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travel guide Vietnam

Why You Should Add Hanoi to Your RTW Trip

Long-term traveling, RTW, backpacking, vagabonding, gap year, sabbatical – whatever you call it, Southeast Asia is one of the most popular regions for anyone taking more than a one or two week vacation. The tourist trail is well trodden, and even though the culture shock may be great those first few days in the region, it’s not very difficult to travel here.

Vietnam is one of the countries in the typical Southeast Asia loop (with Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos) that many travelers take. If you are planning a trip around the world, Vietnam, and particularly Hanoi, have tons to offer.

Hanoi just celebrated its thousandth birthday as a city, and the history and sites are amazing. If you add Hanoi to your RTW trip itinerary, you won’t be disappointed. It’s an extremely hectic place, and it has gotten the better of some travelers, but if you have an open mind and a tremendous amount of patience, you will get the most out of this beautiful city. From Hoan Kiem Lake, right in the center of town, to the Temple of Literature, to the amazing food, Vietnamese iced coffee, and bia hoi (local home-brewed beer), rtw, indie travelers have no shortage of things to do in Hanoi. Add in the fact that it’s the jumping off point for one of the world’s most beautiful sites, Ha Long Bay, and you’d be crazy not to add Hanoi to your trip.