"Hanoi - City of the Soaring Dragon" Top 5 Page for this destination Hanoi by King_Golo

Hanoi Travel Guide: 2,907 reviews and 5,629 photos

Idyllic Hoan Kiem Lake in the centre of Hanoi

One of the best places in South East Asia

Hanoi is the place to be in Vietnam. As soon as you get there, you'll be fascinated by the hustling and bustling that awaits you in every corner of the city. You'll find hectic markets where everything from pork feet to the freshest and tastiest fruit can be purchased. You'll see millions of motobikes zigzagging through the overcrowded roads that are liable to collapse every second. You'll find faithful Buddhists praying in tranquil pagodas and temples. And inbetween everything, tourists are fearfully standing on the sidewalk, wondering how anyone can be able to cross a road without being overrun by the traffic...

In the old town

Having lived in Hanoi for half a year, I was yearning to come back there for years. This year I did it. My girlfriend and me went to Hanoi and checked out its tourist corners and silent alleys. Unfortunately, our stay was limited to only 1 week - but waking up early and walking around till late made us see a lot of things.

Policeman controlling Hanoi's traffic

Due to my long stay in Hanoi back in 2004/05, I believe I can be helpful if you have rather untouristy questions... Feel free to send me a mail.

Pros and Cons

Pros:exotic markets everywhere, tranquil pagodas, buzzing street life
Cons:smog, noise, dangerous traffic
In a nutshell:The place to be in Vietnam!

Last visit to Hanoi: Sep 2008
Intro Updated Oct 24, 2008
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Reviews (72)

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Local Customs (2)
See All Coco Loco
Things to Do (12)
See All Tran Quoc Pagoda
Restaurants (28)
See All Little Hanoi's BFS
Hotels (2)
See All Nice and quiet guesthouse
Warnings Or Dangers (2)
See All Food!
Sports & Outdoors (2)
See All Dancing in Lenin Park

Tourist Traps (2)
See All No Photo, please!
Shopping (2)
See All The Book Street
Nightlife (3)
See All Legends and tales
What to Pack (1)
Damn, that's cold today!
Transportation (2)
See All The most exciting traffic in the world...
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Comments (34)

yumyum Aug 16, 2011 at 4:21 AM Report Abuse

Excellent page! Hope to visit this year.
OOOx Apr 27, 2010 at 10:19 AM Report Abuse

Great tips on one of my favourite cities in Asia!
SteveOSF Nov 20, 2008 at 6:10 PM Report Abuse

Excellent page with well written tips!
b1bob Nov 20, 2008 at 6:49 AM Report Abuse

Nice page on Hanoi. What could the street vendors do if you take their picture. They sure wouldn't be able to get hold of my camera, I guarantee you that.
Pawtuxet Aug 31, 2008 at 6:09 AM Report Abuse

Lots of helpful tips. Have fun on your return trip.
magor65 Jan 26, 2008 at 12:10 PM Report Abuse

Great page; I especially enjoyed your off-the-beaten path tips. I hope to see some of these villages during my trip next month. And Halong Bay - yes, it sounds like a paradise.
Aafia Jul 29, 2007 at 4:44 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for the visit. Let me know if you have any questions about your upcoming trip to N.S. I enjoyed your Hanoi pages, photos and tips. I would love to go some day, if only to Halong Bay and those caves! So many places...
Luchonda May 26, 2007 at 2:32 PM Report Abuse

Thx for the interesting tips. Might be my next trip, with or without driving a Honda.
florry Apr 12, 2007 at 9:50 AM Report Abuse

absolutly beautiful pictures:)
dfactor Jan 20, 2007 at 10:58 PM Report Abuse

hi there, a friend asked me to look for Fanny ice-cream. she couldn't find it when she was there. but you've some great tips on restaurant in Hanoi. If only I could try them all. thanks.