"In the begining" Hanoi by JonnyVN

Hanoi Travel Guide: 2,675 reviews and 5,717 photos

14 years on

I arrived in Hanoi 1994 on a seven day contract to design a newspaper for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after the busle of Hong Kong for 9 years, I immediately fell in love with the place. Stayed there 6 years before moving down to Saigon.
The city was very different then, only about 3 western hangouts in town, and they were pretty basic, the streets were much quieter, and the people more inquisitive about foreigners. Work was easy, mainly due to the regular power cuts then which would last most of the day, we would all retire to a Bai Hoi round the corner.
Expat life was very close knit, everyone knew everyone, well except the French who kept to themselves, this was mainly due to the lack of bars to go to so Saturday night down the pear tree was filled with familiar faces.

Hanoi is a beautifull city, to some extent more beautiful now than it was 12 years ago due to the renovation of most of the old colonial villas. A few got knocked down, the saddest loss being the russian market on the lake which is now a very ugly shopping mall.
It's a small city, I love walking the streets on cool autumn days, something I don't get to do down in Saigon.

Ha Long

Filming for buffallo tours

No trip to Hanoi is complete without a night in Ha Long Bay. Once your on the boat just sit back with an ice cold Halida and watch the view, eat great seafood, swim and kayake through the tunnels. At night after big meal we hiked the lights on and did a bit on squid fishing, drank more halida, great fun.

Last visit to Hanoi: Feb 2009
Intro Updated Feb 12, 2009
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Reviews (12)

By far the best Restaurants (7)

This is by far the best Indian restaurant in Vietnam (in my opinion). I lived on their delivery for years when I lived... more travel advice

Hanoi flavour Restaurants (7)

First went here 12 years ago, before the air cons were put in, been taking people here ever since they put a drop of... more travel advice

Jays the hippy in the blue shirt - Hanoi

Rock and Roll Nightlife (2)

Jays R&R Tavern; and institution in Hanoi been going there for over ten years. Friendly place with cold beer and great... more travel advice

Just a good old pub Nightlife (2)

Definately reccomend this one, one of my favourite drinking hole in town. Great mix of people from all walks of life.... more travel advice

Things to Do (2)
See All Walking

Hotels (1)
Great Location

Comments (5)

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chicabonita Feb 12, 2009 at 2:41 AM

Thanks for the great tips. I'm planning to go maybe in October this year ...
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Tattugran Sep 7, 2008 at 5:55 PM

We'll be going here next June. I cant wait..will definately be in touch with you for advice later on
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jgemini65 Jul 24, 2008 at 9:22 PM

Good info...definitely a must on the travel list!
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Gillybob Nov 21, 2007 at 2:11 AM

I loved my stay in Ha Noi - would definitely recommend a visit to anyone and might make it back some day! Gillybob greetings
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rahoka Mar 25, 2007 at 10:33 PM

Interesting pages on VN with much information provided. Thanks for sharing.