Hello, my name is Mien, and I am from Hanoi, Vietnam.
I used to be a travel enthusiast. Been across Vietnam as well as to quite a few countries. Used to own a small business. Used to be loud, aggressive, competitive and extroverted. Not much of that any longer. Probably because I am getting old, or probably because I’ve been through some serious breakdowns that have altered my take on life and death. Nevertheless, I feel content with those changes and with where I am at. Nowadays, what makes me happy is just some quiet time with a book, a cup of coffee, a piece of music, and above all, the feeling that my life is being of use to others.
Below is perhaps one of my all time favourite. Just because of the peace it makes me feel:
P/S: If you’re tired of my non-sense and want something more professional, connect with me on Twitter, Linkedin, or email me at phamhoangmien@gmail.com.
Mien's Blog 
August 9, 2011 at 2:23 PM
Hi Mien,
My partner Claire and I are travelling from Shanghai to Cape Town by land – and we’ve just arrived in Hanoi. We’ll be here for a week or so and would love to meet up sometime in the next few days, if you can spare the time. You’ll find more about our journey, and us, at our travelogue.
All the Best,
Iain
August 9, 2011 at 5:30 PM
Hey Iain, thanks for the invite. Would love to meet up in Hanoi but I’m flying to Ho Chi Minh City for a new job tonight (which means I’ll have to update my “about” page very soon). If you and Claire go to Ho Chi Minh city, just let me know :-). Best, Mien.
August 9, 2011 at 5:36 PM
What a shame! We were in HCMC about a week ago and won’t be going back, at least not for a while. Good luck with the new job.
June 7, 2012 at 11:07 PM
Such interesting information about yourself that I’ve never found out before. Good luck with your new job that really attracts you!
June 8, 2012 at 12:24 AM
Hihi bạn Trang ả thân yêu đọc kỹ lại ngày giờ của 2 cái comment bên trên nhé =)). Tao đã kết thúc an toàn vui vẻ cái “new job” đó rồi còn gì kưng 😛
July 9, 2012 at 11:13 AM
I see Pham is already taken; by someone not doing anything with the domain since August 4, 2006.
September 10, 2012 at 5:13 PM
Hi Mien, I hope you can participate in this photo contest and share with your friends
http://www.citypassguide.com/vietnam-travel-blog/2nd-city-pass-photo-contest
September 11, 2012 at 2:30 PM
thanks for informing me, Aaron! 🙂 Are you with City Pass now?
December 6, 2012 at 3:40 PM
I am with it until now.. luckily. Here is the new photo contest in Instagram Style. I hope you will check out /www.citypassguide.com/vietnam-travel-blog/first-vietnams-instagram-photo-contest
January 10, 2014 at 11:57 AM
I’ve searched ” travel blogger living in Hanoi” and you are the number 1 result 🙂 Just want to let you know that you’ve done a great job with Hanoigrapevine. I use this website hundreds of time recently. Wish you all the best and i’m really happy to become your friend in the near future 🙂
January 10, 2014 at 3:43 PM
Thank you for the nice words, Thao. And it’s amazing about the result for “travel blogger living in Hanoi”, I didn’t even know that! And great to hear you like Hanoi Grapevine too 🙂
April 18, 2014 at 5:19 AM
Hi Mien,
Thank you so much for the information on your blog. I really enjoy your style, short and sweet, to the point with really nice photos. I have a question, I am traveling to Hanoi in July. How is the weather that time of the year?
April 18, 2014 at 11:08 AM
Hi Thao, I’m so happy that you like my blog :-). Thanks so much for all the kind words. Where are you traveling to Hanoi from? Honestly, Hanoi in July is tough.. Gonna be super hot and sweaty..
April 18, 2014 at 3:50 PM
I’m traveling from Alaska, USA. Yeah, hot and sweaty was what I was afraid of. Is that the wet season or dry?
Sent from my iPhone
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April 18, 2014 at 7:48 PM
theoretically, it’s dry. But this is Hanoi, you never know..
April 21, 2014 at 2:56 AM
Thanks for your comments mien.
July 31, 2014 at 1:53 AM
Hello Mien. I really enjoyed reading your blog, and I’m a person who never reads!! I’ve visited Hanoi 3 years ago and loved it, so I’m planning another trip for April 2015. Also, I’m planning to move to Hanoi in about 8 years, after my daughter goes to university. Yes, I plan way ahead!! So, I just wanted to say, thank you, for all the valuable info you have given me. Wishing you all the best, and if you are ever in Cyprus, Europe, let me know and I’ll show you around. Regards, Stasinos
July 31, 2014 at 10:48 AM
Hi Stasinos, thanks so much for your lovely comment, I appreciate ;-). Let me know when you’re in the city in Apr next year, will be great to catch up if I’m in town then. Cyprus sounds like a cool idea!! We’ll see! 🙂
July 31, 2014 at 3:35 PM
That would be great! I’ll definately let you know! Do you have a facebook account? If you want, find me and send me a friend request. I’m Stasinos Sofroniou. There’s only one. I’m the guy with the tie! Talk soon!
December 20, 2014 at 4:39 PM
Wish I had discovered your blog before I visited Vietnam early this year! But still, loving it 🙂
December 21, 2014 at 2:54 PM
Thanks Astha! Hope that you’ll come back to Vietnam some time in the future. I love your country a lot too and looking forward to returning someday 🙂
April 19, 2015 at 3:47 PM
Hi Mien,
I was writing my blog post sharing my recent Fansipan trekking experience and accidentally found your blog, with the same opening: “So finally I…” (well of course I changed mine)
Then I found out you are running Hanoi Grapevine – one of my most favorite website for years.
I just want to say thank you a lot for your work 🙂 Hope we can meet in person one day.
Wish you all the best,
Thu Ha
April 20, 2015 at 2:27 AM
Thank you :-). I’m often going to events around town so I guess we may be able to meet some time :-). And what is your blog link please? I would love to visit your blog too!
May 17, 2016 at 7:07 PM
Hi Mien,
This is Saul at GPSmyCity, a publisher of travel apps on iTunes App Store and Google Play. We have reviewed your blog and are interested in working with you for mutual benefits. We are interested in (1) sponsoring a giveaway on your blog and (2) converting some of your blog posts into mobile apps so they can be sold on iTunes App Store and Google Play. If you wish to learn more about these opportunities, please reply to my email at your earliest convenience. Thank you.
Best regards,
Saul Tarasoff
GPSmyCity.com