kimura– Author –

We explain whether Vietnam's prices really are cheap, based on the latest 2026 local prices. While showing rough figures for food, transport, lodging, and living costs and a comparison with Japan, we organize concrete money-saving tricks and seasonal and booking tips to keep costs down locally. A practical guide gathering real price information useful for both travelers and long-term residents.

A thorough comparison of the ideal number of days for a Hanoi stay, by purpose. It introduces recommended durations and model plans for each travel style — city-sightseeing-focused, food-focused, or combined with suburban tours like Ha Long Bay. A practical guide covering ways to get around comfortably even on a first Hanoi trip, and cautions for short and medium stays alike.

An explanation of the best season for a Hanoi trip based on month-by-month climate data. It lays out the features of the dry and rainy seasons, and differences in temperature and humidity, and introduces the optimal time to comfortably enjoy sightseeing, city strolls, and food. A practical guide covering clothing guidelines, seasons to avoid, and how beginners can choose a travel time without failing.

15 souvenirs you can buy in Hanoi. We share a curated selection of recommendations a Japanese resident of Hanoi actually bought.

A thorough breakdown of Vietnam's national café "Highlands Coffee"! It comprehensively covers everything from why it's popular — dubbed "Vietnam's Starbucks" — to must-try recommended drinks (condensed-milk coffee, freeze), superb banh mi, and how to order. A latest guide that helps on the ground.

Based on the latest 2025 data, we explain the top 10 of the world coffee production ranking. We cover each country's characteristics, main varieties, the coffee belt, and the industry's challenges in plain terms.

Robusta, the star of Vietnamese coffee, is a bean prized for its strong bitterness and body. In Hanoi, cafés making the most of that character are scattered throughout the city, where you can enjoy cups in which bitterness and sweetness blend exquisitely, such as cà phê sữa đá made with condensed milk and cà phê trứng made with egg yolk. Come experience the deep world of Vietnamese coffee, which is far more than just bitter.