Hello my adventurous friends! Just got back from a wonderful trip to Hanoi and boy, do I have some tales to share! It all started on Friday night when we arrived in this pulsing city. We kicked off our adventure with a late dinner at KOTO Van MieuKOTO Van MieuBucket listTrip, a fantastic social enterprise restaurant that not only serves stellar Vietnamese food, but also gives disadvantaged youths a chance to learn some life-changing skills. A definite win-win!

Saturday morning we were up bright and early (kids, right?) and headed to the Ho Chi Minh MausoleumHo Chi Minh MausoleumBucket listTrip. It's not just an iconic Hanoi landmark, it's also a great spot to teach the kiddos some history. Post sightseeing, we chilled out at Cong CapheCong CapheBucket listTrip. Their coconut coffee - oh my! It's like a tropical hug in a cup.

In the afternoon, we were off to Hanoi Kids' Art CentreHanoi Kids' Art CentreBucket listTrip. It's an amazing place where kids can indulge their artistic side. We left with some pretty impressive souvenirs made by our little ones!

Dinner was at Green TangerineGreen TangerineBucket listTrip. The French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine was divine and the kids loved the quirky vintage decor. We had hired a babysitter through a local agency, so post dinner, hubby and I stepped out to The Opera Night ClubThe Opera Night ClubBucket listTrip for a fun night out.

Sunday began with a leisurely stroll around the Hoan Kiem LakeHoan Kiem LakeBucket listTrip, followed by a visit to the Temple of LiteratureTemple of LiteratureBucket listTrip. We then headed to Pizza 4P'sPizza 4P'sBucket listTrip for lunch. Yes, pizza in Vietnam! But trust me, it's worth it.

Finally, we wrapped up our Hanoi adventure with a visit to the Hanoi Old QuarterHanoi Old QuarterBucket listTrip. The kids fell in love with the vibrant streets and I must admit, I did too.

Hotels we recommend: Best Trendy Hotel: The Chi Boutique HotelThe Chi Boutique HotelBucket listTrip Best Luxury Boutique Hotel: Hotel de l'Opera HanoiHotel de l'Opera HanoiBucket listTrip Best Budget Boutique Hotel: Hanoi La Siesta Hotel TrendyHanoi La Siesta Hotel TrendyBucket listTrip Best BonVoy Hotel: JW Marriott Hotel HanoiJW Marriott Hotel HanoiBucket listTrip Best Hyatt Hotel: Park Hyatt SaigonPark Hyatt SaigonBucket listTrip Best Hilton Hotel: Hilton Hanoi OperaHilton Hanoi OperaBucket listTrip

Our favorite spots: Favorite Restaurants: KOTO Van MieuKOTO Van MieuBucket listTrip, Green TangerineGreen TangerineBucket listTrip, Pizza 4P'sPizza 4P'sBucket listTrip Favorite Coffee Shops: Cong CapheCong CapheBucket listTrip Favorite Attractions: Ho Chi Minh MausoleumHo Chi Minh MausoleumBucket listTrip, Hanoi Kids' Art CentreHanoi Kids' Art CentreBucket listTrip, Temple of LiteratureTemple of LiteratureBucket listTrip, Hanoi Old QuarterHanoi Old QuarterBucket listTrip

End of dispatch.