"the 2sues in the north of Vietnam" Hanoi by SPW

Hanoi Travel Guide: 2,675 reviews and 5,720 photos

Decisions, decisions...

Despite the efforts of friendly Vietnamese cafe owners here in Melbourne we eventually decided to confine our trip to Hanoi and the north. This seemed more manageable than trying to skim over the length of the country in 2 weeks. It was also recommended as being quieter and more obviously French influenced than the south.
We considered tours and independent travel eventually deciding to go with a program that we put together in conjunction with a tourist cafe with links to Australia. Our reasoning was that their prices were reasonable and we would have someone locally who spoke English and understood Australian peculiarities. This worked out brilliantly, giving us time to ourselves as well as organised time on short tours to Sa Pa and to Halong Bay.

Hanoi: a gracious city

Lake Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

It was sobering to drive along the road from the airport and be told that the indentations by the road were old bomb craters, the most apparent remnant from the war.
The city itself has both French overtones in the remaining colonial buildings and some of the tree lined boulevards and an unmistakable Asian feel, particularly in the Old Quarter with its narrow streets and shop houses. Lake Hoan Kiem in the centre of town is like the lungs od the city where there is peace although the traffic swirls around only a few metres away.
Motor and push bikes are the most common forms of transport and crossing the street is an important art to learn. Check that here are no cars or trucks coming and then step out, and continue to walk stedily to the other side as the bikes swerve around you. Stopping will spoil the riders' judgement and is more likely to result in accidents. White lines drawn on the road as pedestrian crossings are simply white lines drawn on the road and don't confer any safety.

Autumn Moon Festival

Prepared to party

While we were there, preparations were underway for the Autumn Moon Festival, with some street decorations, and many stalls, paticularly in the Old Quarter filled with toys for children, moon cakes and lanterns. There were street parades in the evenings and the climax included fireworks over the lake.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Relaxed pace, managable size
Cons:Some postcard and travel guide hawkers

Last visit to Hanoi: Sep 2002
Intro Updated Aug 13, 2003
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Reviews (14)

A surprise find Restaurants (4)

We went looking for the seafood restaurants and got lost, finding Nan King instead. In an inner courtyard, hidden from... more travel advice

The great crew from the Kangaroo Cafe - Hanoi

The mouse with a pouch Restaurants (4)

The Vietnamese language doesn't stretch to kangaroo, but this is the translation of the Kangaroo Cafe which is both a... more travel advice

A feast for the senses Things to Do (6)

Walking around in Hanoi is a real feast for the senses. The smells of the food of the street vendors, the toot and... more travel advice

Cyclos and the 2 fat ladies Transportation (2)

Cyclos in Hanoi are now mainly for tourists, although many locals do still use them from time to time. The riders ring... more travel advice

Shopping (1)
Shoppers' Paradise

Hotels (1)
Luxury Accommodation With the Defence...

Comments (25)

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nguyenkiti Jun 3, 2007 at 7:09 PM

we'd like to introduce to you our restaurant named KiTi at 38 Hang Hom-Hon Kiem. Our restaurant is located in the heart quarter of Hanoi city with the elegant, luxurious, and sophisticated structures that always satisfy tourists coming to Vietnam
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pepples46 Sep 19, 2006 at 9:47 PM

excellent tips
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Applelyn Mar 30, 2006 at 6:38 AM

Is your ankle better now? Btw, lovely tips on Hanoi and nice intro
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Sininen Feb 17, 2006 at 7:22 AM

Hello Sue! Happy Birthday from Finland! I loved your Hanoi page, which was well written without forgetting humour and your photos made the tips perfect. Thank you for letting me join this virtual tour in Hanoi. Cheers, Sini
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perseushermes Oct 26, 2005 at 5:07 AM

Lovely tips on Hanoi. Lovely photos too
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imstress Jul 4, 2005 at 6:25 PM

did u had Bia Hoi when u were in Hanoi? I simply love them;p thanks for sharing Hanoi with us.
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muddybok Jun 2, 2005 at 7:29 AM

The air conditioning at water puppet is now very cold & fully functional. No matter how i say my prayer at St Joseph's Cathedral, i still cannot resist the temptations & overshopped.
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JetlagCity May 5, 2005 at 3:41 PM

Enjoyed your memories and style of writing! I haven't been this far from home yet, but hope to see this area someday. Greetings from Seattle!
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Jim_Eliason Dec 20, 2004 at 5:41 PM

Great photos and tips!
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BeatChick Nov 29, 2004 at 12:51 AM

Western-style toilets - always good to know!! :) You're Hanoi Pages are a breath of fresh air!