Your ';must do's and can't miss'; of Hanoi!

Hi Guys

I will be in Hanoi for a few nights in Oct before heading off to Sapa and Halong Bay ...

I am wanting to know what you think are the ';must do%26#39;s'; or ';cant miss out on%26#39;s'; of Hanoi...

Would love to hear your suggestions of how to fill a few days and nights..

Cheers

Chelle

Your ';must do's and can't miss'; of Hanoi!

Dear Chelle,

You should try sit on a plastic chair in front of one of the Bia Hoi (fresh beer ) establishments which are invariably situated on the corners of many of Hanoi%26#39;s %26#39;Old Quarter%26#39; streets. This preservative-free light beer is the perfect drink to sip as you watch the city%26#39;s frenetic life bustle by.

The beer costs 2500 Dong and gives you an excuse to relax and take photos of the passing local characters. Should not be missed. Moreover, once you reach the Old Quarter, you will find that almost every corner is filled with stalls selling Pho (Vietnamese noodle) and cafe (the name is not limited only to coffee, but also tea, sweets and grocery items, and yes, even to Pho!

Wishing you will have enjoy them

Einstein

Your ';must do's and can't miss'; of Hanoi!

Ill start the ball rolling

1. get up early one am and walk around the Hoan kiem lake and watch the locals exercising and socialising

2. go the cafes up on top floor overlooking the big roundabout north of HK lake (highland coffee sign visible from road) and people and vehicle watch - the traffic is amazing from up there

3 check out the suggested walking tour in Lonely planet guide - covers most hot spots

4. have dinner or lunch at quan an ngan( near reunification palace, 15 pho phan boi chau )

5. water puppets - some like them , some hate them -not expensive and I thought they were terrific !

thanks guys... appreciate the ideas.... anyone else?

cheers

Chelle

I agree with above comment but if it is hot I suggest that you get an hours cyclo tour of the old quarter first to get a feel for the area . Area around the cathedral is very pleasant too.

Ho Chi Minh mausoleum area is worth a visit to understand some of the hitory of Vietnam and the relationship to Ho.

Temple of Literature is nice, historic, but can be crowded with tour groups. Definitely eat at KOTO across the road.

Bia hoi is great, especially at bia hoi junction. Pull up a stool, watch the traffic, tourists, street vendors and locals filter by.

Highway 4 has ';interesting'; food and drinks.

Hanoi is probably my favourite city, so many things to do. And the best is to wander, exploring the streets, stopping for a truly wonderful Vietnamese coffee at any number of cafes, and watching the people as Vietnam soaks into your soul.