Hanoi: the Old Quarter
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Arriving
Don't you love that feeling of excitement you have when you first land in a strange and foreign country? I was so ready to absorb myself in the culture that I nearly accepted a ride from some locals who actually described themselves as the 'taxi mafia". Fortunately a member of the Vietnamese military casually guided me to the appropriate bus.
My wife rolled her eyes and off we went. Within minutes a buffalo drawn cart with its conical hat wearing driver had just left the road ahead. Rice paddies and people, animals and dogs and the constant barking of car horns challenged every sense. I'm not sure what you think, but I love being lost in a culture that is different in every way from my normal life.
After about 40 minutes we were in Hanoi. With over 3 million people, the capital of the socialist republic seemed like it was alive ... alive with people and motorbikes, all trying to squeeze onto roads that seemed like they never emptied.
If I was to offer any advice, I'd say head straight to the Old Quarter. Or as the French called it: Cité Indigène. Dive straight into the old Vietnamese culture.
The cramped streets offer the ability to walk and explore the 36 streets that date back almost one thousand years. When I first ventured out of our hotel, it appeared there was nothing that wasn't being sold ... or eaten.
Places to stay
It depends on your budget, but for me its about a clean room, somewhere to wash, and a good bed. I'll often travel and inspect several hotels before I settle on one for the night. Don't be afraid to ask for a room inspection, sit on the bed and check the pillow. If you're not into booking ahead, it's all part of the fun.
Staying in the heart of the Old Quarter gives you things to see, places to shop and good food opportunities.
Places to stay - when you're saving pennies, want a challengeor love the friendly hospitality (about US$8-10)
Places to stay - mid range -- for those that like a balance of cost and comfort (about US$38-50)
Places to stay - top end or if you feel like living it up (US$120-500) - a touch of Paris in Hanoi
Recommended Reading
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Lonely Planet Hanoi & Halong Bay Encounter
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Lonely Planet Hanoi (Lonely Planet Travel Guides)
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Another Vietnam Vet against Hanoi John Kerry Mug
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From Hanoi to Hollywood: The Vietnam War in American Film
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I went through the same thing, but once I got the hang of it I decided to hire a motorbike and eventually ended up riding from Dalat to Saigon. The trick was to just go with the flow. I'm planning to write a hub on this shortly. Thanks for the comment.
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Happy Travel
Thanks for sharing the info. Hanoi is cool.
Vietnam is somewhere that is on my list of places to travel. What I do not understand is people not wanting to explore new places and instead going year after year to places like Spain instead of exploring new places around the world
I go to Hawaii each each to scuba dive and love it but I could not see myself going to places like Spain where all the stag parties and package holiday makers go to. I would like to know a recommended flight company who goes to Vietnam.
Amanda Kendle says:
2 years ago
Alive with motorbikes is right! I remember it took me about a week in Vietnam before I got the hang of crossing the street by weaving through all the motorbikes and trusting that they would ride around me.