Plan Your Trip to Hanoi: Best of Hanoi Tourism
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The restaurants that made me fall in love with Hanoi
- Backstage - Capella Hanoi64In the French Quarter, this opera-themed restaurant dials the drama all the way up to a “fever dream” level. A proscenium arch frames the open kitchen, where an army of chefs specialises in turning out “Nouveau Northern Vietnamese” cuisine. That means the traditional dishes have been gussied up with premium ingredients like French Bresse chicken in the chicken salad, Ban pork in the skewers, and Sapa trout in the spring rolls.
- Era Restaurant2,779A culinary institution in Hanoi’s Old Town, Era has been churning out faithful renditions of Vietnamese standards like noodle soup with beef and fried spring rolls with minced pork for years. Overseen by its charming owners, Era is the place for Vietnamese food lovers who want their meal without fad-following bells and whistles. One of the most popular selections is the Vietnamese barbecue, featuring grilled beef and pork served with a yummy tamarind sauce.
- The Hung Ha Noi Snake Restaurant1,709If you consider yourself an adventurous eater, then you have to try snake. In Northern Vietnam, the slithery reptile isn’t just a delicacy, it’s considered a cure for everything from migraines to back pain. Among the most popular eateries specialising in snake is Hung Hanoi Snake, helmed by a charismatic owner named Hung Dragon. He will happily explain what goes into dishes like fried snake skin and snake egg soup.
- Bun Cha Huong Lien959It’s hard to talk about street food in Hanoi without mentioning this low-key eatery, where celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain and President Barack Obama once famously shared a meal. Although the French Quarter restaurant might be too focussed on that one dinner—the table where the two men ate is now enshrined behind plexiglass—its namesake dish, featuring grilled pork and rice noodles, still gets raves.
- Pho Bat Dan328A standby since the 1960s, this shophouse specialises in pho, a noodle soup that has become almost synonymous with Vietnam. The freshly made noodles, still cooked using the original recipe, continue to attract long lines thanks to the bone marrow-enriched broth. Because of the crowds at lunch and dinner, it’s probably best to visit early in the morning or at another less busy time. Note: the “half-done” option is the tastier of the two.
- Cha Ca Thang Long1,229It’s a brave eatery that serves only one dish, but Cha Ca Thang Long is known for having one of the best versions of a Northern Vietnamese speciality called cha ca. Its grilled catfish with turmeric, cooked tableside in a saucepan, and garnished with fresh dill. This restaurant has three locations on the same street, but the one at 6B Duong Thanh Street gets high praise.
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Hanoi travel advice
Food Tour Recommendations
Several travelers recommend various food tours in Hanoi. One popular option is the Hanoi Kids tour, which is led by local university students and offers a personalized experience tailored to participants' preferences. Although they are not professional food guides, it provides a unique cultural exchange and insight into local student life. Participants are expected to cover the food costs and provide a donation to the organization at the end.
Professional Tours
Other users have highlighted professional food tours such as Food Tour 1 Hanoi and Ha Food Tours, which are praised for offering a blend of easily discoverable eateries and hidden gems. These tours are noted for their good mix of typical and unique food options, providing a comprehensive food experience that differs from other regional tours.
Price Considerations
While some tours like the one offered by Cozy Vietnam Travel include additional experiences like a coffee stop at Hanoi's train street, prices can be a concern, with some travelers considering $70 for a 4-hour tour to be expensive. Therefore, cost and value are significant considerations for many when choosing a tour.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Bus Transportation
Some travelers recommended bus No. 86 as a convenient and economical option from Hanoi Airport to the Old Quarter, with a ticket price of 35,000 VND and a frequency of every 25-30 minutes. The bus operates from early morning till late evening, making it accessible for most flight schedules.
Private Transfer Options
According to forum posts, private car transfers can be booked through services like KLOOK, offering rates as low as USD $10 for arrival transfers. These services include a personal pickup at the airport and direct transport to the hotel in the Old Quarter.
Taxi Service
Travelers have also mentioned taxis as a reliable option, with fares typically ranging from $15 to $20. Some posts suggested arranging a taxi through a hotel for a fixed price to avoid variability in cost and ensure reliability.
Alternative Bus Services
For those preferring a less crowded option, the Viet Thanh Bus (Vietjet Bus) was mentioned, costing 40,000 VND per person, potentially providing a seat for every passenger unlike bus No. 86, where standing might be necessary during busy times.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Train Street Experience
Some travelers have shared that visiting Train Street in Hanoi offers a unique experience where cafes line the tracks, and visitors can watch trains pass closely while enjoying a drink. Despite some areas being officially closed to tourists, local cafe owners sometimes allow access through side entrances.
Train Schedule and Cafe Tips
According to forum posts, the train times vary, and it's advisable to contact cafes directly to confirm the schedule. Travelers have mentioned that while some find the drinks overpriced, others feel the prices are reasonable and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The experience is often described as fun and memorable, especially when planned around train timings.
Safety and Regulations
Travelers have noted that parts of Train Street are restricted due to safety concerns. Local authorities sometimes discourage tourist visits, but the actual enforcement can be inconsistent. Despite the official stance, many still visit, often with the help of locals guiding them to safe spots for viewing the trains.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Popular Choices
According to forum posts, many travelers recommend staying in Hanoi's Old Quarter due to its central location and proximity to local attractions. Popular hotel options in this area include Hanoi Serene Hotel, Hanoi Moment Hotel 2, and Palace De Thien Thai Executive Residences, all praised for their quality services and strategic locations within the Old Quarter.
Price Range
Travelers have mentioned that rooms in some hotels in the Old Quarter can be found for less than $60 without a city view, suggesting a range of budget-friendly options. The Especen Hotel near St. Joseph's Cathedral offers rooms starting from $15, providing good value with amenities such as air conditioning and hot showers.
Additional Recommendations
For travelers looking for different experiences, the Hanoi Pearl Hotel and Hanoi La Selva Hotel are also highly recommended. These hotels are appreciated for their quiet environments despite being close to the bustling areas, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Private Transport Options
Some travelers have opted for privately arranged cars for direct transport from Hanoi Airport to Sapa, citing it as the fastest option, though concerns about safety and comfort during night travel were mentioned. Additionally, private limousine services are available, which some users preferred due to flexibility in case of flight delays.
Public Transport Options
According to forum posts, the sleeper train is a popular choice, with the nearest train station accessible by taxi from the airport. The train journey requires a transfer at Lao Cai to reach Sapa. Travelers have called out that buses directly to Sapa can be caught from the airport, with multiple departures including options for day and night travel.
Shared Transport Options
For those looking for a more economical option, shared limousine services and buses were discussed. These services can be booked in advance and some can accommodate changes in case of flight delays, offering a balance between cost and convenience.
Considerations
Travelers have noted the importance of considering the time of arrival at Hanoi Airport when choosing transportation. Night arrivals may limit immediate transfer options to Sapa, suggesting either an overnight stay in Hanoi or waiting for early morning departures.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Exchange Locations
According to forum posts, travelers have several options for exchanging currency in Hanoi. Gold shops on Ha Trung Street are frequently recommended for their competitive exchange rates. Additionally, banks and some hotels also offer currency exchange services.
Exchange Rates
For many users, gold shops seem to offer better rates compared to other locations. Websites like xe.com and tygiadola.net are suggested for checking current rates before making an exchange. The rates at gold shops are often very close to or even better than the market rates quoted online.
Airport Exchange
Some travelers said that exchanging a small amount of money at Hanoi Airport upon arrival is convenient, though the rates might be slightly less favorable. For larger sums, they recommend visiting gold shops in the city for better deals.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Transport Options
Some travelers recommended using cruise line-provided bus or van services as a reliable transport option from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. These services often include pick-up and drop-off in Hanoi, with prices around $20 USD both ways per person if picked up from the Old Quarter.
Cruise Recommendations
According to forum posts, many users have suggested opting for overnight cruises to fully experience Ha Long Bay. The Dragon Legend was specifically recommended for its luxury services. For those preferring less crowded options, Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay were highlighted as quieter alternatives to Ha Long Bay. These areas are considered by some travelers to offer a more relaxed and scenic cruising experience.
Day Cruise Insights
For travelers constrained by time, day cruises are also a viable option. Companies like Jade Sails were mentioned for providing the longest time on the water among day cruises, which can be an important factor for those wanting to maximize their bay experience in a limited timeframe.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
According to forum posts, UK citizens can stay in Vietnam for up to 15 days without a visa. This exemption applies per entry, as confirmed by the Vietnamese embassy.
Visa Requirements for Transit
For travelers transiting through Hanoi, some travelers mentioned that no visa is required if the onward journey is on the same ticket and the transit does not exceed the airport's international zone.
Extended Stay and Multiple Entries
If staying longer than the visa-exempt period or planning multiple entries, travelers have discussed obtaining an e-visa or a multi-entry visa. The official website for e-visa applications is often recommended by experienced users for its reliability.
Special Considerations During COVID-19
During COVID-19, entry requirements were more stringent, involving work permits or special visas. Consulting the Vietnamese embassy was advised for the most accurate and current information.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?