By Niraj Kasar — Hanoi, Vietnam
The best city in Southeast Asia to simply sit in. Pull up a plastic stool half a metre off the ground, order something you cannot pronounce, and watch the Old Quarter organise its own chaos.
Best time to visit October to December. Spring is misty and moody, summer is a sauna with motorbikes.
What to expect Crossing the road is an act of faith. Walk slow and steady, the scooters flow around you.
What to carry Small notes for street food. Egg coffee costs pennies and changes your definition of coffee.
Hanoi does not perform for visitors. That is exactly why you should go.