Helpful Travel Agent in Hanoi
by cochinjew
There are some well known travel agencies in Hanoi and it is difficult to decide who to choose upon. They all seem to offer very similar tours and experiences. Since my brother and I did not wish to go to where there were lots of tourists, our initial encounter with travel agents was a bit of a disappointment: they all pointing you to halong bay, sapa etc Also if you dont have reentry into vietnam and has only a single entry visa, you need the help of a travel agent to arrange that. most are not willing since it is not very profitable for them. I highly recommend
CODOHUE TOURIST COMPANY, 34 hang Mam street in Hanoi tel 84 4 824 1841 ot mobile 0913 536 288 email codohue_sinhtravel@hn.vnn.vn
A night trek through unspoilt jungle
by currychook
A totally unusual experience waiting to be had- worth the travel out of the city. Cuc Phuong National Park. Exhilarating ride on a scooter through beautiful Vietnamese countryside, and before you know it, you're in thick jungle. Take a night trek through the jungle- navigating through pitch black darkness, gnarled roots, branches and leaf litter armed with just a torch. Speed downhill in a rickety bike through a narrow, unmarked road snaking its way through the jungle- praying at every corner that you will be able to avoid going headlong with a motorcycle or bus going the other way. Stay in a hut ('hotel') totally cut off from the rest of the world, a few mosquitos and moths circling a single light bulb to keep you company. Drink Vietnamese rice wine and talk the night away with the friendly conservationists/ scientists working in the area. Be inspired by efforts done to help the wildlife in the surrounding jungles. Wake up to birdsong and monkey calls. Visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and Turtle Rehabilitation Center. A truly priceless experience.
TAILORING OF VIETNAMESE OUTFIT (AO-ZAI)
by chirpy383 about CU THANH - Boutique a l interieur
A wide range of fabric for you to choose from.
Remember you have to bargain! Tailored a tube dress Ao-Dai.
Very good workmanship.
One day delivery.
Friendly and patient staff.
I paid USD35 for quite good quality fabric
One side of fabric is maroon, the other is red.
Very pretty silk and classy colour..
this Anchor is sinking fast
by richiecdisc about Ankor
I spotted another beer joint near the train station and it looked very upscale compared to most of the bia hoi places I had been dragging D too so we stopped in for a quick one. Unfortunately, the beer was a bland tasteless lager that might satisfy those in need of a thirst quencher. In that case, I’ll take water. ;) I also came across a bottled beer across from the train station while waiting for our night train to Hue. It was called Laser Draft Beer (in a bottle?!) and though in a no-no green bottle, it was one of the tastier beers we came across in Vietnam.
Halong Bay's sister cities of...
by UScutie
Halong Bay's sister cities of Bai Chay and Hong Gai are about 165 kilometers northeast of Hanoi. The repaving of Highway 18 (and the redesign of Highway 5) has cut a full 90 minutes off what was formerly a 5-6 hour trip from Hanoi. Previously, the fastest way to Ha Long was via Haiphong along Highway 5. From this bustling port city, travelers then had to take a couple of ferries along Route 10. This is still the more interesting route but, again, more time-consuming. If you're really in a rush, skip the road and go by Russian-built MI-8 helicopter!
1/Minibus
The most expedient way of reaching Ha Long is to purchase an overnight trip from Hanoi-based Buffalo Tours. Better yet book one of their sea kayaking trips!
2/Car
Independent travelers can arrange their own transportation. For the round trip, expect to pay US$50-$100. You'll also have to book your own boat in Halong Bay. Most for group of over 8 people will save money by this way.
2/Motorcycle
A more adventurous option is to hire a motorbike and cruise out to the bay yourself. Small motorbikes can be rented in Hanoi. Try the Memory Cafe (33b Tran Hung Dao Street; tel: 84-4-826-5854) or the Mai Linh Cafe (22 Cau Go; tel: 84-4-824-4554).
3/Helicopter
If you have more money than time, or prefer a double shot of adventure, go by helicopter. Helicopter service aboard Russian-built MI-8 or MI-17 helicopters is offered on Saturday only. You depart at 8 a.m. from Gialam heliport, about 15 km from center of Hanoi. Free transportation to Gialam heliport from the Metropole Hotel departs at 7:15 a.m. The return flight is at 3 p.m. the same day. A ticket will set you back US$175 round trip/US$90 one way. Children under 6 pay half.
4/A ground package to visit Halong Bay by boat is sold on behalf of Halong Tourist Company for US$20 per person. Package includes round-trip car transfer from Halong heliport to the boat, boat trip (4-5 hours), lunch, and guide.
5/Contact Northern Flight Services Company (182 Truong Chinh Road; tel: 84-4-852-3451 or at Gialam Airport, tel: 84-4-877-1410). There must be a minimum of 10 passengers to make the trip. Confirm your trip by the Wednesday prior.
6/Train
Train buffs can get to Haiphong by train in the morning, and then take the afternoon ferry to Bai Chay, or the ferry or hydrofoil to Cat Ba Island. From Haiphong, ferries depart for Hong Gai about three times a day. Schedules change constantly. The fare is about 15,000 dong one-way. Figure an entire day each way.
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Communal House,85 Hang Gai St.,Old Quarter,Ha Noi.
Village youngster at play
Tau Fu
In the old town
