"guell's Hanoi page" Hanoi by guell

Hanoi Travel Guide: 2,675 reviews and 5,718 photos

Days 4 and 5

We only had two days in Hanoi, and I wish we had had four! Hanoi was a paradox. The motorbikes were everywhere and their relentless honking was deafening at times. Crossing the street was done by pure faith. We would have to step into the street and keep a steady pace, and somehow the traffic knew to go around us! Yet the atmosphere was mysteriously serene. We felt safe, and other than the occasional street vendor and cyclo driver vying for our attention, we were left alone. We were free to explore, free to get lost.

We will return one day, though with all of the modernization that Vietnam is experiencing, I have a feeling that when we do, we’ll experience an entirely different Hanoi.

Last visit to Hanoi: Nov 2004
Intro Updated Jan 8, 2005
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Reviews (23)

Reproduction of a Rong House - Ethnology Museum - Hanoi

Ethnology Museum Things to Do (7)

The Ethnology Museum is a great place to learn about the 54 different ethnic cultures of Vietnam. You'll see examples of... more travel advice

Temple of Leterature - Roof Support Structure - Hanoi

Temple Construction Favorites (2)

The temples of Vietnam are traditionally constructed entirely of wood and assembled without nails or screws. Roof... more travel advice

Khuc Van Cac Pavilion at the Temple of Literature - Hanoi

Khuc Van Cac Pavilion at the temple of... Things to Do (7)

The Temple of Literature is Vietnam’s historical seat of learning and is the most sacred place for the disciples of... more travel advice

Jazz in Hanoi? Nightlife (1)

We never thought we’d be listening to jazz in Vietnam. Flipping through our guidebooks for things to do one night, we... more travel advice

Restaurants (4)
See All Try The Che
Local Customs (3)
See All The Vegetable Basket Ladies
Tourist Traps (1)
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum-Changing of the...

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (11)

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Toby221 Feb 29, 2008 at 7:45 PM

Hi Quell, Re the restaurant you would never have found: Noodle Shop, 9B Hoa Ma St. How do I find Clair of Hidden Hanoi? I'm going to Hanoi in May. Thx, suzanne.stephen@gmail.com
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mvtouring Apr 23, 2007 at 10:32 PM

The one pillar pagoda is truly amazing ;-)
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hooiluangoh Apr 4, 2007 at 1:30 AM

I would think USD15 spent in a market in Vietnam was horribly expensive. My experience in HCMC was that an excellent meal costs about USD 1 to USD 2 per person, unless we are eating in a international chain-restaurant at international prices.
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maysue Nov 19, 2006 at 1:17 AM

Gosh! It looks very delicious! Yum Yum!
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King_Golo Aug 30, 2006 at 4:55 AM

oh, i wish i was back in hanoi... very good tips! your food tips make my mouth water... :) did you try pho cuon? or nem?
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Florida999 Aug 29, 2006 at 9:54 AM

Nice Page! I love Vietnamese food, and would like to visit that country (but I think I better stay out of the mausoleum...before I make an inappropriate comment)
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Hexepatty Aug 27, 2006 at 8:03 PM

That soup looks SO good! Great tip. I wish to go to Hanoi for bun rieu soup!
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gypsysoul73 Jun 21, 2006 at 11:44 PM

Thank you so so so much for all your tips on Hanoi! I am going tomorrow with some girlfriends and your tips will help a great deal! :)
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Wild_Orchid Feb 12, 2005 at 9:17 AM

Hanoi: it is difficult to describe, but you describe it well!
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bpacker Jan 11, 2005 at 10:55 PM

Excellent writeup guell, your food tips are authentic and yummy. Btw, I agree with Sim, love your opening photo!