Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Hanoi (Vietnamese:
Hà Nội), the capital of
Vietnam,
and also its second largest city, is a fascinating blend of East and
West, with Chinese influence from centuries of dominance, and French
design from its colonial past. It is largely unspoiled by modern
architecture of the 1970s and 80s, and is now going through a
modernization that is making it a rising star in
Southeast Asia.
Understand
Invading forces from every direction agree: Hanoi makes a fine
capital. It has held that title for more than a thousand years, through
several invasions, occupations, restorations, and name changes. The
Chinese conquered the imperial city of of Đại La in 1408 and renamed it
Tống Bình. Le Loi repelled the invaders in 1428 and applied the name of
Lê Thái Tổ (黎太祖); for his efforts, he received the crown and a slew of
legends about his heroic exploits, many centred around the
Hoan Kiem Lake in the Old Quarter. The Nguyen Dynasty gave the city its modern name of Ha Noi in 1831, but they had transferred power to
Hue
by then; it remained there until 1887, when the French made Hanoi the
capital of all Indochina. It changed hands again in 1954, when it was
ceded to Ho Chi Minh and the Viet Minh after almost a decade of
fighting, and it became the capital of North Vietnam; upon reunification
in 1975, it assumed that title for the entire country.
The first western-style universities in Vietnam were founded in
Hanoi, and today, it is the leading centre of scientific study and
research in the country. Hanoi retains much of its older colonial charm,
despite the battles that have raged over it; conflict had the side
effect of making it largely oblivious to modern architecture, and as a
result, few buildings in the city centre area are higher than five
stories. The Old Quarter is second only to
Hoi An
for uninterrupted stretches of colonial and pre-colonial architecture,
well-preserved on dense warrens of narrow, wonderfully atmospheric
streets. It trades the commercial boom and sprawl of
Ho Chi Minh City
in the South for a more understated charm, worth enjoying for an extra
day or two, and with countless transport options and travel agents, it
makes a perfect base for exploration of the North.
As you walk along the street, you may find that people start
talking to you. It is a cultural norm there to make conversation with
strangers. They might ask you where you are from and other general
questions. And be very cautious especially if a lady will approach you
and over-solicitously insist that she is a student without being asked
what is her station in life.
It takes awhile to get used to that. However, there are times
when you find this friendliness extremely helpful, such as when you are
lost or need help.
The
Tourist Information Centre, ☎ +84 4 926 3366, Dinh
Tien Hoang, just north of Hoan Kiem Lake, can provide a fairly useful
map (bewilderingly, the blow-up of the old town is missing making it
useless in that part of town) and other English-language advice, as well
as limited free Internet. They aren't completely without bias.
There are self-help interactive screen information booths around
the Old Quarter but their purpose is to superficially conjure the image
of coming-of-age "Vietnam has arrived" impression to the unsuspecting
passerby. An example was an inquiry typing out the American Embassy as
prompted by an empty field, then it flashed on to the next interactive
page asking for which district (one may not be aware that the US embassy
has branches in every district) - smart and amazing!
Climate
The Tet holiday (Lunar New Year’s Eve) is in the Spring. Flowers are
the most beautiful during this time of the year. The weather starts to
warm up with light rain here and there during the week. Hanoians believe
that these light rains bring prosperity and luck for the New Year.
The Summer, on the other hand, is quite intolerable. The heat
alone would be alright but there is the humidity which would start to
manifest in the air since Spring. Visitors also have to be very careful
with mosquitoes because there are a lot in Hanoi due to the level of
moisture in the air and the temperature. Hanoi has a good climate for
many insects to proliferate, not just mosquitoes.
There is something unique about Hanoi’s Autumn. The weather is
perfect with less humidity in the air. The temperature would drop by
now, offering people a chance to take out their fleece and jackets.
Moreover, there is this type of tree – “cay hoa sua” which only has
flowers in Autumn. The flower has a very distinct smell. If you have the
chance to visit Hanoi during Autumn, make sure you ask the local people
about this type of trees and where you can experience their distinct
aroma.
Winter can be quite brutal because it is not only cold, but also
very humid. The winter in Hanoi feels even colder due to the fact that
Vietnamese houses typically don’t have a central heating system. Many
houses don’t have any types of heating at all.
January is a drizzly and even rainy month. It may rain two days
or days in a row all day long for a week. Don't go unless you have an
aversion to getting a glimpse of the sun.
Get in
By plane
Departure tax
As of November 2006, international departure taxes should be
included in the price of your ticket, but that doesn't necessarily mean
they will be - check with the airline to be absolutely sure. If not, the
tax (sometimes called "passenger service charge") is payable in U.S.
dollars (US$14) or in dong.
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Most people arrive at the
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN),
35 km (45-60 minutes) north of the city. The airport might seem
relatively small considering Hanoi's importance to the country, but this
might benefit travelers by making the airport easy to navigate and no
need to arrive hours in advance (the limited waiting space is one reason
why non-travelers are discouraged from entering the airport) to make
sure there is plenty of room for those actually using and working in the
airport. Several airlines run flights from Noi Bai, including:
- Aeroflot (Moscow-Sheremetyevo)
- Hong Kong Airlines (Hong Kong)
- Indochina Airlines 63 Ly Thuong Kiet St. – Tran Hung Đao Ward – Hoan Kiem District. ☎ +84 4 3941 1411,
- JetStar Asia/Pacific Airlines ☎ +84 4 9550550 - Discount Vietnamese carrier (formerly Pacific Air) for domestic flights and low-cost flights to/from Singapore.
- Korean Air (Busan, Seoul-Incheon)
- Malaysia Airlines ☎ +60 3 7843 3000) - Daily flights from Kuala Lumpur.
- Qatar Airways (Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi, Doha)
- Singapore Airlines ☎ +84 4 3826 8888) - Full-service airline with daily flights to/from Singapore.
- Thai Airways International - Two flights daily to/from Bangkok.
- Tiger Airways (Singapore) ☎ +84 4 94 54565)
- Vietnam Airlines - 25 Tràng Thi (corner of Quang Trung) ☎ +84 4 934 9660 fax: +84 4 934 9620, - The primary national carrier.
If
departing from Noi Bai airport via Vietnam Airlines with no
checked luggage, walk to the last airline check-in counter and to the
right of it, there's a sign showing check-in for passengers without
checked luggage. Using this counter is a great time saver if it applies
to your journey.
From the airport
- Taxis to central Hanoi can be hired at Noi Bai . There is
a fixed price taxi stand right outside the exit, offering fares between
US$10-16 into the city. It is slightly more expensive than the tout
taxis, but you pre-pay for the trip, so no hassles about the fare. Other
drivers may try to take you to a hotel of their choice to collect a
commission, but if you are specific about your destination, they usually
give in. As you leave the airport all sorts of US$ prices will be
quoted by taxi agents, ranging from around US$15-$30. Be sure you have a
clear price agreement with the driver before getting into the car as
the price quoted by the agent may not be what the driver is expecting.
If you have changed money into dong at the airport you can, of course,
pay in local currency. The prevailing rate at the end of 2010 seemed to
be around 350,000 dong. If you fly in late and don't want the taxi
haggling hassles consider pre-arranging a private transfer with your
hotel or book online at [YourLocalBooking.com]
- If you already have a hotel booked, you might ask the hotel to
dispatch a driver. The nicer hotels will do this and put the fare on
your room bill.
- Public buses to the city centre from Noi Bai airport
take about 1,5 hour. Bus #07 crosses the Thang Long bridge and goes to
the Daewoo Hotel on the western part of Hanoi (almost an hour on foot to
the historical centre of Hanoi). Bus #17 crosses the Chuong Duong
bridge and goes close to the old quarter, to Long Bien (just a few
blocks from Hoan Kiem Lake - the destination of most tourists). Prices
are 4,000 dong and 5,000 dong, respectively. To catch buses 7 or 17, go
to the 2nd floor of the terminal, proceed outside, and walk along the
ramp to your left. The ramp, like a highway overpass, will take you to
the other side of the road than if you had just exited on the 1st floor
arrivals section. Buses 7 and 17 depart from right at the end of the
ramp. However, baggage is not permitted aboard the buses, so you may
need to wait a few minutes to try your luck several times or give the
conductor a small bribe, i.e. paying for the baggage as well. Don't
listen to taxi drivers or shuttle bus operators that claim the stop for
the public buses is a few kilometers away or that service has been
terminated. Public buses operate from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Shuttle-buses from the airport to Hanoi stop at the
Vietnam Airlines Office on 1 Quang Trung (a bit south of the old quarter
but conveniently stocked with taxis and motorbike drivers, of course!).
Tickets are sold in the building in front of which the minibuses park,
or you can give the fare directly to the driver. The cost is US$2 or
40,000 dong for foreigners (insurance reason), and 35,000 dong for
Vietnamese (which includes VN-Americans),which rate is indicated on the
sticker fixed to the bus's body. The driver will potentially give you
trouble if you have additional bags, but if you push, you will get the
same US$2 rate. They also try the 'typhoon in Ha Long Bay' scam whereby
they take you to a street where you cannot see the hotel name and tell
you that the Ha Long Bay guests are still in the hotel and they will
take you to their other hotel for the same price. This place is a
complete dive facing the highway. You should also beware the drivers
trying to offer you a ride to your hotel for US$5, claiming the Old
Quarter is 5km from the office - it is much cheaper to go to the Vietnam
Airlines office and switch to a taxi (or walk, it's 2km MAX to anywhere
in the Old Quarter). The taxi will not cost more than the US$3 price
differential and if it does, you should refuse to pay as the driver has
cheated you somehow. The shuttle buses are also available to get to
airport hourly.
By train
Trains to
Nanning,
China depart from
Gia Lam
Station (GPS 21.05213,105.87939), about 5km north-east of Hanoi
Station, although tickets can be purchased from Hanoi Station. A ticket
for a soft sleeper compartment (4-berth compartment) costs 568,000
dong per person. Be cautious buying these tickets from hotels or travel
agents in the Old Quarter, as they may quote prices substatially higher.
All other trains use the main
Hanoi train station (Ga Hang Co, 120 Le Duan, ☎ +84 4 825 3949), for daily services from cities in the south including
Hue and
Nha Trang. The
Reunification Express goes all the way to
Ho Chi Minh City, although there is very little 'express' about it.
There are also train services to the north-west (including
Lao Cai, from which you reach
Sapa. To board trains bound for these destinations, you have to enter the railway station compound through the "backdoor" at
Tran Quy Cap station.
Just tell your driver which destination your train is heading to. Be
mindful of any "helpful" stranger who offers to carry your luggage - he
probably has a sum more than the cost of the ticket in mind for the
help.
Tickets for all destinations are sold in the main station, though
there are two counter halls, north and south, serving the respective
destinations.
Technically, there is a queuing system in place to buy tickets at
Hanoi Station which involves obtaining a numbered docket and waiting to
be called up to one of the ticket counters. In practice, the process is
chaotic and many locals disregard the system altogether, often pushing
their way to the counters to be served. If travelling to Nanning, China,
it is advisable to ask a staff member where to go, as not all counters
can sell these tickets.
Buy your tickets as early as possible, especially since
sleeper-tickets can be sold out several days in advance. If you can't
get a ticket anymore, try a travel-agent who still might have stocks.
You may also try your luck in the station just before boarding time,
agents still holding tickets will be eager to sell as the departure
draws near. Nevertheless, travel agencies in Hanoi are known for their
bad business practices. Some of them will try to overcharge you up to
300%, so it is better go to the train station by yourself and find out
about the prices before you agree on any deal.
By bus
Most of the "open-tour" bus itineraries either begin or end in Hanoi, with
Hue the next (or previous) stop (12-14 hr, US$8-9), and from there to
Hoi An,
Nha Trang,
Dalat,
Mui Ne,
Ho Chi Minh City, and other cities in
Vietnam,
depending on the bus company. Most seem to stop at their office which
could be right next to the old district / most backpacker hotels. Check
when booking ticket.
Many of the same companies also sell tickets to
Vientiane and
Savannakhet in
Laos (US$16-18). Do some research before you buy a ticket as rattle-trap scam buses abound on this route.
See
Ho Chi Minh City to Shanghai overland if you're interested in crossing over to
China by bus or train.
Get around
Taxis are the best way to travel long distances, but the
cyclos,
or pedicabs, are a cheap way to make shorter trips. Taxi fares are not
always consistent, and the rates for each taxi company have not been
standardized. For lone travellers, rides on the back of
motorbikes (actually low-powered scooters) are popular too (known as
xe om, literally meaning motorbike-hug).
By taxi
Some meter taxi owners in Hanoi will attempt to negotiate a flat fee
in advance rather than use the meter. If you have a fair idea of how far
you're going or how much you're willing to pay, this is probably a good
idea. If the driver refuses, turning around and walking away will
almost certainly change his mind. Don't sweat it, it's all part of the
expected negotiation protocol. It has also become common for the drivers
of some of the less reputable taxi companies to "fix" their meters to
run faster hence running up a high bill very fast! The recommendation is
to only use the reputable and reliable taxi companies. These are Hanoi
Taxi, ☎ +84 4 3853 5353), Taxi CP, ☎ +84 4 3826 2626), Mai Linh Taxi ,
☎ +84 4 3861 6161). Another common scam by taxis is that the driver
takes you for a "sightseeing" - and extends the tour to make more money.
This is very hard to discover unless you know the city well, but if you
catch your driver doing this (e.g. going around Hoan Kiem Lake twice),
demand that he stop the taxi and leave the taxi without paying.
Be very careful with meter taxis in Hanoi. Some have central
locking, and are known to lock passengers in, and demand large amounts
of US dollars before letting them go. The driver may threaten to have
you beaten up or arrested should you not give in to his demands, but if
you kick up enough of a fuss, they will let you go.
Most taxi drivers speak limited English, so it's a good practice
to get your hotel to write the name and address of you destination in
Vietnamese to show the taxi driver, and get your hotel's business card
in case you get lost.
Be vigilant when taking a taxi - driver jumps out at destination
and dumps most of your bags out of the trunk. While you're busy putting
rucksack on he has taken off with your other bags.
Be vigilant also the meter which can run as far or even
faster than a digital clock. Do keep an eye on the meter during the
journey. Fare flag drops starting at 12,000 dong.
By motorbike driver
Motorbike drivers can be found on virtually every corner, especially
in the Old Quarter. Expect to be offered a ride every half-block (or
more). You should absolutely negotiate a fare in advance, and again,
turn around and walk away if you don't like their offer. There are far
more drivers than tourists, and they know it - your fare could be the
only one they get all day. You should also write down the negotiated
fare (with all zeros) to avoid confusion. Even if you do speak
Vietnamese, a driver might pretend that you said 50,000 dong instead of
15,000, In case of argument over fares after the ride, keep calm and
repeat the original agreement (remember, you have the leverage). A
typical 10 min fare should cost no more than 15,000-20,000 dong. Many
drivers will accept US dollars as well. At the end of a ride, some will
offer to hang around to drive you to your next destination - either be
clear that you don't want a return ride (and don't go near him when you
leave), or get a price in advance. Otherwise, you might be surprised
when the driver tacks on several million dong for having waited.
Keep your wallet out of arms reach of the drivers when you pay,
less honest motorbike drivers are not adverse to grabbing your wallet
and helping themselves to any notes they like the look of before jumping
on their bike and speeding off.
By cyclo
Negotiate first or avoid using the
cyclos services, they can
demand 200,000 dong (US$12) for a short ride of less than 100 m (330
ft). At the end of the journey, a few men will come over to translate,
and they will pretend to help and later insist that you pay the demanded
amount.
Motorbike rental
Motorcycles can be rented for around US$5-6 a day, and can be
arranged by most hotels. This is good for making lots of trips around
the city for individuals or duos, but be careful: Hanoi traffic is very
difficult place to sharpen motorbike skills. Park on the sidewalk with
other bikes, and be sure to lock the front wheel. Locals will help
arrange the bikes near their stores. Many shops that have bike
attendants will give you a ticket in exchange for parking your bike.
This may or may not come with a fee (typically ranging from 2,000-5,000
dong). The ticket will either have your license plate number written on
it, or the ticket itself will be numbered, with that number
subsequently chalked somewhere on your bike. In such cases (where
you've been given a ticket), the attendants may ask that you NOT lock
the steering column or front wheel of your bike so that they can
rearrange the bikes as customers come and go.
By bus
Scam free, cheap but a bit difficult to comprehend at first, the
buses
in Hanoi are relatively fast and surprisingly comfortable. Pick up a
map with printed bus lines at the Trang Tien street (the book street by
the Opera house) and spend a few minutes to identify the over 60 bus
lines, find your bus stop, wait for the bus, pay 3,000 dong and off you
go. If you are unfamiliar with the city, make sure to inform the
conductor where you want to get off.
List bus routes:
English,
Vietnamese
Bus maps:
English,
Vietnamese
By car
Hanoi's traffic is chaotic, with seemingly perpetual traffic jams,
and a large number of almost suicidal motorcyclists and pedestrians. As
such, driving yourself around is not recommended, and you should leave
your transportation needs in the hands of professionals.
By Metro
The city will be serviced by Metro sometime around 2015. Construction began in 2010.
See
Museums
- Vietnamese Women's Museum - Bảo Tàng Phụ nữ Việt Nam, 36 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District (Located in central Hanoi, 1 km South of Hoan Kiem Lake), ☎ +84 04 38259938 (info@baotangphunu@org.vn, fax: 84 04 38259129). Tu-Su 8.00AM-4.30PM. This
often overlooked museum has recently benefited from an extensive
renovation of its permanent exhibitions. The modernised interior is well
laid out with information in Vietnamese, English and French, and
contains a huge amount of information on the fearsome female heroines of
Vietnamese history. There are also exhibitions on the rituals and
traditions surrounding women in family, as well as a beautifully
presented collection of intricate hand-made ethnic costumes. A
particular highlight are the regularly updated special exhibitions on a
diverse range of subjects, from contemporary issues such as single
mothers and street vendors to traditional medicine and Mother Goddess
worship. English language tours are available on request. 30,000 dong.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. 8AM to 11AM. Closed Mon & Fri. Last entrance 10:15. The city down south may have his name, but only Hanoi has the man himself, entombed in distinctly Lenin-esque
fashion - against his wishes, but that's how it goes. No talking,
revealing clothing (shorts should be knee length and no exposed
shoulders), or other signs of disrespect allowed while viewing; photos
are allowed only from outside, in the grand Ba Dinh Square. Purses are
allowed into the tomb, but expect them to be searched by several bored
soldiers along the way. Left luggage is handled in a complicated scheme:
there is an office near the street for large bags, with separate
windows for Vietnamese and foreigners, and a further office for cameras,
which will be transported to a third office right outside the
exit of the mausoleum. Items checked in at the first office, however,
will stay there. Note that the mausoleum is closed for a couple months
around the end of the year, when the body is taken abroad for
maintenance. Free.
- Ho Chi Minh Museum, 19 Ngoc Ha St, Ba Dinh, ☎ +84 4 846-3572 (bthochiminh@hn.vnn.vn). 8AM-11:30AM, 2PM-4PM, closed M and F afternoons. This
gleaming white museum and its gloriously ham-handed iconography are the
perfect chaser to the solemnity of the mausoleum. The building,
completed in 1990, is intended to evoke a white lotus. Some photos and
old letters are on display on the second floor, but the main exhibition
space is on the third floor. It includes cars crashing through walls to
represent the chaos of post-war American capitalism, soldiers charging
around with electric plugs, a cave hideout re-imagined as the inside of
Ho Chi Minh's brain, and several other postmodern confections integrated
with the main story of the man's life and his country's struggle. One
of the more informative museums in Vietnam, and perhaps one of the
oddest in the world. Guides are available in English, French, Chinese
and Russian, but don't bother; the displays are labeled in English and
French, and it's hard to imagine the guides doing much other than
belaboring the point. 25,000 dong.
- Ho Chi Minh's Vestige In The Presidential Palace Area, No.1 Bach Thao, Ba Dinh, ☎ +84 4 0804 4529. Summer 7:30AM-11AM, 2PM-4PM. Winter 8AM-11AM, 1:30PM-4PM, closed M F afternoons. The
exit from the mausoleum takes you right into the grounds of the, uh,
vestige, where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked from 1954 until his death in
1969. The nicely landscaped complex includes two of Ho Chi Minh's
houses, kept shiny and "as he left them" by the authorities, as well as a
garage with two of Ho's "used cars" and a carp-filled pond. The
Presidential Palace is also nearby, but it's not always open to
visitors. Pamphlets are available in English, Chinese, French, and
Korean. Guided tours are usually available if you wait. Paying is not
enforced unless you are one of the unlucky few to be outed from the
crowd. 25,000 dong.
- One-Pillar Pagoda, (Tucked away between the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum). Travellers
find the One-Pillar Pagoda either charming and lovely or utterly
pointless, depending on how many tour groups are crammed into the small
grounds at the time of their visit. Free.
- Fine Arts Museum - Bảo Tàng Mỹ Thuật, 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc St. Tuesday to Sun from 9:15am to 5pm. Only
party-approved art is shown here and there is no information in English
and only little in Vietnamese. But it is an interesting museum at any
rate, with pieces such as the wonderful pictures of soldiers on boats
depicted on prehistoric bronze drums, Buddhist art, and revolutionary
art of the 20th century wars. Also some interesting silk paintings. 20,000 dong.
- Army Museum - Bảo Tàng Quân Đội, Dien Bien Phu St. 8AM-11:30AM, 1:00PM-4:30PM, closed on Monday and Friday. Vietnam's
military history extends back some two millennia, and this museum
covers it on four buildings with interesting pieces. Item descriptions
on museum exhibits are in Vietnamese, French and English. On display
outside are the ubiquitous MiG-21 jet fighter, T-54 tank and many bombs
and articles captured on Indochina and Vietnam wars. closed monday and
friday. 30,000 dong, additional 20,000 dong to take pictures (rarely enforced).
- Air Force Museum - Bảo Tàng Không Quân, Truong Chinh St (SW of the city centre). There's
a decent outdoor collection of a UH-1 helicopter, Soviet-built MiG
fighters, a huge Mi-6 helicopter, and other aircraft; unfortunately
they've been exposed to the elements for some time and local kids climb
over them.
National Museum of Vietnamese History
- National Museum of Vietnamese History -Bảo tàng Lịch sử Việt Nam, 1 Trang Tien St. 8AM-11:30AM, 1:30PM-4:30PM. This is a collection from Vietnamese history from about 1,000 years back until 1945. Many antiques and the such. 15,000 dong, students 8,000 dong and under 15, 2,000 dong. 15,000 dong for a camera/30,000 dong for a video.
- Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution -Bảo tàng Cách mạng Việt Nam, 25 Tong Dan St (and 216 Tran Quang Khai St . Tu-Su 8AM-11:45AM, 1:30PM-4:15PM. This
museum gives a very informed and detailed account of the Vietnamese
struggle against first the French (starting in 1858 -- on the first
floor), then against the Americans (on the ground floor - ending on 30
April 1975). It is housed in a colonial French building which was
completed in 1932. The building, designed by the architect Ernest
Hébrard is considered as a successful blend between the colonial French
architecture and traditional Vietnamese architecture, called Indochina
architecture. He created double-walls and balconies for a natural
ventilation system and protection from sunshine. 10,000 dong.
- Museum of Ethnology - Bao Tang Dan Toc Hoc Vietnam, Nguyen Van Huyen St, Cau Giay district (Bus
14 from Hoan Kiem Lake - ask the conductor when to stop, and take a 500
m walk towards the museum (backtrack a little from the bus stop, and
when you see a large street perpendicular to the street that you dropped
off, take that street and walk down the street until you see the Museum
of Ethnology to your left). Bus 38 goes from right outside the Temple
of Literature to the street the museum is on.) . Tu-Su 8:30AM-5:30PM. covers
mainly the culture and ritual practices of the various ethnic groups in
the whole of Vietnam - one of the key attractions of the museum is the
open-air exhibition, which has houses of some ethnic groups, which even
comes with inhabitants in costumes. The museum features actual
explanations of the exhibits in Vietnamese, French and English. The
Museum of Ethnology houses the excellent chocolate and baguette cafe,
which has excellent fare at a reasonable price - an excellent pit-stop
after the museum visit. 25,000 dong for foreigners.
- Hanoi Museum - Bảo tàng Hà Nội, Pham Hung St, Cau Giay district.
Temples
- Temple of Literature - Văn Miếu, Quoc Tu Giam St (south of the Mausoleum). The
Temple of Literature was founded in 1070 and established as the
country's first university six years later. The courtyard features
numerous stone tablets, each mounted on the back of a tortoise, with the
names of graduates. 20,000 dong (as of March 2012).
- Ngoc Son Temple. Extends
out into the lake, with small but attractive grounds, displays on
Vietnamese history and, more memorably, displays on the giant turtles,
including a mummified specimen. 20,000 dong.
- Bach Ma Temple, 76 Hang Buom St, Hoan Kiem district. Time:
the 12th to the 13th day of the second lunar month. Objects of worship:
Bach Ma God (the symbol of God of sun), Long Do God (the god defends
the east), confer a title of “Thang Long Capital of Nation royal
tutelary god". Xuan Nguu presenting rite.
Parks
- Hoan Kiem Lake. A
pleasant park in the centre of town, within easy walking distance from
anywhere in the Old Quarter. It's the locals' favorite leisure spot, and
a great place to watch people practicing tai chi in the morning or to sit and read in the afternoon. Hoan Kiem
means "returned sword", and the name comes from a legend in which King
Le Loi was given a magical sword by the gods, which he used to drive out
the invading Chinese. Later, while boating on the lake, he encountered a
giant turtle, which grabbed the sword and carried it down to its
depths, returning it to the gods from whom it had come. (You can see a
version of the legend at the Water Puppet Theater - see below.) Rumor has it the giant turtles still inhabit the lake.
- Ho Tay - West Lake, (northwest of the city). mostly
a residential hub of the well-to-do. Hotel Intercontinental and Hanoi
Sheraton are on this lakefront. The shores are occupied by numerous
fishermen
- Lenin Statue & Park, (Dien Bien Phu St, across from the Army Museum). One
can always feel the diversity and liveliness of Hanoi there. In the
morning, there are low-energy aerobics class for the elders and aerobic
class for younger in the morning. During the day, one can enjoy the
tranquility in the park since everybody is either at work or in school.
In the afternoon, it becomes a playground for children and students as
well as for soccer teams and badminton players.
- Ly Thai To Statue & Park. The
park faces Hoan Kiem lake with a beautiful view of the busy Hang Bai
street and the serenity of the willows on the bank of the lake. Many
Hanoians view this mini-park as their favourite place because it is a
symbol of the integration of modernity and tradition. One would surely
encounter a group of youths who is practicing hip-hop and break dance
while at the same time, meeting a three-generation family enjoying a
walk in the park.
Wartime sites
- Hoa Lo Prison (The Hanoi Hilton), 1 Hoa Lo, Hoan Kiem. 8:30AM-11:30AM, 1:30PM-4:30PM. This
prison was built by the French at the turn of the 20th century, in
classical French prison design. This is where the French imprisoned and
executed many of the Vietnamese freedom fighters. Now a museum (2/3 of
the prison was torn down to make way for the Hanoi Towers), the museum
exhibits the brutal French colonial regime and the struggle of the
Vietnamese people against imperialism in chilling detail. The prison was
also known as the "Hanoi Hilton" during the Vietnam War as it held
American POW's shot down. Little emphasis is given to this period
however, and the exhibits shown can be frustratingly skewed in
propaganda, choosing to show solely propaganda photos of prisoners being
treated well and playing basketball, playing chess, and other staged
events. They also claim to have John McCain's flight suit from when his
plane was shot down. 20,000 dong.
- B-52 Lake - Huu Tiep Lake, Ngoc Ha Precinct, Ba Dinh District. Until
19 December 1972, this was just a small brackish pond just off Hoang
Hoa Tham Street, about 1 km west of the mausoleum. On that day, in a
twisted retelling of the Hoan Kiem legend (see above), Vietnamese
anti-aircraft guns (possibly with the help of flying turtles) retook the
enemy's eight-engined, 100-ton sword and sent it too, to the shallow
bottom of the lake, where it remains today.
- Downed Aircraft Memorial. Along
Thanh Nien Street on Truc Bach lake there is a stone plaque
commemorating the shooting down of a U.S. Navy (not "USAF" as depicted)
aircraft in 1967. Peruse the Vietnamese script and you can pick out the
name of John McCain, one of the airmen.
- Army Museum, (Dien Bien Phu street, across from the Lenin Statue mini-park and is in the area of embassies). Retells
the stories of many battles throughout the country’s history. There are
documents as well as models in the museum to make the retelling more
interesting. They have the model of the B-52 plane, tanks and even
canons.
Do
- SF Salon and Spa, 30 Cua Dong | Hoan Kiem, ☎ 844 9262032 9101236. Nice
but not too expensive spa with a range of services, including massages,
manicures/pedicures, facials. They will pay for your one-way cab fare
to the spa. Friendly staff.
Theatre
- Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (57 Dinh Tien Hoang St, across the street from the shores of the Hoan Kiem Lake, ☎ +84 4 824-9494, fax +84 4 824-5117, .
A visit to the water puppet theater is a real highlight of a trip to
Hanoi. Live musicians accompany folk legends from Vietnamese history,
told with wooden men, women and dragons, dancing and splashing on the
face of the water. The narratives are sung in Vietnamese, but a list of
titles is available in several languages. It is more of a visual-musical
thing which is universal, just ignore the dialogues and narration but
be on the look for special effects. Even in the 21st century, they still
elicit an ahhh moment from the audience. Tickets are 60,000 and 100,000
dong. There are several performances throughout the day, and it's even
possible to buy tickets even if the showing is going on for 15 minutes.
And if you missed the first 15 minutes, be the last to leave and mix in
with the incoming audience for the next performance. Camera passes are
an extra 15,000 dong, but whether you buy one or not is purely on the
honor system. Don't worry about getting wet, but the seats are very
small, and visitors with above-average height will have to squirm a bit.
Cinema
- Megastar— is on the 6th floor of the Vincom City Towers,
191 Ba Trieu. The tickets range from 60,000-200,000 dong depending on
the movie and the show time. The movies are relatively new, perhaps one
or two months later than in the U.S. The movies are not dubbed. There
are subtitles so both non-Vietnamese speakers and locals can enjoy the
movies.
- August Movie Theater (Rap Thang 8)— is on Hang Bai
street, 5 min away from Trang Tien Plaza and the commercial area, such
as Pho Hue, Hai Ba Trung and Trang Tien streets. 35,000-60,000 dong.
Gym
If you want to do some mild weight training on a budget, head to 88
Hang Buom st, a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. The cost is 20,000 dong
per session as of November 2009. Locals apparently pay 130,000
dong/month. Be aware, however, that the gym is in very poor condition.
The floor is hazardous and no one will spot you whilst benching so
ensure your last rep you are able to place the bar back or go with a
friend. The front of the gym is full of scooters and the rear wall has
pictures of Uncle Ho exercising back in the day! Drinks are 10,000 dong.
Rock climbing
VietClimb,So 40 Ngo 76 An Duong, ☎ +84 914 548 903 .
Hanoi has a climbing gym that opened on April 5, 2011. Opening hours:
2PM-10PM from Tue-Sun. 200 m² climbing surface, a 50 m² café &
terrace to chill out, and a climbing pro-shop. Also a great place for
finding out where to climb immediately outside of Hanoi.
Learn
Cooking classes
Hidden Hanoi, 137 Nghi Tam Rd (aka Duong An Duong Vuong), Tay Ho, (
info@hiddenhanoi.com.vn)
.
Located on the bund road in the Tay Ho district, Hidden Hanoi runs
walking tours and cooking classes. There are many options including the
1 hr walking tour of the local market, followed by the 3 hr cooking
class. Cooking class menus change daily, and there are other walking
tours available. They also run language classes, and there is a dance
school in the same building. US$50 per person
Vietnam Culinary School, Hanoi Administration Departments, (
hanoiculinaryclass@gmail.com).
The Culinary Class has fully equipped facilities to practice Vietnamese
cuisine techniques. A typical day will commence with a visit to the
morning market. Accompanied by an instructor, you will learn to select
and buy Vietnamese ingredients for your personal cooking lesson. The
class will be followed by a meal in a delightful restaurant sampling
your own cooking as well as traditional Vietnamese dishes.
EZcooking Class, 49 Lane, 49 Huynh Thuc Khang St.
- Hanoi Cooking Centre, 44 Chau Long Street (close to Truc Bac lake), ☎ +84437150088 . Cooking
school, retail outlet and beautiful court yard cafe with an excellent
menu of asian and western favourites. Hands-on cooking classes and short
courses in a relaxed atmosphere, designed by chef Tracey Lister
Buy
Money Changers
Money changers are usually in most guest houses and banks, and they
give bad rates. Don't exchange money from the black market people on the
streets. The best place to exchange money is at Ha Trung road and Hang
Bac where they give real good rates. Just walk into the gold shops or
jewellery shops and ask them if they change money and ask to show their
rates. Ask up to nearly 5 or more shops to see which shop gives the best
rates. Best rates are at Ha Trung which is 4 to 5 mins walk from hoan
kiem lake.
ATMs
ATMs are everywhere and cash is king here. There is a transaction
limit (2,000,000 dong). For a higher transaction limit (4,000,000 dong)
try the ANZ and Techcombank. The Techcombank SE of the Hoa Lo Prison
allows transactions of at least 7 mil (didn't try more than this, so try
starting as high as possible, maybe 20 mil?). Many places will accept
USD as well.
Check exchange rates daily. Jewellery shops will consistently offer a better rate than banks or hotels.
Markets
- Hang Da. A
6-story building to house the market is currently under construction;
all the kiosks are now located in the neighboring area, either on Phung
Hung (second-hand clothing), Duong Thanh or Ly Nam De streets. They
offer everything that one can think of, from pets, groceries, prepared
food to fabric materials.
- Cho Hom (the equivalent meaning in English would be Noon Market but the translation is not close), Pho Hue. They
offer everything here. What it is famous for is the fabric market on
the second floor. There are many kiosks selling different types of
fabrics ranging from cheap, affordable to very good quality with a high
price. However, please bear in mind that when shopping, take your time.
Never rush into buying anything. Sellers often give a very high price
that you can bargain down to half or one-third of the original price.
- Dong Xuan. Famous
for being the market for wholesalers. They have from school supplies,
stuffed animals to clothing. It is quite an experience to spend some
time in the market observing the sellers and buyers.
- Night Market. Usually
opens from 7PM, this unique market gathers on a walking street in the
old quarter. Has anything from pirated DVD to traditional ornaments.
Prices are negotiable but watch out for the "foreigner pricing" which is fairly common.
Bookshops
- Bookworm Hanoi, 44 Chau Long (Hanoi Cooking Center), ☎ 043 715 3711, 0912561800 . New and used books.
Eat
Since the mid 90s, Vietnamese cuisine has grown in quality and
variation, and is now very diverse and most delicious. Most famous
remains 'Pho Ga' (chicken noodle soup) or 'Pho Bo'(Beef noodle soup).
There are various dishes including chicken, beef, fish and seafood, and
there are hundreds, if not thousands, of restaurants nowadays in Hanoi
catering to everyone's taste.
In Hanoi, there are hundreds of street restaurants in small
kiosks on the sidewalk, with plastic tables and chairs on the pavement.
Eating at these restaurants is a great way to experience the local food
and culture. It is worth mentioning that food quality, freshness, and
hygiene can vary greatly. A bowl of noodle soup goes for 20,000 dong
(Jan 2011) and market food stalls offer fruit portions, sausages,
donuts, and other eats for 10,000 to 20,000 dong (Jan 2011). Be sure to
get your change as a few vendors seem to 'forget' to return it to you,
and learn a little Vietnamese because vendors often will not speak any
or much English.
The rule of thumb is if the price is expensive, hygiene quality
may or may not be OK, but if the price is cheap, definitely hygiene
quality is compromised. There seemed to be no regular food Health
Department inspector working regularly in the city.
For groceries, there is a large supermarket east of Hoan Kiem Lake (Finimart, 27A Ly Thai To, at Tran Nguyen Han).
Exotic treats
Next to Beijing, Hanoi is probably the second in the running to the world's exotic food paradise.
The suburb of Le Mat (aka the Snake Village) has numerous restaurants specializing in
cobra foodstuffs.
Live cobras are stored on the premises much the same way one would find
live lobsters at a Western seafood restaurant. If one orders cobra
blood wine from the menu, the waiter will take a live cobra, kill it on
the spot, drain the blood into a shot glass of rice wine, and top it off
with the cobra's still beating heart for you to gulp down! Not for the
faint hearted (excuse the pun). Le Mat is about ten minutes across the
river from downtown, take bus 10, 15 or 17 and get off at the large
"mega-mall" just beyond Gia Lam station, and walk 500 metres down the
road at the right of the mall. Cobras are not cheap at around
400,000-1,000,000 dong (USD$50-) but it gets turned into a dozen unique
dishes, enough to share between three or four people.
A local delicacy in the Hanoi area is
dog meat (
thịt chó),
which is especially popular in the winter. There are a number of
restaurants in the Tay Ho district. Another exotic regional taste is
ca cuong, an extract from the
belostomatid, or
giant water bug. Just a few drops are added to noodles for the unique aroma.
Be sure to check out the boiled duck fetus eggs sold by peddlers
almost everywhere priced at 5,000 dong. This delightful experience
consists of the vendor cracking the egg in front of you, and peeling the
shell and dropping the contents in a plastic micro bowl, then garnished
with juliened ginger, basil leaf, and sprinkled with chili sauce. You
can see the severed head and beak of your chick that fell off if you are
lucky enough to have your first bite from a different spot - Bon
Appetit!
Budget
Look to the Old Quarter for atmospheric street stalls and reasonably priced Western and local fare.
- Quan Bia Minh (Minh's), 7a Dinh Liet (100 m north of the lake), ☎ +84 4 3934 5323. 7:30AM-11:30PM. Popular
restaurant with lovely casual upstairs terrace, Minh speaks English
well and keeps her staff attentive. Variety of western, vegetarian and
Vietnamese food, all reasonably priced.
- Bun Cha, 1 Hang Manh, 67 Duong Thanh (corner Hang Non and Hang Manh, Old Quarter(or near Hang Da market)), ☎ 01697776666 . 8am-7pm. some
rate this as one of the best examples of Bun Cha in Hanoi, and
therefore Vietnam (apparently in the south, Bun Cha is specifically
advertised as Hanoi-style). For about 80,000 dong each, you'll get a
bowl full of tiny pork-mince rissoles that have been char grilled over
an open flame, and a massive plate of pork rice paper rolls that have
been fried in oil, twice. With this you also get a phenomenal dipping
sauce (fish sauce, made from sugar, garlic, peppers usually), a massive
plate of greens and herbs, more bun (rice noodle) than you can handle,
and a bottle of local beer. It's full of locals and not so many
tourists, so you can be assured the experience is authentic. Great food
but expect rude service.
- Cafe 69, 69 Ma May St (opposite Friendly Hotel). Good
place to eat Western food in the heart of the Old Quarter, although
some travelers find it expensive and the food inferior quality.
- Com Binh Dan, (Hang Bo, several side streets in Old Quarter). often only open during lunch hours (11AM-2PM). these
are an excellent way to get an inexpensive, home-cooked Vietnamese
meal. The best ones have loyal followings of workers who eat there
every day. rice with two or three toppings (which you select from several dishes): 15,000-30,000 dong.
- Com Chay Nang Tam Vegetarian Restaurant, 79A Pho Tran Hung Dao (a few streets south of the lake) . Open for lunch and dinner. This
excellent restaurant is your best vegetarian option in town and will
please both vegetarians and non-vegetarians with its wide range of
innovative dishes, which include fake meat dishes. Restaurant is
comfortable with good ambiance, and dishes are value-priced. Well worth
the short walk out of the old town. Set dinner with a selection of four dishes, soup, and rice: 50,000+ dong.
- Com Chay Au Lac, 277 Ngo Van Chuong (Take Le Duan south, past train tracks, turn into alley after #114). Open every day, 7am-8:30pm. Typical
local vegetarian restaurant like you'll find everywhere in Vietnam
except Hanoi, located a little off the beaten track in an atmospheric
alleyway. 30,000 dong.
- DAC KIM, 67 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem, ☎ 01697776666 . 8AM-7PM. Try BBQ pork (slice) in soup with vermicelli and lots of vegetables. They serve spring rolls too.
- Hebe Cafe, 33, Luong Van Can St (inside Hanoi Youth Hotel - near the Hoan Kiem lake, in the centre of Old Quarter). Cheap local and Western food. breakfasts: US$1; pizza: US$2; hot pot: US$8.
- Huy Café & Pizza Inn, 32 Dinh Liet St. large Italian dinner combo (garlic bread, soup/salad, pizza/pasta, drink): 65,000 dong.
- Joma Bakery Café (Joma), 22 Ly Quoc Su, & 54 To Ngoc Van (near the Cathedral, & west lake) . 7AM-9PM. Fair-trade
certified, organic coffee prepared by some of the best baristas in
town. Add to your smooth cappuccino a sweet-smelling cinnamon bun or a
much-loved bagel egger. Everything here is homemade and fresh. Excellent
breakfast menu and lunch/dinner options, as well as a mouth-watering
array of cakes, cookies, pies and other treats. Locations also in Laos,
Vientiane and Luang Prabang. 20,000-80,000 dong.
- Kem Tràng Tiền, 54 Phố Tràng Tiền. Popular
spot for ice cream on a hot day. Beware of motorbikes when entering the
establishment, since it is sort of a drive-thru/drive-in ice cream
shop. Make sure to try the local cóm or đậu xanh flavors. Also to note
that the hygine in the area may be a bit dubious since many toss away
their eaten ice cream sticks Ice cream bars 5,000-8,000 dong. Cones are a bit more expensive..
- Quan an Ngon aka Delicious, 18 Phan Boi Chau street. Wide
range of choices with regards to dishes from everywhere in Vietnam at
very reasonable prices. They have limited seating and a large amount of
customers so waiting time to be seated would be certain. Fortunately,
they have a large seating area so customers do not have to wait long.
They serve both lunch and dinner. Their restaurant is decorated
culturally and traditionally.
- Papa Joe's Coffee, 112 Cau Go, ☎ +84 4 926-2544. 8AM-11PM. Despite
the name, this is actually a real restaurant, with pasta, soup, salads,
sandwiches, and pretty good burgers (vegetarian included); pizzas, to
be honest, leave a lot to be desired, though. Drinks and desserts are
also on hand. The best reason to eat here, though, is the small balcony
with a view over the frantic traffic square and the shores of the Hoan
Kiem Lake below. 45,000-65,000 dong.
- Pho, on the corner of Nha Chung and Chan Cam. All of the soups and sides include beef (bo) so this isn't for vegetarians. Large bowl of pho: 12,000 dong; Coke or beer: 3,000 dong.
- Pho Tu Lun (Au Trieu), 10 Ly Quoc Su. Many pho varieties 15,000-30,000 dong.
- The Cart Au Trieu, 18 Au Trieu, Hoan Kiem (Au
Trieu is the street to the right of St Joseph's Cathedral but The Cart
is entered via the backdoor so go down the alleyway and take a left.), ☎ 04 3928 7715 . 8AM-5PM. Try their pies and pasties. 60,000 VND for a sandwich, 45,000 for an Punto Italia latte.
- The Cart Nghi Tam, 8B, Lane 1 Au Co, Nghi Tam Village, Tay Ho (Follow
the road between the back doors of the Sheraton and the
Intercontinental till it takes a right and The Cart Nghi Tam is just
around the corner.), ☎ 0437186967. 7AM-7PM. This
one is great for an early breakfast or a takeaway coffee. Their Old
School Bacon Baguette with back bacon is a rarity in Hanoi. Try the meat
and potato pie or the veggie cheese, onion and potato pasty. 60,000 VND for a sandwich, 45,000 for a Punto Italia latte.
- Sen (Lotus), #10, lane 431, Au Co Rd, Tay Ho district (right next to the Water Park). Buffet
style restaurant. They also have a very wide range of dishes from many
regions in the country. The dishes are divided into stations where
customers can order noodles, rice cakes or rice vermicelli. Serves both
lunch and dinner. Their new restaurant looks Westernized, compared with
their old thatched restaurants.
- “Banh it” – sticky rice cake, (It is true that “Banh it” is a must try specialty of the Central Region in Vietnam!). Served for lunch and dinner. Commonly,
there are two kinds of “Banh it”. The first one is “Banh it la gai”,
which is sticky rice cake with coconut or green bean stuffing wrapped in
pinnate leaf. The second one is “Banh it tom thit” – glutinous rice
cake with meat and shrimp, its name means “little meat shrimp cakes”,
the stuffing is made of ground pork and shrimp mixed with spring onion
and other spices.
Mid-range
- Cam Chan Quan, 108 K1 Giang Vo St, ☎ +84 12 3259 7696. This
eatery has staff that speaks English, Chinese and Vietnamese that would
be able to help you speak to the cab drivers to bring you to them. They
serve asian fare, with a closer touch to the singapore cusines. It's
one place where good clean toilet is expected, with free wifi. Try their
noodles, its not the usual pho you see around the place, but a more
typical noodle you will see in Singapore. Try the Beggar's chicken,
Savioury Fried eggplants, Chinese rice wine Hotpot Soup. Bowl of noodles: 65,000 dong.
- Cha Ca La Vong, 14 Cha Ca St & 107 Nguyen Truong To St. This
establishment is so famous, the street is named after it, instead of
the other way around. There's only one dish on the (Vietnamese-only)
menu, fried fish in grease, but they've been serving it now for five
generations. They traditional shrimp paste is now an optional extra. If
you really love fish and shrimp, this experience might be for you. 150,000 dong for a small portion, 1,000 dong charge per napkin.
- Ciao Cafe, 2 Hang Bai St. Cosy place for coffee and cake and it is not full of cigarette smoke unlike other cafes in Hanoi.
- Daluva Wine | Tapas | Events, 33 To Ngoc Van St, Tay Ho (West Lake), ☎ +84 4 3718 5831 or +84 907 144 561 . 8AM till late. Wine
and Tapas Bar/Restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The
food caters for all tastes including vegetarians and kids. Ranging from
small tapas plates to main courses of hearty Western and Asian fare.
It's a modern place and well decorated with great well trained staff and
easy music on your ears. The 3rd floor has a Children's play room with
free supervision as well as a Children's menu. The place is a favourite
with local expats in the area.
- Huyen Houng Restaurant, 20 Bao Khanh, Hanoi, ☎ +84 4 8288430. Choose
from a wide variety of seafood dishes (many of which are swimming
around in tanks) and other Vietnamese specialities. Friendly staff
complement the tasty food. 80,000-120,000 dong for a meal and drink.
- Huong Ly, Ly Thuong Kiet, Hanoi. Very
close to the Melia Hotel, this is a fantastic bar / restaurant on the
ground floor and top floor of a building. Randomly the middle floor is a
clothes shop. Fantastic food, serving anything from traditional noodles
to salmon steak, beautifully presented and delicious. Friendly staff
too. 55,000-120,000 dong for a main course.
- Kaiser Kaffee Restaurant, 34A Ba Trieu. Interesting little place which has excellent Vietnamese and Western food.
- La Salsa, ('in Nha Tho St near the church in Old Town - just across the street from Moka Cafe). French food and ex-pat hang-out.
- Little Hanoi, 21 Pho Hang Gai, ☎ +84 4 928 5333. Upscale cafe serving mainly Westerners in a pleasantly lit restaurant.
- Mediteraneo, (Nha Tho St, between La Salsa and Paris Deli). offers authentic Italian food - probably the best you'll get in Hanoi. Prices are however steep and portions small.
- Moka Café, (In Nha Tho St close to the cathedral). Excellent selection of Western and Vietnamese food served in a coffee shop environment.
- Paris Deli, (Nha Tho St across from Moka Cafe). Offers delicious European fare for hearty appetites.
- Pepperoni's, (near the Hang Gai end of Nha Chung). Part
of a small international chain of pizza restaurants. Locally run, they
do regular special offers such as free desserts, eat-all-you-can buffets
and loyalty schemes, whereby collecting tokens with each take-out
entitles you to a free pizza. Pizzas, burgers, ice cream, and apple
crumble. Pizzas: 65,000+ dong.
- Tamarind Café, Ma May 80 (Old Quarter), ☎ +84 4 926-0580 . Has
a menu full of inventive vegetarian dishes, lots of fresh juices, and a
relaxed, stylish interior. Don't come here if you're hungry though, as
the portions aren't very big and it's a tad pricey.
- Paradieso Restaurant, 7 Nguyen Sieu (Old Quarter), ☎ +84 4 39974861 . Small
and warmly restaurant with both local Vietnamese and Western food, good
quality and affordable price. You can have Vietnam traditional food:
Cha Ca, Bun Cha, Pho, Nem (spring rolls), also can have very good
crepes. All very good quality and nice decor.
- Tan My Design Cafe, 61 Hang Gai, ☎ +84 4 3938-1451 . One of the Hanoi's best for boutique fashion where you can also get nice Asian and Western foods in the cozy ambiance
- Luala Cafe, 61 Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem, ☎ +84 4 3936 9899 .
Luala Cafe is a cafe and restaurant inside the Luala Store, a luxury
fashing concept store located in the shopping district of Hanoi. The
restaurant offers a variety of gourmet foods, drinks and desserts
Splurge
- Pots 'n Pans Restaurant, 57 Bui Thi Xuan Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi (Follow Ba Trieu Street south from Hoan Kiem Lake 5 mins), ☎ +84 4 39 4402 04 (info@potsnpans.vn, fax: +84 4 39 44 65 99). From 11.30AM-late. Innovative
Vietnamese cuisine infused with international flair. A fine-dining
restaurant & lounge bar brought to you by a group of former street
and disadvantaged youth from Hanoi’s own KOTO Training Program now
rising stars of the Vietnamese food scene. Happy Hour 7 days from 5pm -
7pm.
- Don's Bistro, 16/27 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Ha Noi, ☎ +84 4 3719 2460 (donchef@donviet.vn, fax: +84 4 3719 5998) . From 8AM-11. Multi-concept
establishment serving classic and innovative international cuisine,
including Vietnamese favorites, in a variety of indoor and outdoor
settings. With unparalleled views and eclectic music selections, don's
is a destination in itself for dining, leisure, business and
entertainment. The focus is on local produce, quality imports, and the
utmost in service standards, while catering to a very diverse clientele.
Don's houses a signature fine dining restaurant with a cigar den, wine
cellar and rotating art gallery as well as a rooftop Skyline Oyster Bar
featuring live oysters and live nightly music. The first floor is geared
for more casual dining, serving pho, cocktails, coffee, fresh baked
goods, wood fire pizzas, shisha and more.
- Green Tangerine, 48 Hang Be (A few steps away from busy Hang Be St), ☎ 84 4 825-1286. Excellent
French restaurant offering rich and delicious French fare with both an a
la carte selection and a set menu. Popular with expats.
- La Restaurant & Bar, 25 Ly Quoc Su, ☎ +84 4 9288933, +84 913221971. Situated
near St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi's old quarter, this elegant,
air-conditioned restaurant has a choice of delicious Western and
Vietnamese dishes. While the selection of vegetarian dishes is somewhat
restricted, the food is excellent, if pricey by Hanoi standards. La
will definitely satisfy longings for quality food after weeks of eating
on the street. Think Parisian bistro meets fine dining Asian. 300,000 dong for a meal and drinks.
- Restaurant Bobby Chinn, 77 Xuan Dieu St, Tay Ho,, ☎ +84 4 3718 5988. An
amazing restaurant with the trademark green pea pods as the logo.
Without a doubt one of the more hip dining experiences of Hanoi. The
interior alone is worth a look, while the menu is delightfully eclectic.
- Restaurant at Bamboo Hotel, 32,Hang Be. Why risk street
food when this cosy, friendly and clean place offers good food,
ambience, and at prices cheaper than in Malaysia and Thailand ? After
your experience with street food, you will be coming here everyday. We
went lunch and dinner as well almost everyday except when away for day
trips out of the city. Menu is in English and English is fluently
spoken.
- Pane e Vino Italian Restaurant and Wine Shop, 3 Nguyen Khac Can & 98 Hang Trong (100 m away from Hoan Kiem Lake), ☎ +84 4 3826 9080, +84 4 3928 6329. Fully
A/C. Serves a wide range of traditional regional Italian dishes with
strictly controlled quality of ingredients. An extensive wine list with
many choices of Imported Italian wines from Veneto, Tuscany, Puglia,
Sicilia and Piemont. Friendly service with smiling and fluent speaking
English waiter and waitress. A great place to relax and get recover
after a long walking and shopping day. Drop in for a chat and a
complimentary digestivo with the manager.
- Saigon Restaurant at InterContinental Hanoi Westlake. The
freshest blend of Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine. The restaurant
features contemporary Asian design, dramatic glass-fronted kitchens and
inspiring views of the city’s ever-changing skyline.
- Sofitel Metropole - Chocolate Buffett. daily 3PM-5:30PM. All
you can eat chocolate. The chocolate is of a very high quality and
includes a chocolate fountain and chocolate ice cream as well as a
variety of freshly-made "Belgian" style chocolates. Buffett: US$20; Pot of tea: US$4.
- Sofitel Metropole - Sunday Brunch. Su noon-3PM. Innovative
and unconventional cooking. 40 m of buffet with everything your heart
can desire, from sushi to carvery, from fresh french oysters to homemade
ice cream - you name it - they've got it. Among the highlights are a 3
story chocolate buffet with a chocolate fountain and the goose liver
creme brulee. US$80.
- Insect food, Khuong Thuong village,. The
most special cuisines at his restaurant are those processed from
ant-eggs, in the styles of Thai people or Muong and Tay ethnic people in
Vietnam.
- Press Club, 59 A Ly Thai To St., ☎ +84 4 3934-0888 (hongngoc@hanoi-pressclub.com, fax: +84 4 3934-0899). Fine
dining with western cuisine and a good selection of wines. 70 seat
restaurant, private wine room for 12 and another cosy private room for
4. A combination of old and contemporary features with a classically
trained executive chef.
Drink
Bia Hơi is abundant in the streets of the Old Quarter. At the crossing of
Ta Hien and
Luong Ngoc Quyen
five separate venues fill up with travellers in the evenings, but you
can get more local atmosphere on some of the side streets.
Hanoi is a lively city on the weekends, but the Old Quarter
closes relatively early (at midnight) on weekdays, so you might want to
start your night early. Other places outside the Old Quarter stay open
later and vary in closing times.
Local young people gather around the cathedral located in Ly Quoc
Su to have lemon ice tea (Tra Chanh) and sunflower seeds in street
bars. After dark it gets quite crowded. Tra Chanh: 8,000 to 10,000 dong.
Sit on a plastic chair in front of one of the Bia Hoi (fresh
beer) establishments which are invariably situated on the corners of
many of Hanoi's 'Old Quarter' streets. This preservative-free light beer
is the perfect drink to sip as you watch the city's frenetic life
bustle by. The beer costs less than twenty cents and gives you an excuse
to relax and take photos of the passing local characters. Should not be
missed. Moreover, once you reach the Old Quarter, you will find that
almost every corner is filled with stalls selling Pho (Vietnamese
noodle) and cafe (the name is not limited only to coffee, but also tea,
sweets and grocery items, and yes, even to Pho!).
On
Tô Tich, a small street connecting
Hang Quat and
Hang Gai, you can help yourself to a refreshing fruit milkshake (
sinh tố) at one of the stalls (~7000 dong).
- Highlands Coffee, (opposite KFC) . Located
on 3rd floor in a ship shaped 5 storey building overlooking Hoan Kiem
Lake and Vietnam's "Piccadilly Circus". Great spot to relax in scenic
location where you can watch all the traffic and pedestrians go about
their business below you along their outside balcony or stay inside
their comfy air-conditioned interior. They also serve food and beer. 45,000 vnd.
Bars
- Pots 'n Pans Lounge Bar, 57 Bui Thi Xuan Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi (Follow Ba Trieu Street south from Hoan Kiem Lake 5 mins), ☎ +84 4 39 4402 04 (info@potsnpans.vn, fax: +84 4 39 44 65 99) . From 11.30AM-late. Innovative
Vietnamese cuisine infused with international flair. A great bar and
lounge brought to you by a group of former street and disadvantaged
youth from Hanoi’s own KOTO Training Program. with a great bar menu,
open from 11.30am until late. Happy Hour 7 days from 5pm - 7pm.
- Green Lake (Ho Guom Xanh), 32 Le Thai To. A
crowded bar with weekly performances by popular local singers. A place
for the definitive Vietnamese entertainment scene. Has an 80,000 dong
cover charge on the weekends. Seems to combine part live singing with
drag performances and a host club.
- Tet Bar, (on the northern end of Ta Hien). A
small bar formerly known as Le Maquis. It's more like a loud rock music
binge and smoke pub than a stylish lounge, but there's usually a happy
crowd until late and the place has an authentic feel.
- Mao's Red Lounge, 30 Ta Hien, Hoan Kiem (down the street from Tet and Cheeky Quarter). Small,
but lively bar in the heart of the Old Quarter. Has two levels, the top
floor which is usually packed with Westerners smoking loads of
cigarettes. Mao himself is usually in presence, playing all kinds of
music from his iPod. Extremely friendly dude who will strike up a
conversation with anyone willing to listen. Daily specials, and LaRue
for about 20,000 dong.
- Minh's Jazz Club, 92 Tran Vu (on the south side of Truc Bach Lake) . This
longtime institution of the Hanoi music scene has recently moved (Oct
2010) to an area outside the Old Quarter. The new location is much
smaller than the previous location, but is still run by the same Mr.
Quyen Van Minh. It is now attached to the MaLai Deli and Red Arecas
Restaurant. Drink options are still available, but food will have to be
sourced from one of the two adjoining restaurants.
- Nola, 89 Ma May str (located in the heart of the old quarter), (nola.inhanoi@gmail.com). 7PM-11PM. a
communal spot with friendly services. three floors are three beautiful
views and comfortable place. put your bag anywhere then you can have a
rest.
- Seventeen Cowboys, 98B Tran Hung Dao. Due
to a licensing agreement finishing, this is no longer known as
"Seventeen Saloon", though the format is largely unchanged. Nightly
live cover band, a multitude of provocatively dressed waitstaff, and
somewhat expensive drinks.
- Student Bar, left of the St. Joseph Cathedral's Entrance (West of Hoan Kiem Lake). A
nice little bar for cheap and good fruit shakes. As the name suggests,
very young audience, that sits each night on ridiculous amounts of
little chairs on the sidewalks, taking their fruit shakes.
- Sunset Bar - InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, 1A Nghi Tam, ☎ (84-4)62708888. Dramatically
positioned on its own island in West Lake and reached in the evenings
by a stroll along a torch-lit bridge, Sunset Bar’s tropical Asian
ambiance and stunning sunset views over the lake afford guests a
sanctuary from which to escape the bustle of downtown Hanoi.
Sleep
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Hanoi hotel scams
Be aware information about a hotel from a tout may in fact be
different from what the hotel offers, their policy, etc. If ever in
doubt, speak with a direct staff member of the hotel.
It may be wise to verify the conditions of "free" products the
hotel may offer or even go as far to take pictures of the room or mini
bar should proof ever be needed. If ever unsure whether something is
complimentary or not, check before partaking of the product or service.
If during your stay a hotel finds a reason to move you to a
different hotel, insist they provide proof their claims are legitimate
and if they are asking you move to a higher-priced hotel, make sure they
have an agreement with the new hotel to pay the difference in price or
other arrangements which all parties find suitable.
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Budget
The Old Quarter is littered with guesthouses and hostels catering for
budget travellers. A venue down an alley will not have the constant
traffic noise, but check for construction work happening next door, it
can wake you up just as early. If you leave food in your room keep it
covered/sealed, poor hygiene in the neighbourhood can bring rodents
through the smallest of holes in search of sustenance.
- Hanoi Emperor Hotel, No 16 Hang Buom St, Hoan Kiem, (contact@hanoiemperorhotel.com), .
Twin, Double rates start at $15 per room, breakfast incl. while Triple
bedded and Squad Room rates start at $ 20 usd per room. Free internet is
available with 2 computers in the lobby, free Wifi within the building.
Staff are friendly and helpful. Since the hotel has only 14 rooms book
in advance if you can.
- Hanoi Triumphal Hotel, 4 Hang Ga str, Hoan Kiem dist (10 minutes walk from Hoan Kiem Lake and within easy access of Noi Bai Airport), ☎ +844 62700937 . Hanoi
Triumphal Hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam. All rooms equipped with
Air-conditioning, TV, telephone, Sofa, desk, Shower and toilet with
bathroom amenities. Some of its facilities and services are Restaurant,
bar, Room service, 24-hour front desk, concierge, Laundry/dry cleaning,
Spa and wellness center. Rates start at 20.00 USD.
- Victor Hotel, 24C Lý Quốc Sư (10 minutes walk from Hoan Kiem Lake). Dorms have AC, free computer use, breakfast can be added for $1. Are also double rooms upstairs, going rates unknown. Dorms for $4.
- Little Hanoi Hostel, 48 Hang Ga street, Hoan Kiem, ☎ 844 38284461 (booking@littlehanoihostel.com). Newly
renovated and located in the old quarter of Hanoi, close to popular
attractions such as the water puppet show and Hoan Kiem Lake. Rooms are
clean and furnished with air conditioning, TV, sofa chairs, a mini-bar, a
dresser, and a bathroom with hot and cold taps and a bath tub; rates
start at $22. High-speed wi-fi internet connection is available as well.
The English speaking staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and can help
you book tours to Halong bay, Hoa Lu Tam, Sapa Bac Ha, Ba Be Lake, Mai
Chau Hoa Binh, and tourist spots around the city.
- The World Hotel (David Guest House and Travel Agency), 16 Thanh Ha St, Hoan Kiem (near the night market), ☎ +84 4 66700300 . In
the old quater, every room has A.C, TV and a fridge. Free breakfast
every morning and free tea, coffee or lemon juice all day. Rooms are
cleaned every day and the staff are very friendly and helpful. Tours are
available. There is also free WiFi in the lobby and some computers you
can use to access the internet. US$10-12.
- Hanoi Rendezvous Hotel, No 31 Hang Dieu St, Hoan Kiem (In the Old Quarter), ☎ +84 4 3828 5777 (bookings@hanoirendezvoushotel.com) . Boutique
Hotel/Hostel run by an Australian couple. Private En-suite rooms and
Shared rooms. A/C cable LCD televisions. Member of Hostelling
International. Fully informed and equipped travel service for all
destinations in Vietnam. Friendly English speaking staff. Free beer and
Spring Rolls on Thursday nights. Laundry service. Good music in cafe.
Free internet PCs with Skype and free WiFi in rooms. US$7.50-35. Full breakfast included in all rates.
- Green Hanoi Backpackers Hostel (info@greenhanoibackpackershostel.com), 39D, Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem (15 min by walk from train station and 5 min from Hoan Kiem Lake), ☎ +84 4 3938 1650 . checkin: 2pm; checkout: 12 noon. Only
one year old but a crazy good and friendly staff. Dorms for US$4
without breakfast. 4 bed dorms available for private use. Free Wifi. It
also offers cheap tours to interesting places such as Sapa and Halong
Bay. US$4.
- Camellia Hotel 5, 81 Thuoc Bac St (about 10 min walk from Hoan Kiem lake), ☎ +84 4 828 2376, +84 4 828 3128 (contact@camellia-hotel5.com, fax: +84 4 828 2404), . checkout: 12noon. Small
hotel on the heart of Old Quarter. Clean rooms and baths with good
air-con, sat TV, free internet and breakfast. Friendly English speaking
staff. US$14-16.
- Especen Hotel, 28-38 Tho Xuong & 41 Ngo Huyen Sts, Hoan Kiem (30 m from St. Joseph's Church (Cathedral) on a quiet alley off of Au Trieu St), ☎ +84 4 3824 4401 (especen@gmail.com, fax: +84 4 3825 9460) . checkin: noon; checkout: noon. Rooms are new, clean, bright, quiet, friendly staff. Single US$17, double US$19.
- Friendly Hotel, 68 Ma May St, Hoan Kiem (opposite Cafe 69 and ANZ bank ATM), ☎ +84 4 3926 2464 (friendlyhotel@hotmail.com) . Mini
hotel with quiet rooms. Rooms have en-suite,A/C, wifi and/or cable
internet, cable TV and fridge. Free filtered water, refill your water
bottle. *This places is extremely loud at night, due to a nearby club.
The bathrooms were dirty and the blankets were filthy. They also
attempted to pull a "mini-bar" scam, but the fridge wasn't even plugged
in. US$10-15.
- Hanoi Backpackers' Hostel, 48 Ngo Huyen St, Hoan Kiem (One block north of St Joseph's Cathedral. Signposted from there.), ☎ +84 4 828 5372 (info@hanoibackpackershostel.com) . checkin: 24 hr; checkout: 24 hr. Run
by two Australians who have lived there for many years. Clean A/C rooms
(including female-only dorms plus double rooms), powerful and hot
showers, tri-weekly BBQs on the rooftop, free wifi and excellent staff
who are always available to help. All dorm beds have a large personal
locker (no extra fee), shelf and nightlight. Part of the Hostelling
International association, so valid card-holders will get a discount.
Quite popular during high season, recommended to book accommodation in
advance. This accommodation is especially for "Party only" tourists,
the Hostel own Halong Bay Tour is 50%based on drinking games, so watch
out and consider if you like that or not Dorm US$7.50, double US$30, breakfast included.
- Hanoi Central Backpacker's, 16 Ly Quoc Su and 45A Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem (Directly opposite the church / Half a block north of the church on Ly Quic Su, in the alley next to June fashion), ☎ +84 4 3948 1508 . checkin: 24 hr; checkout: Noon. Local friendly staff. Free internet. Some guests report questionable hygiene. Free beer every night, seriously. 16-bed dorm US$5, double US$29, breakfast included.
- Hanoi Centre Ville Hotel, No 47 Luong Ngoc Quyen St, Hoan Kiem (In the heart of the Old Quarter), ☎ +84 4 38 26 84 59 (centrevillehotel@gmail.com) . checkin: 08.00 hr; checkout: 12.00 hr. Almost
right across from the Amazon bar and very close to other late-night
pubs (20 meters from the international corner of Bia Hoi). The rooms
are spacious. Is is safe and newly renovated. Some rooms have wardrobes.
The floors are hard tiled and very clean, no sticky carpet. There is an
LCD TV, refrigerator- some art motifs add touch. Also a heater/air
conditioner (the hot water 24h ); ironing boards, hair-dryers; WiFi
throughout; free internet computers in the lobby and a wolderful
breakfast. (Be away, like most hotels in this area, they lock the doors
late. The staff is very friendly. But for English (or French) and
negotiating, you need to ask for Tuan: pronounced (Tw ‘an) or (2 on). He
is a floating manager who can be easily summoned. He can make you a
deal according to your stay. He is a very knowledgeable concierge. US
$12-25. Book in advance if you can. Room US$12- double US$25, breakfast included.
- Hanoi Guesthouse, 14 Bat Su St (located in historic Old Quater), ☎ +84 4 3824 5732 (info@hanoiguesthouse.com) . A small hotel very popular with backpackers. Friendly and reliable staff. All rooms A/C with ensuite toilet and shower. Double US22, including breakfast.
- Hanoi Guesthouse 2, 43 Ly Thai To St (Old Quarter), ☎ +84 4 3935 1091 (booking@hanoiguesthouse.com) . Opened 2010, twin of Hanoi guesthouse. Friendly and reliable staff. All rooms A/C with ensuite toilet and shower. Twin US$24, including breakfast.
- Hanoi Youth Hostel, 5 Luong Ngoc Quyen - Hoan Kiem (in the Hanoi Old Quarter close to Hoan Kiem Lake (just a 2 minute walk)), ☎ +84 9 7858 6555, . 17
rooms and dormitory with city view, A/C, sat TV, telephone, mini-bar,
en-suite bathroom with bath-tub and shower. Relaxation room on the 1st
floor complete with a pool table, a darts board and a library. Free
wifi, free beer, free tea, free coffee, free breakfast. Dorm bed US$4.5-6, private room US$15-30.
- Camel City Hotel (former Indochina Queen), No. 8/50 Dao Duy Tu Lane (between Dao Duy Tu and Ta Hien Sts), ☎ +84 4 3935 2024. checkin: anytime; checkout: noon. Very
centrally located slightly to the north of Hoan Kiem Lake has huge
rooms to suit different budgets. All rooms come with hot water, sat TV
and free breakfast. Since it's tucked away in an alley, it's much
quieter than most other hotels that are situated right on the main
streets. US$17-20.
- Kangaroo Hotel, Hang Luoc St 71 (about 10 min walk from Hoan Kiem lake), ☎ +84 4 825 8044 (vnhnvn@gmail.com). checkout: noon.
Small hotel in the Old Quarter. The rooms have comfortable beds, good
hot water pressure for showers and air-con/fan combos. Amenities include
sat TV, free internet and bathtub. Helpful staff with good English. From US$4.
- Little Hanoi Hotel, 60 Au Trieu St, Hoan Kiem (just north west of the lake in the old quarter), ☎ +84 4 3938 8648 (littlehanoi@yahoo.com). Comfortable, modern, clean A/C rooms and dorms. Doubles US$20, dorm bed US$6, breakfast and internet included.
- Mai Dza Hotel, 52 Yen Phu St, Tay Ho, ☎ +84 4 3715 2222 (booking@maidzahotel.com.vn, fax: +84 4 37152815) . checkin: 6PM; checkout: noon. 50
rooms with 3 star standard. All the rooms are spacious with the area
from 30 m²-40 m² fully equipped with modern facilities: in-room IDD
telephone, wifi, cableTV, safe box, air conditioner, fridge. The rooms
are bright and fresh with big windows and balconies. Guests from here
can admire romantic beauty of West Lake and Red River.
- Old Quarter Hostel, 91 Hang Ma (Just a few minutes by walk to Dong Xuan Market), ☎ +84 9 0229 1886 (hanoioldquarterhostel@yahoo.com). Clean, spacious and secure rooms. Staff are incredibly helpful. Free internet and breakfast. Dorm bed US$6, single US$10-15.
- Hanoi International Hostel, 24 Tho Xuong (Old Quarter - 2 min walk from the N side of Hoan Kiem Lake), ☎ +84 4 3826 1212 (internationalhostel@yahoo.com, fax: +84 4 3824 6010). This
guesthouse has basic but cheap rooms with a fan, hot showers and
optional A/C; there's a steep climb up to all the rooms but they'll help
with your bags for a tip. There is no housekeeping service in the sense
that rooms won't be cleaned while you're occupying them. Helpful and
friendly staff; "free" internet access on the ground floor (the fine
print limits this to 15 min/day). The café offers cheap food; they run a
cheap and fair travel agency downstairs that doesn't try to rip you
off; bicycles and motorbikes for rent. Keep an eye out for construction
on Tho Xuong. Dorm bed US$3-6, discounts for long-term guests.
- New Spark Hotel ,
Hang Thung,Old Quarter. A cosy, squeaky clean place with elevator.
Service and helpfulness is beyond description. Rooms are as what you
will find in expensive hotels with all the creature comforts. Breakfast
menu includes choice of western or noodles with coffee/tea, fruits,
toasts etc. and a very pleasant helpful English speaking young lady to
attend to your every need. Almost all the staff are very well-mannered,
who go out of the way to pamper you. And almost everyone of them speak
English.Free broadband (fast)internet at the lobby, wifi in rooms
although a wee bit slow . You can safely book your tours and train
tickets with them. Generally honest people. And if off-season they will
discount the rooms. In sept 2011, triples with breakfast was only
USD17-50, with a caveat (booked 8 months ahead).
- Stars Hotel, 26 Bat Su (Old Quarter), ☎ +84 4 3828 1911, +84 4 3828 1912 (sales@tuntravel.com). Clean
rooms with bathroom. Breakfast available. Just a few min by walk to
Dong Xuan Market and Hoan Kiam Lake. Free internet available in some
rooms and also at dining room at ground level. US$15-28.
- Tonkin Hotel. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 12 noon. Run
by a Vietnamese family with 10 years experience. The rooms are
furnished with traditional decor and Asian accents. The rooms are very
clean with amazing air conditioning and sat TV. Also, the hotel is very
quiet blocking out noises from the street. Single US$15, double US$20.
Mid-range
- Serenade Hotel, 58 Hang Dao St, Hoan Kiem District, ☎ +84 4 3928 6666 . Deluxe
double, junior twin, city view and Serenade suite, all have A/C, free
internet and mini-bar. Restaurant, bar, room service and sauna massage. From US$ 55.
- Lucky Hotel Hanoi, 12 Hang Trong str, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, ☎ +84 43825 1029 . ,
with 20 rooms, all clean and spacious. Staffs skillful with good
English speaking and courteous. Walking distance to Hoan Kiem lake.
Equipped with Mini-bar/refrigerator, LCD cableTV and A/C. Free internet
access and WiFi, Restaurant and 24 hr room service. From USD 35. edit
- Lucky 2 Hotel Hanoi, 46 Hang Hom str, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, ☎ +84 43928 8170. ,
with 22 rooms, all clean and spacious. English speaking and courteous
staff. 5 min walking to Hoan Kiem lake. Mini-bar/refrigerator, LCD
cableTV , A/C. Free internet access and WiFi, Restaurant and 24 hr room
service. From USD 35.
- Lucky 3 Hotel Hanoi, 81 Hang Bong str, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, ☎ +84 43938 1988 . ,
New open from 2011 with 35 modern rooms, all clean and spacious. Staffs
skillful with good English speaking and courteous. 5 min walking to
Hoan Kiem lake. Mini-bar/refrigerator, LCD cableTV , A/C. Free internet
access and WiFi, Restaurant and 24 hr room service. From USD 35.
- Hanoi Value Hotel, 90B Nguyen Huu Huan str, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, ☎ 84 439264537-38 . Superior,
deluxe and family room, all equipped with Mini-bar/refrigerator, LCD
cableTV , A/C. Free internet access and WiFi, Restaurant and 24 hr room
service. From USD 41.60.
- Continental Hotel, 24, Hang Vai, Hoan Kiem . Boutique-style hotel which has clean and spacious rooms. Courteous staff, walking distance to Hoan Kiem Late. Single US$24, double US$28, breakfast included.
- Davula Home, 33, To Ngoc Van St, Tay Ho District (Hanoi Bus #41 to Xuan Dieu Street terminal. Walk down To Ngoc Van St), ☎ +84 4 3718 5831 (info@daluva.com), . 1-bedroom
boutique serviced apartment. Bright and spacious, cozy lighting,
bedroom & living room DVD/LCD-TVs, work desk with computer &
free internet, terrace with plants, views of Westlake villas. Great
walks along the lake. Family friendly. On-site restaurant 8AM-11PM, tour
arrangements, auto/motorbike rental and spa advice available. Single US$79-435, breakfast included.
- Duc Thai Hotel, 95B Hang Ga St, Hoan Kiem (Nearby Hoan Kiem lake and night market), ☎ +84 9 1255 0388 . checkin: 24 hr. * Elegance Hotel Hanoi, No 85 Ma May St & No 8 Hang Bac St, ☎ +84 4 926 3451 (fax: +84 4 926 3452) . In
a street in the Old Quarter that thanks to a curb doesn't see as much
through-traffic and thus is quieter than most. The newly built boutique
hotel offers luxury accommodation in elegant settings with modern
facilities & amenities served by professional staff. TV, fan, A/C,
hot shower, bathtub or jacuzzi and optional breakfast. In-room computer
with internet access is included. Friendly staff. US$28-70. US$28-70.
- Grand View Hotel, no 50 Hang Be-Hoan Kiem, ☎ +84 4 3926 0084 (sales@grandviewhotel.vn). Located
in the Old Quarter. Rooms come with satellite LCD TV, individually
controlled A/C, desk, personal safes, mini-bar, tea and coffee maker,
bathroom with shower massage, bathtub, daily buffet breakfast served in
the hotel’s restaurant. Cot and iron available upon request, Bicycle
rental is available. Parking is available for guests who arrived with
their own transportation. Baby sitting services are available. 24 hr
front desk, luggage storage and fax services. From US$60-135, buffet breakfast included.
- Hanoi A1 Hotel, No. 1, Cau Go St, Hoan Kiem (near
the famous Hoan Kiem Lake. It is just a 2 min walk from the Water
Puppet Theatre and a 3 hr drive to other well-known attractions in the
city), ☎ +84 4 3926 4512. Rooms
equipped with A/C, cableTV, DVD player, Internet, private toilet and
bath. Business centre, restaurant, room service, airport transfer and
car rental. BEWARE-SCAM The room safes are not safe at all. Hotel staff
steal out of the room safe. So do not leave anything inside. From US$35.
- Hanoi Boutique Hotel, Hanoi Old Quarter, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem, ☎ +84 4 3929 0366. In the old quarter, 7 min to Hoan Kiem Lake and Water Puppet Theatre. From.
- The Hanoi Club Hotel, 76 Yen Phu St, Ho Tay (Close to Sofitel Plaza, just at the banks of West Lake), ☎ +84 4 3823 8115 (enquiries@hanoi-club.com). A
recreational club with 75 hotel rooms. Tennis courts, squash courts,
fully equipped gym, 25 m length pool, 48 bays golf driving range,
Chinese restaurant, lounge, and cafe. Very peaceful with hardly any
sounds of traffic. Rooms are modern looking with some rooms facing the
lake. Complimentary WiFi in rooms. From US$85++.
- Hanoi Eclipse Hotel, No 24 Hang Quat St, Hoan Kiem, ☎ +84 43 824 3423 (sales@hanoieclipsehotel.com, fax: +84 43 824 6144). Newly built modern boutique hotel which has very clean and spacious rooms. Friendly staff can speak English. US$30-55.
- Hanoi Emotion Hotel, 26 Hang Bot St, Hoan Kiem (just next to Temple of Literature), ☎ +84 4 384 898 48 (Email: info@hanoi-emotion.com). A
newly opened 3-star hotel, a few minutes walk to One Pillar Pagoda and
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Large bathroom and welcoming fruit basket,rooftop
restaurant and bar with city view. The hotel is especially good for
business travel as the surrounding is very quiet while accessing other
business areas is easy. From US$49.
- Hanoi Eternity Hotel, 32 Yet Kieu St, Hoan Kiem, ☎ +84 4 3941 2262 (info@eternityhotel.vn). checkin: 2PM; checkout: noon. Business
boutique hotel with 28 rooms, just next to Hanoi Train Station. Large
bathroom and welcoming fruit basket, sound-proof windows. US$45+.
- Hanoi Newday Hotel, 31 Hang Dieu St, Hoan Kiem (Nearby Hoan Kiem Lake and night market), ☎ +84 4 3456 7890. checkin: 24 hr. $US30 nett price.
- Hanoi Pacific Star Hotel, 32 Cuanam St, Hoan Kiem, ☎ +84 4 3936 4520 (pacifichoteltravel@gmail.com).
A short walk from the Old Quarter, with bright and spacious rooms.
Breakfast, free wired internet in each of the rooms, a bar, and room
service are available. US$30 double, includes breakfast.
- Hanoi Rose Hotel, 59B Duong Thanh St, Hoan Kiem, ☎ +84 4 3938-1826. Non-smoking
and A/C rooms, all equipped with LCD TV and CD player, mini-bar, and
coffee/tea maker. Bar and restaurant, airport and city transfer, fitness
room/gym, spa, massage services, and internet access. Rates on official website start at US$27.5.
- Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel, No 18A Quan Su str, Hoan Kiem, ☎ +84 4 3938 1763 (booking@royalpalacehotelhanoi.com, fax: +84 4 3938 1765). In
the Old Quarter. Doesn't see much through-traffic and thus is quieter
than most. Newly built boutique hotel with modern facilities and
professional staff. TV, fan, A/C, hot shower, bathtub or jacuzzi and
optional breakfast. In-room computer with internet is included. US$40-85.
- Hanoi View 2 Hotel, 48 Ngo Si Lien Alley, Dong Da District, ☎ +84 4 62679888. Deluxe,
standard, superior and junior suite rooms with A/C, cableTV and
internet. Restaurant, sauna, travel agency and massage service are
available.
- Jospeh's Hotel, 5 Au Trieu (just behind Joseph's Cathedral near Hoan Kiem Lake.), (info@josephshotel.com). 10
room, western-managed boutique hotel. Some rooms have a large window.
Rainshower, plasmaTV with cable, wifi, minibar and coffee/tea making
facilities. Many rooms have a balcony and there is also a lift.
Comfortable beds, spotless rooms, tasteful artwork and an included
breakfast. US$45-55.
- Indochina Queen II Hotel, 67-Pho Thuoc Bac St, Hoan Kiem, ☎ +84 4 3923 3993, +84 4 3923 3996 (info@indochinaqueenhotel.com, fax: +84 4 3923 3966). New
hotel, rooms with flat satelliteTV, A/C, safebox, tea&coffee maker,
and en-suite bathrooms. An on-site restaurant serves breakfast, bar,
carpark, bicycle rental, and babysitting are available.
- Khanh Sinh Hotel, 95 Hang Chieu, Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, ☎ +84 4 3938 2014. Comfortable rooms, A/C, cableTV, and well stocked mini-bar. Airport transfer, currency exchange, restaurant, and car rental. From US$30.
- Kings Cross Linh Dung Uyen Hotel, 3 Tong Duy Tan St, Hoan Kiem, ☎ +84 4 2215 8030 (info@kingscrosshanoi.com). Not
far way from Hanoi’s business district. The hotel is the tallest
building in its area. Guest elevator, meeting facilities, business
centre, 24 hr security camera system on public areas available. All
rooms and apartments offer views over the city. US$31 double, includes breakfast.
- Ocean Stars 2 Hotel, 10 Ngo Dao Duy Tu Ln, Hoan Kiem (this hotel is not located on Dao Duy Tu St, instead on Ngo Dao Duy Tu. Look for the alley at 52 Dao Duy Tu St.), ☎ +84 4 828 1711 (oceanstars2hotel@hotmail.com, fax: +84 4 9263745).
Located in the Old Quarter. 25 rooms with hot water, private bathrooms,
and fan or A/C. Fridge, satTV, telephone access, internet in the rooms
and the lobby. US$16-30.
- Phoenix Hanoi Hotel (formerly Ocean Star Hotel - and one with a scam warning), 43 Bat Su St (Hoan Kiem district, Old Quarter), (phoenixhanoihotel@yahoo.com, fax: +84 4 9263745). The
30 rooms with hot water, private bathrooms, and fan or A/C. There is
also a fridge, satTV, telephone access, free internet in the rooms and
lobby. Some of the rooms have a desktop computer. US$11+.
- New Century Hotel, 12 Cha Ca St, Hoan Kiem, ☎ +84 4 3824 4005. checkout: noon. New opened hotel with spacious, clean rooms and a friendly owner. Rooms have TV, computer, bathtub and internet. US$18-22.
- ThaiSon Hotel, No 7-9 HangVoi, HoanKiem (nearby Hoan Kiem Lake), ☎ +84 4 3935 1666, +84 4 3935 1612 (infothaison1@thaisonhotel.com, fax: +84 4 39351611), . Boutique-style hotel with clean and spacious rooms. Hotel staff is courteous, friendly and warm. US$35-55, breakfast included.
- Trung Nam Hai Hotel (Trung Nam Hai Hotel), No 27 Hoan Kiem, Hoan Kiem (Nearby Hoan Kiem Lake), ☎ +84 4 3928 8228 (booking@trungnamhaihotel.com, fax: +84 4 3928 8268). In
Old Quarter, all bedrooms have en-suite bathroom with bathtub and
shower, air-conditioning and heating, mini bar, free WiFi, safe deposit
box, flat screen TV with cable television, hairdryer. All floors can be
reached by an elevator. US$30-50, breakfast included.
- Viet Anh Hotel, 11 Ma May St, ☎ +84 4 926 1302 (fax: +84 4 926 1306). Newly
remodeled rooms, located on a shady street in the Old Quarter. Internet
and a good buffet breakfast (with chef on hand) are included in the
room rate. US$15-60. edit
- Hanoi Hibiscus Hotel, 52 Ngo Huyen Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, ☎ +84 4 3938 2113 (hanoihibiscushotel@gmail.com, fax: +84 4 3938 2115). Centrally
located in the charming historic Old Quarter, 3 minutes' walk from Hoan
Kiem Lake. 3-stars. 15 minutes walk from Dong Xuan Market and Hanoi
Opera House. Free WiFi and flat screen TV. Ensuite all rooms, breakfast
included and travel services available. US$30-35.
Splurge
- Daewoo Hanoi Hotel, 360 Kim Ma St, Ba Dinh District (15-20 min by taxi from the centre of town). 5
star hotel, but 4 stars by international standards. Part of a larger
apartment and business complex that includes 7 restaurants and cafes, 2
banks, and a dance club. There is a large pool, exercise room, business
centre with translation services, and free internet in the rooms. US$170+.
- InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, 1A Nghi Tam, Tay Ho District (on the waters of Westlake, adjacent to the 800 year-old Golden Lotus Pagoda), ☎ +84 4 6270 8888, . 5 star hotel of 359 rooms and suites with private balconies.
- Melia Hanoi Hotel, Ly Thuong Kiet St (within walking distance of Hanoi Towers and Hoa Lu prison, and is about 15 min slow walk from the Old Quarter). Rooms are big and offer views of the city. US$139+, breakfast included.
- Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi, 83A Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem District (in walking distance to Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter), ☎ +84 4 3822 2800 (hotel.hanoi.reservation@moevenpick.com, fax: +84 4 3822 2776). checkin: 2PM; checkout: noon.
154 rooms and suites, 93 of which are non-smoking rooms, and 20
connecting rooms. All rooms are equipped with LCD flat screen, wide
selection of international cableTV channels. Mini-bar, IDD telephone,
personal safe, tea and coffee making are also available. Broadband cable
and WiFi is accessible in all rooms and throughout the public areas of
the hotel. US$140+.
- Sheraton Hanoi Hotel, K5 Nghi Tam, 11 Xuan Dieu Rd, Tay Ho District (On the shore of West lake). Large gardens and courtyards. Rooms are furnished with traditional decor and modern amenities.
- Sofitel Metropole Hanoi Hotel, 15 Ngo Quyen St (Within walking distance of the Hanoi Opera House). French
Colonial style hotel patroned by mostly older European travellers. The
cuisine served by the restaurant is tasty and fresh.
- Sofitel Plaza Hotel, 1 Thanh Nien Rd, Ba Dinh Distric. 317
rooms. Renowned as the most scenic hotel in Hanoi with a zig-zag facade
and stepped architecture. Hotel is spotless and well maintained with
very friendly staff.
- Hanoi Viet Hotel, 61 Hang Than St, Hoan Kiem District, ☎ +84 4 3927 4705 (fax: +84 4 3927 4707). checkin: 12:30PM; checkout: 11:30AM. 3 star hotel in Hanoi. 38 rooms and suites with private balconies. US$45.
- Somerset Grand Hanoi, No 49 Hai Ba Trung Street, ☎ +84 4 3934-2342 (enquiry.hanoi@the-ascott.com, fax: +84 4 3934-2343).
The residence offers 185 apartments that range from one to
three-bedroom layouts, as well as the three-bedroom penthouse. Each
apartment has a kitchens, IDD telephone with a private number and
furnishings are provided. Daily rates starts from 2625000 VND.
Stay safe
Like everywhere else in Vietnam, traffic in Hanoi is dominated by an
incredible number of motorbikes, all of which seem to be making a mad,
desperate dash for something just out of reach — all of the time. All
the while blowing their horns incessantly. In other words, pedestrian
traffic can be overwhelming for visitors, especially in the narrow
streets around the Old Quarter. When you leave the curb, look not only
both ways but left, right, back and front, and take each step slowly and
patiently allowing them to pass because even an eye contact is not
enough with the oncoming drivers and actually before you know it,
someone is also on your back since there is no such thing as
one-directional traffic in Vietnam. The key word here is
slowly —
don't rush. This way the drivers are aware of you, and can take you
into account (along with all of the other motorbikes). It may look, and
indeed is somewhat chaotic, but be patient and pay attention when you're
crossing any street, large or small, and you should be fine.
Definitely, the streets of Hanoi has no place for faint hearted people,
with hypertension and heart problems on top of the disabled and the old.
You should look everywhere as you proceed. Holding out your arm
toward the stream of vehicles as a "slow down, I am crossing" sign may
be a good idea but not acknowledged most of the time. Don't stop
suddenly when you see one coming a little fast or rush your steps when
you are crossing. Just even your pace and walk slowly. The motorbikes
will find their way to avoid you themselves.
Be vigilant when taking a taxi - driver jumps out at destination
and dumps most of your bags out of the trunk. While you're busy putting
rucksack on he has taken off with your other bags. Ask your hotel which
taxi companies are reliable - stories abound of meters that run at an
adjusted (much faster) rate.
Also keep all eyes on your belongings, especially in crowded area
like Dong Xuan night market, or just don't go at all if it's not worth
the risk; expect female pickpockets and don't let them surround you.
Also, be careful around the streets of Hilton prison museum, a
lady will approach you and insist on introducing herself with her
pick-up line "Hello, I'm a student." (Who cares?)
Be careful of hustler hawkers. Anywhere else in Vietnam, they
have a two-tier pricing system - for locals and for foreigners. No other
place in Vietnam is this experienced more emphatically than in Hanoi
(and also in Ho Chi Minh Ben Tanh Market) where vendors charge you
differently according to how you make an impression. Hawkers may charge
3x more their going rate for an item even if your appearance is similar
to them simply because you are not a Viet Kiew, you don't speak the
language, and you are sporting an expensive-looking wristwatch. They
think you deserve this treatment even if you are eating the humblest
food.
As in any Southeast Asian city, Hanoi is hygienically challenged
especially where locals congregate more to dine. Expect that there may
be a non-existing Health Department, or this is not in the priority of
the city government.
Contact
Telephone
- Hanoi code: 4. Note the recently added '3' in front of all local numbers. Example:
- Old dialling style: 1234567 (from within the city) or 04 1234567 (inter-provincial) or +84 4 123456 (from overseas)
- New dialling style: 3 1234567 (from within the city) or 04 3 1234567 (inter-provincial) or +84 4 3 123456 (from overseas)
Internet
There are plenty of internet cafés all over the city. Most are used
by Vietnamese teens playing online dance or battle games. Rates vary,
but can be as low as 3,000 dong/hr. Some of the better cafés,
particularly in the Old Quarter, have computers that are Skype-capable
for international phone calls. Close to Hanoi Youth Hostel there is a
cybercafe that charge tourist ten times the actual cost. It is next
door, and has no name. If you are in a hurry use another one.
The cafes that charge you for using the Internet usually provide
desktop computers. There are also cafes where they have free wireless.
All you have to do is order something from their menus and use their
wifi for as long as you want. The wifi cafes are usually concentrated
around Hoan Kiem lake area.
Monks crossing the street
Cope
Beware a pair of women near the Hanoi Towers/lake area who claim to
be part of the "Red Cross". They will try to sell you toothpicks for
blind and disabled people, and this is most likely a scam.
Embassies & consulates
-
Argentina, 4F, Sentinel Pl, 41A Ly Thai To St, ☎ +84 4 3831-5262.
-
Australia, 8 Dao Tan St, ☎ +84 4 3774-0100.
-
Canada.
-
China, 46 Hoang Dieu Rd, ☎ +84 4 38453736.
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Czech Republic, 13 Chu Van An St, ☎ +84 4 3845-4131(-2).
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Denmark, 19 Dien Bien Phu St, ☎ +84 4 3823-1888.
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France, 57 Tran Hung Dao St, ☎ +84 4 3944-5700.
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Germany.
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Greece, 28 Thanh Nien Rd, Tay Ho District, ☎ +84 4 3715 2254, +84 4 3715 2263.
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India, 58-60, Tran Hung Dao, ☎ +84 4 253409 ().
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Indonesia, 50 Ngo Quyen St, ☎ +84 4 825 3353 ().
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Italy, 9 Le Phung Hieu, ☎ +84 4 3825-6256.
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Japan, 27 Lieu Giai, Ba Dinh District, ☎ +84 4 3846 3000.
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Malaysia, 43-45 Dien Bien Phu, ☎ +84 4 3734 3849.
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Netherlands, 6F, Daeha Office Tower, 360 Kim Ma St, ☎ +84 4 3831-5650.
-
Norway, 10F, Vincom City Towers, 191 Ba Trieu St, ☎ +84 4 3974-8900.
-
Pakistan, Villa 44/2, Van Bao Street, Van Phuc Diplomatic Compound, ☎ 04-37562251 (parep-hanoi@hn.vnn.vn, fax: 04-37562253). M-F 0900-1700.
-
Poland.
-
Russia, 191 La Thanh St, ☎ +84 4 833 6991/2 ().
-
Singapore, 41-43 Tran Phu St, ☎ +84 4 3848-9168.
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Sweden.
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Switzerland, 15F Hanoi Central Office Bldg, 44B Ly Thuong Kiet St, ☎ +84 4 3934-6589.
-
Taiwan.
-
Ukraine, 6 Le Hong Phong St., Ba Dinh Dist., ☎ +84 4 3734 4484 (emb_vn@mfa.gov.ua, fax: +84 4 3734 4497).
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United Kingdom, Central Bldg, 31 Hai Ba Trung, ☎ +84 4 936 0550.
-
United States, 170 Ngoc Khanh, Ba Dinh.
Immigration office
- Immigration department, 40A Hang Bai, Hanoi, ☎ 8266200. for visa extensions and others
Get out
If you are the adventurous type or simply bored temporarily of the
city atmosphere, then consider a cruise in the northern countryside. A
round trip will bring you to a lot of charming villages and through
hills and valleys with stunning nature. Main roads are generally in good
condition and you can easily do a couple of hundred kilometers a day.
The villages and provinces are generally safe at night, and you get to
see a lot of Vietnamese culture such as various tribe folks. While bus
services are in fact available (albeit not always reliable), a
recommended alternative is to rent a bike or car and make the trip on
your own. Motorbikes in decent quality can be rented for as little as
US$5 a day, and many places have suggestions for routes.
- Ha Long Bay's spectacular ocean karst topography is the most popular side-trip from Hanoi.
- The Sapa
mountain region, home to ethnic minorities, gorgeous mountain scenery,
and trekking paths connecting many tiny mountain villages is the second
most popular trip. It is accessible by bus or train to Lao Cai, then onward by minibus or hired motorbike.
Interior of the Perfume Pagoda cave
- Perfume Pagoda, (Not reasonably reachable by public transport. Tours are available anywhere in Hanoi.). An
ancient Buddhist pilgrimage site about 60 km southwest of Hanoi. A
full-day excursion that involves a boat trip to the main site, where you
will hike (30-45 min) or take a cable car up a mountain. Near the top
is a large limestone cave containing Buddhist shrines and statues. There
are various other temples and grottoes along the way. Tour from US$15 including transport, lunch, and admission.
- Bat Trang,
a village world-famous for its pottery, 9 km southeast of Hanoi. It is
accessible by taking Bus 47, which originates at Long Bien. Just hop on
(the bus will be clearly labelled with the number 47 and the text "Long
Bien - Bat Trang"; bus fare is 3,000 dong one-way as of 2008) and take
it to the last stop, which is directly opposite the pottery market
(haggle for lower prices, and insist on paying in Dong). Head back up
the street to the factories to see artists at work.
- Cao Bang, featuring the beautiful Ban Gioc waterfall, is five hours away by bus, near the Chinese border.
- Co Loa is the oldest ancient capital in the region; a little visited site slightly northeast of Hanoi.
- Tam Coc/Hoa Lu: Located in Ninh Binh
province, this day trip is a combines heritage tourism and natural
landscape tourism. Hoa Lu is the site of the first capital of Vietnam in
the 10th century, and was home to two kings-- Dinh Bo Linh (Dinh Tien
Hoang) and Le Hoan-- there are now two shrines dedicated to these two
kings. About 30 min away from Hoa Lu is Tam Coc [three grottoes]-- also
known as Halong Bay on land. It features karst landforms surrounded by
paddy fields, and is accessed by little wooden boats. Boats are for hire
at US$3.50/trip, which takes about one hour. This is an excellent
alternative to Halong Bay for those who have short attention spans, as
the boat trip takes a mere hour versus Halong Bay tourist boats which
take 5 hours. One minor annoyance involves pedlars on boats hawking
their wares, and your boat rower trying to sell you embroidery. Trip can
be booked in Hanoi for about US$20.
