The Long Way Round Asia 20193 views
See Author's shop

You want to become a travel writer too? It only takes minutes

Start Travel Writing
Step 5/60: Vietnam - Hanoi

Hanoi photo by Jantine De jong

About Hanoi

My first encounter with Vietnam was in this busy city. It's completely different from China. Busier, noisier, dirtier...more alive! Hanoi is a nice city to just walk around in. There are many temples and markets to visit and the Hoan Kiem Lake in the Old Quarter is a nice getaway from the busyness. Everywhere you look you'll see motorbikes, or as they call them (and you as backpacker from now on as well) 'motobikes'. Hearing 'Hello, motobike?' will drive you nuts after a while, but you'll learn to ignore it. As well as drivers honking their horns more in 1 minute than we ever would in our entire lives. Throwing your garbage on the street is normal. People with carts clean the streets at night. What I loved is that you can find good quality bread on every street corner! And as a backpacker you of course will have to go to a Bia Hoi at night! Crossing the street will look like a suicide attempt, but believe me...just start walking slowly and the traffic will flow around you! It's fun!
Bus/Coach icon
How I got here ?

Price: 15 €

Traveling time: 8 hours

A nice simple Chinese meal is included in the price. The border crossing is well taken care off; a golf buggy type car brings you across.

Tips & Tricks

  • Check cosmetics for 'whitening', since Asians like to become whiter... We don't.
  • You can buy an 'open bus ticket' that will take you all the way to Ho Chi Minh.

Things to see

Temple of Literature 7 /10
0.35 €
Temple of Literature photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
This was the countries first national university and dates from the 11th century. There are 5 courtyards, each with their own gate, pavilion, pool or temple. The 4th courtyard has statues of 82 turtles who carry stelea with names of people who were able to take their exams successfully. Nowadays the Vietnamese will let their kids pet the turtles hoping they'll become smart.
Hoan Kiem Lake 8 /10
0 €
Hoan Kiem Lake photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
The heart of the Old Quarter. Supposedly really big turtles swim in this lake, but no one has seen one since 2006. In the south is an islet which houses Thap Rua (Tortoise Tower). This has become an emblem for Hanoi. Around the lake are walking paths and you'll see many people exercising. Just walk around to clear your head or sit down and overlook the water to relax.
Ngoc Son Temple 8 /10
0 $
Ngoc Son Temple photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
This temple dates from the 18th century and is located on a small island in the northern part of Hoan Kiem Lake. It's a nice place and also houses the embalmed remaines of a giant tortoise they claim once swam in the lake. Good place to visit and to overlook the lake while sitting on the edge of the water.
Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum Complex 6 /10
0 $
Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum Complex photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum itself is free. You'll have to leave your bags and camera's (also free) and you'll have to wear decent clothing when visiting Ho Chi Minh's embalmed corpse. The lines are not too long. 3 Months a year he gets time off for maintenance in Russia and the Mausoleum will be closed. His residence, a museum (which I thought was very boring), and 2 pagodas are also within the complex.
3-Day trip to Ha Long Bay 8 /10
90 $
3-Day trip to Ha Long Bay photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
Ha Long Bay is a must-see in Vietnam. Everywhere in Hanoi you can book various excursions/junkboat-trips to the islands. I took the one Hanoi Backpackers offered. It's more expensive for sure, but most likely you'll know everyone on board from the hostel. You'll be with all backpackers. Otherwise it might be cheaper, but you could be stuck with old people/couples or kids...which might not be as fun!

Practical

Hanoi backpackers' hos... 9/10
Price 6 €
Address

48 Ngo Huyen street, Hoan Kiem
Hanoi

Hanoi Backpackers' Hostel photo User's opinion:

A real backpackers Home! It's got all the ingredients: Big sturdy beds, big lockers, breakfast, books, movies, rooftop terras, tours and 2 very enthusiastic Ozzies who run the place.


Luggage Room Available Breakfast Included Air Conditioning Available Self Catering Available No Curfew Lockers Available Internet Available 24h Reception Hot Shower Available
Bia hoi 8/10
Price 0.13 €
Address

Aks your hostel where you can find one.

User's opinion:

There are more of these; street crossings where many nationalities come together to drink really cheap beer (€0,13). It's fun and a great way to meet fellow backpackers.