Ask the crew: Cherry Yip’s guide to Hanoi

We caught up with Cathay Pacific Flight Purser Cherry Yip to find out why Hanoi is her favourite city. Explore the city’s rich cultural heritage through its historic sites and fusion cuisine.

“I was lucky enough to visit Hanoi with my boyfriend. It was a short trip, but we crammed in a lot.”

Must-do

We visited Quang Phu Cau, Hanoi’s famed incense village. People have been making incense sticks there for generations, but today, the sight of the colourful incense drying in the sun has made the village a popular tourist attraction.  

The incense sticks are arranged in various patterns and images – even the Vietnamese flag. Traditional Vietnamese clothing is also available to rent, and the staff will help you take photos. Pro tip: choose clothing that will contrast nicely with the incense displays, which feature a lot of red. 

Must-eat

Vietnam’s historic ties to France mean there are a lot of French and Vietnamese fusion restaurants in Hanoi. I recommend La Badiane . It’s housed in a beautiful heritage building with black-and-white tiled floors and lots of plants.

The place smells amazing as soon as you walk in and, in contrast to your typical fine dining experience, the atmosphere is very relaxed. Deciding what to order is easy as there’s a seasonal tasting menu with wine pairings. That said, the staff are happy to accommodate any specific needs.

Must-pack

Ride-hailing apps like Grab make getting around a lot easier, so I’d recommend bringing a portable Wi-Fi device with you. It’s also a good idea to carry a wallet as a lot of street stalls only accept cash. I would choose one with a clip for safekeeping – areas like the Old Quarter can get crowded.