Hanoi Travel Essentials: Your Quick Guide to the Heart of Vietnam – Part 2

Flexi Tour Centre
Nov 13, 2025
2 min read

Hi everyone! I’ve sent heaps of Aussies from Sydney to Vietnam tours, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, Canberra and Albury-Wodonga over the years, and trust me – getting these essentials right makes the difference between a good trip and a bloody ripper one.

Hanoi hits you with energy, chaos, amazing food and that classic Vietnamese warmth all at once. Here’s the good oil from someone who’s helped dozens of travellers sort it out properly.

Don’t Miss These Hanoi Dishes

Look, you can read all the fancy reviews you want, but nothing beats the real deal on the street:

Bún Chả – Grilled pork with noodles and fresh herbs. Barack Obama had it here and he wasn’t wrong. Still one of the best meals I’ve ever had in Vietnam.
Phở – The king of comfort food. Get it from a proper street stall at 6am – you’ll thank me later.
Bánh Mì – Crispy baguette packed with mystery meat, pate, pickles and chilli. Cheap as chips and unbeatable.
Chả Cá – Turmeric-marinated fish with dill and noodles. A Hanoi classic you won’t find the same anywhere else.
Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng) – Thick, creamy, sweet and bloody addictive. Head to Café Giang near the Old Quarter – it’s an institution.

Vietnamese banh mi in Hanoi – part of Hanoi Travel Essentials guide by FlexiTourCentre — Banh Mi Vietnam

Real customer story from Mark & Lisa (Sydney):

“We were a bit nervous about street food on our first Sydney to Vietnam tour, but after joining the food walk Flexi Tour Centre recommended from the Hanoi travel guide, we were hooked. The Bún Chả and egg coffee blew our minds. Best decision we made the whole trip!”

Getting Around Hanoi Without Losing Your Mind (*Use This Travel Guide)

Hanoi traffic looks mental at first, but once you know the tricks it’s actually pretty easy:

Walking – Best way to soak up the Old Quarter. Just keep your wits about you – scooters come from everywhere!
Grab app – Your new best mate. Cheap, safe, and the drivers are usually legends.
Taxis – Stick to Mai Linh or Vinasun or Xanh SM and always use the meter.
Motorbike taxi (Xe Ôm) – Fun for short hops if you’re game, but hold on tight!

Pro tip: Download the Grab app before you land and get some local cash (VND) ready.