Part Panda

HANOI-- The first time I went to Vietnam was to Ho Chi Minh City, and I swore I would never go back—the city and I didn’t quite hit it off. And then, Hanoi happened.

  Hanoi was one of those cities where the pictures don’t do it justice, it was beautiful on so many levels—the people were warm and friendly, the whole city was steeped in history and the food was incredibly. This city made me completely fall in love with Vietnam.

    Must Do’s:

  Madam Hien: Easily the best meals I had while I was there—so good we had to stop by twice! Be sure to sign up for their cooking classes to get a real background on Vietnamese flavors.

  Sofitel Metropole Hotel: The best play to stay in Hanoi for so many reasons: the aesthetics, the service, but really the food: they do an amazing job of representing the local cuisine and the best part: all you can eat Pho bar, need I say more?

AMSTERDAM—A city that I first visited as a college student studying abroad, I spent my first visit seeking out legal pot and tripping on mushrooms. Truth be told, I barely remembered it, but was impacted by the city none the less. In 2013, I traveled back as a “responsible” adult hoping to take in the beautiful canals and architecture I had heard so much about—with the occasional joint here and there. While it amazed me the first time, the second time it left my dumbfounded. With every turn, I was met with stunning views and was constantly saying to my boyfriend, “That, that is my dream home! No wait… no, actually THAT is my dream home” and so on. The first time, I happily left Amsterdam with a massive hang over. This time, I left kicking and screaming, never wanting to leave those beautiful canals.

While there is enough art, historical sites and legalized pot to keep you fully occupied, here are some other recommendations for you to try:

Swing by Tempo Doelo off of Rembrandtplein for some rijsttafel: Amsterdam has some of the best Indonesian food outside of Indonesia and this place has the best rijsttafel (rice table) around! Think a tasting menu for Indonesiean food. This place fills up quick so be sure to make reservations in advance.