the first quote is the deepest
by richiecdisc
It was the beginning the TET festival, Vietnam’s equivalent to New Years, Christmas and your birthday, all wrapped up in one. Needless to say, the streets were a chaotic affair, with literally streams of motorcycles carrying not only the customary full families, but also everything from refrigerators to kumquat or cherry blossom trees that are the traditional home decorations for the holiday. Though interesting, it was disconcerting. Most travelers had suggested that Hanoi was more relaxing than Saigon and indeed, we had looked forward to the old town with its narrow winding streets and countless photo opportunities. If this was the easier going big city in Vietnam, we figured we were in for a long month. It did not help that the weather was damp and cold, with little respite in our heat-less room. Despite this, we managed to enjoy the sights and especially the varied and delicious cuisine of the nation’s capital.
Normally, Hanoi would have taken us three or four days to explore but with the TET festivities in full swing, some things were not open and more importantly, travel reservations somewhat booked out. Or so we were led to believe. Our new hotel staff assured us that they could get us a much-coveted sleeper on the Hanoi-Hue run of the Reunification Express, Vietnam’s refurbished train that runs down the coast to Saigon. Their first quote was for $29 and this seemed fair enough despite being five bucks more than the backpacker bus that runs through the entire country. After checking my guide that evening, it was indeed a bit of a high quote.
(continued below in Fondest Memory)
Jog around the lakes (at night)
by chefgrad
A jog trough Hanoi in the early a.m. hours will show you a very different side of the city. Noise is almost non existant. The lakes are calm, the streets are empty. You'll notice people sleeping around the lakes and parks. You will rarely catch a glimpse of that drunk tourist dude stumbling back to his hotel. Spending six months in Vietnam could've driven me mad, if it weren't for my nightly 7km jog to and around Hoan Kiem Lake.
Dong Xuan market
by aukahkay about Dong Xuan market
Dong Xuan market is located in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Superficially, the external facade of the building looks like a railway station. When you enter the building, you will see rows of stalls selling goods like local handicrafts, kitchenware, clothes, household products, electrical products and other miscellaneous stuff. There are altogether 3 levels of such stalls. Bargaining is the order of the day. Do not be afraid to slash the price by 50% or more.
After browsing through Dong Xuan market, step outside and you are in the heart of the Old Quarter, a labyrinth of streets and lanes with shops selling a wide variety of clothes, shoes, belts, fake designer wear, Vietnamese crafts, silverware and other things. Lacquer ware: these take the form of fruit bowls, chopsticks, flower vases and jewellery boxes
Wood carvings: carvings of Vietnamese women and other objects
Vietnamese conical hats The prices are negotiable. For example, a set of 10 pairs of lacquer plated chopsticks will cost around 30000 to 50000 VND.
Apocalypse Now
by hanno about Apocalypse Now
The Apocalypse Now has been a mainstay of Hanoian Nightlife for years. Admittedly, it is full of ladies of questionable virtue, especially on weekends, but this is also where a lot of the expats hang out. A great mix of people, decent music, and cold Tiger draft! Short of coming in naked, anything goes:-))))
Taxis - from Noi Bai Airport
by myspices
When you arrive at Noi Bai Airport, a convenient way to get to Hanoi town is to hire a taxi - it's USD10/- per taxi. Maximum passengers is 4 adults.
If you are quoted a higher price, bargain for it.
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Ngoc Son Temple,Hoan Kiem Lake ,Ha Noi,Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh's House
Gardeners in Uncle Ho mausoleum's park
Water puppet show in Hanoi
