Old Quarter
by SirRichard
All the area around Hoam Kiem Lake is nkown as "Old Quarter" and is a charming noisy narrow alleys laberynth in which you can easily get lost....
In fact, the best way to know the place is to get lost in it!! When U R completely lost, U just hail a motorbike and tell him to take you to your hotel or so (less than 1 USD). The Lonely Planet guide has a "Walking Tour" itinerary by the old quarter, but I tried to follow it and got lost, LOL
You will find many old shops, souvenirs, restaurants... here.
Touring Vietnam by Bike
by bpacker
If you're a serious biker like my hubby, chances are, you would have asked if it is possible to tour Vietnam by bike. The answer is yes! And the best bike to do it over here is the classic Russian Minsk. There are some minsk bike clubs over here and they have gatherings where tales of adventures are swapped . So, if you're keen to do this, I suggest you find out more by clicking on this site :
The Minsk Club
Touring Vietnam is not without risks, the terrain is probably unfamiliar to you and the road sucks compared to first world countries. It's better to do it with a guide and with insurance, of course. Ask the club for recommendations. Better to bring your own full-face helmet here, you wouldn't want to wear someone else's stinky helmet, right??
Hanoi:Temple of Literature
by bpacker
Look out for the 82 stone plaques placed on tortoise shells if you're in the Temple of Literature. Some of these structures are more than 500 years old and they bear the names of some really smart people who managed to scrape through the Emperor's gruelling examinations. Yes, you'll find the names of 1,306 PHD students written in classical Chinese there..
Ever notice each tortoise bears different 'facial' features?
A must do thing in the evening
by Willettsworld about Water Puppet Theater
Water puppetry is a tradition that dates back as far as the 11th century when it originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam. The puppets are made out of wood and then lacquered and the shows are performed in a waist-deep pool. A large rod supports the puppet under the water and is used by the puppeteers, who are normally hidden behind a screen, to control them. Thus the puppets appear to be moving over the water.
The puppets "act" out various Vietnamese folklores and folk tales that have been passed down the generations with stories such as harvesting, fishing and of festivals. A traditional Vietnamese orchestra provides background music accompaniment. It's a fantastic show which you simply have to come and witness as there's nothing like it. I was lucky enough to get front row seats and so really enjoyed it, except that you can get wet sitting so close to the pool!
Performances start at 15:30, 17:00, 18:30, 20:00 & 21:15 and tickets cost either 40,000 VND or 60,000 VND, depending on where you sit. You can book these at the theatre's booking office. You can even buy the puppets from some nearby shops, but make sure you haggle the price down!
"I have moto-bike!"
by Etoile2B
The Vietnamese population thrives on riding motorbikes, and Hanoi is no exception to that rule. While visiting, tourists are privy to a constant stream of “motobike, motobike” as they walk down the street. So finding a ride around town is never difficult. It’s quite an experience to take one of these two-wheeled rides around town. It always feels a little like you’re taking your life into your own hands. But what a thrill! If you’re walking, take care as you cross the street because these bikes have the right of way. I recommend getting a birdseye view of the traffic to learn the ebb and flow of it all. It’s got it’s own kind of beauty.
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Inside 69 Bar and Restaurant
Two rowers on the river
Inside the house on stilts
A timeless street market in Hanoi
