People live on-top of people in Hanoi. As I write this I’m trying not to make eye contact with the neighbors across the alley. There is constant construction and houses literally touch as they wind down ever-narrow alley ways. Fortunately, I’m never awoken by jackhammers at 6am (I’m not kidding. The workers start that early) but I am woken by gorgeous birds singing. Sadly, they’re kept in cages by my one English speaking neighbor who has three fatty chihuahuas and a plethora of exotic(ish) birds.
I can see into my neighbors flats. Directly. And you know what that means? They can see into mine. Have I revealed that I wear minimal amounts of clothing indoors? Shit, when I’m outdoors I wear minimal amounts of clothes. I hate clothes. So, my whole neighborhood knows who I am for prolly all the wrong reasons. That’s why it’s good to take weekend trips to places like Mai Chau!

Mai Chau is about a 3hr bus ride from Hanoi. There are many private transports and public buses to choose from!
This was one of my first weekend trips out of Hanoi. This was my first time staying at a legit VN homestay and it was super pleasant. IDK how I’ve slept my whole existence on Western mattresses. This is where it’s at:

The scenery of Mai Chau is fresh and stunning. Renting a motorbike is a must. Just make sure all the lights work. Let’s jus say I had to hold an IPhone light as our only guide down narrow roads. Super safe. No worries.
I also discovered my true passion: Dog Whisperer. I only had to come half way across the world to find it!

Also, the food may actually be cheaper than Hanoi, if that’s possible. And I discovered my favorite VN dish, Com Lam.

All of this for $7USD
Plus 2 coffees
So, we took a private hire there and a public bus back. The public bus was real. Like, I was stepping over people left and right. At one point I had to use the bathroom and the driver said I could relieve myself in a plastic bag… Like I use plastic bags!







Love your photos of the dogs and of the food……
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