing what makes it such a special city, our articles and photographs should help you out.

To the North!

Toward the end of April, we went to the station in Saigon and boarded the Reunification Express, a train which connects the two capitals of the once-divided Vietnam. But we wouldn't be taking the train straight to Hanoi, a journey which would require 34 hours. No, we'd be taking it in stages, stopping off in a number of Vietnam's most historic cities. First stop: Danang.

Xin Chào, Hanoi!

When we chose Saigon as our seventeenth "For 91 Days" destination, we never expected that Hanoi might be the eighteenth. We've never stayed in a country for a second consecutive adventure, and it wasn't even under consideration. But we never expected to be so completely enamored by the people, culture and cuisine of Vietnam. After spending three months in the south, we simply couldn't leave without devoting an equal amount of time to the north.