Hanoi was amazing. And the air is very dirty. You can pick up a dust mask--they're ubiquitous--for very little. Don't be afraid crossing the street: keep a steady stride and stay alert! I had a suit and 4 trousers made for a song.
Also--everyone wants to sell you postcards--maps--books--food--a shoe shine (you'll be offered loaner sandals , and a few minutes later your shoes come back, shiny, and a hand expects a buck or two).
But--what brings you Hanoi!?
Hanoi street life makes NYC seem tame. And NYC nightlife makes Hanoi seem lame. As far as I could tell. I wasn't really there for nightlife--in fact hung out evenings with a lower-middle class Vietnamese family eating on straw mats, or an ex-pat family on classy designer sofas.
Turns out I probably *won't* be looking for a gig in Hanoi. I met a "performance art" couple--at first they seemed rather sympatico with my work: custom electro-acoustic instruments and dance even--but really they were doing industrial events veering on the tacky.
Tell me more, and maybe I can tell you more?