"Hanoi in December!" Hanoi by shrimp56

Hanoi Travel Guide: 2,906 reviews and 5,628 photos

A beautiful city of lakes -- more cars than Saigon, but better regard for traffic rules!!! The cooler weather was a pleasure after the steamy days in Thailand, Cambodia & Saigon.

I chose the picture above for the opening page because it reflects both the traditional [the old building, the vegetable stand] and the modern [the woman watching television sitting on a plastic stool]. It was taken in the streets behind the Sofitel Plaza on West Lake.
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On the right: Again the traditional and the modern. A Chinese-style gate and a modern repairman.

The sun setting over West Lake was one of the pleasures of staying at the Sofitel Plaza.
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The Tran Quoc Pagoda was on the spit of land tounched by the setting sun's reflection. Please see my Tran Quoc Pagoda travelogue for more.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Cooler weather, saner traffic, the old buildings and temples.
Cons:More political, still crazy traffic -- less friendly than HCMC
In a nutshell:Visit for a good contrast to the south of Vietnam.

Last visit to Hanoi: Dec 2003
Intro Updated Jun 22, 2004
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Reviews (33)

Vietnamese silk is lovely! Shopping (4)

You can find silk scarves and other local crafts in shops in many of the bigger hotels. You'll pay a premium, but you... more travel advice

Statues of Kings at Tran Quoc Pagoda - Hanoi

Statues of Kings at Tran Quoc Pagoda Things to Do (9)

These kings lined one of the side walls in the back temple area. Not a clue on the names, but they sure look good in... more travel advice

One of the many altars at Tran Quoc Pagoda - Hanoi

One of the many altars at Tran Quoc... Things to Do (9)

This pagoda complex has had many names throughout its history. First it was called "The Foundation of the country", then... more travel advice

Roofline Detail at Tran Quoc Pagoda - Hanoi

Roofline Detail at Tran Quoc Pagoda Things to Do (9)

There is so much to see at this pagoda. Tran Quoc Pagoda is reputedly the oldest in Hanoi dating, in part, from the 6th... more travel advice

Favorites (4)
See All The French influence is visible ...
Transportation (4)
See All The Old Boat Peddler
Restaurants (3)
See All You are what you eat ...

Hotels (2)
See All Looming over West Lake
Local Customs (4)
See All Honoring Uncle Ho
Off The Beaten Path (3)
See All Giarai Tomb -- Ethnology Museum

Travelogues (5)

1 - 4 of 5

Comments (10)

nepalgoods Feb 28, 2006 at 12:30 PM Report Abuse

Interesting page! Thank you!
iwys Jan 1, 2005 at 5:23 AM Report Abuse

I'll got for pho and Ho.
bpacker Nov 23, 2004 at 11:04 PM Report Abuse

Another cooking class, and this time in Hanoi too! Well, I'll be there in Dec so this sounds very tempting. Was it expensive?
kentishgirl Oct 4, 2004 at 11:34 AM Report Abuse

This is another of your masterpiece pages! Thankyou so much for sharing fabulous piccies and tips on a wonderful city that I will visit sooner rather than later! Ali xx
Nemorino Aug 6, 2004 at 1:24 PM Report Abuse

Brings back memories of my visit there in 1995. Thanks! (I saw the water puppets, too.)
nicolettart Jan 26, 2004 at 8:35 AM Report Abuse

Beautiful, beautiful travelogues!! I will return to see more...
herzog63 Jan 20, 2004 at 12:14 AM Report Abuse

I love the Market Travelogue!!! I can feel the atmosphere!! I love Asian Markets! I was hoping for a shot of you in a Cyclo!!
globetrott Jan 15, 2004 at 1:47 PM Report Abuse

a good start with 4 tips, Sally ! Lovely old pics, showing a lot of the local atmosphere...
matcrazy1 Jan 15, 2004 at 11:03 AM Report Abuse

Amazing, colorful pictures of the market and great idea of taking cooking classes there :-)
jmmorgan Nov 9, 2003 at 11:02 AM Report Abuse

You will have a great time - I certainly did!