Self-Guided Hanoi Travel Guide 2013

Self-Guided Hanoi Travel Guide 2013 by mr.hotsia

Many people mistakenly think Ho Chi Minh City is the capital of Vietnam, but the truth isHanoi (Hà Nội)is the capital of this country. I, mr.hotsia, also misunderstood this for quite some time before seriously traveling to Hanoi several times and it became one of my favorite cities when visiting northern Vietnam.

The first time I traveled to Hanoi was by flying from Dien Bien Phu to Hanoi Airport, then connecting with Lao Airlines to Vientiane to return to Thailand via the border. Later, I chose to fly direct with AirAsia from Don Mueang Airport to Hanoi, which is very convenient and economical. Hanoi Airport is about 30 kilometers from the city center, and there are several transportation options to get into the city. My favorite is the airline bus service that runs from 7 AM, costing about 100 baht per person. The bus stops in theOld Quarter (Phố Cổ)which is a popular area for tourists to stay.

If you arrive too early in the morning, the bus service might not be operating yet, so you will need to take a taxi. However, I recommend contacting your hotel to arrange a pick-up, which is cheaper than taking a metered taxi, costing around 400-500 baht per trip.

Popular Accommodation Area: Old Quarter (Phố Cổ)

For accommodation in Hanoi, I, mr.hotsia, recommend the Old Quarter area, known in Vietnamese as “Phố Cổ.” This area is full of budget hotels, street food stalls, and an authentic Vietnamese atmosphere. The main street where taxis from the airport stop is “Lý Quốc Sư” Street. If you don’t have a hotel yet, tell the taxi driver “Có khách sạn rồi,” meaning “I have a hotel,” to make it easier to find your own accommodation.

I usually walk around to find cheap hotels in this area myself to choose according to my preference and save a lot of budget. Sometimes booking in advance online is good, but during festivals or holidays, you should book early because accommodations fill up quickly.

Activities and Attractions in Hanoi

Many people choose to buy day tours to visit Ha Long Bay or Sapa, which are popular tourist destinations in northern Vietnam. I, mr.hotsia, have been to both and would recommend that if you want to experience nature and cool weather, Sapa is a better choice. Ha Long Bay is very beautiful, but for Thais who have visited the Gulf of Thailand or the Andaman Sea, it might not feel very new.

Ha Long Bay tours are available as day trips or overnight cruises, while Sapa requires two nights on a sleeper train both ways. I like this kind of travel because it offers atmosphere and full rest.

But if you prefer to explore Hanoi city itself, I recommend walking around on your own, which is more fun than buying a one-day tour costing nearly 750 baht. You will get to experience real local life, such as strolling through theDong Xuan Marketby Hoan Kiem Lake, admire ancient architecture, or walk around the evening atmosphere at Sword Lake.

In the evening, you might watch a water puppet show at a nearby theater or chill with Vietnamese young people in the Old Quarter. The atmosphere is great and perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.

Delicious Food in Hanoi Recommended by mr.hotsia

Vietnamese food in Hanoi is something I don’t want you to miss. The last time I went to get a Chinese visa in Hanoi, I stayed for 4 nights and got to try many great restaurants. Here are some recommendations:

• Cà Phê Giảng Hanoi, a local coffee shop with a fragrant aroma and strong taste.
• Street rice porridge in the Old Quarter, smooth texture and mild flavor.
• Nem Nướng or grilled pork in the Old Quarter, flavorful with a charcoal aroma.
• Hanoi roasted duck near the Hanoi Circus, tender meat and very crispy skin.
• Com Chay Kuha 37, a place I frequent, serving homestyle dishes with just the right taste.
• Mi Quang in the Old Quarter, chewy noodles with a rich broth.
• Kebab and French bread, uniquely delicious and perfect for a snack.

Actually, there is a small rice porridge stall at a street corner not far from Cà Phê Giảng that I really like, but unfortunately, I lost my camera so I couldn’t capture photos to show you.

Transportation and Safety for Tourists

Getting around Hanoi is very convenient. You can explore safely on your own, even women traveling alone have no problems. I, mr.hotsia, can say Hanoi is a city suitable for backpackers and independent travelers because costs are low, transportation is easy, and people are friendly.

If you want to travel to southern Vietnam as well, I recommend reading my articleBuying Tours in Ho Chi Minh Citybecause Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have very different travel styles. Those who have visited Hanoi and want to experience the southern city vibe should not miss Ho Chi Minh City.

Summary

Hanoi is a capital city full of cultural charm, history, and delicious food that I, mr.hotsia, want everyone to experience for themselves. Getting into the city is convenient, especially the affordable airport bus. The popular accommodation area, the Old Quarter, is full of restaurants and budget hotels, suitable for all types of travelers, whether visiting Sapa, Ha Long Bay, or exploring the city itself.

If you have a chance to visit northern Vietnam, don’t forget to stop by Hanoi and follow the real experiences I, mr.hotsia, have shared. I guarantee you will take home great impressions!

Wishing all travelers a fun self-guided trip to Hanoi!