29 reviews or comments posted; no questions asked; 82 answers given.
If you want to taste best coffee without luxury nor decoration then Cafe Lam (Lâm) is the place. Its bittersweet likes no where else. That made Cafe Lam one of the most famous cafes among locals.
I was surprised for no one had ever posted a review of this place. Take a visit then you'll know I'm not exaggerating.
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posted about 4 days ago by virezo
about the venue: Monument to Triumphant Frolicking Stallions - Gateway to Ciputra

Agree with dominic. The first time I saw this gate years ago, I thought it was inspired by Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.
They built it years ago for the whole South Thang Long residential area plan which will be finished years later. Ciputra is a part of it that's why the gate seems ridiculously connected to Ciputra.
1 star for the waste of money.
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Roaming in the site and find Dog on the list! Unbelievable!
I don't like dog meat. I even hate dog meat shops because most of dogs they kill were robbed.
Dog meat is very fatty.
aumkara's right. There's no difference between dog meat shops.
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It is one of the oldest pho restaurants in Hanoi and very famous, too. My "true-Hanoian" friend told me that her grandfather 's ate Pho there since French colonisation.
Owners (from generations) still keep the old taste of soup.
Unfortunately, most customers now are old Hanoians because young people don't like its service. Owners also keep their service like in pre-doi moi period.
Young people listed Phở Gia truyền 49 Bát Đàn to "Cháo quát, Phở mắng" ("shouting Rice soup, berating Pho", difficult to translate) and come to Pho 24. Most teenagers who were born in 1990s (a.k.a 9x teen) hate it.
For Pho, yes! For service and attitude, no (sadly).
I chose 4 stars because the shop shows you the real Hanoi Pho in old time. You come here to try our real food, real style, not to see how we eat like you in air conditioned rooms, don't you?
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Sorry for this review but when I see Bún Ốc Cô Béo (cô béo means 'Fat Lady') on this site, it reminds me of my high school time 4 years ago.
I used to eat there many times! It's favourite for beef-snail noodle (not just snail!). That's why the board written 'Bún Ốc Thịt Bò' not just 'Bún Ốc'.
Unfortunately, RomanAtlanta's Vietnamese friends seem don't really know about it. 9 months ago, I came back and realised that the present owner of Bún Ốc Thịt Bò at #9-Hoe Nhai was the one who sold soya drink next to Co Beo's shop years ago. Fat Lady had moved to another shop on the other side of that street!
If you come to #9 - Hoe Nhai now and see the cook is a thin woman then she's the 'Soya Lady' not my *lovely 'Fat Lady'. Find Fat Lady (Co Beo) on the other side of that street for the REAL beef-snail noodle.
In addition, Fat Lady may turn back to her old shop recently without my notice. In that case, I'm sorry. But always remember to find a very fat lady if you want to try her beef-snail noodle and order '1 bún ốc thịt bò KHÔNG MẮM TÔM' (!) NO SHRIMP SAUCE (!)
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None.
Posted Thursday July 24th, 2008.
you can try pharmacy center on Ngoc Khanh street. they may have what you need. however, i suggest you go with someone who knows Vietnamese.
In response to the question: Hi, does anyone know if there are any homeopathic pharmacies/stores in Hanoi? I have run out of one product which I bought in Europe but my doctor thi...
Posted Thursday July 24th, 2008.
You can find a lot of jewelry shops in Hang Bac (Hoan Kiem district), I'm sure they have the service that you need. I'm afraid I can't tell you how much it'll cost because of the inflation and high oil price.
I suggest you search about white gold price before you get there.
Good luck.
In response to the question: Has anyone had any jewelry made in Hanoi? We're looking to get a ring made - we have the stones but need to find a jeweler to set them in white gold. ...
Posted Thursday July 24th, 2008.
In Hanoi, people don't often sell their used motor bikes nor scooters to shops. They use trading websites such as: http://www.vatgia.com to up an advertisement. You can search on google "bán xe ga" bán=sell and you'll have some directions.
There're some used motorbike shops in Hanoi. However, most of them sell used sport, crossing motorbikes from Thailand, China, Taiwan... for trendy guys. The other shops, I don't think you can trust their motor bikes because most of them were fixed, exchanged engine... and of course, there's no guarantee.
In addition, your nick 'kinhvanhoa' is such a Vietnamese name. If you're Vietnamese, I think you can find yourself in Hanoi.
In response to the question: Does anyone recommend a used motorbike shop for me? I am looking for a well-maintained Nouvo or a similar model (Xe Ga) at a reasonable price. I've re...
Posted Saturday July 26th, 2008.
Yes, the inflation is a problem now but $150 per month for a housekeeper is hard to accept.
$150 is 2,4 million VND for 22,5 hours per week. In addition, she's been working for another family so I guess she earns at least 4 million VND per moth. That's quite a lot comparing to another jobs.
However, it depends on how much energy she spends for cooking, cleaning... I mean if you're house is big, there're 6 or more members in your family, especially there's a baby then you need to pay her more, otherwise keep the current salary.
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 Saturday July 26th, 2008.
In Vietnam, riding a motor bike which has more than 400cc then you must have A2 license (according to new law) and you're a member of Hanoi motor club.
Finding a big bike in Hanoi is much more difficult than in Saigon and it costs 2 or 3 times more than its price in the US.
In response to the question: Im coming out to hanoi next month and i was going to get myself a motorbike. I have a UK full driving licence so what size bike can i have upto. If i ...
Posted Saturday July 26th, 2008.
So I think the current salary is reasonable.
If you want to keep her, just raise her wage a bit, maybe 20% then she'll satisfy the circumstance: every price is getting higher and so does her salary.
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 Saturday July 26th, 2008.
If you have A1 license or your UK license is valid as A1, of course. I'm not sure about driving license agreement between UK and Vietnam.
I can ask for an official information. I'll post a reply in this topic a few days later.
In response to the question: Im coming out to hanoi next month and i was going to get myself a motorbike. I have a UK full driving licence so what size bike can i have upto. If i ...
Posted Sunday July 27th, 2008.
I translated it from Vietnamese so it may contain some incorrect words for specific field.
According to Ministry of Transportation (72/2005/QĐ-BGTVT 28/12/2005) and Department of Land Transportation (1084/CĐBVN-QLPT&NL 13/4/2006):
Foreigners who live, work or study in Vietnam, tourists ride exotic bikes into Vietnam territory within more than 3 months; also have international license or their national license can change their licenses.
How to change your license:
A formal letter asks for changing license which was confirmed by one of these offices: embassy, representative office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign invested company... (you can ask your embassy for detailed information)
A photocopy of your UK license.
A translation of your license into Vietnamese.
A photocopy of your visa.
3 photos of you size 3cm x 4cm.
In response to the question: Im coming out to hanoi next month and i was going to get myself a motorbike. I have a UK full driving licence so what size bike can i have upto. If i ...
Posted Monday July 28th, 2008.
The inflation affects everybody now. The maid's current salary is acceptalbe. In other Vietnamese households, they paid less than that for cooking and cleaning even there're 4 or more family members, 4 to 6 bedrooms. The main thing is that she just has to cook and clean the house.
Some pay more for their maids if they have to wash clothes, take care of babies... but it's not this situation.
So do you think working for foreigners worth more than for native? No, you pay for what she really does.
There are a lot of maids out there are critically effected by inflation. What is it fair here?
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 Monday July 28th, 2008.
Not that bad. You can still ride on Lang-Hoa Lac highway. No crossroad.
In response to the question: Im coming out to hanoi next month and i was going to get myself a motorbike. I have a UK full driving licence so what size bike can i have upto. If i ...
Posted Wednesday July 30th, 2008.
I'm afraid there's no cemetery for Westerners in Hanoi.
In response to the question: Hey, ...so where are Hanois graveyards located? Particularly where the locals used to bury the Hanoians sometimes around 50-100 years ago? Im tryin...
Posted Wednesday July 30th, 2008.
and about 2nd hand stuffs, you can take a look at 'outdoor' market at Thinh Yen road (across Hue st.). It's the biggest 2nd hand stuff market in Hanoi, also called 'black market'.
In response to the question: Hey, ...so where are Hanois graveyards located? Particularly where the locals used to bury the Hanoians sometimes around 50-100 years ago? Im tryin...
Posted Thursday July 31st, 2008.
In my opinion, they're fake. Most adidas and nike shoes here are from the south of Vietnam so why clothing shouldn't?
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 Thursday July 31st, 2008.
bobthebob01 was right, it depends on where you whill live. However, I suggest you buy a stroller here (because there are more important things you want to carry), not too expensive and it's useful in Hanoi, I'm sure.
In response to the question: Hello! I will move with my family that includes 8 month old baby to Hanoi this October. Was wondering if babyfood is easily available in shops? Fam...
Posted Friday August 1st, 2008.
About Vovinam. Here the list of clubs in Hanoi: (hard to say which one is better)
Hoang Mai gymnasium
Address: Lane 104 - Nguyen An Ninh st. - Hoang Mai dist.
Class time: Tue & Thu. 18:30-20:30
Institute of International Relations Club
Address: #69 - Chua Lang st. - Dong Da dist.
Class time: Tue & Thu: 18:00. Sat: 17:15
Hanoi University of Technology Club
Address: Yard B7 in the campus of Hanoi University of Technology (located on Dai Co Viet st.). You have to ask people there because there's no address.
Class time: Mon & Fri. 18:30-20:30
Water Resources University Club
Address: Tay Son st. - Dong Da dist. but the club is in university's stadium. You have to ask people there.
Class time: Mon, Thu, Fri & Sun. 17:30-19:30
Thanh Xuan Club
Address: Thanh Xuan Hall of Culture (nha van hoa Thanh Xuan) - Thanh Xuan dist. I forgot the address of it so you have to ask people there.
Class time: Mon, Wed, Fri. 18:00-20:00
'October 10th' Club
Address: Youth's School of Sports October 10th - Tran Huy Lieu st. - Giang Vo area - Ba Dinh st.
Class time: Wed, Sat. 19:30-21:15
* Good equipment
Trung Hoa Club
Address: Trung Hoa primary school, lane 2 - Trung Kinh st - Cau Giay dist.
Class time: Tue, Thu. 17:00-18:30
Thang Long secondary school Club
Address: Thang Long secondary school, #46A - Nguyen Van Ngoc st - Ba Dinh dist.
Class time: Tue, Sat. 17:30-19:00
Dong Da Club
Address: Sport Center, #75 - Dang Van Ngu st - Dong Da dist.
Class time: Wed, Sat. 19:00-20:30
Hanoi Architectural University Club
Address: Hanoi Architectural University's gymnasium, Nguyen Trai st - Thanh Xuan dist. You can ask for its address easily.
Class time: 18:00-20:30
Chu Van An Club
Address: #130 - Thuy Khue st - Tay Ho dist.
Class time: Sat, Sun. 17:30-19:00
University of Civil Engineering Club
Address: its campus, the university located on Giai Phong st - Dong Da dist. You have to ask students there.
Class time: 19:30-21:00
There are some other clubs, if you want, I'll put the full list for you.
In response to the question: Hi everyone! I need to find out if anyone know of a Shitoryo Karate club in Hanoi, even better if it is near the University of Hanoi Campus, if not al...
Posted Friday August 1st, 2008.
As I know, vovinam masters don't accept foreign disciple but you can try some in the list because they're opened for everybody.
Good luck.
In response to the question: Hi everyone! I need to find out if anyone know of a Shitoryo Karate club in Hanoi, even better if it is near the University of Hanoi Campus, if not al...
Posted Saturday August 2nd, 2008.
The Mosque at #12 Hang Luoc is the only mosque in Hanoi.
I don't know any Islamic community of foreigners.
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 Monday August 4th, 2008.
I know a man who has sold some off-road, crossing and supersport bikes in Hanoi.
You may contact him:
Nguyen Ngoc Anh: 0902.080.333
In response to the question: Any tips on where to find a motorbike Honda 250cc Baja or XR for sale? I want one and am willing to spend up to USD4,000 on it if the conditions justi...
Posted Monday August 4th, 2008.
send me an email attached a document (you type its manual) then i'll translate it into English for you.
you can send to my ID here or virezo@yahoo.com (write "newhanoian" +something so i'll know that it's not a spam mail).
In response to the question: I have bought this great (?) espresso maker from Metro. Never had such a beautiful and complicated coffee machine in my life! On arrival at home I fou...
Posted Tuesday August 5th, 2008.
I know one: Ngoc Son temple on Sword Lake.
In response to the question: Does anyone know if any of Hanoi's temples or pagodas have an entrance fee? Which ones? Cheers!...
Posted Tuesday August 5th, 2008.
Yes, there might be a risk depends on what shop you want to buy USD from. Some are very reliable, some not.
What's the name of the shop you visited?
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 Tuesday August 5th, 2008.
1. If you choose national highway 5, it's about 30~40km. Over Thanh Tri bridge then you'll be there.
2. Keep going for about 10km then you'll get to the center of Van Giang and you can find some motels there.
That's all I know.
Good luck.
In response to the question: Hi Guys I will be heading to Van Giang, Hung Yen Province sometime soon for work. I am not familiar with this place as such I would appreciate if you ...
Posted Wednesday August 6th, 2008.
When I still trained body-building, there was a company sold these products in Hanoi but it soon collapsed due to the lack of requirement. There isn't a market for it now in Hanoi, just medical food and some mixture of vitamin, protein, minerals... (i forgot the name) for people who have diabetes, just taken surgeries...
Hanoians need them *but make sure that you have good advertisement, good quality, various types of products and clear & reliable source.
If I were you, I'd take a look about requirement in Hanoi first. You don't want to sell your goods to foreigners in Hanoi only, do you? It's a big hit if Vietnamese buy your goods, too.
One of the biggest issues now in Vietname is: there's no office takes care of these kinds of products, no quality test, no specific law... Be aware of it.
In response to the question: I had a business back in the UK selling all kinds of sports supplements (protein,creatine etc)when i come to move to Hanoi at the end of the month do ...
Posted Thursday August 7th, 2008.
The Museum of B52 Victory is at #157 Doi Can st. - Ba Dinh dist. - Hanoi. You still can visit it even though it's now a car park.
Another B52 wreck, you can find in Military History Museum at #28A - Dien Bien Phu st. (near Ba Dinh square)
In response to the question: Hi all, Does anyone have an address for the B52 Museum? I know it used to be a shabby park with plane wreckage but apparently there's a fancy new b...
Posted Thursday August 7th, 2008.
This link is exactly what you want. If you can't read Vietnamese, I'll help.
Good luck.
Vietnam Internet Center, list of suppliers:
http://www.vnnic.vn/nhadangky/index.htm
In response to the question: Hiya, I need to register a .org.vn domain name and when i searched English speaking websites selling .vn names they were like $100-200 a year. A vietn...
Posted Thursday August 7th, 2008.
Bankok - Hanoi restaurant. #52A-Ly Thuong Kiet
In response to the question: I just got a massive craving for Thai food but can't seem to find any reviews to bowl me over. Any suggestions? Also, what's the name of the place ...
Posted Friday August 8th, 2008.
Just correct a mistake: regular cost in Saigon is higher than in Hanoi.
In response to the question: We are moving to Vietnam in 2 months. I was wondering which city would you choose to live in given the chance? Hanoi, Ho Chi Min or a city 1/2 between...
Posted Friday August 8th, 2008.
You like activities and nightlife, Saigon is the best choice.
In response to the question: We are moving to Vietnam in 2 months. I was wondering which city would you choose to live in given the chance? Hanoi, Ho Chi Min or a city 1/2 between...
Posted Sunday August 10th, 2008.
What kind of bicycle you want?
We just import old bicycles from Japan (not China) in Haiphong seaport. Some shops in Hanoi sell them but I think you better go to Haiphong.
I haven't seen any shop sells old American/European bicycles in Hanoi.
In response to the question: where can i find an older american/european bicycle? i have checked out the old "black market" area but could only find chinese or vietnamese bikes. i...
Posted Monday August 11th, 2008.
Ah, I see what type of bicycle you want. I used to have a Japanese sport bicycle (it looks like bicycles they ride in Tour de France). Unfortunately, I've sold it.
You said you've tried Ba Trieu so I suggest you take a trip to Hai Phong. No guarantee you can find what you want there but the price is cheaper. In addition, there are more types of bicycles so it's easier for you to choose than in Hanoi.
Goodluck.
In response to the question: where can i find an older american/european bicycle? i have checked out the old "black market" area but could only find chinese or vietnamese bikes. i...
Posted Monday August 11th, 2008.
Both Annett and potato are right, I just correct a bit:
They sell flowers, seeds, plants on Hoang Hoa Tham st. - Ba Dinh dist. Most shops are near the junction between Buoi & Hoang Hoa Tham (also near Buoi market).
If you start Hoang Hoa Tham from Ba Dinh square area, you'll find them at the end of the road.
Goodluck
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 Wednesday August 13th, 2008.
Most bar in Hanoi they don't reply e-mail.
When do you want to go there? In the morning, afternoon or at night?
Do you want to visit it because of Hanoi Salsa championship?
In response to the question: Does anyone know what Noc Bar - La Scala's business hours are? I've tried to get a hold of them but the email address listed doesn't work and I've go...
Posted Wednesday August 13th, 2008.
I think super markets have. My mother often buy wheat grain from Metro so it's the only place I can be sure.
In response to the question: Bit of a weird question, but I really want to find GRAINS OF WHOLE WHEAT. Does anyone know where I might be able to buy wheat grains? Would love to ma...
Posted Thursday August 14th, 2008.
You can try Tran Anh computer, I think they have hard drives which are 500GB or more. It's one of the best companies in Hanoi.
Addresses:
HQ: #1174 - Lang road - Dong Da dist.
Tel: (04) 7.666.666; Fax: (04) 7.667708
IT equipments supermarket: #292 Tây Sơn st.- Dong Da dist.
Tel: (04) 537. 6666; Fax: (04) 537.5324
I'm a bit surprised because in Vietnam they only sell computer parts from China or Taiwan even the brands are of many countries.
You're sure about the quality, aren't you?
In response to the question: Well some time back I went to a hanoi electronics expo and saw a booth/store that sold Western Digital External Hard Drives. I of course lost the card...
Posted Thursday August 14th, 2008.
The tax is 5%.
If you know someone from US will go to Vietnam, ask him/her carry it for you then you don't have to pay tax (most Vietnamese use this way).
You also can book so US company will deliver it to you.
In response to the question: Hi there. I'm looking at getting a new laptop shipped in from America. Dooes anybody know what the latest is on the taxes if I do this? I know a simi...
Posted Thursday August 14th, 2008.
You can try Hong Ha Stationery at #25 - Ly Thuong Kiet st. - Hoan Kiem dist.
Phone number:
(84.4) 6.523329 / (84.4) 9.361596
but I'm not sure they can speak English well.
They have good quality notebooks.
Hong Ha company is the best in stationery field.
In response to the question: Does anyone know if it's possible to buy Moleskine notebooks in Hanoi? Or perhaps some other notebooks of similar design and quality (sturdy oilcloth ...
Posted Thursday August 14th, 2008.
I've been to Asahi and to be honest it's not the typical Japanese restaurant.
You can hardly find Japanese there because of one simple reason: it's like for trendy young Vietnamese only.
My friend works for Mitsubishi Corp. and he tells me that Japanese don't like Asahi. They often go to some smaller restaurants near Daewoo hotel (Kim Ma st.) or Japan embassy (Van Phuc area) because they find them 'more Japanese'.
Asahi is not a good idea.
In response to the question: Hi all, Me and my husband are celebrating wedding anniversary in a few days. Can anyone recommend a fine dining restaurant for this occasion? Would...
Posted Saturday August 16th, 2008.
This is what you need:
http://www.honda.com.vn/web/default.aspx?cmd=pro&zoneid=105&lang=en-US
Have a nice day.
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 Saturday August 23rd, 2008.
You can visit National Hospital of Ophthalmology at #85 - Ba Trieu st. - Hai Ba Trung dist. They sell contact lenses but you should go with someone knows Vietnamese.
You also can visit "Vietnam-France Hospital" (L’Hôpital Français de Hanoi)at #1 - Phuong Mai road - Dong Da dist. Link: http://www.hfh.com.vn/
It's an international hospital so they speak English very well.
In response to the question: Does anyone know where I can buy contact lenses in Hanoi?...
Posted Tuesday August 26th, 2008.
You can try Hang Bac st. (Old Quarter). It's the street for jewerly shops in Hanoi.
In response to the question: Hi all, I broke some of my favorite pieces of jewelry earlier this year and am wondering if there are any places here that do jewelry repair. Tha...
Posted Saturday August 30th, 2008.
In Hanoi, they don't sell enduro in shops. Some guys buy second-handed sportbikes or off-road bikes from Thailand, Cambodia, Laos... and sell on the internet. However, they always rise the price double or triple and who knows what the quality is.
You can find some old motor bikes (supersport, crossing, off-road)on the internet. New bike? No.
In addition, some *rich people import super sport bikes themselves but it costs a lot. You can also take a trip to Saigon where they have wide range of big bikes.
In response to the question: Hi, I'm currently renting a Honda Wave, but I'm looking to buy a motorbike with a larger frame and a clutch, preferably an enduro. I found a pla...
Posted Tuesday September 2nd, 2008.
Lenin Park route is about 500m. I think you meant Thong Nhat park. You don't want to run on the road, do you? So there's no other place has 6,000 to 15,000 m in length.
I know some other places:
1. Bach Thao park. It's on Hoang Hoa Tham st. - Ba Dinh dist. behind Ho Chi Minh mausoleum. The scene is more beautiful. The route is shorter (about 2km).
2. Youth park. It's on Vo Thi Sau st. - Hai Ba Trung dist. However, it's quite far from your house, I guess. The secene is not so good. They're planning to build a huge park there. Who knows when it starts.
3. Indira Gandhi park. It's on Lang Ha st. - Dong Da dist. Like Thong Nhat park, you run around a small lake. The route is about 2km. The scene is good.
4. Some people choose parks and roads around My Dinh stadium but I think it's too dusty there.
To share my interest. I often run 15000m at an half-abandoned military airport near my house. It takes me 50min to 1 hour. How about you?
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 Tuesday September 2nd, 2008.
It's a military airport so unauthorized person can not get in, I'm afraid.
It's about 1.7 km. I have to run around 10 times to make 15000m. Of course I don't take any break during running.
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 Sunday September 7th, 2008.
Lenin park. It's a bit small but almost all Hanoi skaters there. You can show them what you've got or ask them some other places to skate.
In response to the question: I like to rollerblade - anywhere in the city good for that?...
Posted Monday September 8th, 2008.
Pho Hanoi (phở Hà Nội) has coooked beef which we often call "phở chín" ("chín" means cooked). That's traditional style we talk a bout all the time.
Pho Nam Dinh (phở Nam Định) has fresh beef and they put "nước mắm" in it. That's why you may perceive an unpleasant smell. We call it "phở tái" ("tái" means half-done). You can see most people here in Hanoi eat this style of Pho. Unfortunately, most of Hanoians now aren't really Hanoian so they misunderstand that half-done pho is the traditional pho.
Some eat cooked and half-done meat together, we call it "tái-chín".
Nowadays, they change traditional pho to many types: ốc bò (gasteropod (not sure it's the right word) and beef), tái lăn, nạm gầu...
But I like Hanoi traditional pho (cooked beef pho) best!
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 Monday September 8th, 2008.
I'm afraid you can't find any proper dog breeder in Hanoi.
You don't need any license or this kind of paper to adopt a pet. That's why no legal shop is opened.
We often buy pets from markets (which you don't like) and "buy" (not a trade, it's like a gift and you pay a little money to thank) from neighbours or relatives.
University of Agriculture has a department study about cattle. They may sell pets (including dogs) but I'm not sure.
In response to the question: I'm looking to buy a puppy. I know about the pet market, but don't want to support that sort of trade. Does anyone know any proper dog breeders in Han...
Posted Sunday September 14th, 2008.
I've found some mistakes in that link, Ouriel.
For example, we call "Chú Cuội" (Chu Cuoi) not Chu Coi... :| You can easily know why because the author isn't Vietnamese.
To Glen:
"Trung Thu" is for children.
In the past, they also predicted crops and nation's fate by looking at the moon's colour.
In response to the question: Hi all, I have been registered with this site for some time and I have found that it is a useful tool for connecting with other foreigners. Ho...
Posted Sunday September 14th, 2008.
If you want to meet *educated Vietnamese women, grow some hair. Vietnamese don't like bald persons, especially women/girls.
What do you want from them - educated women? Hanging out? No, they have to stay at home looking after their families, at offices to work, at universities/libraries to be *more* educated.
As I know, there are some *educated levels here in Vietnam: bad, poor, fair, average, good, great... ;)) Which one, RIKI?
Finally, what is your concept of "educated"?
Tell me and maybe I can help you find some places full of *educated women.
In response to the question: Okay people...don't bash me too hard here (he-he): Since I have been in Hanoi, I have only met the WRONG types of women. Either they don't speak Engli...
Posted Sunday September 14th, 2008.
One reason (also the first and most important) is: Minsk costs you a lot to fuel.
Then, they stopped product Minsk a long time ago. In Vietnam, you can find a Win 100 still in good condition easier than finding a good Minsk.
Most highland tribes use Minsk to deliver pigs, vegetable... that's why people think Minsk doesn't have as much "spirit value" as Win 100. You aren't welcome when riding a Minsk now (except foreigners).
We - Vietnamese don't use Minsk for these reasons above. Now some people still ride Minsks but just for fun (go off-road, ect...).
In response to the question: Hi everyone, I'm in the market for a motorbike and would like some advice. I'm going to be in northern Vietnam for about 5 months, and then sout...
Posted Monday September 15th, 2008.
I'm afraid you can't find a quiet swimming pool in these such crowded districts.
In response to the question: Hi everyone! I am just looking for a quiet & clean swimming pool in Hanoi around Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem... Is there one not to expensive and cool? I...
Posted Sunday September 21st, 2008.
I'm sure they sell henna powder (or products from henna) in some cosmetic shops in Hanoi. Unfortunately, I don't know any exact name.
A lot of women buy it to care their hair so I think you can find it easily.
In response to the question: Does anyone know where (or maybe rather if) I can buy henna in Hanoi? Thx...
Posted Tuesday September 23rd, 2008.
They don't sell Honda GL anymore. Some people sell old bikes on internet for a price around $700.
In response to the question: Anyone know of a place in Hanoi where I can buy a Honda GL (this is the bike you see all the farmers riding in the mts)? Wimpy city bikes are easy to ...
Posted Saturday September 27th, 2008.
You can buy traps. They're useful. And of course, you know exactly where they are so you don't have that terrible rotting smell as Ouriel said.
There are 2 kinds widely sold here:
Hard-paper board with clue and a small cage with bait.
You can find them in any market.
Good luck.
In response to the question: Seeing as the mouse mafia appear to have moved into our house and are now even using our toilet paper to build their own little beds at night, the tim...
Posted Monday September 29th, 2008.
I haven't seen Duplo branch in Hanoi.
You can try Luong Van Can st. (if you haven't) for Chinese plastic blocks (VNese factories don't produce them).
Here a place you may want to try (other places are too far from Hanoi centre):
ETOYS - CENTER 28/44B ĐIỆN BIÊN PHỦ - BA ĐÌNH - HÀ NỘI
ĐT: 04. 2132226 - 04. 7342393 - WEBSITE: WWW.TROCHOI.COM - EMAIL: TROCHOI@TRITHUC.NET
In response to the question: Can someone tell me where I can buy chunky plastic blocks for toddlers. You know, the kind that look look giant lego. I think one brand name is Duplo....
Posted Friday October 3rd, 2008.
You can try some favourite places as voted by Hanoians here.
For example, Dragonfly bar at weekend full of expats.
In response to the question: I am new to Hanoi and am looking for any fun, social activities that can get me out of the house. It can be as formal as a tour or as informal as meet...
Posted Sunday October 5th, 2008.
Vinatex is a good place to try but I haven't seen many larger sizes there.
You can try Made in Vietnam shops. They sell export clothes which have some minor errors but still in good condition. They're also cheap compare to other shops. Some of my friends are 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) or overweight, they often go there.
However, they never have the settled type of clothes.
You can find what you need there.
I know some M.I.V shops but I've forgotten their addresses. I think there's a shop at #82 - Hang Dieu st and one on Quan Thanh st.
In response to the question: Hey everyone. Well I have been on the search for finding a place that sells size 36 jeans in Hanoi. I got nothing so far and the largest size i can fi...
Posted Sunday October 5th, 2008.
You can try Tran Anh computer, I think they have them. It's one of the best companies in Hanoi.
Addresses:
HQ: #1174 - Lang road - Dong Da dist.
Tel: (04) 7.666.666; Fax: (04) 7.667708
IT equipments supermarket: #292 Tây Sơn st.- Dong Da dist.
Tel: (04) 537. 6666; Fax: (04) 537.5324
In response to the question: Does anyone know where in Hanoi I can purchase a 23 or 24 inch LCD computer monitor (besides Apple)?...
Posted Sunday October 5th, 2008.
Sorry emack, MIV means Made In Vietnam.
Well, I saw some very big jeans in a MIV shop. I can't remember where the shop is (because they're not for me). They usually don't have the same stuff because factories rarely make the same mistake.
You can try Boo or Shark. Sometimes I saw bigger size jeans there. Not sure they're size 36.
Boo1 : #113 - Nam Cao st. - Dong Da dist.
Boo2: #38 - Lê Đại Hành st. - Hai Ba Trung dist.
Boo3: #84 - Hàng Điếu - Hoan Kiem dist.
Shark: #33B - Phu Doan st. - Hoan Kiem dist.
Good luck.
In response to the question: Hey everyone. Well I have been on the search for finding a place that sells size 36 jeans in Hanoi. I got nothing so far and the largest size i can fi...
Posted Monday October 6th, 2008.
I agree with you but who lend Westerners those Minsks? Vietnamese people do it, tangoLA.
Minsk
I appreciate what you deeply think inside. You can stop ridding Minsk, you can tell your friends not to do it but can you tell Vietnamese to stop lending them?
Respect
Yes, sometimes foreigners here in Vietnam don't respect local people enough. I think Vietnamese people respect foreigners (especially Westerners) more than they respect their own relatives sometimes. How sad, but it's the truth. Vietnamese have to respect themselves first before expecting foreigners do it.
Some Vietnamese people (have to emphasise *some*) here think that blond hair, big nose, blue eyes people have more money than black hair, brown eyes people. You can see it happens in any restaurants, bars...
An Australian ironically told me years ago (not remember exactly what he said): "I can't believe Western tourists have to pay more for the same service or stuff. Even Japanese or Chinese, all Asian tourists don't have to do it sometimes. Because they don't have big noses or blue eyes? Well, maybe that's why we're respected more..."
In response to the question: The other day a Vietnamese friend and I watched some guy putter through Hanoi traffic on his Minsk, cutting a wake as other riders veered away from th...
Posted Monday October 6th, 2008.
Nothing's wrong with me.
I'm the kind of Vietnamese know that Minsks had been here before western tourists came.
And the point is, to stop pollute my own country is to ban all motor bikes on the streets, not just Minsks. Have you ever seen the smoke from buses here in Hanoi? It's much more polluted than Minsks.
These lines above just for you, QUYDA (not related to the good things tangoLA wrote)
In response to the question: The other day a Vietnamese friend and I watched some guy putter through Hanoi traffic on his Minsk, cutting a wake as other riders veered away from th...
Posted Monday October 6th, 2008.
And if you don't know, QUYDA: if there's no tourist hires Minsks, they will use them to carry pigs, vegetable... like they've been doing.
Doesn't everybody know how harmful smoking is? So why they still smoke a lot.
I don't see the world through a pinkish smoke.
In response to the question: The other day a Vietnamese friend and I watched some guy putter through Hanoi traffic on his Minsk, cutting a wake as other riders veered away from th...
Posted Wednesday October 8th, 2008.
You can visit Gastro-enterology department of Bach Mai hospital (Giai Phong st.). They have a lot of experience about stomach problems. In north Vietnam, it's the best place for your problems.
The chief of that department is Dr. Dao Van Long. He's also the Director of Hanoi Medical University (H.M.U) Hospital (#1A - Ton That Tung st. - Dong Da dist.)
You need a translator who has knowledge about medicine in English to contact him. It's easier for you.
You can go to H.M.U Hospital in order to avoid waiting. This hospital is new, clean and has good equipments.
You can also contact to other doctors in Gastro-enterology department of Bach Mai hospital.
Warning: Oesophogastroduodenoscopy (putting a tiny camera into your mouth) can make you feel unendurable.
In response to the question: Looking for dr specializing in digestive "issues." Long term (3 years) problem that I have been trying various testing and lifestyle changes to help. ...
Posted Friday October 10th, 2008.
I don't think it will work, Stosskraft.
First, if I have some friends want to sell things here and they're not good at English. We'll have a lot of "falling-star" users if I have to create an user account for each. I don't think expatriates have a huge amount of goods to put advertisements here. As I've seen on this site, it's half by Vietnamese.
Then, if Tom limits the time an account can post, we'll probably miss many good purchases.
Moreover, the guy sold you air tickets can create a new account then he can cheat other people.
If we do like ebay.com in the housing section, I think Tom needs to find a way to make sure that all the stars a shop/landlord have are genuine.
I agree that the section now is not as useful as it can be. However, due to the amount of landlords and tenants using the site at this time leaving it for the community is still acceptable.
In response to the question: I am wondering if Tom/Elliot could allow users to review properties they have seen and agents they have dealt with. Quite a few people I work for have...
Posted Saturday October 11th, 2008.
You may find repair shop everywhere however most of them are not trusted.
There're places you may try:
Sony Ericsson:
33 Trần Hưng Đạo st.- 9435440
18 Điện Biên Phủ st.- 7473908/04/07
They're big shops and have a lot of substitutional parts.
I'm not sure how much they charge now.
If it won't help, let me know. I'll ask my friends because they use Sony Ericsson mobile phones.
In response to the question: So I dropped my nice Sony Ericsson mobile phone on its head yesterday and now the screen is a complete blank. Everything else seems to function normal...
Posted Sunday October 12th, 2008.
Well, answer this question is not easy. I'm not an architect so I don't know much a bout houses' styles. I hope I can make it as clear as possible for you.
Vietnamese suburb traditional style has 3 rooms with a big front door, red tiles roof. The house is surrounded 3 sides by garden. The front side has a ground between the house and its gate.
You can find this style in any village of Vietnam. I suggest you take a trip to old village Đường Lâm near Hanoi. They still keep it like hundreds year ago.
Because the French colonised Vietnam a long time ago that's why most Vietnamese urban houses are French style: thick walls, yellow , green wooden windows and red tiles roof. The house is in the middle of garden.
This style you can see in Hanoi. In the Old Quarter of Hanoi, there're some old houses of this style "survive".
The third style was created after "doi moi". It's the worst and annoying style of all. People rushed into metropolises, find a tiny land and build up their houses as high as possible. The house is surrounded 3 sides by... other houses. They may be narrow or commodious but don't have any... style. You make your own house style. Government was failed to control housing in many cities for a long time and houses have been growing up in a mess.
Sometimes, people call it Vietnamese house style as a sarcasm but we don't even think it's a style. We call them "nhà ống" (nhà=house, ống=pipe).
Now thing's getting better with new schemed residential areas in big cities.
In response to the question: Hi all. Ill be arriving next week to Hanoi from Spain. Ive been browsing these pages for weeks now and ive found them extremely helpful. Cant thank...
Posted Tuesday October 14th, 2008.
Try:
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/venue/show/2141/Bookworm
or 1st floor of Trang Tien bookshop on Trang Tien st.
I think you can find it there.
In response to the question: I am looking for a book called Shibumi written by Trevanian. I could order it from Amazon easily, but it would take ages to get here if and I would ha...
Posted Sunday October 19th, 2008.
Silhouette cutting is now very rare in Vietnam, especially Hanoi.
In Sai Gon, there're some artists still do it on a street (I forgot its name). I watched a programme on VTV3 2 years ago about the fastest silhouette cutter.
In Hanoi, unfortunately, you have to wait until Tet Holiday and try some Tet fairs. Years ago, people in Hanoi had silhouette cut in some Tet markets.
You'll need *many good luck to find one.
In response to the question: Does anyone know if I can get Silhouette cut outs done in Hanoi?? We had some done in Thailand 4 or so years ago, but since then I have had another b...
Posted Wednesday October 22nd, 2008.
# 27/27 Tran Nhat Duat st - Tan dinh - 1 dist. - SaiGon
Phone: 848 1844 - 093 886 6076
(I don't like that company for its racism)
In response to the question: I had been told before coming to Hanoi that a lot of Abercrombie clothing was made here. anyone know where I may pick up some export clothing such ...
Posted Wednesday October 22nd, 2008.
Some shops may have their stuff in store but I haven't seen any A&F shop in Hanoi.
In response to the question: I had been told before coming to Hanoi that a lot of Abercrombie clothing was made here. anyone know where I may pick up some export clothing such ...
Posted Sunday October 26th, 2008.
Yes, you don't need license due to Honda Chaly small engine. What you know about it are correct.
The disadvantage you may not aware is you can't ride it in rainy weather. Hanoi underground tunnels aren't good so its low seat may make you push it by your own hands trough many puddles.
You can't buy a new Chaly now and it's slightly difficult to find old one in Hanoi. Searching some sale websites is a good try.
In response to the question: I have driven around Hanoi quite a bit on bikes, and I don't feel very comfortable doing it, so I have been using Xeoms and buses. Recently, I learned...
Posted Sunday October 26th, 2008.
Try Hue st.
In response to the question: Where can I buy a motorcycle tank-bag in Hanoi? ...
Posted Tuesday October 28th, 2008.
No one in Vietnam eats Pho with a Chinese sauce, mark. If someone does, I can say he/she doesn't really know pho.
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 Tuesday October 28th, 2008.
Tom, that police assistants called "dân phòng" (civilian defender). Most of them were in prison, scary?
Don't confuse between security guards and Air Force and Air Defence officers. AF&AD officers wear light blue shirt with insignias on shoulder and collars. Their trousers are dark blue.
In response to the question: Can anyone give me a run down on the identity of the various Hanoian law enforcement officials sporting a most impressive spectrum of uniform colours?...
Posted Monday November 3rd, 2008.
ANY? Whoa!! What an explorer! I've never met all local people here. I've spent more than 20 years here, hmm... well, shame on me.
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 Tuesday November 4th, 2008.
Finally, it's all about the race, isn't it?
Candide, you're on a small island and think the whole world should be ruled by *your Anglo-Saxon type. Luckily, it's not.
The only thing I know that whatever the race is, it is education determines who he/she will be.
I can be wrong but US people won't (nor the kind of animal named "human" living on this earth).
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 Tuesday November 4th, 2008.
Yes, jimbo. Thank you. I know now.
I read candide's answer when I just got out of bed this morning.
Couldn't read for details. :D
For this question, can we put an end to it? Just let happyvalley's friend keeps her attitude. We all know the world isn't in black or white like the earth.
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 Friday November 7th, 2008.
I got it, too. But just in my e-mail, not in my private message on newhanoian.xemzi.com
In response to the question: Do people get much spam in response to things they post here? I just asked a question two days ago and just got the following spam message (the funni...
Posted Monday November 10th, 2008.
Hanoi Metro will reopen on Thursday November, 13th.
In response to the question: I feel it's probably wrong of me to ask two substantially unrelated questions in one post, however I'm feeling reckless so here goes: 1. Has anyo...
Posted Wednesday November 12th, 2008.
There's a new adidas shop on Hang Gai.
You can find (EU) 43, 44 size in adidas, Nike, Puma shops. I have a pair of adidas shoes size 43. I bought them in adidas shop on Pho Hue.
You can find some 45 in Boo or Shark shops but the quality is...
In response to the question: I'm looking to buy a pair of running shoes in Hanoi. Any suggestions where I can get a good pair? Anyone have any luck with the shoes for sale around ...
Posted Wednesday November 12th, 2008.
I think you mentioned about Hang Dau (Hàng Dầu). They sell fake shoes from China, some are old and were bought in much cheaper price.
Good? I don't think so but they're really cheap if you can barter.
With lot of luck, you may find some genuine shoes there but they're second-handed.
In response to the question: I'm looking to buy a pair of running shoes in Hanoi. Any suggestions where I can get a good pair? Anyone have any luck with the shoes for sale around ...
Posted Wednesday November 12th, 2008.
I assist you now, "Santa":
You can visit:
#35 lane 172 - Ngọc Hà road - Ba Đình district.
RIO Hamster Shop at #46 - lane 7 - Thái Hà street - Đống Đa district. Tel: 0936763676. http://rio-shop.com
There's a community of hamster owners:
http://hamstervn.net/diendan/index.php
If you can read Vietnamese and find someone who (for some reasons) wants to sell his/her hamster on the site above, then you can buy for a lower price.
Good luck
In response to the question: do anyone know where i can buy a guinea pig or hamster in hanoi? is there a pet shop or does veterinary clinic have small pets for sale? my kids wants...
Posted Thursday November 20th, 2008.
granteralus: I think your question is really interesting. I even thought TNH should take this question as a topic (of course, if it's possible). I've been watching how people answer it since teacherman's post.
To be honest, I've been wondering why many foreigners can accept Vietnam beside a lot of Vietnamese just want to flee. You have a look from outside that we don't.
Please keep going on.
Aaron: you can choose another *cheaper place*, I'm sure you can. Just take a look on the world map.
hippo: you just couldn't see granteralus' humane thought, did you?
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?...
I hope my experience may help you.
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In Hanoi SinceSunday January 1st, 1989
New Hanoian Member SinceWednesday July 9th, 2008