Hanoi today is the leading center of scientific study and research in the country and has always been a centre for education and the arts. Retaining much of its older colonial charm, a fairly significant side effect of conflict has been to make Hanoi largely oblivious to modern architecture, except of course in select cases. The Old Quarter is famous for uninterrupted stretches of colonial and pre-colonial architecture, and it trades the commercial boom and modern 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.
Water puppet theatre is an ancient art form in Vietnam which appeals to all ages. These shows are colorful, entertaining and accompanied by traditional Vietnamese music. It’s advisable to book tickets in advance for the best seats. The show is performed throughout the week, three times on a Sunday and twice Monday through Saturday.
The paddleboats can be found at the boat launches along Thanh Nien and with a little work you can sail out onto Truc Bach or West Lake in your own private plastic goose. Children have to be accompanied by an adult.
Another water puppet theatre show in Hanoi is the municipal show, with performances held regularly, and popular with the locals.
Five kilometers north of the city centre, this is an excellent day out with children on a hot day. The park opens early and stays open till 9pm. Water slides and refreshing pools are enjoyed by all ages, while the adjacent Moon Park offers roller coasters and other exciting activities for when it gets cooler in the evenings. The park is open for eight months of the year from April to November.
The huge tent, which is a permanent fixture at the northern end of Lenin Park, is home to Hanoi's Central Circus. Shows are held Wednesday through Saturday at 8pm and on Sunday mornings at 9am. The Sunday morning show is held with children in mind, and is a popular Sunday activity with residents of Hanoi.
St Joseph's Cathedral, also known as Nha Tha Lon, is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Hanoi and was consecrated on the night of Christmas in 1886. Built by the French on the site of a demolished pagoda; St Joseph's Cathedral is known simply as the "Big Church" among the Vietnamese of Hanoi and is designed to resemble the Notre Dame in Paris.
Ba Da Pagoda was originally called Sung Khanh Pagoda and was built in 1056 AD, during the Ly Thanh Ton Dynasty. The original temple has long disappeared and has been called many names throughout its history. It is located at the end of a narrow alley off a street that runs between the Ho Hoan Kiem Lake and St Joseph's Cathedral.
Constructed by the French in 1896; mainly to house political prisoners it was taken over by the Vietnamese in 1954. From 1964 to 1973 it was a major POW detention facility with some of the famous inmates including U.S. Sen. John McCain, Pete Peterson, the ambassador to Vietnam, and Lt. Everett Alvarez, officially the first American pilot to be shot down over Vietnam. To the west of the main complex is the guillotine room, still with its original equipment, and the female and Vietnamese political prisoners' quarters. The courtyard linking the two has parts of original tunnels once used by a hundred Vietnamese revolutionaries who escaped the jail in 1945. Visiting hours are from 8am – 5pm, and an admission fee has to be paid.
Popular among war buffs and historians, the revolutionary museum chronicles the rise of the Communist Party and its leader Ho Chi Minh. Although a little neglected, this museum is a treasure trove of old oil paintings, photographs and memorabilia chronicling the life of Ho Chi Minh and the early revolutions. There is an admission fee and visiting hours are between 8am and 11.45am and 2pm to 4.15pm.
Constructed in the 15th century the pagoda became the headquarters of the Tonkin Buddhist Association in 1934, and today it is headquarters for the Vietnam Central Buddhist Congregation.
Finely printed enlargements of documentary photography cover the walls of this small shop. The owner of the gallery has been capturing reflective and provocative images, mostly in black and white, since 1971. Open from 9am to 9pm.
Cuisine: Fusion This restaurant is set in a beautiful converted French colonial house in the Hoan Kiem District. Upstairs offers terrace seating, and the side patio sandwiched between the restaurant and an exposed brick wall offers cozy private dining. Open from 11.30am to 2pm and from 6pm to 11pm.
Cuisine: Vietnamese With a beautiful colonial decor, properly trained staff, and amazing food this restaurant is a fine, upscale dining experience. The main floor has a handful of tables set up around an open kitchen, which are perfect for couples or single diners. Open daily from 11am to 2pm and from 6pm to 11pm, visitors are recommended to make reservations.
Cuisine: French The Green Tangerine occupies a 1928 French townhouse and provides superb food, elegant presentation, a commendable wine list and fine service. Reservations are recommended and the restaurant is open 11am to 11pm.
Cuisine: French This is local chef Benjamin Rascalou's first restaurant, but he is well respected in the local community for his stunning work at the Green Tangerine. Open daily from 11.30am to 2pm and from 6pm to 10pm.
Cuisine: French / Vietnamese Open daily from 11:30am to 2pm and from 6pm to 10pm La Verticale is owned by Chef Didier Corlou who has lived in Vietnam for 18 years. The menu changes by season, but expect to find inventive dishes marked with a strong Vietnamese base. Address: 19 Ngo Van So St, Hanoi Tel: +4 3944 6317
Cuisine: Continental Still popular with the old-boys' network, the Press Club is also attracting a younger, hipper crowd. The indoor restaurant is sizable, yet private, and Outdoor seating is available on the terrace facing a large stage that features regular live music acts.
Cuisine: Fusion Blending the best of East and West, owner-chef Bobby Chinn is part Chinese and part Egyptian and brings all his influences to bear in this classy setting. Open from 11am till the last order.
Cuisine: Contemporary Vietnamese The ambience of the Wild Lotus is upscale and chic, with a bouquet of lotuses on every table, and the intoxicating smell of fresh flowers permeating through the restaurant. The restaurant serves portions that are meant to be shared, so visitors should ask for half-portions if dining alone. Open daily from 11am to 11pm.
Cuisine: International Signature dishes like the tuna tartare and lobster bisque remain unrivaled in the city, and still attract a loyal customer base to this upscale dining establishment. Open daily from 9am until last order.
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Melia Hanoi offers 306 well furnished rooms and the largest pillar less Ballroom in Vietnam. All rooms are furnished with full-length windows, air-conditioning, large working desk, and wireless broadband internet. Only 10 walking minutes from the Old Quarter, a kilometer's worth of exploration will bring guests to the Hoan Kiem Lake, the Hanoi Opera House and the Temple of Literature. Leisure facilities include a swimming pool, gym with professional trainers, and the Oasis beauty salon with full selection of beauty treatments. For business there are two board rooms and executive conference room for meetings. Melia Hanoi also has a wide range of state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment with LCD projectors, large video screens, and portable microphones. For dining and entertainment there is a Mediterranean and Vietnamese seafood restaurant, and a tapas restaurant which also serves over 70 exotic cocktails and live music. The lobby lounge also features live music and entertainment.
The hotel towers over the southern end of West Lake, which is about a 10-minute ride on Hanoi's ring road to the north of downtown. Views from upper floors to the nearby lake and surrounding city (no buildings obstruct the views from here) are great. Rooms are large and decked out in sumptuous fabrics, rich rugs, and fine furnishings. The commute to the Old Quarter is about 40,000 VND in a taxi, and after wandering around there, you might be pleased to be whisked out of the chaos to air-conditioned comfort.
This smart, upscale hotel sits on a peninsula jutting out into Hanoi's picturesque West Lake in a neighborhood popular with the local expatriates. The hotel makes up for any inconvenience caused by its distance from the city by being completely self-contained, with fine-dining options and hotel services that cover all bases, from local touring to business support. All rooms have fine views of the lake. Bathrooms are large, with big bathtubs and transport to town is available 24 hours. Facilities include; babysitting, outdoor pool, restaurants, Jacuzzi and tennis courts.
This charming historic hotel built in 2007 is ideal for families and is housed in a French colonial style building which has stood proud in the heart of Hanoi since 1901. The hotel has a rich history and centuries-old tradition which has received ambassadors, heads of state and business, and offers a blend of warm hospitality and a luxurious Vietnamese European heritage. The establishment is air conditioned and has a lobby with 24-hour reception and check-out, currency exchange facility, bar, 3 restaurants and laundry services. All accommodations have their own bathroom with shower / tub and hairdryer, as well as double bed or king. Each room is equipped with internet broadband, satellite TV with LCD screen, DVD player, international direct dial telephone with dataport and voicemail, as well as safe, mini-bar, coffee / tea, air conditioning and heating central.
The InterContinental is Hanoi's newest five-star. For a romantic getaway, splurge on a suite on one of the island pavilions connected to the main building via Venetian-style bridges. All rooms come with private balconies, and most have fabulous views of West Lake. Rooms on the top floor; referred to as Atelier rooms, have high, sloping ceilings, giving the space a cozy cabin feel. Located about a 20-minute cab ride away from Hanoi's Old Quarter, this hotel is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. The outdoor Sunset Bar is a popular destination for hip locals and expatriates alike. Address: 1A Nghi Tam, Tay Ho District, Hanoi Tel: +4 6270 8888
Having been newly renovated the Movenpick Hotel gives of a sleek and modern feel to other hotels located in the city. Rooms are spacious, with warm, dark wood-finish floors and splashy accent furniture in a careful balance of classic and contemporary, providing an excellent overall feel. Facilities include; a restaurant, bar, concierge, health club, dry sauna, and smoke-free floors.
The Hilton is a reproduction colonial that describes an elegant arc around the perimeter of the splendid Hanoi Opera building. Rooms are carpeted in rich, contrasting colors with unique cushioned wallpaper, subdued lighting and balconies providing a view of the buzzing city. The hotel also has plenty of special features for vacation travelers, including in-house tour services, a helpful concierge and fine Vietnamese dining at Ba Mien, and gourmet sandwiches and baked goods at Café Opera.
While primarily a business hotel, the Hotel Nikko also meets the need for the discerning travelers who like their accommodations quiet and minimalistic. Nikko is located on the north end of sprawling Thong Nhat Park (formerly Lenin Park) overlooking Bay Mau Lake, a good distance south of the busy tourist area of Hanoi, but that is portrayed as one of the hotel's greatest assets. The hotel provides babysitting and childcare facilities, houses a health club, a pool, and several bars and restaurants.
All rooms have been designed as apartments, and are equipped with a full kitchen and a maid service. The complex has a restaurant that serves only breakfast. There is also a mini-market to buy food and drink. It has a huge complex of buildings scattered over a wide area. The lobby is spacious and has a large seating area. The establishment is suitable for long stays and for those wishing to live in a relaxed atmosphere away from the city. The hotel offers a variety of services and amenities, making it the ideal choice for families.
The hotel has 411 rooms including 34 suites and 77 club-rooms, plus a wide range of facilities and services. The magnificent garden, built to inspire, help you forget you're in the heart of the city and rooms offer panoramic views of the city and Thu Le Lake. The hotel offers an airport shuttle service and has a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and a poolside bar.
Hanoi has a population of approximately 6.5 million residents which has grown exponentially since the turn of the millennium. Most residents of Hanoi have been there for three generations or more and 85% of Hanoi's Population comprises of ethnic Vietnamese. 3% of Hanoi's Population is ethnic Chinese or Khmer and there are members of more than 55 different ethnic groups who call this city home. It is a cultural norm in Hanoi to make conversation with strangers, and tourists are often asked general questions about where they are from or what they do. Such friendliness often proves extremely useful; particularly in cases of street crime where other young male pedestrians might try to catch the culprit while female pedestrians help the victim by calling the police or the ambulance if the victim is wounded.
The ideal time to visit Hanoi is in spring or autumn. The ‘Tet’ holiday which is the celebration of the Lunar New Year is in the spring; flowers are at their most beautiful during this time of the year and the city becomes even more magical as locals celebrate what is an important part of the year for them. The weather starts to warm up with occasional light rain which the citizens of Hanoi believe brings prosperity and luck for the New Year. Autumn is also a unique time of the year in Hanoi. The temperature drops and the humidity of the summer months dissipates, and the foliage is beautiful, as it is in the spring. It is not advisable to visit Hanoi in the summer months due to the intolerable heat and humidity, and winters are generally cold, and made even colder by an absence of central heating systems.
The city is located on the right bank of the Red River. Hanoi is located at 1,760 km north of Ho Chi Minh City and is the capital of Vietnam.
Currency in Vietnam is: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
New Year's Day - 1st January Lunar New Year - varies annually Hung Kings Commemorations - 23rd April Liberation Day - 30th April Labor Day - 1st May National Day - 2nd September
Month Average Minimum Average Maximum January 13 20 February 15 20 March 18 23 April 21 27 May 24 32 June 25 33 July 26 33 August 25 32 September 24 31 October 22 29 November 18 25 December 15 22
Hanoi today is the leading center of scientific study and research in the country and has always been a centre for education and the arts. Retaining much of its older colonial charm, a fairly significant side effect of conflict has been to make Hanoi largely oblivious to modern architecture, except of course in select cases. The Old Quarter is famous for uninterrupted stretches of colonial and pre-colonial architecture, and it trades the commercial boom and modern 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.
Hanoi has made a fine capital for more than a thousand years; through several invasions, occupations, restorations, and name changes. The Nguyen Dynasty gave the city its modern name of Ha Noi in 1831, and in 1887, the French colonists made Hanoi the capital of all Indochina. It changed hands again in 1954 and, when it was ceded to Ho Chi Minh and the Viet Minh after almost a decade of fighting, it became the capital of North Vietnam. Upon reunification in 1975, it assumed that title for the entire country. Its post reunification history has been one of growth and progress and till today it retains the most unique feel of all the cities in Vietnam.
With knock offs readily available around every street corner, this is a store with the real thing at real prices. Located in the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, its part of a larger shopping area and is situated right next to Cartier.
Many of Hanoi's most accomplished contemporary artists are shown at this multi storey gallery as well as older works by local masters. Timings are 8am to 8 pm.
One of Hanoi's most reputable galleries and an essential stop for any serious collector. Open from 10m to 5pm. Address: 30 Hang Than Truc Bach Tel: +4 3927 2349
A high-end shop that sells silk garments, open from 8.30am. Address: 37A Van Mieu Dong Da Tel: +4 3747 1535
With branches and small outlet corners in various hotel lobbies around town Khai Silk is the largest retail silk outlet in Vietnam and is justly famous for its selection, silk quality, and chic store layout.
This small boutique is sandwiched between the Hilton and the Metropole and caters to high-end shoppers. They carry three specialized lines, Kenzo, Korloff, and La Perla. Open daily 9:30am to 7:30pm.
Run by jet-setting Hong Kong lawyer-turned-designer Christina Yu, they have two stores: a flagship Ipa Nima store in the south end of town, and Tina Sparkle, in the heart of the popular Church Street cafe area. Open daily 9am to 7pm.
One of Hanoi's best art galleries, this neat shop stands out by selecting a small number of works by serious artists. Open from 10am to 8pm.
Extravagant and colorful garments are displayed on three floors. Open from 9am to 8pm.
Hanoi Silk has a collection comparable to Khai Silk and carries good ready-to-wear silk garments in addition to providing tailoring services. Open daily 8am to 8pm.
The Hanoi Opera House, also called Nha Hat Lon Ha Noi or Hanoi Municipal Theatre, is a landmark of the French Quarter of Hanoi. Unfortunately, to get inside, visitors have to attend a performance, which are usually enjoyable but few and far between.
Housed in a building that was the French consulate until 1910, it is now a museum in varying degrees; the collection includes prehistoric artifacts and carvings to funerary jars and some very fine examples of traditional drums from the north. The collection also contains items obtained from excavations of Han tombs, artifacts from the Buddhist statuary, and everyday items of early history.
This large three-story market is slightly to the north of Hanoi's Old Quarter and offers a varied selection of merchandise. Hundreds of stalls are located in the market, employing thousands of workers, trading extremely fresh produce, dried foods, household goods, appliances and more. The market is historically significant as well as it witnessed fierce fighting between Vietnamese resistance units and the French.
The Museum of Vietnamese Revolution documents the country's various struggles for independence and the history of the Communist Party. The rustic museum houses objects on display offer a creative and multi-dimensional insight; from a Japanese Buddhist drum used to rally the party in the 1960s to Vietnam’s first sewing machine.
Also known as the Temple of the Jade Mound; Den Ngoc Son is a small temple on an islet in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. The temple is open daily from 8am to 6pm, and there is an admission charge. The patron of Den Ngoc Son is believed to be Tran Hung Dao, a legendary general. Within the temple is a sculpture of a fabled tortoise from the legend of the lake. The temple grounds offer great views of the surrounding lake, and the little lakeside park on the island is a popular place for elderly men to enjoy a game of Chinese chess.
Hoan Kiem Lake is the center of the city both literally and figuratively. The lake is the city's most popular strolling ground and large groups can be seen in the mornings walking or jogging along the lake or taking part in tai chi exercises. In the middle of the lake is Thap Rua, or Tortoise Tower a three-storey pagoda built in the 18th century. Turtles can be seen basking at the temple's base; with some estimated to be up to 500 years old.
Date: January - March Celebrated from the 6th day of the first month to the end of the third month according to the lunar calendar, the Perfume Pagoda is the most prominent of pilgrimage for the Buddhists in the northern parts of Vietnam. Thousands of pilgrims endure hardships to reach these sacred caves where they go to pray for well-being, happiness and prosperity in the future. Surrounded by an epic landscape and lush greenery the festival is observed in three places- Huong Tich, Tuyet Son and Long Van. These areas can be reached either by riverboat and a short hike along the riverbank or by taking the Hanoi - Ha Dong - Van Dinh - Huong Son route by road. Most of the crowds visit between the 15th and 20th day of the second month of the lunar calendar.
During the Nui Ba annual celebration, thousands of Buddhists and tourists flock to the Ba Mountain to worship and sightsee. The festival is celebrated during spring till the 30th day of the 1st lunar month and reaches its peak on the day of the full moon of the first month. People from the Ho Chi Minh City and the provinces of the south gather in crowds at the mountain to celebrate on the day of the peak. Pilgrims start at the bottom of the mountain and climb one half of the mountain to Saint Linh Son's communal house, then; they follow a path that leads to a pagoda where they feast on the vegetarian meals offered at the pagoda. Tourists can enjoy the meal for free and donations to the pagoda can be made depending on budget and ability.
Lim Festival in Hanoi celebrates northern Vietnam's beloved quan ho folk songs and the founder of these songs, Hieu Trung Hau. Practicing a traditional dramatic art form that dates back several centuries, performers at this annual festival in the Bac Ninh Province, converse in a specific style of quan ho folk singing. It takes place every year on 13th day of the 1st lunar month. The participants make for a spectacular sight adorned in traditional quan ho attire and millions of visitors come to enjoy the dialogue performances between 'lien anh' or male singers and 'lien chi' or female singers. They are the country's most skilled quan ho singers. Besides this, visitors are treated to traditional temple games and competitions in addition to all the religious observances that take place.
Date: January-February Tet is a major event in Hanoi which is enjoyed by both locals and tourists every year. This festival is celebrated at the beginning of January or at the end of February, and marks the beginning of the New Year by the lunar calendar. It is one of the most sacred and important festivals to locals, and while it is officially a three-day affair, festivities may continue for a week or more with locals and tourists alike indulging in eating, drinking, merry making and other enjoyable social activities. People are seen in their best attires, decorating their homes and stocking up on traditional Tet delicacies. Festoons adorn the city streets and shops and stalls are decorated with colored lights, selling traditional candied fruits and jams, traditional cakes, and fresh fruit and flowers.
The Whale Festival in Hanoi lasts for only two days and is commemorated in the middle of the 3rd lunar month. It is considered to be the biggest water festival among the fisherman of the Danang province where the Whale God is worshipped in the hope that it will ensure safety and prosperity for the entire village for the coming year. Irrespective of wherever they might have been all fishermen and boats return to the village for this celebration and it is accompanied by chanting and prayers, as well as a feast that entirely excludes any seafood. It is an elaborate ceremony, rich in color, and a large part of the ceremony is the decoration of the temple, the houses and all fishing boats in the village.
The Topas Adventure Vietnam capitalizes on the country's natural riches by offering tourists walks, treks, and mountain-biking and horseback-riding adventures. Well-equipped with an experienced team of guides, cooks and porters, some of them tribal, who are accustomed to the local conditions and familiar with the region trips are organized all over Vietnam and Cambodia. The prices include all meals, overnight stays, equipment and vehicular charges.
Choose a special custom designed tour like the Adventurous Tour, or the Special Interest Tour which explores sites specified by the customer, the Deluxe Tour or the Corporate Tour, whichever suits requirements and time frame. All the staff members at Hanoi are ex tour leaders, so the tours are handled professionally, with the aim being to ensure convenience while making sure tourists do not miss out on any of the wonderful sights Vietnam has to offer.
Discover the sights of Hanoi on this full-day tour. Visit Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, the world famous Museum of Ethnology and enjoy a walking tour of the Old Quarter. Lunch is included so enjoy Vietnamese style "Pho" or Noodle Soup for lunch. The tour departs from most Hanoi hotels, so check with the concierge or reception about its availability.
The Perfume Pagoda is surrounded by the beautiful Perfume Mountain, and is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Vietnam. Tours depart from selected hotels in the city and have to be registered for through the hotel or a licensed booking agent. The day trip will take visitors by road to the township of My Duc, approximately two hours from Hanoi followed by a short boat trip along the scenic Yen River, through the limestone cliffs to the base of the mountain. To reach the main Pagoda visitors have to climb for about four hours; good walking shoes are necessary as areas of the mountain path are steep and can often be slippery. If the walk proves too difficult, visitors can opt to take the cable car.
The Huong Hai junk brings you a wonderful opportunity to sail along the picturesque Halong Bay in luxury accommodations while still retaining the originality of sailing on a Junk. Enjoy various interesting activities such as watching Vietnamese folk music performance, going fishing on the bay at night, kayaking and learning Vietnamese cuisine. Offering two packages; a two day one night cruise, or a three day two night cruise, all meals are included as are entrance tickets, visiting fees and overnight fees for the various activities, transport from Hanoi to Halong and return by shuttle bus. Excluded from the package are drinks, laundry and any personal expenses incurred. Departs from: Gate 2- Bai Chay Port
This tour departs daily from Hanoi to Halong Bay and can be arranged by most hotels in Hanoi. This two days one night tour includes meals on board, transfer by private car to Halong and then back to Hanoi, accommodation, insurance on board and entrance fees. Excludes kayaking, drinks and personal expenses.
A three day cruise brought to you by Slo Pony Adventures; a well known local tour company, the calypso cruise departs from Calypso Port in Hon Gai, and allows for leisurely exploration of many of the natural caves along Halong Bay. Other activities include kayaking, night fishing and rock climbing, and there is plenty of on board entertainment on offer in the evenings. Drinks and laundry services are excluded from the package, as are any personal expenses incurred.
Slo Pony Adventures offers the most comprehensive information and services for rock climbing, camping and adventure tours in Vietnam. Tours are geared towards allowing guests to safely venture of the beaten path and customize their activities based on preferences.
Departing daily from Hanoi this two day cruise aims to get off the beaten track but still maintains its standards of comfort and leisure. The size of the new boat will allow the passengers to get much closer to Halong Bay’s natural wonders, pocket lagoons, and its small fishing communities.
A local tour operator that provides information and tours within Vietnam, hotel bookings, visa services and air train tickets and packages that offer budget travel, business travel, cycling, kayaking and backpacking.
Al-Noor Mosque Address: 12 Hang Luoc Street, Hanoi
Hanoi has several main long-distance bus stations and each one serves a particular area. They are fairly well organized, with ticket offices, fixed prices and printed schedules. Visitors should consider buying tickets the day before planning to travel on the longer-distance routes to ensure a seat. Scam free, cheap but a bit difficult to comprehend at first, the buses in Hanoi are relatively fast and surprisingly comfortable. Maps with printed bus lines can be purchased at the Trang Tien Street (the book street by the Opera house) and after a few minutes visitors can easily identify the over 60 bus lines and find relevant bus stops. Tourist-style minibuses can be booked through most hotels and cafés. Popular destinations include Halong Bay and Sapa. Many open-ticket tours through Vietnam start or finish in Hanoi.
The main Hanoi train station ticket office is at the western end of Pho Tran Hung Dao; trains from here go to destinations south. The ticket office is open from 7.30am-12.30pm & 1.30-7.30pm. Foreigners can buy tickets for southbound trains at counter 2, where the staff speaks English. It’s often best to buy tickets at least one day before departure to ensure a seat or sleeper. To the right of the main entrance of the train station is a separate ticket office for northbound trains to Lao Cai (for Sapa) and China. Tickets for China must be bought at a separate, specified counter. Check with Vietnam Rail (Duong Sat Viet Nam; www.vr.com.vn ) for current timetables.
Taxis are plentiful and usually have trip meters, although it is also common to agree on the price before taking a taxi to any location. Taxis are often expensive so negotiation is advised, and it is also important to be very clear as to your destination as drivers will attempt to take you to other locations from where they may receive commission. Once in Hanoi there is an abundance of taxis; and tourists also sometimes tour the city on ‘cyclos’ which are modified cycle rickshaws, especially in the Old Quarter. Tourists should be wary, negotiate a price and be clear as to their destination before getting in as a driver may demand an exorbitant amount for traveling a few hundred yards or take the passenger to an entirely different location from the one specified. Hanoi's traffic is chaotic, with seemingly perpetual traffic jams, and a large number of motorcyclists and pedestrians. As such, driving yourself is not recommended.
To hire a car with a driver, contact a hotel, traveler’s café or travel agency. Tourists are better of hiring a car directly from the hotel that they are staying at or one based on the hotel’s recommendation. In parts of the northwest in the wet season some roads may only be suitable for a 4WD so visitors should keep this in mind when hiring a vehicle. If you plan to tour the north by bike, there are several good firms that can arrange guides and rentals and help with itinerary planning. One of the best recommended is ‘Cuong’s Motorbike Adventure’ which rents out bikes for US$5 a day, including a full range of spares and a repair manual. Visitors are also advised to refer to the Minsk Club website (www.minskclubvietnam.com) if they are interested in renting a bike.
There are two main highways linking the airport and city. The route to the city via Thăng Long Bridge is more direct than Highway 1, which runs along the outskirts of the city. Taxis to downtown Hanoi can be hired at Noi Bai. The driver may try to take you to a hotel of his choice to collect a commission, but if you are specific about your destination, they usually give in. Taxis from the city centre to Noi Bai Airport charge a fixed rate of US$10 to US$12 depending on the size of the taxi. If the hotel reservation is already made, the hotel can be asked to dispatch a driver. Generally the nicer hotels will do this and put the fare on the room bill. Public buses can also be used although they take much longer, about an hour, to reach the city centre.
Traffic in Hanoi is chaotic, with motorbikes, taxis, cyclists and pedestrians in a seemingly continuous rush to reach their destinations. As such it is not recommended for first time visitors to drive themselves. If this option is preferred then the tourist is advised to remember to rent a car from their hotel or on the hotel’s recommendation where they will also be given brief instructions on driving tips if such a request is made. Motorcycles can also 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 a group of two. Remember to park on the sidewalk with other bikes, and be sure to lock the front wheel. Locals will help arrange the bikes near their stores and many stores or boulevards will have attendants that offer to park your bike.
Traffic in Hanoi is dominated by an incredible amount of motorbikes, all of which seem to be making a mad, desperate dash to wherever they have to get to. 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 both ways, and take each step slowly and patiently while trying to make eye contact with any oncoming drivers. Do not try to dodge traffic, let the bikes drive around you and maintain a measured steady pace while crossing the street. Advanced medical facilities and supplies are often found lacking in Vietnam, keeping in mind it is still a third world country. English speaking medical practitioners are found in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City but it is necessary to make cash payments in advance to doctors and hospitals. Hanoi health information offers a detailed account on international health clinics in the city. As many common medications are not found in Vietnam it is absolutely necessary to carry sufficient medicines with you on tours to Hanoi. Any prescribed medicine should be brought with you keeping in mind how long you will be visiting. Visitors should avoid consuming roadside water, beverages and food. Tourists should only drink purified water and boiled beverages like tea and coffee.
