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loominpapa's Posts
130 reviews or comments posted; 5 questions asked; 64 answers given.
Reviews / Comments (130) see all
This place claims to be "Number 1" in the Bun Cha stakes. I'm not sure about that but it is certainly one of the best I've been to in this area, if not in the city as a whole.
The pork is the right kind of fatty and the patties are shaped like small sausages. I'm not convinced this makes them taste better but they were good (and plentiful). The stock/soup was tasty indeed and the vegetables fresh. The real star here though is the nem. They are really big, with a very thin crispy skin, a tasty filling of pork, mushrooms, and beansprouts. Very tasty indeed.
There are a few other Bun Cha places next to this one and I will endeavour to try them all, but I think I may have already found a the best of them.
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A good Banh My Bit Tet place on Hang Bun St.
For the uninitiated, Banh My Bit Tet is a sizzling of hot plate containing thin steak, eggs, a meatball, chips, green onions and tomato, served with bread and a tasty fried chilli flake paste. It's served very hot, still cooking at your table - keep the lid to let it all cook and to avoid being splattered with oil.
This one is pretty good, and it won't lighten your wallet too much although it may add some weight to your waist.
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An decent, if average Bun Cha place. Nothing special, but the nem are pretty good, and there's not much in the way of Bun Cha in this area.
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After a brief closure to replace the floor (giving me a moment of panic thinking that it had closed for good) this place is open again. Hurrah!
Great, simple, tasty food. Simple as that. Will return here time and time again.
If you haven't tried it you must.
| Was this review ... |
A large Bia Tuoi place next to the Fortuna Hotel.
There's a lot of beer drinking space here, but little character. The beer is decent, they do a standard Czech style lager, a black lager, and a 7% dark beer, all of which are decent if not outstanding. They do provide a 5 litre beer tower which the staff will put next to your table and attempt to refill your glasses with, until you get fed up with how slow/badly they pour and take on the task yourself.
The other odd thing about this place is that there is an attendant in the gents who (at least on this occasion) is intent on massaging your shoulders as you urinate. Apparently this service usually requires a tip, whether this is as a reward or as a bribe to stop him doing it again I have yet to ascertain.
There's also a Cuban band on a few nights a week, but I didn't stick around to hear them play.
| Was this review ... |
Questions (5)
Anyone know of a photography group in Hanoi?
Or anyone interested in starting one?
Does anyone want to start a New Hanoian Pool League?
Any kind of pool - Eight or Nine Ball, occasional meetings or regular, bit of a laugh and a beer too, anyone interested?
Or does anyone know of something similar that already exists?
Does anyone know where you I can get hold of tickets for the Asia Cup (Football) matches being played here?
I've seen a couple of banners advertising the upcoming Vietnam v Bahrain match with prices ranging up to VND100,000 - anyone know where they can be bought (if not sold out)?
I'm looking to buy a scanner from scanning film, and know the models I'm after. Anyone know a good place to get one for a reasonable price?
Most of the online searching I've done seems to show that prices here are almost 3 times that of the same model in the US.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Anyone know a good place to buy interior wall paint?
Answers (64)
Posted Saturday June 9th, 2007.
Cool! Thanks grubby I'll do that.
In response to the question: Anyone know of a photography group in Hanoi? Or anyone interested in starting one?...
Posted Thursday June 14th, 2007.
Thanks for those leads - I'll chase them up!
In response to the question: Anyone know of a photography group in Hanoi? Or anyone interested in starting one?...
Posted Saturday June 16th, 2007.
I was pretty sure that Air France was a good option so I had a look for you:
Leaving 20th and returning 28th would cost you 1,133.71 USD including taxes, not cheap but better than VN Airlines.
You could always look into flying Air Asia to Bangkok and getting a cheaper flight from there...
In response to the question: Hello again Hanoians! I just found out that due to a personal emergency I am going to have to fly back home to Paris for a week or so. Wondering i...
Posted Sunday June 17th, 2007.
Only played at GC and Finnegan's, and Finnegan's table is pretty poor. I suppose it would be better to do something in a proper bar, but the table situation would be easier at a pool hall (you wouldn't have other people wanting to use the table) and the table quality would be better too (generally).
I suppose it would depend on a bar being into the idea enough to section off a pool table for the evening. If there were a few takers we could start off in a pool hall until a regular thing developed... Just an idea.
In response to the question: Does anyone want to start a New Hanoian Pool League? Any kind of pool - Eight or Nine Ball, occasional meetings or regular, bit of a laugh and a b...
Posted Sunday June 24th, 2007.
It's not really IKEA style, but there are six or seven bamboo/rattan furniture stores on the corner of Quang Trung and Tran Nhan Trong, mostly on the Quang Trung side facing Ho Thien Quang (Thien Quang lake).
There all have the same kind of things, shelves, chairs, cabinets, the odd sofa. All are bamboo/rattan constructions and are reasonably sturdy. As for price, it's pretty cheap - I got a deep, four shelf unit to use as a shoe rack for about VND140,000 and also got a storage unit for about VND340,000.
In response to the question: Hi I want to buy good quality but cheap furniture like rattan, bamboo, ikea products. Can anyone give me some addresses? I'm new here so any help...
Posted Monday June 25th, 2007.
Sorry - forgot the district - it's Hai Ba Trung District.
In response to the question: Hi I want to buy good quality but cheap furniture like rattan, bamboo, ikea products. Can anyone give me some addresses? I'm new here so any help...
Posted Thursday June 28th, 2007.
Are the prices for visas "so sky-high"?
Last time I got renewal it was $87 for a six month multiple entry visa. I think the first one is more expensive than a renewal - $95 if memory serves me correctly. This was in HCMC though...
But, like grubby said, the price varies from agent to agent. The visa costs $50, and the stamp $10 according to the details in the passport, the additional costs will be what is added for 'additional costs' and the agent's cut.
In response to the question: Is it possible to "upgrade" the tourist visa to business visa if I have a visa approval? Or do I need to go out of the country and get a new visa at s...
Posted Thursday June 28th, 2007.
Hmm . Not sure about the Vietnam v Bahrain thing. The group playing here are Vietnam, Japan, UAE, and Qatar.
Also subsequently found out ticketing details...
http://www.the-afc.com/english/asianCupTicketing/default.asp?action=ticketOutlets
In response to the question: Does anyone know where you I can get hold of tickets for the Asia Cup (Football) matches being played here? I've seen a couple of banners advertis...
Posted Thursday June 28th, 2007.
and here:
http://www.aleale.com.vn/en/
for others interested.
In response to the question: Does anyone know where you I can get hold of tickets for the Asia Cup (Football) matches being played here? I've seen a couple of banners advertis...
Posted Tuesday July 10th, 2007.
From what I've seen, there are plenty of original Nikon film SLRs (second hand) and I've seen some original (real) Nikon DSLRs around in the more upmarket shopping malls - you could try them.
The bad news is that they all seems rather expensive to me (better deals to be had almost everywhere else in SE Asia - Singapore, Bangkok etc and definitely cheaper on ebay!). Second hand prices are kind of expensive compared to elsewhere (even the UK), in my experience.
In response to the question: Hi, I see a lot of old Vespas from the 60s driving around town, but they never seem to be sold somewhere. Does anyone know, where to buy them? I...
Posted Monday August 27th, 2007.
Speaking of which, are any newhanoian rugby fans up for meeting and watching Enlgand vs USA on Sat 8th Sep?
I realise it's a bit of a formality for England but...
In response to the question: Hi, can anyone recommend the best place to view the Rugby World Cup in Hanoi?...
Posted Thursday September 6th, 2007.
It's not a middle eastern restaurant, but the cafe at Cinematheque does a good hummos plate if you're feeling the need for it. Not cheap though (more than 50k), but it does come with good hot pita, at least the last time I had it it did.
In response to the question: Where can I find a middle East cuisine? Like hummos, and kafta and falafel with pita bread! I see that dragonfly has sheesha, but does it also carry t...
Posted Sunday January 6th, 2008.
Nguyen Cau on Ba Trieu used to develop my BW film (both 35mm and 120 roll film), but the branch I used to use (there were 2) closed down. I went to the other branch, which is a few doors down from Bobby Chin's on the same street, but they either couldn't offer the service any more or they couldn't be bothered to deal with a complicated request.
When I lived in HCM City, the lab I used told me that BW was expensive to develop because they had to order the chemicals from Singapore.
I've got a few BW rolls to be done myself so I'll let you know if I find one (also searching for a place that can develop slide too).
In response to the question: here is a toughy... I am looking for a place to develope black and white film, or a darkroom that i might use. anyone got any ideas??!!...
Posted Tuesday January 15th, 2008.
Regarding my last answer about Nguyen Cau - just got some Black and White rolls back from them: not a great service.
Negatives scratched, and scans were really noisy - no good at all. (Of course they insisted it was all fine...)
Basically I reckon developing is OK, but not getting scans. Printing seems to be on colour paper anyway so don't think it's worth it. I'm going to invest in a negative scanner and do it myself I think.
In response to the question: here is a toughy... I am looking for a place to develope black and white film, or a darkroom that i might use. anyone got any ideas??!!...
Posted Thursday January 17th, 2008.
I've just recently bought a new one, and went for a cheap basic Nokia 1200 - no colour screen, camera, or anything like that (Not Tri Band either).
It was 580,000 new, from a shop on Kim Ma (don't have address to hand but it's opposite the big carpark at Van Phuc).
Yesterday I dropped it 3 floors straight down a stair well and it's still in perfect working order...
In response to the question: I've had 2 cell phones stolen in Vietnam (within a week!) and I wonder what is the cheapest place to get a new one. . . (should I decide to!) tell me...
Posted Friday January 18th, 2008.
Thanks for the answer Tamvong, I'll check it out. (It's a flatbed, but designed to handle film)
In response to the question: I'm looking to buy a scanner from scanning film, and know the models I'm after. Anyone know a good place to get one for a reasonable price? Most ...
Posted Thursday February 14th, 2008.
Found some. If anyone else needs some, paint and other supplies (rollers, brushes, masking tape etc) can be found on Nguyen Khuyen St where it meets Van Mieu.
In response to the question: Anyone know a good place to buy interior wall paint? ...
Posted Saturday April 26th, 2008.
Yelling really loudly seems to do the trick, I find. Either that or banging the phone on a table or something solid/loud. That also seems to shock some sense into people who can't work it our for themselves.
In response to the question: The same people that I dont know are calling me a few times a week from a 06---- number. Its really fun cause they say "hello" in English and then div...
Posted Tuesday June 3rd, 2008.
They are for sale in the cushion/mat shops on Ngo Van So (same road as Bookworm). Just round the corner from Western Canned Foods - the first shop on the right has them.
They cost about VND 150,000.
In response to the question: in Hanoi where to buy Yoga mats........ anybody can give ma address...
Posted Tuesday June 3rd, 2008.
The simple answer is that your school should help you to do this.
However, as Steve says, you will need:
- A Degree certificate
- Your Teaching certificate
- A Criminal Record Check (UK)
- A Vietnamese Criminal Record Check
I'm in the process now, and this is what I know is needed now. Check with your school though, as things change from time to time.
The UK criminal record check can be applied for by post, but you must attach a notarised copy of your passport to your application. The UK consulate will do this (fee about 800,000VND). You have to give your "current" UK address on the form - I gave my parents address as this is where the check is sent. It takes up to 40 days and costs GBP10 (payable in person or by postal order/cheque).
More info and form here: http://www.crb.gov.uk/Default.aspx?page=1871
The degree certificate must be original.
Both the degree cert and criminal check must be notarised in the UK (the consulate here is not sufficient), and then legalised at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Standard notarisation stating "I certify that this is a true copy of..." will be rejected by the Vietnamese Govt because someone has taken exception to the word "copy". Check with your school for the wording they suggest.
At the moment the teaching certificate (TEFL/CELTA etc) doesn't have to be notarised. (Again - check at time of application)
The Vietnamese Police check involves having your landlord get a form stamped with your details at the local police station (you must be properly registered first) and then an application submitted to the Hanoi Police. I have heard that this step isn't necessary if you have been here less than 6 months - I'd check though.
Unfortunately it's not easy, and not cheap either, but you do get some leeway. The Visa people will eventually decide not to extend your visa if you can't prove you are working towards the Work Permit, but you should have at least 3-6 months grace.
I'm in the process now, and I've been in Vietnam a while longer than that...
In response to the question: I am currently trying to find work teaching English in Hanoi. I have a couple of interviews arranged already, but I'm a little worried about the work ...
Posted Wednesday June 4th, 2008.
No worries Nick.
It is true that lots of teachers work here without a permit. I know of a few who have even tried to get their work permit but finished their contract before all the red tape was dealt with.
The short answer is it's definitely possible to work without a WP, but you are taking a risk. It also depends on the school and how they approach getting your visas for you. Some schools "handle" the immigration department more "favourably" than others and therefore don't have as many issues.
From time to time there are clampdowns on work permit. There is a fine for working without a work permit (not sure how much - I've heard of figures ranging up to 5mil, none actually confirmed).
The biggest danger is that immigration will deny you a new visa if you don't have any proof that you are working towards you work permit. Again, some schools seem to find a way around this...
Best thing to do if you don't want to go the full legitimate route is check with the school and see what they say.
Good luck!
In response to the question: I am currently trying to find work teaching English in Hanoi. I have a couple of interviews arranged already, but I'm a little worried about the work ...
Posted Friday June 6th, 2008.
Yep, I think you'll find that Khumbu's right. Vietcombank will not allow you to withdraw US Dollars from a VND account any longer (as of about ten days ago, I'm told). I assume you still can if you have a USD account though.
I assume it'll be the same deal with the other banks.
The official rate for the Dong can't move against the dollar by more than a certain amount (2% I think) from it's pegged rate. That accounts for the difference - the black market rate reflects the real value (as I understand it).
Some info here: http://blogs.wsj.com/marketbeat/2008/05/28/hints-of-a-crisis-in-vietnam/
In response to the question: So there is currently a gap between the black market buy/sell rate and the bank buy/sell rate for USD and Dong. I'm just curious, what's to stop me f...
Posted Monday June 9th, 2008.
The reliable place I normally go to is on Hang Bac St, next to Victory DVD shop. The rate was around 18600 this weekend, I think.
In response to the question: Related to maliusmaximus' recent post, yet different- where should I currently go to get the best rate on converting VND into US$? I just closed dow...
Posted Monday June 9th, 2008.
I think that depends, Cindy. What size of house, what condition the house is in, heating/air con, furniture etc all have a bearing on the price.
I'm in a three bedroom in Ba Dinh (small roof terrace/aircon in 2 bedrooms/in need of refurbishment) and it's $450pm.
It'll also depend where in the district.
In response to the question: Hi, how much would the average price for a Vietnamese-style house or apartment in Ba Dinh be? Would $700 a month be a reasonable budget?...
Posted Tuesday June 10th, 2008.
Yeah - I'd got that impression too. I was initially refused at the gold shop, but they agreed to do it because it was a small amount. They seemed to be checking to see who was watching though...
In response to the question: Related to maliusmaximus' recent post, yet different- where should I currently go to get the best rate on converting VND into US$? I just closed dow...
Posted Wednesday June 11th, 2008.
The government devalued the currency today, not by much though. The official rate is now 16,461.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121309913423660417.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
I've also heard that Vietcombank is refusing to transfer $US abroad, converting to $CND for bank transfers.
In response to the question: Related to maliusmaximus' recent post, yet different- where should I currently go to get the best rate on converting VND into US$? I just closed dow...
Posted Wednesday June 25th, 2008.
Unfortunately, the Guoman Gym is closing next week for renovations. They're not sure how long for either, some people seem to think 3 months, some seem to think a month.
Most of the hotels have gyms, but they are pricy ($100+ per month, some closer to $200+), the facilities are not really what you'd expect from the cost.
There are cheaper gyms around, if you only want weights, there are some small Vietnamese style gyms around town, and some sports clubs have little gyms attached too.
In response to the question: Im into my weight lifting are there any gyms in Hanoi to cater for me...
Posted Thursday June 26th, 2008.
I just checked out the Horison, the gym's pretty small but the equipment looks ok. There's about 8/10 weights machines, 1 rower, 1 bike, 2 treadmills, and 2 climber machines.
The pool is not really designed for laps, it's oval shaped and not very big, but would be ok if you went at a quiet time.
The price was $118++ (so about $135 in total) per month, or there was also a 3 month deal which worked out to about $350 (inc tax/service).
I don't know about the Sharaton, bu I've heared that it is considerably more expensive.
In response to the question: Hi guys, Im looking for a good gym which has enough equipments that do not actually fall off during your work out :(! Im considering Horison and Sh...
Posted Wednesday July 2nd, 2008.
They're frozen, but the Daewoo deli has sirloin and rather tasty rib-eye steaks. I assume it's imported by the price and taste/quality. The rib-eye barbecues well in my experience.
They're priced per 100g. Not can't remember the exact price: not cheap, but pretty reasonable.
In response to the question: Hi all, does anyone know where I can buy some nice steaks to cook at a reasonable price? So far I've checked out Au Delice, which sells some import...
Posted Wednesday July 2nd, 2008.
The best steak I've had in Hanoi, by far, was at Le Petit Bruxelles.
They know their meat and treat it well - definitely try it.
In response to the question: Where might a fella go to eat the best steak in the city? ...
Posted Thursday July 3rd, 2008.
Aaron, you're correct in saying you can't transfer VND overseas. It has to be converted into another currency. Recently I've heard of people transferring $CDN and GBP to the USA because Vietcombank won't allow transfers in $US either though...
You can't wire transfer VND either. Western Union transfers can only be made with $US, and I assume that's the same with Moneygram.
In response to the question: Hello. I was wondering how people are dealing with the current dollar crisis here in Viet Nam. My situation is that I basically have student loans bac...
Posted Sunday July 6th, 2008.
Why would you be entitled to a rebate?
I wouldn't have thought that you could claim it back.
In response to the question: Tax rebate?? I will finish my year contract soon and would like to know how to go about getting a tax refund for the tax I paid here in Vietnam? ...
Posted Wednesday July 23rd, 2008.
Check this place out :
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/venue/show/1794/Uma-The-Manor
We're happy with the sofa we bought there. It was 4.8 million VND - about $300 (earlier this year).
In response to the question: Does anyone know of any factories around here where you can buy a sofa for a nice price? Couches seem to be either cheapish but very ugly or nice but ...
Posted Friday July 25th, 2008.
It might be worth a try to go to the Vietnam Football Federation office, on Ly Van Phuc St , off Nguyen Thai Hoc. It's in a office building on the right about 2 mins walk from the Nguyen Thai Hoc end.
I bought tickets for the Asian Cup last year there when everyone was saying that they were sold out.
In response to the question: I understand that tickets for the Vietnam vs Brazil friendly football match go on sale tomorrow (Firday) morning. Could anybody point me in the r...
Posted Sunday August 3rd, 2008.
I've bought a few things from that shop and in my experience the goods are "genuine" but are seconds quality, i.e. have defects that prevent the factory selling them to the clothing company (and shouldn't be sold on in country either). I've never had major problems with anything I've bought there, but a close look will reveal a defect of some kind, usually pretty small.
On the other hand, there's no real way of knowing unless you know someone who really knows their stuff regarding the specific brand.
In response to the question: I've seen posts re North Face clothing at Tolia Shop, Hanoi Towers and visited there today. North Face Gore-tex jackets for 950000VND is very cheap an...
Posted Wednesday August 6th, 2008.
The gold shop right next to Victory CD/DVD shop on Hang Bac has always been good to me in the past. He always seems to have Dollars and Bhat, maybe other currencies too.
In response to the question: I need a couple thousand US dollars for a trip I am making outside of Vietnam in a less then a week. The gold shop on the corner of Hoan Kiem will se...
Posted Wednesday August 6th, 2008.
It depends what you consider cheap, but:
Hang's Happy Mart on Linh Lang St, opposite Linh Lang Market. Linh Lang St is off Dao Tan, about halfway down. The Market is also good for quality fresh veg, but the fruit tends to be overpriced.
Dan's Shop at Van Phuc and also on Linh Lang St (towards the Dao Tan end).
They're a couple of small one's in the little alleyways off Dao Tan, near the Danly Hotel, but I can't be any more specific than that I'm afraid.
In response to the question: Does anyone know of any cheap grocery stores on Kim Ma/in Ba Dinh? I apologize if you've seen this question before, I thought I posted it earlier, but...
Posted Saturday August 9th, 2008.
The Lowepro ones are very good, I've got one of the "Slingshot" range - check them out here:
http://products.lowepro.com/catalog/Sling-bags,4.htm
They come with a raincover that folds into the bottom of the bag.
I've seen a few in one of the bag shops at the top of Hoan Kiem Lake, they looked genuine (with the proper labels etc) but I'm not sure.
I have seen genuine ones in a small camera store on Trang Thi St. I don't know the address but it's on the corner opposite the hospital, on the north side of the road.
The Crumpler ones you can buy here (fakes) are pretty good too (I have one and it hasn't let me down), but they don't have raincovers.
In response to the question: Does anyone know where to buy a reliable camera bag for DSLR at a reasonable price? Padding doesn't matter since I have a nice one. But it should be...
Posted Saturday August 9th, 2008.
Normal charcoal you can buy in most local markets for about 5000VND a kilo bag. The problem with that is that it can be pretty damp and a pain in the arse to light.
Last time I bbq'd, we ended up buying imported briquettes from Western Canned Foods. They were the fuel soaked ones, so they light very easily. They weren't cheap, but there's enough in the bag to do a few barbecues.
In response to the question: Does anyone know where you can buy charcoal for a barbeque?...
Posted Saturday August 9th, 2008.
No problem kinhvanhoa.
Check out TNH photography club too -
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/group/show/25/Hanoi-Photography-
In response to the question: Does anyone know where to buy a reliable camera bag for DSLR at a reasonable price? Padding doesn't matter since I have a nice one. But it should be...
Posted Monday August 25th, 2008.
I suspect that none of these labs actually make their prints from film. I think they scan and print digitally. The poor quality scanned negatives I've got are of about the same quality (fuzzy and usually oversaturated) as the prints I've got.
angelonbroomstick is right though, you need to ask the lab not to mess about with your photos, or they will decide what your photo should look like.
In response to the question: Hi! I have yet to find a decent place in Hanoi that develops photos from film. Based on friends recommendations, I have now tried several different p...
Posted Tuesday August 26th, 2008.
Arctitus - does the place on Hang Bac develop BW film as well as making prints?
Any idea if they develop Slide film?
In response to the question: Hi! I have yet to find a decent place in Hanoi that develops photos from film. Based on friends recommendations, I have now tried several different p...
Posted Tuesday August 26th, 2008.
Cheers, Arctitis. I'll give them a try.
In response to the question: Hi! I have yet to find a decent place in Hanoi that develops photos from film. Based on friends recommendations, I have now tried several different p...
Posted Sunday September 7th, 2008.
I'd be interested to know exactly what the differences are. I've got a student who swears that he will only eat Pho that says it is Nam Dinh style, but he's from Nam Dinh. Next time I see him I'll ask what the difference is.
In response to the question: Can someone tell a bit about the differences in styles of pho by province? No doubt most of us are familiar with regional differences in styles of...
Posted Saturday September 13th, 2008.
Great idea!
I'd love one of those.
In response to the question: Does anyone know where one may purchase one of these t-shirts bearing so priceless a slogan. I guess I could get one printed up but it wouldn't be ...
Posted Monday September 15th, 2008.
The one on Hang Trong is this one:
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/venue/show/1718/A-Dong-Photo-Co
and I second bethanybauman's suggestion that you try there.
The last time I bought anything like that it was in Bangkok, mainly because the selection is better, but also because photo gear is cheaper in Thailand than it is here.
I hear there's a shop on Tran Hung Dao St that deals in photographic supplies (paper, chemicals, assorted developing accessories) so that might be a place to try too.
In response to the question: Hey all, Does anyone know of a good, professional camera store that sells various equipment like reflectors, lightstands, adapters, diffusers, gaff...
Posted Tuesday September 16th, 2008.
TV5 Monde seems to come as standard on all the cable packages I've ever had in Vietnam, but that's the only French language channel I've come across.
In response to the question: can anyone tell me if there is a possibility to have international tv channels thru satellite or cable, i'm looking for the french channels...
Posted Wednesday October 1st, 2008.
I have one and it keeps the humidity at around 40%. For camera equipment, especially lenses you want to get the humidity to this level (especially as the weather becomes cooler).
Did it come with a manual/instructions? Where did you buy it? - I'd suggest taking it back to see if they can do check it or recalibrate the dehumidifier.
In response to the question: Does anyone use an auto drybox for electronic (camera) equipment? I recently bought a Eureka model and it won't dehumidify below 60%... wondering if t...
Posted Tuesday October 7th, 2008.
I'm not sure if they do, but the standard landline in Vietnam does, so if you have one in your house, or a friends house you could receive an international call that way.
In response to the question: Hello, Do the telephones in post offices accept incoming calls? That is, can I receive a call from China from one? Any suggestions on how to go abo...
Posted Wednesday October 8th, 2008.
Or, for the second leg, you can fly with Bangkok Air, who are much better at customer service, have a lounge for economy passengers to wait in, and can arrange all sorts of things (transfers, accommodation, etc) at BK airport. They're half the price if you book in Thailand than if you book here though.
In response to the question: Hi, Can someone tell me what is the easiest flight to Koh Samui. Cam on...
Posted Friday October 31st, 2008.
I've bought cochineal in Western Canned Foods before.
In response to the question: Where can i buy red food colouring? or fake blood? whichever is more common here in Hanoi...
Posted Thursday November 20th, 2008.
Nothing at all is stupid about that, Granteralus.
I'm still thinking about why I'm here.
In response to the question: Not: I’m traveling Southeast Asia. Not: I’m teaching English. Not: Because my parents screwed. Why are you here?...
Posted Tuesday November 25th, 2008.
Luna d'Autunno (by a country mile)
In response to the question: Whats your vote for the best pizza in Hanoi?...
Posted Tuesday December 2nd, 2008.
I don't think you'll find it difficult to find a teaching job, demand is general far greater than supply here.
Just be aware that although you have a TESOL certificate (which a number of schools will accept as a qualification) without a degree you will not be able to obtain a work permit. A lot of schools have found ways around this in the past and I'm sure they will continue to do so, but it is something to be mindful of.
In response to the question: First I would like to say hello to everyone, and thank you all for everything that you contribute to this site. My question is hopefully a simple one....
Posted Wednesday December 10th, 2008.
I'm heading down to Sai Gon early tomorrow morning. I'll see what I can add. That's if any of my favourite places are still there...
In response to the question: It looks half dead. What's wrong with it?...
Posted Wednesday December 17th, 2008.
Shame I've already book tickets for Tet then.
I've seen them advertise flights to London for $200 recently too. The thought of being on an AirAsia flight for that long chills me to the bone though...
In response to the question: BKK for Tet for $50! KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Southeast Asia's leading budget airline said Tuesday it will give away 100,000 plane tickets as par...
Posted Thursday December 18th, 2008.
I have definitely bought and eaten real spinach in Hanoi. I bought it at may local market (before I moved) on Linh Lang St, in Ba Dinh, not far from the Daewoo Hotel. I have no idea how it translates into Vietnamese though, and I only saw it in the summer months (like many other green, leafy veg).
In response to the question: I love spinach. I dont like Morning Glory. EVERY time I see "spinach" on a menu as a side dish, morning glory arrives at my table. So, I learned ...
Posted Saturday December 20th, 2008.
Luong Van Can St, near the end that meets Hang Gai. There are a few shops that sell nothing but that kind of stuff.
In response to the question: we want to buy a toy car similar to those you see in the playgrounds of nurseries- the sort that toddlers sit in and push around with their legs. all ...
Posted Saturday December 27th, 2008.
This place
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/venue/show/2289/Tolia
in Hanoi Towers.
In response to the question: Are there any cheap outlets or "outlets" anyone knows of? Or a street with lots of clothing shops? Thanks, and merry xmas!...
Posted Saturday December 27th, 2008.
I brought some back with me from the US a few months ago but haven't had a chance to use them yet. If anyone's up for a game I can donate the chips!
In response to the question: Hi, do u know where we can find some poker chips here in Hanoi? Tks. bb...
Posted Saturday December 27th, 2008.
Will do!
In response to the question: Hi, do u know where we can find some poker chips here in Hanoi? Tks. bb...
Posted Tuesday December 30th, 2008.
Metro probably has Budweiser because it is being distributed in Vietnam now, as I found out on a recent trip to Saigon - Budweiser promos all over the place...
In response to the question: Too bad there's no section for dumbass questions, otherwise I'd gladly tag this as such. I have never been to the Big C or Metro (insert appalled...
Posted Wednesday December 31st, 2008.
By rye bread I assume you mean pumpernickel or the dense European black bread, given the nature of your enquiry.
Dans shop at Van Phuc has some, if that's what you're after.
In response to the question: Anyone has come aross rye bread,sugarless peanut butter, olive oil spray here ?...
Posted Thursday January 8th, 2009.
If you're going to teach English here, do it properly and take a course before you start. You'll find it much more rewarding in the long run and you'll be able to get a better job here and in the future.
CELTA courses are much cheaper here than in the UK, and are of the same quality. You can do a CELTA course here for around $1500, I think. A couple of schools in Hanoi do them, as do a couple in Ho Chi Minh City.
As for fake certificates and low ability 2nd language English speakers goes, these things do happen, but it has a negative effect on the image of language teachers who are here and are actually committed to teaching English, rather than just picking up a paycheck. Frankly, Vietnamese students have learned from poor English speakers/teachers for long enough.
If teaching is for you, then you won't regret doing a proper course and getting some training.
In response to the question: Well I am pretty sure that this question has been asked a multitude of times so you lovely forum regulars will be tired of it. But, what the hell, her...
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