We would like to share the best Hanoi Vietnam experience travel guide as below
Hanoi is an elegant city located on the banks of the Red River with tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake at its heart. North of the lake are the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, each street named after the trade that used to take place there.
Following years of rampant inflation, poverty and repression, the government introduced economic reform or doi moi in 1986, allowing people to own their own businesses. Now Hanoi has been totally transformed and visitors are entranced by the city and its residents.
The wide boulevards and large colonial buildings reflect Hanoi’s period as a French Protectorate, whilst other areas are truly Vietnamese with a muddle of narrow streets which bustle from dawn to dusk.
Hanoi is a year-round destination and even the rainfalls of the hot, rainy summer season (May to October) are over in a couple of hours, giving way to sun, the city feeling refreshed. The heaviest rains are generally experienced from June to August. In the run-up to the rainy season, the humidity increases dramatically and sightseeing can be quite exhausting. Winter can be quite cool with a persistent drizzle.
Hand-embroidered tablecloths and lacquerware are very popular in Hanoi. The hill tribes also sell colourful woven bags and clothing in the city. Good souvenirs are ceramics from Bat Trang village, silk paintings and hand-painted greetings cards.
The Old Quarter has numerous streets crammed with shops, but those of particular interest are on Hang Gai and Hang Bong. Off-the-peg clothing is always a good buy, but even better is to have clothes made up by one of the many tailors. The area close to Hoan Kiem Lake has some excellent shops including along Hai Ba Trung Street.
Dong Xuan Market on Dong Xuan Street is Hanoi's largest wholesale and retail centre, and anything and everything can be found there.
Shopping malls have arrived in Hanoi with the Trang Tien Plaza at 24 Hai Ba Trung, the Parkson on Thai Ha and VinCom City Towers at 191 Ba Trieu selling leading international and domestic brands.
Vietnamese cooking is a superb mixture of Vietnamese, Chinese and French traditions, with a plethora of regional variations. Rice or noodles usually provide the basis of a meal, fish is plentiful, and vegetables and fruits served are always fresh and seasonal. Whatever your budget, there will be a restaurant to suit you as the choice of restaurants in Hanoi is pretty impressive.The Hanoi restaurants below have been grouped into three pricing categories:
- Expensive (over US$35)
- Moderate (US$15 to US$35)
- Cheap (up to US$15)
These Hanoi restaurant prices are for a three-course meal for one, including taxes but not drinks. Tipping is now quite customary, especially in tourist areas, and is much appreciated in a country where salaries are still low. Upscale restaurants and hotels may add a 5-10% service charge to the bill.
Hanoi isn't well known for its nightlife, as the city streets can appear pretty deserted soon after 2200. Most nightlife venues in Hanoi are on the small side, but the ambience is great and the crowds friendly. Much of the nightlife takes place around the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Public transport in Hanoi Vietnam
The public bus system in Hanoi is very cheap but confusing, and few short-term visitors to Hanoi will attempt it. There are around 60 bus routes operated by five different bus operators, but information for all routes can be found on the website of the Hanoi Transport Management and Operation Centre (www.hanoibus.com). Monthly passes are available.
Taxis are the best way to travel around Hanoi. Restaurants, bars and hotels are quite happy to summon a taxi; otherwise vehicles can be hailed on the street. Visitors are advised to check that the meter is turned on. Reliable taxi companies are Airport Taxis (tel: (04) 3873 3333), Hanoi Taxi (tel: (04) 3853 5353) and Mai Linh Taxi (tel: (04) 3822 2666).
Most visitors to Hanoi are quite traumatised when they encounter the traffic for the first time. The streets are crammed with bicycles and motorbikes, which dart between the growing number of cars. Happily, visitors are only allowed to hire cars with drivers.
Car hire in Hanoi Vietnam
It is not possible to hire a car to drive yourself but you can hire one with a driver from tour operators such as Vietnam Trust Car Rental Service (Vietnamtrustcarrental.com)
