Planning your trip to Hanoi
Photo Courtesy of Our February travellers Lodestars Anthology
Visit Hanoi and experience the history and culture of Vietnam and its capital city.
traffic weaving through pedestrians like schools of fish. It’s really a sight to behold.
Hanoi, like many other destinations, boasts of four seasons; winter, spring, summer and autumn. Each season brings with it its individual feel and energy. So no matter which season you visit, you will take away a unique experience.
Given its enviable geographical location, Hanoi is among the top most creative and exciting craft cities in the world. With the foothills of the Himalayas to the north, Hanoi basks in artisanal weaving and dying techniques from the ethnic minorities of Sa Pa and beyond. This confluence results in a truly unique and exciting city, bursting with discoveries to be made.
Discover the Old Quarter of Hanoi, an area with a history of development dating back 2,000 years. Since the 13th-century artisanal guilds formed from the collaboration of skilled craftspeople living alongside each other. The guilds relied on each other for their connectivity to the business quarter and as artistic inspiration, forming a loyal and powerful community within the city. From Silver Street to Fan Street, the old quarter holds the history and artistic skill of generations, passed down within families and communities.
Hanoi represents the meeting ground of Vietnamese arts, politics and culture. Along its winding streets where time seems to have stood still, you witness history and heritage. In the old colonial buildings, you find a delicate balance of commerce and customs. It is after all, in the liminal space between cultures and ages where intrepid travellers can discover new stories.
Hanoi is not just all about colonial and ancient architecture mixed with modern buildings. The city prides itself with nature that can inspire a feeling of tranquility. Hanoi’s beautiful lakes and rivers are known to attract foreigners from far and wide. These are the perfect spots for visitors to relax and unwind, while shutterbugs can take photos of this slightly rustic side of Hanoi and its charm, at the same time, soaking in the serene aura surrounding them. Your typical day in Hanoi can be fast-paced and thrilling or calming and rejuvenating.
The streets are always crowded with vendors, locals as well as tourists from around the world, buying, selling and negotiating, with the roads being constantly busy with traffic weaving through pedestrians like schools of fish. It’s really a sight to behold. With all the friendly locals you will meet, your stay in Hanoi will definitely be an experience to remember.
The currency in use here is Vietnamese Dong. You could exchange your currency at hotels, and at the many gold jewellery stores along Ha Trung Street in Hanoi.
You would certainly need transportation to get you to and within Hanoi, and the taxi services are reliable. From the airport, you could get into a taxi to take you to your hotel.
When you have settled down and rested up and wish to begin exploring Hanoi, the hotel could write down the addresses of the places you want to visit in Vietnamese. You can show this information to your private driver or get on a metered taxi, and you can be sure that you will arrive at your destination even if you do not speak the language.
From the airport, the transport to the main city would take about 30 minutes and would cost about VND320,000. The Noi Bai airports usually have their own taxis which you could access, they cost just as much as the regular taxis. Also, you could book a ride in advance from one of the suggested reliable taxi companies. Advance booking is relatively cheaper, and some reliable local companies are:
Taxi CP: 0438 26 26 26 / Hanoi Taxi: 0438 53 53 53 / Mai Linh Taxi: 0438 222 6661
These taxis could either be a four seater or seven seater. The seven seater could cost about VDN360,000, while the four seater could cost about VDN330,000. You can choose to pay in cash or with your credit card.
Buses are also an alternative when it comes to transportation, especially since they are cheaper and cost about VDN5,000 on average for a trip. You can find bus stands around the Noi Bai terminals. Bus stands are easily identifiable and they are very convenient for getting around Hanoi. There are English speaking guides at the bus stands as well as on the bus to guide people on their stops and any other information that may be required.
Another alternative option is to arrange for a car with the app Grab (Uber’s equivalent) which are found in Hanoi, travelling with local reputable companies are a great way to support the local businesses. For tourists, pedicabs are a fun recommendation to excite all the senses in the bustle of the city, however you will need to haggle for the best price, the bikers are usually working long hours a day and are the elderly so be generous with your tipping.
Speaking of transportation, crossing the road in Hanoi is something to get accustomed to. Be alert and cross when the traffic slows down, generally they will not stop even with the sparse traffic lights that now have erected throughout the city center, maintain a slow and steady pace when crossing, a wave of your hand would signal for the drivers to stop while you cross.
Before embarking on your trip, you would want to get yourself a universal adapter, which you could use to charge your mobile devices. Standard voltage and frequency is 50Hz and 22OV respectively.
If you stay in a hotel, your hotel may provide free Wi-Fi, however ensure you check with your hotel before booking as some are pay as you go. You could also purchase of a local SIM card which will help you communicate and navigate effectively using your phone. Download the city map before you arrive is also a great tip.
Another important step during the preparation for your trip is a visit to the doctor, they will advise you the necessary types of vaccines you may require.
An emergency kit would also be very useful, and it should include mosquito repellant cream, anti-histamines for allergies (if you have any), pain relievers, anti-bacterial cream, sunscreen.
Like many other travel destinations, it would do you good to safeguard your valuables. It is not advisable for you to go off on your own at night without company. Issues like petty theft are always a possibility everywhere you go. Nevertheless, Hanoi is a welcoming place to visitors from every part of the world, and you would have little to worry about upon your visit if you remain vigilant.
The food in Vietnam is amazing and in the capital, you will certainly get the opportunity to savour the different famous dishes as well as hearty fares favoured by the locals, ensure you eat well cooked food, and try to avoid the deserted restaurants.
You might have to get a visa before your trip and there are two ways to go about this procedure.
Visa on arrival: This is perfect for people who want to stay for more than fifteen days. It is important to note that this visa is only applicable for travel by air and it does not work for travel by land or sea. This is the most preferred visa acquisition method, as it is relatively cheaper and faster.
You simply need to fill an application form, pay the agency fee and then you will receive a letter of approval in your email, which you are then are required to print out and show to customs upon arrival.
Visa via an embassy: Here, a visa would be acquired by visiting a Vietnamese embassy. You will be required to submit your passport. After a series of processes, your visa will be granted. This process can be better simplified by making use of a visa agent, who will speed things up and make the charges a lot more affordable.
Vietnam is still a very conservative country, so, if you wish to have an enjoyable trip and get to interact with the locals, there are a few things you should take note of.
You would have to dress as modestly as you can, greet elders, take off your footwear before entering homes, don’t pat the head of the locals as it is considered disrespectful.
If you plan to get some tailoring done while you are in Hanoi, a trip to the Cho Hom market would get you the finest silk you need. You can find expert tailors along the streets of Hang Gai.
Hanoi is a land of serenity and beauty, it’s the perfect place to get away from what has become routine and familiar in your life and you can just be yourself once again while discovering a new city. Planning a trip is never easy, but it is important because once the research and planning is taken care of, you can truly unwind and relax in the beautiful city of Hanoi.