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kparsons's Posts
31 reviews or comments posted; 13 questions asked; 43 answers given.
Reviews / Comments (31) see all
I'll award this new veggies place a provisional 4 stars, contingent upon future visits. Veg Food is a brand new restaurant (only been open 11 days) that's a welcome addition to the veggie scene. They have many of the faux meat dishes (complete with fake bones -- just not a fan) that the other restaurants offer -- the one we tried was okay. However, what makes this place different from the others is that they have some of more traditional Vietnamese dishes that I haven't found at the other veggie places: pho, bun cha, etc. We shared a gigantic plate of bun cha -- a steal for only 20k -- and were suitably impressed.
The proprietor was fantastic, uber-keen to please (but not in that annoying way that we're all so familiar with), and easy to talk to because she speaks fantastic English. She is willing to deliver (yeah! A new lunch option!), so I would imagine take away wouldn't be a problem either.
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Diva is an old standby that has since fallen out of the rotation.
Set inside (and out of!) a restored French colonial building, the restaurant itself is very ambient -- especially at night when the Xmas lights are twinkling. Sounds lovely, I hear you say. Well, yes -- but....
The quality of the food has become increasingly inconsistent -- to the point that we were so disinterested in our dishes during our last visit that we left more than half the food on the plates and went home hungry.
That said, it is a great place to have drinks -- especially if you're in the mood for something other than the traditional dark, smoky, and congested bars on Ta Hien.
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After reading the reviews below, I wasn't expecting much from Pan e Vino. However, my friends had said the Friday night buffet was good, and I was sick of all the usual suspects, so we made plans to meet up there and have dinner.
The restaurant is tucked away down a tiny alley off Trang Thi, next to some other posh looking restaurants (look carefully for the sign -- there's a much larger sign that has a different name on it, so I missed it on the first go round). After parking my bike in the xe dap corral, I ambled into the restaurant and was a bit surprised to find myself all alone (not only no customers, but no staff to welcome you either). I made my way up the steps and found our group -- a feat that wasn't too difficult as there was only one other occupied table in the whole restaurant.
A quick scan of the drinks menu, showed that the beer was a bit expensive for my tastes ($2 for a small bottle of Tiger), but there was a silver lining -- wine was only 50 cents more, so I ordered a glass of the house red. A few moments later, I was presented with a delicious red in the most gorgeous glass I've seen in Hanoi (admittedly, you won't find me dining at the Sofitel and the like).
It was around this time that I learned that Pan e Vino had canceled the buffet (presumably due to the low diner turnout), so I picked up the dining menu. Initially, I was a bit put off because of the prices -- I'm not used to thinking in dollars -- but as I scoured the menu, I found that there were many reasonably priced options.
After consuming a few scrumptious breadbaskets (served with delectable herb- and chili-infused olive oils -- yum!) between us, we were all feeling fullish. So, in the end, I opted for the pesto pizza, operating under the assumption that it would be fairly small. Boy was I wrong -- it was huge and absolutely delicious! As far as pizzas go in Hanoi, I would say that this was definitely one of the best I've ever had: the crust was perfect -- not chewy and tasteless as many pizza crusts here are; the pesto was not overdone, as it can often be; and the cheese was melt-in-your-mouth yummy and just slightly crispy in some places -- not rubbery, as it can be at other lesser pizza joints. My friends also seemed to really enjoy their dishes, ranging from soup to calzones to salads, as well, so I felt that was a positive reflection of the rest of the menu.
To be fair, this review is only based on one visit, and I only sampled one dish, but given my friend's similar satisfaction with their food and their repeated visits, I think it's safe to say that this place deserves better than the 1 or 2 stars given below. The servers were attentive and helpful, the prices were not outrageous (e.g.: less than $5 for a huge pizza that could easily serve two), and the wine was reasonably priced and delicious. To be sure, I will be adding Pan e Vino to my repertoire of usual restaurants!
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When we first arrived in town (oh, so many moons ago), this was a spot we frequented on a regular basis -- probably because it was conveniently located and cheap. It has since been mostly forgotten, but is occasionally thrown into the rotation -- which it was yesterday (hence the review!).
I would agree with the reviews written below: the service is not always with a smile (although Hien has always been lovely to us), the decor is dated, and the food is not top notch. However, it's a good place to throw into the mix every once in a while because it's a change from the usual.
While calling itself a vegetarian restaurant, it also does serve meat -- which might appeal to the carnivores out there. Not being one myself, I can only speak about the veggie dishes. There is a wide selection of mock meats; I think they only use the packaged dehydrated ones because they tend to be quite tough -- probably need a bit longer to soak. It's worth trying the set menus, as mentioned below, because that way you can sample a number of different dishes.
The food is cheap, and the appeal is the advertisement that this place is all natural: no MSG, no preservatives, etc. Just knowing that I'm not going to be rolling home with a belly full of MSG is reason enough to eat here every once in awhile.
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I would have given more stars in the past, but these days Au Lac only deserves three. As a veggie, there aren't a whole terrible lot of options here (not the reason for the 3 stars), so I tend to order the same dish (sweet and sour tofu, for those keeping track). I was always very happy to do so, because it was just so damn tasty, and I really love me some tofu. However, lately the quality of the dish has been all over the map -- some days it's excellent, but most days it's mediocre as it sports a very watery sauce and absolutely no flavor.
So, say you, perhaps it's just that one dish. Afraid not, say I -- numerous friends who are far more adventurous with their choices have reported the same. I'm not sure what the cause is, but I am sure that the quality of food at this place has gone down overall -- what once was a safe bet is now hit or miss.
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Questions (13)
Does anyone have any info regarding midnight mass at any of the Catholic churches in Hanoi? Apparently, most of the "midnight masses" are not at midnight, but at an earlier hour. Can anyone tell me when? We've asked around, but no one has been able to tell us when yet. Particularly interested in St Antoine's on Ham Long and St Joseph's Cathedral. Also, any idea as to the best times to arrive in hopes of actually getting in the door? Would love any insight on this one -- thanks in advance!
Has anyone been to the Khuc Hao Gym on Le Hong Phong (1B)? I drove by there today -- it looked like there may be two parts to it: 1) a gym w/a weight room which had a sign above that it was for the handicapped national team; and 2) an area that I wasn't sure was connected (but had the same address) that had tennis courts and... that's all I could see.
Anyhow, wondering if anyone has used the gym here -- if so, what's it like? I really want to find something reasonable that has weights and aerobic equipment. I used to work out at Olympia on Tran Hung Dao, but I don't live over there any longer (and the equipment all started breaking), so I'm looking for something new. Any help would be appreciated -- thanks!
We used to order beer from a distributor over on Lo Duc. However, they no longer carry Tiger -- can anyone recommend a distributor that carries the big bottles of Tiger? Preferably a place that delivers. I haven't had any luck finding any as of yet. Thanks!
Is it possible to find a decent litter box anywhere in Hanoi? The only ones we've seen are these tiny, shallow little rectangles. I'd really like to find something bigger, ideally w/a cover.
I've searched through the questions thus far, and haven't really found the answer I'm looking for, so hope you folks can help.... The DVD drive on my laptop needs to be fixed -- I think it's just loose, so it isn't a major procedure. Anyhow, I'm a bit worried I'll do something wrong if I attempt it myself, so I'd like to take it to a shop and have a "pro" repair it. However, I'm not sure where to go -- I'd like to take it to a reputable shop that I know isn't going to take the parts out of it or make the situation worse -- can anyone recommend a good place to start? Thanks!
As we all know, dealing w/the postal system in Vietnam is a complete pain in the ass. Every time I've dealt w/them, I've been tempted to pick up stakes and leave the country. Anyhow, I bought a phone in Singapore a few months ago. I was told the phone carried an international warranty and would be covered in Vietnam. Anyhow, to make a long story short, I need to mail the phone to Singapore for service. The last time I mailed something to be serviced, when it returned to VN, I had to pay a huge tax on the VALUE of the product -- despite the fact that it was mine and wasn't brand new, etc. Needless to say, I don't want to have that same issue again; does anyone know of a way to make arrangements w/the post office to have something sent for service and not have to pay taxes to get it back? Whew! That's a long post!
I know there are now two cable companies in Hanoi. Our new apartment has the new cable, and, while it has some different channels the old didn't, there are some things we really miss from the old. In short, we'd like to change back to the old cable company. We've asked our agent, and he's told us that we don't have a choice -- the cable you have is based upon where you live.
However, I remember that when we first came back to Hanoi, we were staying in hotels in the Old Quarter, and those hotels, which were very close to each other had different cable companies.
So, what I'm wondering is: do we have a choice when it comes to our cable provider?
I've searched the archives, and I've seen a number of questions about finding shoes for big feet. Along those same lines, I'm wondering if anyone knows of a place in Hanoi where you can get shoes made -- similar to the set up in Hoi An. I remember someone telling me about such a place a long time ago, but I've completely forgotten the details. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated -- thanks!
We bought a Hmong bed covering in Sapa, at the market. It really needs to be cleaned now, but I'm worried about the dye running. Does anyone know how to wash such an item and avoid having the dye run? Thanks!
Does anyone know what's become of Lay Bac? I've been missing it terribly! I know they closed just after Tet in order to move to a new location. It was my understanding that they were planning to reopen on March 15th on Hang Can. We've looked all over for it, but haven't had any luck -- really need my tofu w/tomato fix, so give a holler if you know what's up!
Does one need a Vietnamese license to buy a motorbike in Vietnam? It seems possible to buy a motorbike w/o one, but we aren't really clear on the logistics of doing so -- can anyone enlighten us?
Hi there-
Am finally serious about buying a motorbike, but trying now to determine what the best bike is for us. Does anyone know of a good site w/reviews of motorbikes? Have been trying to look into the Future Neo (others have told us good things), but can't find anything on the web -- prob b/c only offered in VN? Not sure. Anyhow, any assistance would be greatly appreciated!
Our mattress, while brand-new when we moved in, is in desperate need of a replacement (imagine sleeping directly on the coils). We've looked for a new mattress, and were all set to buy one at Metro... but it had been sold by the time we returned.
Can anyone recommend a good place to get a quality mattress? I'm envisioning a beautiful, spacious store with floor models you can try out. I am of the mindset there is no chance we'll find something like that in Hanoi, but would be nice -- it was awfully difficult to gauge the quality of mattresses at Metro, where they are just displayed standing up.
Answers (43)
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I don't know -- I went by today as well -- a bit archaic, but for 100,000 a month, it's none too terrible. And they have what I've found to be the best pool in town -- a full length, indoor swimming pool!
In response to the question: Does anyone actually go here? I went by the other day and it seemed ... insalubrious ... and the staff also told me foreigners aren't generally allow...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
It's posted on this site under fitness clubs -- I believe it's 4 Tran Hung Dao (closest to the dike road).
In response to the question: Does anyone actually go here? I went by the other day and it seemed ... insalubrious ... and the staff also told me foreigners aren't generally allow...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I think it's a good idea. Good books are difficult to find in Hanoi. Although once you do, you can have a cheap photocopy made of anything.... We brought our teaching books w/us and were very glad we did so, b/c we haven't seen them anywhere but at our schools.
In response to the question: Coming to to Hanoi and may be teaching English (like everyone else it seems). thinking of bringing up few good text books and dictionaries (eg Collin...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Agreed -- don't leave the country, just find a travel agent. We found Tropical Tours at 10B Luong Ngoc Quyen St. (in the Old Quarter) to be particularly good. They were able to get us a business visa when no one else could (as Americans who had extended our initial tourist visas, it was apparently asking quite a lot to switch to a business visa). Plus, they seem to offer some of the cheaper rates in town for the 6 month, multiple entry visa. Here's their website and telephone:
www.tropicaltours.com.vn
tel: 84-4-9261580
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...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Vincom on Ba Trieu and the new Pacific Place on the corner of Ly Thuong Kiet and Yet Kieu are both good bets.
In response to the question: Is there any department store in Hanoi with many shop, good choice of fashion and brand name clothes?...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
We always went to a place on Le Van Huu and felt like we received some of the best massages of our lives. It's called the Hanoi Aesthetic Institute, and the address is 23 Le Van Huu. The phone number is 945-4548. If you want to check out their webpage: http://www.vienthammyhanoi.com.vn/
The price depends on the length of the massage. I believe it's something like 180,000 for an hour and a half.
In response to the question: Hello everyone! I am a new Hanoian and I am looking for a spa where I can get a good massage that is not too expensive...any suggestions?...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
We use a shop at 39A Hai Ba Trung (there are many 39A addresses on this street -- this shop is the one closest to Hanoi Towers and is just a small shop). We pay 30,000 if we bring our old card back; 60,000 if we don't bring the card back.
In response to the question: I have an XSat satellite TV box that requires a "smart card" - my current supplier is being flaky. Does anybody know of a good place to get these ca...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I went by there today to check out this 2nd floor aerobic area. I assumed there would be aerobic machines up there, but that was not the case -- it's an open area that looks to be used for aerobics classes.
The weight room was incredibly crowded. The tennis courts looked okay though....
In response to the question: Has anyone been to the Khuc Hao Gym on Le Hong Phong (1B)? I drove by there today -- it looked like there may be two parts to it: 1) a gym w/a weight...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
My understanding of this (per my own experience w/customs and that of my friends here) is that as long as the package is shipped w/in thirty days of your arrival in Vietnam, you are allowed to bring in whatever you want, tax-free.
Nonetheless, I'm sure it will be a pain in the ass. It always is.
In response to the question: Love this site, such useful info for us newbies. Another question, ff we bring a container with our household goods, will it be subject to any taxes...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Sorry, Grubby -- I've checked my satellite and can't find what you're looking for. The options in menu are: 1) your TV lists, 2) your radio lists, 3) your channel lists, 4) configuration, 5) parental unlock, 6) wake up, 7) language. I've kind of browsed the ones that seemed like they may help, but they didn't appear to be what you're looking for. If you can give me some different details, I can try again.
In response to the question: I have an xsat satellite tv box and it's gotten unprogrammed. Is there anyone out there with the same box who could tell me the four different symbol...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Any of the bookstores on Trang Tien. There used to be a map shop on Hang Be -- anyone know what happened to it?
In response to the question: Hi All Looking for a street map that shows all of Hanoi, all street maps I have found cut off at the southern part of West Lake and I would like a ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I find the gym situation in Hanoi VERY frustrating. I've bounced around to a few of them, but I haven't really found any I like. The best for the price that I've used is Olympia on Tran Hung Dao.
In fact, I just bought my own elliptical b/c someone I know did and told me how cheap they were. I'd always assumed they would be ungodly expensive -- however, I bought a really nice one for only 2.5 million and it has a year warranty. Something to think about, perhaps.
In response to the question: Hi! I was wondering if anyone can suggest a gym to join. I know a lot of them are really expensive, but if there is one that is a decent balance betw...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Alas, I have a Dell.... There is an FPT shop on Yet Kieu where I've taken my iPod in to be replaced a few times, but I've never had them do any repairs. I would've expected them to be great, but a friend of ours (who I recommended go there) took his laptop there and they made a big mess of it. Hmmm....
In response to the question: I've searched through the questions thus far, and haven't really found the answer I'm looking for, so hope you folks can help.... The DVD drive on...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Last time I used FedEx and I had the same issues, so, unfortunately, that's not the answer. Nice idea though....
In response to the question: As we all know, dealing w/the postal system in Vietnam is a complete pain in the ass. Every time I've dealt w/them, I've been tempted to pick up st...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I go to Hair Workshop in Hanoi Towers to get my brows waxed. Quynh does a fantastic job, and it's obscenely cheap: $5.
I got my hair cut at the salon in the Horison Hotel recently, and the guy there did a really great job. In the past, I've just gone to any place on Tran Xuan Soan, but the last time I did that I ended up w/a very bad cut (it was the first time I'd had bangs in about 15 years).
In response to the question: Hi New Hanoians! Can anyone recommend a good hair salon and/or waxing place? Thank you...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
If you bring it on your person, there SHOULDN'T be any customs fees. If you choose to mail it, it needs to be mailed to you w/in a month of your arrival. And, a new twist we recently discovered (grumble grumble) is that you now must be the sender, as well as the receiver. Make sure when sending it that you do not tick "gift".
In response to the question: I will be entering the country to live for a couple of years and am a professional photographer with some pricey gear. Are there issues getting throug...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I've always had the best luck near the eye hospital on Ba Trieu -- just around the corner are a plethora of glasses stores, and they always have contact solution. Finding the travel size has been a bit hit and miss, but that's the place I've had the best luck w/it.
In response to the question: Does anyone know where i can buy a small (travel-size) bottle of contact lens solution?...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
There are a number of exercise equipment stores on Nguyen Thai Hoc and the little streets that intersect it near the stadium. I bought mine at a shop very close to Ng. Thai Hoc and the stadium. It was 180,000, if I remember correctly.
In response to the question: Last time, this question didn't post, so I will try again...Does anyone know where (if) I can buy an exercise ball? I am looking for one of the big...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
We just went to Citimart and Fivimart and asked them for their old boxes, which they gave us for free.
In response to the question: I'm moving house soon. Anyone know a good place to get cardboard boxes for packing my stuff in?...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
There are loads of dry cleaning places at the end of Le Van Huu (where it intersects Lo Duc). The turnaround time isn't as fast as in other places (about 2-3 days), but it's damn cheap.
In response to the question: Anyone know of a full service laundry and dry cleaning place near Hanoi Towers as landmark to my apt. Need asap or risk upsetting the "atmosphere" a...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
We've always had great luck with the regular post here. There was one occasion where two of the items in a box of many were "swapped" out w/some other things -- believe it was likely a Customs mix up.
The service is incredibly quick and cheap, compared to most other SEA countries. When mailing things to the States, it often takes a week and a half.
In response to the question: Ugh, I didn't mean to...but the gifts keep coming and the price of tailoring has left me with TOO MUCH STUFF! Now that I am about to leave, I need t...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Pretty much every restaurant in the Old Quarter stays open late. In fact, I would say that most of the restaurants I've been to in Hanoi take their final order at 10:00. Certainly all the Indian and pizza joints fit into this category. As do the bars (R&R, Le Pub, etc.). The restaurants behind the Sofitel do as well, and so do many of the restaurants near West Lake.
In response to the question: Hello, I'm looking for restaurants in Hanoi open after 9 PM, I know some (salsa, mediteranneo, ciao cafe...). Do you know any? Thanks...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
We recently spent 3 mos searching for a place, and I can tell you with certainty that prices have gone WAY up. Nearly everything we saw was $600 and up -- and some of them were hardly more than a studio. Admittedly, there are certainly cheaper places still out there -- it depends on where you are looking. E.g.: I think if you're interested in the Cau Giay area, you should be able to find something cheap.
In response to the question: Hi all! I'm moving back to Hanoi after being away for almost one year. Just a quick question for anyone who can help. What are the rental prices lik...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Agreed -- there are loads of people in Hanoi that love Mexican, but it's incredibly difficult to find good Mexican here. The most important thing is, as mentioned above, make sure that it is REALLY Mexican food and not some terrible, tasteless facsimile.
In response to the question: This is a survey i know it's not a place to do it but i really need your opinions, so the more answers you give, the better my survey is. Thank you in...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Hazzah! Lay Bac (aka: Mon An Viet) has been found! I think they were likely a bit delayed in opening the new place, which is why it was impossible to find before now.
The restaurant is now located at 20 Hang Can -- the tiny little street that picks up where Pho Cha Ca ends and runs for a block until Luong Van Can begins. The new name is Mon An Viet, but the menu is exactly the same as at Lay Bac. Unfortunately, it looks like much of the staff has turned over, but the food is just as good as always! The new restaurant is HUGE. I don't know the phone number for the place -- they hadn't received their new business cards when we were there.
Anyhow, hope this helps!
In response to the question: Does anyone know what's become of Lay Bac? I've been missing it terribly! I know they closed just after Tet in order to move to a new location. It ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I find searching for reasonably priced sheets in Hanoi a trying ordeal. Not only that, but they tend to be on the hideous side of things -- giant gaudy floral prints and whatnot.
We've always just had sheets made, and I highly recommend it. You get to pick out the fabric yourself, and the cost is comparatively low -- I think it's the way to go.
In response to the question: Can anyone recommend a place to buy luxurious quality, pure cotton bed sheets - that are vaguely reasonably priced? Also, pillows? Thanks ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Is that so, hany? I thought that one no longer needed a Vietnamese partner to start a business in Vietnam. Have I been misinformed?
In response to the question: I'm wondering if it is possible to open my own bar in Hanoi with a group of English/American friends. Any advice? Cheers....
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
There is an Apple-approved repair shop over at 1A Yet Kieu (http://store.apple.com.au/asia/FMPro?-db=asiachannelweb.fp5&-lay=web&-format=%2Fasia%2Fsvclocateresults.html&-error=%2Fasia%2Flocaterrors.html&-max=25&-sortfield=level&-sortfield=TradingAs&-sortorder=ascending&c1=&c2=&c3=&c4=&c5=&c6=&c7=&c8=&c9=&c10=&c11=&c12=&c13=&c14=&viaProduct=3&country=Vietnam&-find.x=60&-find.y=12). I've taken my iPod there a number of times, and they've always been able to get me a new replacement under my warranty (sounds like you might be JUST able to do so). Regardless, they should be able to give you some better troubleshooting tips and help you out.
In response to the question: Anyone have an idea as to why my ipod would have just hit a 'white screen of death'? That is, the screen light comes on and the ipod plays, however n...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
You can buy chickpeas at any of the grocery stores (Fivi and Citi included). Sometimes canned lentils too. You'll also be able to find baking soda at those places.
Quinoa, couscous, and baking powder for sure at Western Canned. Would imagine you can also get them at Dan's or L's Place.
In response to the question: i'm wondering if its possible at all to find any of the followin stuff in hanoi: Quinoa Couscous Lentil Chickpea baking soda and bakin powder ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Hoang Hoa Tham, as mentioned above, is a very good bet. They have loads of orchids -- don't know that I've seen your specific one yet.
Word is that the best place to shop for orchids is the big plant market down the dike road on the way to the airport (not too far past where the road splits in two for Xuan Dieu). I've never actually gone in myself (always forget about it), but that's what I've heard.
There are also orchids at Cho Hom, as mentioned above. They tend to have the tiny ones though -- not like the one you're interested in.
In response to the question: I'm looking to buy a plant, specifically a Phalaenopsis orchid and don't know were to look. I see the women on the streets peddling lots of stuff b...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
If you're looking to escape the crowds, I would recommend heading to the Cao Bang area near the Chinese border. It's a bit of a hike, but well worth it -- the scenery is stunning as you head out of town and up into the mountains. Thac Ban Gioc is a waterfall about a 2 hr drive from Cao Bang, and it's really nice -- spans the Chinese-Vietnamese border.
Ba Be is also a nice little getaway that's a bit off the beaten path. It's probably going to be a bit more popular w/the other roadtrippers, but we had friends who were there last year and said it wasn't too bad during the holiday weekend.
In response to the question: Trying to find someplace not too crowded to go during the upcoming holiday. Doesnt have to be far, but motorbike ability and/or naturey setting would ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Thanks for all the help! Process is still slow going, but we'll get there!
In response to the question: Hi there- Am finally serious about buying a motorbike, but trying now to determine what the best bike is for us. Does anyone know of a good site w...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
The roads really aren't bad on that stretch at all -- we were there three weeks ago and they had more or less been cleaned up.
The Lan Anh Hotel is still up and running. That city is now called Muong Lay -- I assure you, this is worthwhile info -- we were very confused (and frustrated when we thought we'd somehow gone the wrong way!).
If you have a chance, consider bypassing DBP and going northwest from Tuan Giao via Hwy 6 -- most gorgeous "road" I've ever been on -- absolutely stunning.
In response to the question: Hi all, I'm planning a motorbike trip round NW Vietnam in October. Three years ago I did Mai Chau - Son La - Dien Bien - Lai Chau - Sapa but since th...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Yes, definitely Wave-able. We, two not tiny westerners, rode one Wave for the entire route and had no problems (the mud slows you down a bit more, but more than doable).
In response to the question: Hi all, I'm planning a motorbike trip round NW Vietnam in October. Three years ago I did Mai Chau - Son La - Dien Bien - Lai Chau - Sapa but since th...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Little Italian (or whatever it's called now). Though I do like the pizza at Green Mango as well!
In response to the question: Whats your vote for the best pizza in Hanoi?...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Cool! Thanks all -- we'll check it out this weekend!
In response to the question: Our mattress, while brand-new when we moved in, is in desperate need of a replacement (imagine sleeping directly on the coils). We've looked for a ne...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Chickpeas are available at the places listed above, as well as most grocery stores (Fivi, Citi, etc.).
I've seen tahini at Western Canned (as above), as well as Dan's and L's.
Believe the little deli/bakery at the Daewoo has some nice flatbreads.
I've also seen bulgur at Western Canned -- not sure if bulgur wheat, but worth a look (in the baking section).
In response to the question: - chick peas - bulgar wheat - tahini - flat bread (yes, I am craving middle eastern food!)...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Hurrah! Travel-size solution has arrived! I saw some yesterday at the optometrist's in Trang Tien Plaza (ground floor)-- 45,000. They also had nice rewetting drops, if anyone is looking for those.
In response to the question: Does anyone know where i can buy a small (travel-size) bottle of contact lens solution?...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Metro has loads of wonderful (and tacky) Christmas stuff.
In response to the question: Anyone know where I can buy a fake Christmas tree - this festive season just won't be the same without one! (Some tinsel and Christmas decorations...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Everon also has some plain stuff that isn't horribly gaudy. And there are those nice "Canadian" and "Australian" bedding shops around that also have nice things (think there's one on Ng. Thai Hoc, one one Le Van Huu, one on Hoa Ma....).
And, not to sound like a broken record, but... Metro has some plain white ones. Also a few patterned ones as well, but didn't look closely enough to gauge the ew floral factor.
The other thing I'd suggest is those beautiful silk ones in many tourist shops -- esp. around the cathedral.
In response to the question: Where is the best place in town to buy blankets? We just walked all along Hang Dieu street last night and found nothing but floral prints and pastels...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
We've been pondering the same question for ages. We've looked at countless different bikes, and after months (hmmm... perhaps years?) have decided that we're most interested in a Honda Future Neo or a Yamaha Ex... (shit, now I've forgotten what it's called and the beau is asleep so I can't ask him).
Anyhow, those two look to be the most reliable around, have higher CCage, easily found parts and repairs, and are capable of handling road trips.
We looked at the Bonus as well, but I think that you often end up w/a knock off that basically consists of glued together Chinese parts. Certainly a cheaper option though, and perhaps one to consider.
In response to the question: Ok... So my Minsk is georgeous, comfy to ride, and it was relativly cheap to buy, BUT it is particularly unreliable. I find a Honda WAVE to small,...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
We've looked at the Honda GL -- they stopped making it in the late 90s, so you'll either end up w/an oldie or w/a fake Chinese bike.
Have been told the Suzuki GN125 is a total piece. Great for city driving, but never for a trip.
In response to the question: Ok... So my Minsk is georgeous, comfy to ride, and it was relativly cheap to buy, BUT it is particularly unreliable. I find a Honda WAVE to small,...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
But... with regards to the seat, you can always get yours altered or have a new one made -- something we've thought about b/c we're always two on a damn Wave and the old sitsbones get a bit sore on the roadtrips!
So, in short, don't let the seat itself be the determining factor -- that's something that's(relatively) easily solved.
In response to the question: Ok... So my Minsk is georgeous, comfy to ride, and it was relativly cheap to buy, BUT it is particularly unreliable. I find a Honda WAVE to small,...
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Kathleen
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