granteralus's profile
granteralus's Posts
55 reviews or comments posted; 11 questions asked; 101 answers given.
Reviews / Comments (55) see all
There is one difference between Old Hanoi and almost every other touristy restaurant surrounding it in the Old Quarter. They offer fun, informative cooking classes. Miss Tuyet speaks English quite well, and she'll guide you through the experience from start to finish. You'll visit the local market with her to select the proper ingredients, take them back to the restaurant, and receive training on every last detail of the process. The class takes around three to four hours to complete.
You get to cook four different dishes with her, and all of them are very tasty. A nice sample of Northern Vietnamese cuisine.
Classes cost a little over $20 per person, and they can handle groups up to 20 people. Hopefully you won't have to do the dishes.
| Was this review ... |
One of the better karaoke bars in the Phuong Mai area. That statement may be akin to “one of the best colonoscopy clinics around,” but for you sadistic bastards who enjoy this “activity,” this may be of some value to you, especially when dragging along unsuspecting “friends”.
They have English song menus and beer. The place is clean. They have loud stereos and flat-screen televisions. It's big. That's all that needs to be said, you twisted fiends.
| Was this review ... |
This is a decent lunch option if you're in the Phuong Mai (French Hospital) area. It's a standard pho restaurant. They have the regulars... pho bo, pho tai, pho chin, tai van, tai lan, pho xao, my xao, and com rang. All of the prices are listed on a large board, so you don't have to worry about bargaining. Most dishes range from 15k-20k.
Nothing special, just adding this one because there isn't much else listed in the area.
| Was this review ... |
What a pleasant surprise this place was for us. It's really charming and quaint. The servers, while speaking very little English, are spectacular. The furniture is a funky Victorian style with velvet cushions. The menu has the standards and some surprises, most of which are cooked and presented wonderfully, and you won't have to drop a week's pay.
It's one of the more comfortable and relaxing places I've visited in Hanoi.
Now the key is that we need to send just enough customers to keep it open, but few enough to keep it quiet and relaxing. Everyone meet there Saturday night, and we'll draw straws to see who gets to go this month.
| Was this review ... |
posted about 3 days ago by granteralus
about the venue: The zebra crossing from the Post Office to Hoan Kiem Lake
Can you think of something more entertaining than watching a large group of 65 year-old German women dodging buses in a sea of speeding Honda Waves?
Easily the best spot to watch tourists in Hanoi. Hands down winner.
| Was this review ... |
Questions (11)
What jobs can be obtained by foreigners in Vietnam, other than teaching English? While spending a year in Hanoi, almost everyone I met was a teacher, aside from a few NGO workers and the occasional engineer. I'm curious to see what other oportunities there are, so please share your experiences...
Pardon the off-topic question, but I'm guessing that more than a few New Hanoians have been to Beijing and could probably help me out. I'm considering traveling to Beijing later this year/early next year, and I have a few questions about visas, work, and general travel info. If you've been there and don't mind me picking your brain a bit, please drop me line. Thanks... ~Grant gcr2d2@yahoo.com
Anyone know of a shop in Hanoi specializing in dairy products? I'm looking specifically for cheese curds. I've tried Western Canned Goods, Metro, Big C, and several delis around town to no avail. Have any ideas? Thanks...
Anyone know Christine Marie G... ? Her wallet was found on the street last night. If you know her, have her send me a message. Thanks.
Has anyone encountered a broadcast schedule online for the upcoming Olympics? I've been searching for the last hour and haven't seen anything other than schedules for the States & NZ, and a general start-time schedule for each sport, with no mention of which networks will be carrying them. Here is Star Sports' schedule for this Saturday: http://www.espnstar.com/tv-listings/region1/day6/
They don't appear to be broadcasting any Olympic events whatsoever. Does anyone know which channel is going to carry the events?
Thanks...
Know if any restaurants in Hanoi are serving Mi Quang or Cao Lau? They're noodle dishes from central Vietnam, near Hoi An. Went to a Hue restaurant this week and struck out there. I need a fix!!
We're looking for a relatively cheap guesthouse to stay in while we continue our search for housing. The hotel section seems to be missing a "sort by price" option, and wading through all of the nicer hotels could take days.
What's the best $10-$12/night guesthouse in Hanoi? Or perhaps a decent place with monthly rates?
We're looking for a room with private bathroom, television, fan, and fridge. Not really looking for something in the Old Quarter, but a place centrally located would be nice.
Any suggestions? Thanks!
Not: I’m traveling Southeast Asia.
Not: I’m teaching English.
Not: Because my parents screwed.
Why are you here?
Well?!
Is the Cheese Dumpling Girl still around? She used to have a little stall in the Ji Lin night market.
Mmmm... so tasty.
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. Gross.
Any simple blankets around town?
Make it quick, I've been freezing my ass off every night this week!
Answers (101)
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Try Van Phuc silk village. It's just south of Hanoi, about 15-30 minutes depending on traffic. Any expat who's been in town for a while should be able to give you decent directions and show you on a map. Several of the merchants speak some basic English. It's worth a try. Even if you leave empty handed, it's a fun little road trip.
In response to the question: Are there any tailoring areas in Hanoi along the lines of Hoi An. I know it just a big touist town down there, but it was ultra-easy to get shit made...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Go to 5-B Dinh Liet Street. It's a REEEALLY SMALL shop about half way in beteen Hoan Kiem Lake and Bia Hoi Corner. They have decent Honda Waves. They'll probably ask for $60 or more per month. Refuse to pay more than $45-$47 (around 750,000 VND). They're more likely to negotiate if they think you're going to be in town for a while. Everyone I've spoken to has had good luck with this guy. There is another shop north of there on the same street, just south of Bia Hoi Corner, but I didn't have a great experience with them.
In response to the question: What about motorbikes in general? I know there are several places around Hanoi that rent them....especially in the Old Quarter, but are any of them a...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Motion to blacklist any user ID containing the terms "hunk" or "stud"...
In response to the question: I am in need of so much needed Vietnamese lessons. I already know a little Vietnamese and need to get back to the basics. Are there any recommendation...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
There's a small print shop catacorner from CleverLearn English school on Kim Ma Street. It's just east of the little corner fruit stand. Our school used to have several things copied and bound there.
In response to the question: Hi, I need a place where I can make a huge amount of color copies, or prints, whatever works best, that can bind them. Preferably wire binding. If so...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
There are also a few print shops near "Book Street" or Trang Tien Plaza near Hoan Kiem Lake.
In response to the question: Hi, I need a place where I can make a huge amount of color copies, or prints, whatever works best, that can bind them. Preferably wire binding. If so...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
"Bia Hoi Corner" at the intersection of Dinh Liet and Luong Ngoc Quyen. It's a few blocks north of Hoan Kiem Lake. Aside from the bia hoi joints, there are several bars in the vicinity that are frequented by teachers.
In response to the question: Where is the best place to meet expat teachers? ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
You should be able to find a Honda Wave on Dinh Liet Street for $45/month. It's in the Old Quarter close to Bia Hoi corner.
In response to the question: Hey, I want to rent a scooter from a reliable source in Hanoi. Does anyone have any recommendations as to a good rental company and also how much I...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Considering I never once saw a Vietnamese girl in a bikini, you might want to start hitting the catalogs and hope that it arrives by summer '08.
You might consider visiting Big C or Metro department stores. That's where I finally found a pair of sneakers that fit.
In response to the question: Where can I buy a decent bikini? I've found a few shops but everything I've seen is too small or hideous!...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Never! I went to the beach a few times and everyone was wearing jeans, rolled up to the knees. It was absurd!
In response to the question: Where can I buy a decent bikini? I've found a few shops but everything I've seen is too small or hideous!...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Wish I could join you, Binh!
In response to the question: Sorry for all the delays in getting the poker up and running. Everything is now organised and the first game will be on sunday the 8th July. I won't...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I don't think a complete list exists. It's possible you'll find a list of major schools that have established themselves, however the smaller schools come and go.
Start with the big ones listed here. If that doesn't work out, spend a few evenings in the bars around Ta Hien Street. You'll find several teachers there willing to point you in the right direction. They'll also be able to tell you exactly what each school pays.
It's really not necessary to find a job before you arrive, in fact I would recommend you don't. Give yourself the opportunity to shop around. There's a lot of work out there, and all schools are not created equal.
In response to the question: I am looking for an English teacher position in Hanoi. I hold the CELTA certificate as well as a youth counselor certificate. Does anyone know where t...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Also, to make your life easier, bring a notarized criminal background check from the state you currently reside in, your college diploma, and proof of a recent health check-up.
It will make things a lot easier for your school if they end up filing official government paperwork for you.
In response to the question: I am looking for an English teacher position in Hanoi. I hold the CELTA certificate as well as a youth counselor certificate. Does anyone know where t...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
A legit copy in Vietnam? Good luck! Counterfeits should be littering the streets of the Old Quarter by now. Keep in mind that machines usually have to be "modded" in order to play copied games. If that doesn't work for you, try VinCom Towers or Trang Tien Plaza. They can be located on the maps here on New Hanoian. You can also find several specialized stores similar to GameStop (not sure what shops you have in Australia) all around town. Just keep an eye out for XBox logos in the windows.
In response to the question: Hi, my Aussie sons think they will expire soon if they don't get their hands on a Halo 3. Where can we buy a good legit copy? Thanks for your help ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Typically, reasonable prices = illegal copies for $1-$2.
If you're looking for authentic software, you're going to have a hard time.
In response to the question: Where is the best place in Hanoi to buy software. ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/group/show/62
In response to the question: Okay...so I believe the ladies of Hanoi will not disagree with me that the ratio of men to women in this city does not work in their favour, and what ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Anyone know the Vietnamese translation for a flat sheet without the elastic corners?
Hang Gai looks promising. Thanks for the info everyone!
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.
It's not specifically about linens, but there is an ongoing discussion about bed sheets here:
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/aska/answers/qid/763
In response to the question: Does anyone know where I can buy pure linen (not cotton) bed sheets in Hanoi......or a good sewer who would be able to make me some? ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
We visited the Minh Duc shop on Hang Gai today. They were very accommodating, however the only colors available were white, dark purple, and royal blue. We ended up with a white flat sheet and two pillow cases with no embroidery for $15. It's going to take about 10 days to have them made. The transaction went very smoothly, but if you're looking for a variety of colors you might want to check elsewhere.
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.
Yeah, those sets seem to be available in several places around town. It's tracking down the elusive flat sheet that is driving me crazy.
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.
I'm having the same problem as well. Has anyone located any ant traps?
In response to the question: Cockroach baits. I cannot find them anywhere...it seems the only way to rid these foul creatures is to use fly spray which I am not a big fan of. S...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
There's a furniture store on the second or third floor of VinCom towers shopping mall. It's called Rossano, and the last time I stopped by they had two or three different bean bags.
In response to the question: I know the beanbag question has been asked before, answered, then answered again with there are no beanbags to be found... but has anyone found a sour...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Thousand Nights has closed its doors.
In response to the question: Does anybody know when the Mosque on Hang Luoc is open? I went there at sunset today (Friday) but it was closed. There must be some other Muslims in t...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Just watching CCTV, and they reported that none of their stations outside the mainland will be carrying the games.
In response to the question: Has anyone encountered a broadcast schedule online for the upcoming Olympics? I've been searching for the last hour and haven't seen anything other t...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Gotta love the anonymous critics!
In response to the question: THis may be a question more for older hanoians than younger hanoians... Or at least ones who have been here longer. When I first arrived i hired a...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I agree with jimbo. It's a valuable feature and deserves to stay.
In response to the question: Can we do something about the utter rubbish section. It seems that there are some people who are playing with this click. I agree with all the others ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Hmm... someone seems to be appreciating and utilizing the feature on this very thread!! Can you say "irony"?
In response to the question: Can we do something about the utter rubbish section. It seems that there are some people who are playing with this click. I agree with all the others ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Who are these people who choose to anonymously disagree with those who disagree with the statement that users of this site should not be given the ability to anonymously disagree? Show your faces! You rubbish clickers of those who enjoy the rubbish click!
And whether you show your face or not, thank you for proving our point.
In response to the question: Can we do something about the utter rubbish section. It seems that there are some people who are playing with this click. I agree with all the others ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
It's not the website you were requesting, but I would recommend talking to Andrew at VIP Bikes. He's a straight shooter and knows what most new/used bikes are worth. He and his guys have worked on just about everything, so they have a vast knowledge of what bikes are dependable and which ones can't be trusted.
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.
I'm curious myself. And I'd prefer not having to wake up at 4:30 a.m.
In response to the question: Hi, I'm looking for Tai Chi lessons here in Hanoi, but it's proving harder than I expected. I've tried google and New Hanoian searches without ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Haven't had film developed in Hanoi too many times, but I can tell you where NOT to go. There's a big photo lab on the corner just south of the Expo Center on Giang Vo. I had some beautiful shots of Laos that they absolutely butchered. The colors were waaaaay oversaturated, and everything was blurry. When I pointed it out, they shrugged.
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 Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Are you talking about a large-scale operation or a few crates?
In response to the question: Hey all, Anyone had any experience exporting craft silk stuff etc. from Vietnam to Europe? France in particular? Was wondering if anyone had any tips...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
There was a small stand in the southwest corner of VinCom Tower (first floor, near all the perfume) selling natural skin products a few weeks ago. Not cheap, but that hippie stuff never is.
In response to the question: Does anyone know where I can get natural/organic skin care and/or hair care products? I hate using products with chemicals, and need to continue wi...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Send a message to grubby.
In response to the question: How do I remove/delete my account?...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Based on my experience, you're not going to find many American football games, college or NFL, playing in bars. Nobody outside the States gives a rat's ass about the pigskin. I feel your pain, brother.
Some cable packages around town show an NFL game or two every week, but I don't recall seeing a college game other than the National Championship. (Texas vs. USC - Classic!)
If you're in a bar at 2 a.m., and they don't have many abusive European patrons around waiting to spew their hostile verbal diarrhea all over our beloved sport, you MIGHT be able to convince them to switch the channel over. But don't count on it.
In response to the question: Are there any places showing american college football games on saturday nights? I am trying to find a pub or bar that is playing some games live....
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Agreed. You will need it when sleeping in a hotel, hostel, boat, etc. and when traveling out of town by bus, train, etc.
There aren't many occasions when you'll need it around Hanoi. It's good to have a couple photocopies made of your passport data and current visa, as landlords and travel agents need them from time to time.
In response to the question: Sylly question ; ) Do you guys carry your passport everywhere you go in Hanoi/Vietnam be it during work/holiday? Just curious...guys...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Found this in another thread, but it seems relevant here as well...
http://www.hanoih3.com
The Hanoi Hash House Harriers frequently organize runs in the Hanoi area. Never done it myself, but it looks like a fun group!
In response to the question: I am curious if anyone knows of some great, longer (6k-15k) running routes in and around Hanoi. I have been running in Lenin Park, but I would love a ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Do you need a permit for something like this? If not, we could find volunteers or hire a model for a small group.
In response to the question: Hi all, I'm looking for life drawing classes/groups (that is drawing nudes, in a no-happy-endings, strictly art kinda way!) Does anyone know if...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I have to work that evening, so someone please fill me in if everyone meets up.
In response to the question: Hi all, I'm looking for life drawing classes/groups (that is drawing nudes, in a no-happy-endings, strictly art kinda way!) Does anyone know if...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
You might consider renaming this post to "Massage in Vietnam = No Fun".
What a frustrating experience. They seem to have somehow missed the lecture in masseuse class emphasizing that clients should leave the establishment LESS stressed out than they were before they entered.
The only decent massage I can recall getting in Vietnam was at some clinic near the Lang Ha & Duong Lang area (south central Hanoi), but I don't remember the name or exact address. I'll try to locate it next time I'm down there.
In response to the question: What is up with the Swedish massages in this city? I have had two so far (I know, not a very large sample size) and both were terrible and didn't act...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Will I have to eat plain rice for a month after visiting them?
In response to the question: What is up with the Swedish massages in this city? I have had two so far (I know, not a very large sample size) and both were terrible and didn't act...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I've heard this question a fair number of times, so I just added Van Phuc silk village as a venue. (Do that many identical shops each need their own entry? I'll leave it up to them!)
It's far enough out of town that the street names no longer appear on the map, but hopefully you can use a few landmarks on the map and the pinpoint I added to get there.
See: http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/venue/show/2473/Van-Phuc-Silk-Village
Good luck!
In response to the question: I would like to buy some gifts and have been directed to Van Phuc village. Any idea how to get there by motorbike?...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Yeah, the village has lost some of its uniqueness due to the large number of shops popping up in the Old Quarter selling the exact same stuff. But it's still quite a bit cheaper. I'd recommend it for that last-week-before-you-head-home-whirlwind-souvenir-shopping-spree, but that's about it.
In response to the question: I would like to buy some gifts and have been directed to Van Phuc village. Any idea how to get there by motorbike?...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Alright, duplicate shirts are all fine and dandy, but I want to get to the root of this thing. Those of you who are fluent in Vietnamese or have a fair number of Vietnamese friends need to act the next time you see someone wearing this shirt. Where are they getting these things?? I want to know who is responsible.
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 Thursday January 1st, 1970.
The Vietnamese postal service is embarrassingly horrible. Don't count on anything of value arriving through their services. Use DHL whenever possible, or FedEx as a second decent option.
On a related note, here is an article about an emerging partner of Ebay's in Vietnam...
http://www.onepay.vn/news_detail.action?news_id=10
In response to the question: I got here a few months ago. I've been using ebay for years. I wanted some old camera equipment--50 year old cheap Russian cameras and 30 year old N...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
It's been almost two years since this question got posted. Anyone found a laundromat yet? Looking for a place with both washers and dryers. Need ASAP!
In response to the question: Are there any coin-op laundry facilities in Hanoi, with actual dryers? It has been so damp and nasty these last few weeks, drying our clothes has bec...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Dryers included?? Just want to double-check before I drag all my dirty laundry clear across town!
How about the rates?
In response to the question: Are there any coin-op laundry facilities in Hanoi, with actual dryers? It has been so damp and nasty these last few weeks, drying our clothes has bec...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I'm not sure exactly what you mean, but most voting polls are open all day long in America, until around 7 p.m. Given that there are several time zones, it makes for one long election day. Most television news stations like to start calling the winner as soon as possible, which usually means about 9 a.m. on election day. Just kidding, it's closer to 9 p.m.
In other words, when you wake up in Vietnam on November 5th, they should be declaring a winner, barring any major voter discrepancies, which we all know could not possibly happen. *cough*
PS. If any of you have not seen the film "Hacking Democracy", I recommend you do so as soon as possible.
In response to the question: Anyone know the time happen America vote on Nov 4th that is fixed with Vietnam's time? Thanks....
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Hoisin sauce in Pho.
Them's fightn' words in these parts...
In response to the question: Okay, I'm used to eating Pho with Hoisin Sauce and I can't find any here. The strangest thing is that i can't remember any restaurant I've eaten at i...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
More importantly, do any of them deliver by motorboat?
In response to the question: Does anyone know which company has home delivery of fresh chicken , aussie beef at a reasonable price?...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
This is indeed a very loaded gun of a question, and one which I expect could involve very heated answers on both sides of the debate. On one far side you have the "stereotypes exist for a reason" crowd, and on the other a mass of ultra-politically correct people who refuse to attribute any qualities whatsoever to a group. And many people who lie somewhere in the middle.
To say that every expat is distrustful of Vietnamese people is just as obtuse as stating that no Vietnamese people can be trusted, so let's be careful when asking and answering how all "these" people feel about "those" people. There's always an exception to every rule, therefore taking people on a 1-on-1 basis is a necessity when traveling if one hopes to fully understand or appreciate a culture. Those who blindly trust everyone are bound to get burned on occasion, and people who refuse to have faith in a single individual will likely never fully comprehend another culture.
Back to the question at hand. I wouldn't yet label your friend as an "extremist", however the fact that she can't trust a single Vietnamese person is troubling. She must have had some terrible experiences. And they shouldn't be minimized. Bad things do happen and can have a profound impact on expats' lives here. We've all heard the stories of Vietnamese women marrying Western men and running off with their money. Tales of businesses allowing employees to work for months with the promise of money "coming soon", and yet it never arrives. These things are a tragic reality, but they can't be allowed to ruin our experiences. Unfortunately, bad news typically spreads faster than good news (especially on the internet!), so people are quick to spread stories like these rather than positive ones. How many times have you heard stories about employers loaning their workers money so they can fly home for a holiday? Or even small matters such as the market lady tossing in a free apple on occasion? These things happen as well but regrettably don't receive as much attention as a bartender charging customers for six drinks when they only had five.
Yes, many expats feel like walking dollar signs over here. I think there is a solution to that, because many of these stories are rooted in the same location. Get out of the Old Quarter! Several vendors there know that they can take advantage of travelers, so doing business there will likely yield a higher rate of scams or gouging. Out in "real" Hanoi, it's just not that much of a problem. It can happen, but not nearly as much as the district where tourist dollars get tossed around like there's no tomorrow.
Perception is reality, but hopefully those who do get burned repeatedly can learn to find the root of their problems and avoid the same entanglements in the future, without pigeonholing an entire ethnic group or country. There are some damn fine people here, and I'm a much richer person for having spent time here.
Now, let me tell you about Canadians...
In response to the question: A person I know complained that she cannot trust ANY local people because she has enough bad experiences about Vietnamese people during her 2 years st...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Candide Colbert... has a nice ring to it.
In response to the question: A person I know complained that she cannot trust ANY local people because she has enough bad experiences about Vietnamese people during her 2 years st...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I'll be in my church praying that the Muslims don't win!!
Not sure yet. Just hope it doesn't involve punching my computer screen and tearing up my passport.
In response to the question: 2 years in and it's almost over. Kinda unbelievable really. I know of the AmCham party on Weds am and the Fusion one at noon. Is there anything else h...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I recently posted a couple videos of the terrible Le Duan Street mess on Youtube. You can check them out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwFwZzX32kc
In response to the question: I am on Van Ho Ba, near Dai Co Viet and Ba Trieu, and am MUCH better off than the Le Duan side of Lenin Park. Wow, went over there today when it wasnt...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
1. Open dictionary.
2. See: sarcasm.
3. Have a "smoke" and calm the fuck down.
In response to the question: A person I know complained that she cannot trust ANY local people because she has enough bad experiences about Vietnamese people during her 2 years st...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Looks like a few of us are starting at Hoa Vien tonight for some Czech beer. Heading over there around 7:30. We can always migrate if someone has another idea.
Goddamn, I've been waiting for this night...
In response to the question: 2 years in and it's almost over. Kinda unbelievable really. I know of the AmCham party on Weds am and the Fusion one at noon. Is there anything else h...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
That's Hoa Vien Brauhaus, south of the Opera House if anyone's curious.
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/venue/show/1031/Hoa-Vien-Brauhaus
On my way...
In response to the question: 2 years in and it's almost over. Kinda unbelievable really. I know of the AmCham party on Weds am and the Fusion one at noon. Is there anything else h...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
WooT!!!
Agreed, teacherman. I really appreciated his comment, "This victory tonight is not the change we seek... it just gives us the opportunity to make that change."
I hear people are heading to Roots tonight...
In response to the question: 2 years in and it's almost over. Kinda unbelievable really. I know of the AmCham party on Weds am and the Fusion one at noon. Is there anything else h...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Ha!! I love Canadians. But I do reserve the right to give you a good ribbing after the regular beatings I took while living with a bunch of them.
In response to the question: A person I know complained that she cannot trust ANY local people because she has enough bad experiences about Vietnamese people during her 2 years st...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Hello Classifieds??
In response to the question: I am new to Vietnam and would like to know where I can meet single ladies in Hanoi and HCMC.I have heard about Beer Bars and have had a few Vietnamese...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Did the meeting at Puku ever happen? Anything decided? I would have been there, but I was out of the country for a few weeks.
I'd really like for this to happen. Could someone please give me the scoop?
In response to the question: Hi all, I'm looking for life drawing classes/groups (that is drawing nudes, in a no-happy-endings, strictly art kinda way!) Does anyone know if...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
The continual production and distribution of "Everybody Loves Raymond" is some kind of conspiracy. I've never met a single individual who admits to enjoying it.
In response to the question: A person I know complained that she cannot trust ANY local people because she has enough bad experiences about Vietnamese people during her 2 years st...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
The Vietnamese government has reportedly shipped all of that junk back to China.
In response to the question: Hi all! I'm wondering how you guys are reacting to the melamin scandal, started in China some time ago? I hear that the stuff can be in bread, cand...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
None of them share the same website or email address, so I'm guessing they have different owners. Have you tried calling them?
In response to the question: Does anyone know if Dragon Hotel (48 Xuan Dieu), Gold Dragon (95B Hang Ga) and another Gold Dragon Hotel (5 Ngo Bao Khanh) have the same owner or not?...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Alright, thanks for the recommendation. I know there are a few out there, as we stayed in Central Stars Hotel this summer and managed to snag a room with the above mentioned amenities for $12.
The room was decent, but the bed was excruciatingly painful. So we're hoping there might be a few other options available.
Anyone have any other suggestions?
In response to the question: We're looking for a relatively cheap guesthouse to stay in while we continue our search for housing. The hotel section seems to be missing a "sort by...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Is "chach san trung tien" listed on this site? I can't seem to find it...
In response to the question: We're looking for a relatively cheap guesthouse to stay in while we continue our search for housing. The hotel section seems to be missing a "sort by...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Any ideas for guesthouses outside the Old Quarter? Something in the neighborhood of the Temple of Literature would be ideal.
In response to the question: We're looking for a relatively cheap guesthouse to stay in while we continue our search for housing. The hotel section seems to be missing a "sort by...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Vinataba smokes= 12k dong
555 smokes= 17k for local, 25 for imports
Motorbike= $40-$65/month depending on quality
Men's tailored suit= $80-$100 (can be found for less, but the quality is sketchy)
House rental= $4,000/month (right, agents?) *cough*
In response to the question: I went to the park yesterday, at the entrance as I walked in the guy pointed to a little notebook in front of him that had 200,000 written on it. I so...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I'm sorry, do I know you?
In response to the question: A person I know complained that she cannot trust ANY local people because she has enough bad experiences about Vietnamese people during her 2 years st...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Candide, how about the disgruntled employee with legitimate gripes? Of course, each case will have to be made over whether it's legitimate or not, but you know those people are out there. Is there something inherently wrong with informing others of pitfalls to avoid?
If someone has worked in Hanoi and been burned, I don't have a problem with them letting the community know about it. Especially after some of the horror stories coming out of English schools these days. I have my own story as well, but I've been hanging on to it, waiting to see how the community reacts to other such "reviews".
In response to the question: I’m not sure if this question has been addressed before but I’ve met others who feel strongly about it. It’s in regard to the guideline that mem...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Sorry Candide, I mistook your intentions, which I now believe were to suggest the removal of reviewers posing as normal customers, when they are in fact disgruntled or ex-employees. Like Alpha said, I think the community polices itself fairly well in that aspect.
When you stated "...where a disgruntled employee or ex-employee does a vitriolic hatchet job on a business for personal reasons," I took it personally, as I have a well-prepared vitriolic hatchet job screaming to be posted.
In response to the question: I’m not sure if this question has been addressed before but I’ve met others who feel strongly about it. It’s in regard to the guideline that mem...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Sorry, you are five days too late:
http://asia.news.yahoo.com/081117/4/3s729.html
Hopefully the clowns escaped with their lives.
In response to the question: Hello. I've been renting a Wave for a while now, and think it's time to buy my own - the maths of the situation is that if I rent for 2 years I pay...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Of course English teachers are allowed to answer. But that's not the REASON you are here. I won't accept that as an answer unless you had childhood dreams of teaching in Vietnam, went and got your education degree with TEFL certifications, and flew over here having dreamt about it for 10+ years. If you fall in that category, I'll take "I'm teaching English" as a valid answer.
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 Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Hmm...
Well it seems like an honest question to me. I was hoping to get some meaningful or funny stories out of the community.
What exactly is stupid about that?
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 Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Some interesting responses. I had intended this thread to be more focused on the "why" rather than the "how", but since several responses have focused on "how" someone arrived here, I suppose I'll add mine to the mix...
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 Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Written previously but edited for this site, I have decided to entitle this one "The X-Factor" or "Channeling Soze".
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 Thursday January 1st, 1970.
There is a licensed Apple retailer towards the east end of Kim Ma, just before the large bus station. (Just before Nguyen Thai Hoc, where Kim Ma splits into two one-way streets)
They have the new Nano there in a few different colors, around $190 for the 8GB model.
There is also a shop in Trang Tien Plaza selling the new Nano, however there are also several vendors selling cheap Chinese knockoffs. They're usually not too hard to spot, just ask the clerk to turn one of them on for you.
In response to the question: Back home I'd probably just get one off ebay but I've heard the postal system here can be unreliable so I'd rather not risk it....
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Luna d'Autunno
In response to the question: Whats your vote for the best pizza in Hanoi?...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
So...
I should say a bit about my untimely exit from Taiwan.
I was in mid-lecture with my ten year-old English class on a peaceful Friday afternoon in June, 2005, when suddenly six officers of the law waltzed into my classroom. They included two Board of Education officers, two Foreign Affairs officers, and two plain-clothed Kaohsiung City police officers.
They pulled me out of class and into the lobby of our small school. One of the officers even took out his handcuffs, so I immediately sat down and declared that I had no plans to run away. They asked for my passport, which I had on me luckily, and started drilling my Taiwanese co-workers with questions in Chinese. Two girls who came in with the officers were snapping digital photos of me, the students, and just about everything else in the school. The textbooks, the marker boards, the goddamned stuffed animals. It looked like an episode of CSI, but without the rotting corpse. I sat there on the ground for thirty minutes, continually on the verge of major heart failure. For those of you who don't already know, it was entirely illegal for me to teach in Taiwan. The government requires that each teacher posses a Bachelor's Degree (in any field), which I didn't have. I was in Taiwan on a visitor's visa, and therefore it was illegal for me to make money. I was busted. The circumstances that led to my arrest are another story entirely.
My boss finally showed up and settled them all down a little, but it became apparent that I would be forced to go downtown with them. They put me in the back of their cruiser and took off as my boss made a feeble, although much appreciated, attempt at settling my nerves.
The cops dragged me downtown to the Foreign Affairs office and began to sock it to me. I was informed that I had been caught teaching red-handed and that the consequences would not be pleasant. Imagine the expressions on their faces when I informed them that I wasn't teaching, and that there would be no unfortunate consequences for me.
As fate was still partially on my side this day, the cops unknowingly made a critical error just prior to interrogating me in their office. It took them a good twenty minutes of preparation before they were ready to begin. In the meantime, they allowed a couple of cute 20-year old public-service volunteers to come in and have tea with me. They both spoke some English, which gave me the perfect opportunity to calm my nerves, warm up the bullshit engines, and do some innocent flirting in the meantime. Critical flaw on their part.
They brought me into their dingy interrogation room and slammed me with question after question. Bright lamps hung down from the ceiling and clouds of cigarette smoke filled the air, but it would not phase me. I was already prepared for everything that they threw at me. They repeated several of their questions, some of them five or six times. Both of the officers seemed quite surprised at one of two possible things, in my estimation. Either they hadn't even considered my story to be a possibility earlier, or they were floored by the fact that I had concocted such a brilliant fabrication right in front of them. Thank you, "Keyser".
It went something like this... I'm not a teacher. I don't know anything about teaching. Back when I was picking beans in Guatemala I met some teachers, but I've never had the aspiration to become one. I came here a year ago and fell in love with the place. I don't want to leave. I was in no way being compensated for being in that school. The school director just happens to be a close friend of mine! When I came here a year ago, we met at a dinner with mutual friends. We became very close. She introduced me to her husband and children, and we met often to share each others' culture. She showed me aspects of Taiwan that I never would have discovered on my own. And if I needed assistance with a doctor, a dentist, a barber, or a clothing store, she would help me out. In return, I would come to her school and play games with her children as a special treat for them once or twice a week. No money was ever exchanged. It was that simple.
"You've been here for a year!" they exclaimed, "Surely you've made some money during your stay!"
I pointed to their photocopier across the room. "Have you ever heard of Xerox?" I asked with a raised eyebrow. They had. "I worked for them for several years. I don't mean to boast, gentlemen, but please trust me, money is not an issue for me. I won't have to work again for a very, very long time. And furthermore, my parents are quite well off themselves." Hook, line, and sinker. (This was not entirely untrue, as I had worked for Xerox as a technician, but was fortunately laid off along with 3,000 others in the summer of 2003.)
They glanced at each other and almost seemed ashamed that they had brought such dishonor upon their department by detaining me and wasting valuable time of mine. After almost two hours in their office, I was released without any penalty or fine. They did caution me that it would be unwise for me to be seen in a classroom again during my stay. They also stated that they would speak to my boss >>in a few days<< (seriously?) to confirm that our stories matched.
I met with my boss later that night to get everything in line. She went to the office the next Tuesday morning to give her statement, and everything was taken care of without any penalty on either side.
The one minor catch was that I could no longer afford to stay in Taiwan. I couldn't work there, and I didn't have the money to get home. I would have to find another option.
"...Vietnam has English schools. I know good people in Vietnam. People who will take care of me..."
My friends in Kaohsiung and I (even those blasted Canadians) partied like fiends for an entire week.
And like that, *poof*, I was off to Vietnam.
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 Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Well, Khazaana and Foodshop 45 come to mind for Indian curry. I haven't eaten a decent Thai curry dish in Vietnam. I keep hoping it will happen some day. You know, being just a few miles from Thailand and all.
In response to the question: Where can one find the best chicken curry in Hanoi?...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
After most of the curries I've sampled around Vietnam, I think Foodshop should take "suck the butt" as a compliment.
Foodshop 45: We suck the butt.
In response to the question: Where can one find the best chicken curry in Hanoi?...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Yeah, I was going to say Hang Dieu (the street a block east of Finnegan's with the famous Bun Bo Nam Bo).
Also check Cat Linh street and Hang Chieu street.
I seem to remember a nice mattress shop with floor models in either VinCom Tower or Trang Tien Plaza, but don't quote me on that. Good luck, and let us know if you find something other than bamboo mats and rock-hard mattresses with creaky coils.
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.
I'm not sure if she or this event ever existed, but it damn well should. Check out the CAMA music festival reviews to see what sparked this thread.
In response to the question: Well?!...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Just to clarify any misunderstanding, this thread was created entirely as sarcasm.
Although we should be posing this question if we have any aspirations for Hanoi to "keep up" with Saigon. *cough*
In response to the question: Well?!...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Oh. My. God.
That video was painful.
Nutz... You guys... Umm... Keep doing what you do.
Thanks for doing your part to keep as many tools as possible clear the hell away from other bars in Hanoi.
In response to the question: Well?!...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I found a decent full-faced helmet towards the south end of Pho Hue, near Dai Co Viet street. If you're looking for the expensive ($100+) brands found back home, I'm not sure where to go. I'm guessing that the Vespa shops or other places selling new motorbikes can help you.
The full-faced helmet I bought took quite a knock when my ex-gf crashed our bike. I smacked my head on the pavement pretty hard but bounced right up like nothing had happened. It cracked the helmet, but it did its job. Not bad for 200,000 dong.
In response to the question: can anyone please tell me where i can buy a proper motorbike helmet (2 actual, 1 for me and 1 for her)? the only brand i know is Bell helmets which ar...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Care to elaborate?
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 Thursday January 1st, 1970.
That "Veggy's" place up near Sheraton Hotel has a few different brands of oats. They even have some organic oats in a bin towards the back of the store. If you're in that area, the Western market (Annam Gourmet) in Syrena tower has a few different kinds, too.
I've also seen a couple different brands at Western Canned Goods and Dan's, but I don't specifically remember "Dutch".
In response to the question: I bought a can of Dutch? quick cooking oats at Citi Vincom about 5 months ago and believe it or not, they no longer stock it. Has anyone spotted anyth...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Excellent!
In response to the question: Is the Cheese Dumpling Girl still around? She used to have a little stall in the Ji Lin night market. Mmmm... so tasty....
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Chick peas and tahini can be found in Western Canned Goods on Ba Trieu Street. Not sure about the wheat and flat bread, but WSG is a decent place to start your search.
I've actually seen the chick peas and tahini in several shops around town, even some of the traditional street markets.
I seem to remember noticing some flat bread in the freezer at Dan's Shop on Kim Ma, but you might want to call them first. Stock is fairly random there.
In response to the question: - chick peas - bulgar wheat - tahini - flat bread (yes, I am craving middle eastern food!)...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Travelocity.com
Expedia.com
Vayama.com
Check those three. They're usually around the same rate, but every now and then one of them has a huge drop in price for specific flights.
Also, you can use these two sites, which search through all the other flight search engines, saving you the time of having to enter all your flight data in repeatedly:
www.bookingbuddy.com
www.farecompare.com
All five of those are fairly reputable. If your flight gets delayed, some of them have a number you can call to make other arrangements. The service isn't as good as going through a true travel agent, but the cost is usually quite lower.
Buying directly from airlines in the US is NOT a good idea.
The highest rated flights across the Pacific are Singapore Air, Malaysia Air, and Cathay Pacific. The best-for-your-money are Korea Air, Japan Air, Eva,and United. I've heard very mixed things about China Air. I'd avoid Delta and American Airlines at all costs.
Each of the websites earlier allow you to choose your airline. Good luck!
In response to the question: Hey there, My friend from the US wants to visit me here, and I was trying to find cheap flights from the US to Hanoi. Anyone have suggestions? We...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Another note, buying a round-trip ticket is usually 30-50% cheaper than buying two one-way tickets.
Also, if you're already in Vietnam, it's typically cheaper to fly to the US by using a Vietnamese travel agent, rather than the websites. They have access to outbound ticket discounts that foreign websites aren't able to obtain.
In response to the question: Hey there, My friend from the US wants to visit me here, and I was trying to find cheap flights from the US to Hanoi. Anyone have suggestions? We...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
True. Unfortunately the nearest Chinatown is a 12+hour drive from my home.
One disadvantage of using a Vietnamese travel agent for flights to the US is that Vietnam Airlines recently signed a deal with American Airlines. If you book a flight to the States from here, you're most likely going to get AA, who have the worst service I've encountered. Ever. Not to mention they are at the bottom of almost every independent survey. It's not worth saving $100-$200.
In response to the question: Hey there, My friend from the US wants to visit me here, and I was trying to find cheap flights from the US to Hanoi. Anyone have suggestions? We...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
To be fair, everything is a 12+hour drive from my home.
In response to the question: Hey there, My friend from the US wants to visit me here, and I was trying to find cheap flights from the US to Hanoi. Anyone have suggestions? We...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Yeah, it's better to wait until after Tet. Your flight will be cheaper and the job market opens up a bit, especially towards summer, when lots of schools will be looking to fill temporary summer classes.
I really don't think finding a job is that hard here. However, the pay rate has not kept up with inflation. Vietnam's inflation rate has risen 24% since last year at this time. There has been a rise in income for teachers, but it just hasn't kept up. (And for several other industries as well)
After talking with at least a dozen teachers from different schools, most people seem to be making between $17-$20/hour. With no degree you're probably looking at $15-$17/hr. That's more than enough to live on if you're teaching 20-25 hours per week.
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 Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Yah man. Me sez screw dem students. Itz all'bout da cash.
Booyakasha!
*snap*
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 Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Dragonfly on Hang Buom Street. It's fantastic.
In response to the question: I've been to Hanoi since little.....But to be honest, living in a Viet family and staying miles away from Hoan Kiem District didnt help me finding Han...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
You can go. I've seen 14 year-olds drinking there. The sign on the door says nobody under 18, but just walk inside. The doorman won't stop you unless you look 9.
In response to the question: I've been to Hanoi since little.....But to be honest, living in a Viet family and staying miles away from Hoan Kiem District didnt help me finding Han...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I'm not looking for silk, but Uma and Dome are good ideas.
I remember seeing bedding on Son Tay Street too, so I'll check it out and post the results. Thanks guys.
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.
Ok, I'm not whining, but I did really enjoy the Utter Rubbish button.
Sometimes you want to really bring the hate, and "meh" doesn't cut it.
In response to the question: The first person who whines about the "meh" button, that's who. STFU!...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I like "meh". But I think "meh" can co-exist peacefully with "Utter Rubbish".
Listen, if someone jumps on here and posts something about Luna d'Autunno's chef dipping his balls in the marinara sauce, I want the ability to call it UTTER RUBBISH. Not "meh". Like OlMucky said, "meh" implies complete disinterest and apathy.
Talking trash on Luna's chef or just making shit up about any place deserves a smackdown, not a "whatever".
If you're too sensitive about this, perhaps you should stop writing reviews.
In response to the question: The first person who whines about the "meh" button, that's who. STFU!...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Look near Minh's Jazz Club on Luong Van Can. You'll find a few stores with tons of Christmas decorations and fake trees.
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...
Elite User
13 Followers
55 Reviews
32 First Reviews
Well-Written (46) Funny (133) Accurate (90) Useful (80)
Grant
My Blog or WebsiteNot Listed
EmailPrivate
In Hanoi SinceMonday June 27th, 2005
Here UntilMonday June 1st, 2009
New Hanoian Member SinceMonday September 4th, 2006
