After plenty of city I felt like it was time for some green and blue so I found a Halong Bay cruise here and in a day I was on a boat floating amongst the natural wonders of the world at Halong.
This is where the local free thinkers are chatting, texting, smoking, gaming and reading news as the coffee drips timelessly through the filters. Magnificent institution open since 1984.
Keep walking along the dark laneway from the back of the shop until you find yourself in a garden. A girl takes your order before you ascend three flights of stairs to look out over the lake.
Analog with its vibrant neon sign and uncertain staircase. This shisha bar has a great balcony where you can see what’s happening on the street below.
Popular place so it’s wise to make a booking. Celebrity chef Didier Corlou has some incredible fusion dishes on the menu. Make sure you try the sapa honey ice cream for dessert
I walked along West Lake to check in at the Commune coworking space. These guys have a massive view of the lake from their roof that’s easy to work from.
Pots n Pans is run by KOTO staff and funded by Melbourne’s Small Giants. Don’t be expecting $0.50 pho, these dishes are really high end and my slow cooked lamb certainly left me satisfied.
Great place to go for a run. Lots of bustling streets to explore and all sorts of interesting people sharing spaces.
Restaurants here often have many levels so don’t feel you need to sit right at the front door, take a look upstairs and maybe even up a second set of stairs to see what is there.
