Ha Long Bay. I think it is one of the most magnificent displays of natural beauty in the world today. It is kind of a three hour trek away though.
I recommend going to Hanoi's ' lake', which I am unfamiliar with the name, but I would imagine people would know what I am referring to, at about 8 am if you're up, to watch hunderds of people working out doing tai chi, around the lake while the early morning mist is evaporating.
I have a close friend who is a tour guide. You can contact her if you like and she will show you around.
Her name is Nguyen Hang, and her contact info is +84913320206 .
she is fluent in English, and really kind.
She is also familiar with the foreign crowd and knows where to go!
answered about 17 months ago by hanoiRob
Allegedly the Hanoi backpacker's hostel is the place to meet up for travellers new town, fallling more into the expat crowd then the backpacker one I've never been there but heard good things. I believe its near the church 'nha tho' on Au Trieu street but maybe other posters can help or do an accomodation search.
Best stop after that is 'international' bia hoi corner and have a few cheap brews easy conversation with others like yourself, easiest place to meet people in Hanoi. Easiest way to find that is to go up Dinh Liet street from the north end of Hoan Kiem lake till you see crowds of folks quaffing on the corner.
Have fun and safe travels
answered about 17 months ago by Chunnie
Welcome to Hanoi. If you are here for shopping, the Old Quarters is a must-see. You can get nice shirts at Hang Dao, silk stuff at Hang Gai, Nha Tho, etc. For sightseeing, you can visit some of the famous lakes here like Hoan Kiem Lake (located at the city centre) and West Lake. There are a few pagodas where you can take pictures. For museum visits, you can pop by the History Museum, Temple of Literature and Museum of Ethnology.
Outside Hanoi, I would recommend a visit to either Tam Coc (limestone caves in the paddy fields) or Halong Bay (a UNESCO Heritage Site). You can easily arrange a tour with any local tour operator.
