Hanoi, Vietnam
How we got there: From Manila we flew Cebu Pacific Airlines. All I would say about this is that besides the cute tropical vibe of the uniforms the airline is not very passenger centric. Flight time 2:54 minutes. Cups of water provided 0!
A word on the Visa: while the documentation in the United States clearly indicates that this can be dealt with upon entering the country the story changes a bit when we were trying to enter via Manila. Long story short 260 dollars later for 15 minute rapid turn around visa (albeit a scam) got us into the country.Where we stayed: The Lapis hotel offered a great rate and had wonderful reviews. We opted for a suite since we were three. The design esthetic is Art Deco meets Paris. The staff were welcoming and helpful and the pool, jacuzzi and sauna were a great bonus. We would definitely stay here again.
How to get around:Navigating the city and it's different quarters on foot is quite easy. Alternatively Grab (parent company Uber) offers both regular vehicles in addition to grab cycle where you get picked up on a scooter. For the narrow and chaotic streets of Vietnam the scooter option is great... but bundle up!
What we did:Day 1: Vespa Adventures Hanoi: this was simply put an amazing experience. The team of drivers and tour guide were friendly and welcoming. The vespas were vintage and well maintained. Helmets, raincoats and a safe and convenient trip made riding as a passenger a truly exhilarating experience. The tour is several hours and includes stops at a local coffee shop, St Joseph's Cathedral, a small market, the small houses that reside inches from the railroad tracks, over the cycle only bridge, a pagoda and we conclude in the home of a cumquat farmer where we had a small late lunch. The highlight of the journey is the feel of really being in sync with this city. There is no better way to see Hanoi than on two wheels!We also checked out the Trang Tien Plaza.Images from our Vespa adventure:
[wpvideo Hfpj27F4 ][wpvideo MEvVfH6J ][wpvideo Ih2s3UPn ]
Day2: Full day of touring the key sites in Hanoi. We booked a full day group tour. Overall I would rate our experience with the tour as "ok". The tour guide was somewhat lack luster but from a functional standpoint we were able to see the sites that were on our list of must see's. Tip: opt for a private tour when possible.Sites we saw:
- Tran Quoc Pagoda: oldest in the city
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum- try to catch the changing of the guards
- Agent orange victims gallery
- Temple of literature ( first university)
- Hoa Lo Prison
- Vietnamese woman's museum
Images for a day of non-stop touring:
[wpvideo OU8zpXei ]
Day 3: A day of rest and exploration. We highly suggest having at least one day with no agenda to allow you to explore the different neighborhoods and check out some of the trendy local street food vendorsTheater shows to check out: The water puppet show: worth the one hour detour this show has been a part of Hanoi culture and has toured several international cities.
[wpvideo M9h0t8N5 ]
My Village: A cultural show fusing stunning choreography using bamboo and high energy gymnastics. Think cirque du soleil meets Vietnam.
[wpvideo XqMH4WGx ]What we ate: It seems as though everyone is always eating something on the streets of Hanoi.Our must do's:- Vietnamese iced coffee Bacxiu- Street food in general ( there is a street food Vespa tour at night that we heard great things about)Dinner night one: Hàng Son 1871- featured in Travel and leisure. Favorite the fried rice with crab!
Dinner night two: Green Tangerine:For a break from Vietnamese Cuisine check out this quaint and romantic venue. Reservations recommendedhttp://greentangerinehanoi.com/en/
Dinner Night 3: Duongs Restaraunt and cooking class:By far our favorite meal of the trip! The PHO was phenomenal ( try the beef and chicken). Make your own spring rolls and just soak up the deliciousness. We would have done this venue more than once had we found it earlier. I am sure the cooking class is wonderful as well though we didn't have time to try this.
Insider tip:Two local recommendations that were phenomenal:
- Giang Egg Coffee: The place to be for egg coffee - have it iced or hot either way it's delicious
[wpvideo XolSMhRd ]
- Banh My P: for some phenomenal Banh Mi
[wpvideo K1oQ7nbC ]
Insider tip:If you happen to be spending New Years in Hanoi stick to a smaller venue and make your way to the sofitel about 20 minutes before midnight. Don't waste your money on the fixed menu New Years deals it's just not worth it. Hang out at the Sofitel bar/pool lounge.[wpvideo wq37E9bj ]Insider Tip: Gentleman who need to up their fade game head to The House of Barbarbaard. This part lounge/bar part barber shop is an homage to the 1950's.
