remember, this is a Communist country
by richiecdisc
Though Vietnam welcomes Western visitors, it is a decidedly Communist country and one should keep this in mind when dealing with officials. There is a lot of red tape in getting even simple things accomplished, such as securing a visa to Cambodia or Laos. Though one does not feel entirely restricted, there is a prevailing feeling of being under some kind of control. There is also rampant corruption on the political level though that does not seem confined to Communist governments, now does it? Still, locals feel there are kickbacks to be paid as a general rule. This unfortunately equates to tourists being subjected to like thinking which often leads to feelings of mistreatment to those not accustomed to such practices.
Vietnam Military History Museum
by victorwkf
If you are interested in the military history of Vietnam and happens to be at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square area, there is a Vietnam Military History Museum located at Dien Bien Phu Road which is worth visiting. This museum is located at the side of a huge rectangular citadel which is a military area with restricted access (but the museum is opened to the public). Also, outside of this museum, you will see the tall and huge Cot Co Flag tower with the Vietnamese flag flying on top of it (see photo).
Hang Da market
by Ladyfromasia
This local 3 floored indoor market is well-known for second-hand (used) cloths, shoes, bags. Do not forget to try your bargant tallent here :) You can buy good fruits and food at the first floor or you can try some unique vietnames food here.
Beware of the Taxis in Hanoi
by thanathon9
I just came back from Hanoi yesterday and just wanted to let everyone know how bad most taxis are in Hanoi. Before my trip I did read on many websites including this one on how tricky taxis were in Hanoi but was told by a friend that they have cleaned this up - BUT ITS NOT TRUE!!
I started of my trip with a taxi (which I got my hotel to call for me) from my hotel in the Old Quarter to the Ho Chi Minh Maousaleum. This trip took 15 mins and about 30,000D which sounded fairly reasonable. The meter also was not dodgy and increased slightly every time we moved.
After enjoying my day around the sites here I decided to take a taxi from the temple of literature back to my hotel. I was really tired so got on the first one available (many taxis were waiting out side and I just got on the bloody worst one!) The meter was normal and started off at 12000D which is the standard fare, however due to my fatigue it was 50,000 after 3 minutes. After telling the driver my thoughts about him cheating and wanting to get down on the next stop it jumped 1,000D every second and was 100,000D in no time and by the time he stopped the meter read 130,000D. Luckily I keep my money in seperate areas and spent most in my wallet leaving only 80,000D. He stated yapping Mafia Mafia and pointing to his old geezerd body stating he is part of the Mafia - hardly like it but better safe than sorry. I showed him the cash and tried getting out but he used the baby lock so I couldnt open the door from inside. I demanded he opened the door so he lowered the back window so i opened the door from the outside chucked what ever cash i had in his face slammed the door and got out.
The amount of money wasnt alot I mean 80,000D is only about 4 bucks so it wasnt the money i was mad about but the manner of it. For those of you reading I am also sorry not to get the plates or the company because I was really mad. I am sure there are still good and honest cabs but the bad ones really project a bad image for all taxis.
I only took a taxi twice during my stay in hanoi but i would recommend that you get your hotel to call you one and maybe use the larger companies like what everyone says on here.
PS Count your change for everything because I seem never to get the right amount back. Thre notes here are in large denominators so becareful!!
Must try
by mojo1980 about San Ho Resturant
Tried the " Fresh seafood on steamboat". The waitress told me its one person worth of serving, but after eating, it should be 2. Anyway, the broth taste great and the food is fresh as they catch from their aquarium.
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Limestone karst scenery
Room with a view!
Ho Chi Minh Museum
Bobby Chinn Restaurant Hanoi
