Hanoi: the Old Quarter
72
Arriving
Don't you love that feeling of excitement you have when you first land in a strange and foreign country? I was so ready to absorb myself in the culture that I nearly accepted a ride from some locals who actually described themselves as the 'taxi mafia". Fortunately a member of the Vietnamese military casually guided me to the appropriate bus.
My wife rolled her eyes and off we went. Within minutes a buffalo drawn cart with its conical hat wearing driver had just left the road ahead. Rice paddies and people, animals and dogs and the constant barking of car horns challenged every sense. I'm not sure what you think, but I love being lost in a culture that is different in every way from my normal life.
After about 40 minutes we were in Hanoi. With over 3 million people, the capital of the socialist republic seemed like it was alive ... alive with people and motorbikes, all trying to squeeze onto roads that seemed like they never emptied.
If I was to offer any advice, I'd say head straight to the Old Quarter. Or as the French called it: Cité Indigène. Dive straight into the old Vietnamese culture.
The cramped streets offer the ability to walk and explore the 36 streets that date back almost one thousand years. When I first ventured out of our hotel, it appeared there was nothing that wasn't being sold ... or eaten.
Places to stay
It depends on your budget, but for me its about a clean room, somewhere to wash, and a good bed. I'll often travel and inspect several hotels before I settle on one for the night. Don't be afraid to ask for a room inspection, sit on the bed and check the pillow. If you're not into booking ahead, it's all part of the fun.
Staying in the heart of the Old Quarter gives you things to see, places to shop and good food opportunities.
Places to stay - when you're saving pennies, want a challengeor love the friendly hospitality (about US$8-10)
Places to stay - mid range -- for those that like a balance of cost and comfort (about US$38-50)
Places to stay - top end or if you feel like living it up (US$120-500) - a touch of Paris in Hanoi
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I went through the same thing, but once I got the hang of it I decided to hire a motorbike and eventually ended up riding from Dalat to Saigon. The trick was to just go with the flow. I'm planning to write a hub on this shortly. Thanks for the comment.
Vietnam visa is a requirement for Business travelers and tourists when they wish to visit Vietnam except citizens of countries having visa exemption inclusion in bilateral consular agreements with Vietnam. You can apply Vietnam Visa in your local Embassy of Vietnam or get it online at Vietnam-visa.com with cheap and faster. You can find further information here: www.vietnam-visa.com
Happy Travel
Thanks for sharing the info. Hanoi is cool.
Vietnam is somewhere that is on my list of places to travel. What I do not understand is people not wanting to explore new places and instead going year after year to places like Spain instead of exploring new places around the world
I go to Hawaii each each to scuba dive and love it but I could not see myself going to places like Spain where all the stag parties and package holiday makers go to. I would like to know a recommended flight company who goes to Vietnam.
This is very good hotel in old quater Hanoi:
Can we still see some amazing places in Vietnam or has it become commercialised like a lot of these destinations
Hi all, I have been back from Vietnam and I am coming back next month. I am doing a business there and I am a regular Vietnam comer :) For every time I go, I ofter used the Vietnam Visa service online of http://www.vietnamvisa-online.com They are the best Visa service in Vietnam I must say. The supporter is really helpful, cordial and willing to share everything about Vietnam. It is a big luck for a foreigner like me entering Vietnam helped by this service, like my friends , I must say.
Hi ciciaaim, thank for recommending. Last time I went to Vietnam through http://www.visaforvietna.org . They are excellent service. This time I will try the agency that you recommend.
@Chentelle: The Places are though not actually original, they are unique, fantastic to see.
Hi ciciaaim, thank for recommending. Last time I went to Vietnam through http://www.visaforvietna.org . They are excellent service. This time I will try the agency that you recommend.
@Chentelle: The Places are though not actually original, they are unique, fantastic to see.
Hi ciciaaim, thank for recommending. Last time I went to Vietnam through http://www.visaforvietnam.org . They are excellent service. This time I will try the agency that you recommend.
@Chentelle: The Places are though not actually original, they are unique, fantastic to see.
I have been looking for new places to visit, i have become bored of Spain and Turkey and thought the trip to Australia that I done last year would have got me excited but I found it boring, but this trip sounds amazing so I am now seriously considering changing my plans this year to have a experience of a life time.
my friend was looking for some info on this place. great that you shared. will show this hub to him.
useful information. I think I need it. Because I'm going to Vietnam. Thank you
Amanda Kendle 4 years ago
Alive with motorbikes is right! I remember it took me about a week in Vietnam before I got the hang of crossing the street by weaving through all the motorbikes and trusting that they would ride around me.