Sign in with FacebookDeparture Airport Tax
Remember to keep USD14 for the departure airport tax (passenger service charges).
You may purchase it after you have checkin at the airline counter.
You can see that a special counter is set up just to collect $ from you.
Tay Ho
Quang An-Tu Lien, Tayho Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam
More about Hanoi
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Temple of Literature,Ha Noi,Vietnam.
Museum's are often closed on Mondays
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Hanoi Bus Stop
Forum Posts
Re: Where to put luggage while in Halong Bay?
If we were to travel to Hanoi and then go to Halong Bay for the overnight cruise, would it be feasible to bring our luggage along or is there a place where we can leave our left luggage?
I was also given to understand that we could either spend a night on a chinese junk( which I was told is more of a tourist trap than anything else) or in a hotel on Cat Ba Island- which would be the better option?
My concern is also that my husband suffers badly from seasickness so it may not be a good idea to spend a night on the boat but how's the sea there? is it rough?
appreciate some feedback here. thanks.
Re: Re: Where to put luggage while in Halong Bay?
I did a tour on a boat on Halong Bay and brought my large knapsack and briefcase on the boat. It was a bit cumbersome toting it to the boat, but it was safe on the boat. However, the boat tour I did was overnight and had rooms where I could keep my luggage locked up safely. Before they handed out the room keys, I left my luggage in a heap with everyone else's on the boat (I was on the boat at this time) and I felt safe.
I struggled with motion sickness as well but the ride was very smooth for me and I had no issues. To be on the safe side, you might want to bring along some Gravol or Dramamine (non drowsy!) just in case. I was worried about this as well, but I was totally fine.
I stayed in a hotel on Cat Ba Island, but this was arranged by the Halong Boat tour. I'm glad we paid for the full package. This way when we arrived on Cat Ba Island, we were brought to a decent hotel and didn't have to worry about accommodations. I don't remember how much the tour was, but it wasn't outrageous if memory serves.
I don't know if it will have too much more info for you, but you can read about my adventures on Halong Bay at http://deniseesser.com/travelblog/?p=48
It's definitely worth doing. Have fun!
Re: Re: Where to put luggage while in Halong Bay?
If you are returning to the same Hotel after your Halong Bay overnighter, then the Hotel will usually store your luggage for you free of charge until you return. I used this resource twice whilst staying at my Hanoi Hotel with no problems, better than lugging a big bag around with you.
Re: Re: Where to put luggage while in Halong Bay?
Your replies are most informative, Thank you.
Another query since you've been there and done it- is it true that Cat Ba is pretty seedy and we're better off just staying on board overnight on a junk.Also what would be a reliable junk boat to go on?We don't want something which is too crowded.
Thanks again.
Re: Re: Where to put luggage while in Halong Bay?
If you staying in a decent hotels, not guesthouses, then I suggest to leave the big luggage at their lockers. They dont mind.
It's the bay, so the sea is not rough at all, but it's hard to say if the day you went on the trip, the weather is bad. then it's still a bit rough for sensitive people who has seasick. Staying in Cat Ba island is good option.
Travel Tips for Hanoi
Cemeteries
Cemeteries in northern Vietnam are very distinctive. Historically, family members were buried in the fields where the family grew crops.
Today, bodies must be placed in concentrated cemeteries. Bodies are first buried in the ground; after three years, the bones are dug up and reburied. These "villages of the dead" are found among rice paddies and fields.
Tombstones are made of poured concrete and covered with colorful glazed tiles as families have the money to do so. Very poor families have only dirt mounds. From the many military engagements in Vietnam's history, military cemeteries are a common feature of the rural landscape.
Buying Hats, Fish, Bags, Ao Dais, etc
You'll find everything under the sky here at cheap, cheap prices. Really, if you've been to Ben Tanh Market in Saigon, this is Hanoi's equivilent. I got pretty silk bags here for less than US10 here. Quite a steal compared to the touristy prices at Hang Gai Street! The reason? This is a wholesale centre! Silk embroidered bags, ao dais, silk ties, silk hankies, etc. Don't pay more than USD10 for a silk bag or USD20 for an ao dai or ao zai. Those conical hats go for USD2 or less.
TET by Night
TET or Vietnam’s New Year’s cum Christmas festival is crazy enough during the day but if you are in town when it is going on, you have to walk the market area at night to really experience its colorful splendor. The streets are buzzing with people out buying supplies for TET and motorcycles whiz by you constantly, with everything from kumquat trees to sacks of rice on the back. Red is the color theme and all that glitters is noticed. It is generally cool outside at night during the TET so wear something warm and try and look smart. Most Vietnamese do!
Very Trendy
This place has 3 floors, and the night we were there they were all nearly full. It seems to be very popular, with a lot of people lingering over drinks in the lounging area's. It is a beautiful old building and fabulously decorated. At the entry, you cross a water feature via stepping stones before ascending the stairs. We ate up on the third floor which had a raised ceiling with exposed beams and beautiful hanging lanterns.
The staff were not as attentive as you might expect in such a nice place (or maybe we had just been too spoilt by the staff at the Elegance 3 where we were staying), we were left pretty much to ourselves after having our meals put in front of us, and found it hard to catch some-ones eye when we wanted something. Having said that, when Brad spilled his drink all over the pristine table cloth, we were moved with minimal fuss to a new table and the mess quickly and quietly cleared away.
The food was great and the wine list excellent. I don't know if it qualifies as a favourite, as I only ate here once, but the best dish on the night was a grilled chicken with lemongrass...absolutely beautiful!
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Questions and Answers
Q: in Hanoi for April 28-30 2012! any good suggestions? "Hi everyone here!!! I will be in Hanoi from April 28th! Feel soo excited to go explore this legendary city! I will only have 3..."
A: "> I know Halong bay is famous but i have been to Mildfordsound in Newzeadland and Guilin in China so i am not especially attracted by Halong bay since it's the similar..."
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