Vietnam: Hanoi

witchazel
Singapore

Worth visiting!

Why I recommend this place to visitors

Amazing people, amazing food, amazing sights, amazing hangouts. The traffic’s crazy and the streets are one big maze. But that’s what makes Hanoi so exciting! (I’m now a seasoned jay-walker.) The way to enjoy Hanoi is to take a step back and simply watch the chaos unfold. You’ll realise that amidst all the apparent lack of order, there actually IS order, and there IS tranquility. Shopping isn’t the greatest draw, but it’s cheap, and fun to boot (especially when it comes to bargaining using calculators and sign language).

I’ll always remember Hanoi as a smiling face, because her people are all so good natured (service is great, such that even after I realised I’ve been ripped off, I hardly mind it at all).

Note to summer visitors though: Move around in berms or shorts. You’re SO gonna melt in jeans.

Comments:

giantgem
Singapore

where did you got the i love vietnam shot? it’s so picture postcard perfect!!

witchazel
Singapore

thanks! it’s from one of the many Sinh Cafes there. i can’t remember which one exactly though.

Utt
0 places

Going Hanoi

Hi, I’m going Hanoi this coming Thursday for a week. Anything or place I should buy or go? =) – From Singapore

witchazel
Singapore

Places to go

I’ve not been to Sapa myself, but I’ve heard from almost everyone who’s been there rave about it. Since you are staying at Hanoi for a week, you may wish to take a few days for Sapa. I’ll do Sapa one of these days as well!

As for Hanoi, it may be a good idea to join a day tour there. They’ll take you to all the historical and sightseeing must-sees in one day, and that would make a good introduction to Hanoi. But the day tours may exclude the French Quarter, so be sure to check that part of town out yourself.

Food at Hanoi is cheap and good. One of my favourite restaurants there is Little Hanoi (you can google it to check out its address, cuz I can’t remember exactly which street it is on). It serves really good spring rolls and prawn cakes. I still miss the prawn cakes today.

There’s also a nice little cafe/restaurant run by an F&B school on Cha Ca. Serves really nice desserts at extremely affordable prices. Nice ambience as well. Great for chilling out with friends.

If you are into live jazz, you may like Minh’s Jazz Club. Alcohol in Hanoi is generally affordable (beer is cheaper than Coke sometimes), so I was a really happy creature there when it was time to hit the watering holes.

Andreas
Corfu

I had the same feeling “witchazel” while I was traveling in SE Asia and especially in Vietnam. Amazing country…


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