Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and the second most populated city. We always knew that sooner or later we would visit Hanoi. We wanted to experience the difference between the north and south of Vietnam through our own experience. Hanoi is truly different. And, for the better. As different from other cities in Vietnam as Sapa.
Hanoi and one of its main attractions - Hoan Kiem Lake
Our observations about Hanoi and features of the north of Vietnam
During this short two-week trip through North Vietnam, Hanoi left behind the most memorable moments. Although, before the trip, we were sure that they would be remembered as something unrealistically fabulous. You assume one thing, but it turns out differently. So, how is Hanoi different from other Vietnam and how he could surprise us.
Pleasant weather in Hanoi
In Hanoi, from October to March, the weather is great for walking. It is not as windy here as in Dalat, and not as cold as in Sapa. We arrived at the end of October and the air temperature at this time of the year is very comfortable. In October-November, you can wear shorts and a T-shirt. There is no heat and no rain.
Green Hanoi
That's what, but such greenery, so many flowering trees, we did not expect to see in Hanoi. Green color is common. You walk, and around you there is noise, rumble, crowds, bikes, bikes, and at the same time, wherever you look, you will definitely see a large tree. The old quarter of Hanoi, despite its tightness, is overgrown with trees. Trees create shade and somehow feel more comfortable with them.
Many parks, which is not typical for Vietnam
We are not Vietnamese to sit like this near the road
Drinking a coffee with a bun in a nice place is not a problem, but to eat normally, you already have to look
Few people will dine on the roadway, eating not the most appetizing Vietnamese soups and noodles.
It would seem that the embankment, romance, but these eerily uncomfortable low chairs
Light, clean, beautiful, inexpensive and tasty. So it can be in Hanoi too!
I repeat once again, you will be incredibly lucky if you leave your hotel in Hanoi and immediately find a good cafe where European dishes are prepared beautifully and tasty at affordable prices.
Less patriotism and communism than Ho Chi Minh City
It is believed that northern Vietnam is a stronghold of communism. In fact, it turned out that this was not entirely true. Probably, when I arrived in Hanoi and was not in Ho Chi Minh City, it would seem that patriotism is being promoted at every step in the country, and there is no getting away from red posters with local slogans. But compared to Ho Chi Minh City, we can say that there are not so many red flags and slogans here. As for patriotism, we only noticed that the North Vietnamese often pronounce "my country" and not Vietnam.
During the first days there was only one poster. And then with our Lenin
Public transport in Hanoi
There is an inexpensive one. There are city buses. What we like about Vietnam is the developed public transport. For those who are going to live in Hanoi, city buses will be a great alternative to taxis and renting your own bike. If you get confused, you can find out the bus routes. Buses, by the way, are modern and air-conditioned, as in Nha Trang and Da Nang.
Dense housing, thin houses
It is believed that Hanoi has always had expensive land and therefore buildings and residential buildings were built and continue to be built in height. For this reason, in Hanoi, almost any building is so "thin", narrow and elongated.
I doubt the statement about such an expensive property. Otherwise, how else to explain the fact that in all of Vietnam they build mainly only such thin and small-sized buildings? Maybe the Vietnamese are just more accustomed to and more comfortable to live. Either land is expensive throughout the country, and the Vietnamese themselves are very economical.
On the outskirts of Hanoi, high-rise condominiums
If the central areas are crowded and shabby huts, then it is worth driving a little, as new high-rise condominiums can be seen in the distance. It would seem, how great, rent an apartment and live in good conditions. Surely renting an apartment will cost $ 500. But on closer inspection, all these condos are in some kind of apartment. There is zero infrastructure around them. The track, fruit vendors, construction sites and wastelands glimpse in places along the sides. Not an option without your own transport.
New districts in Hanoi
Ruin outside the center of Hanoi
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, but the capital is modest, we would describe it like that. The old quarter and the French - the whole life of the city is concentrated here. And even further, without even leaving Hanoi, you find yourself in some kind of slums, construction everywhere, dusty houses with no windows, garbage dumps, dirty children play with bricks. Not metropolitan landscapes at all.
Outside of Hanoi there is nothing at all. For example, on the way to Ha Long, there will always be endless construction and road repairs outside the windows. Between the dusty villages you can see fields with cows, in some places there are lonely and again narrow houses. There is more than enough land, but residential buildings are built in their repertoire.
Take note that it is better to stay in Hanoi only in the old or French quarter. There is nothing further.
High ratings in Hanoi hotels
Hotels and hotels in Hanoi, like, try to please visitors in order to get a high rating and positive reviews on booking sites. And it doesn't matter if it's old or new, most hotels on Booking will have at least a rating of 8.3 - 8.5 with very good, great and excellent marks. Probably, the reason for this is also the mass character of European tourists, who are always happy with everything and write highly recommended for everything. We now trust reviews in Russian more than in English.
Good hotels in the center of Hanoi
- Splendid Hotel & Spa
- Maro Hotel
- Hanoi Chic Hotel
- Hanoi Buddy Inn & Travel
- Hanoi La Story Hotel
For ourselves, we chose a hotel in which we lived a total of about 10 days. We can recommend it. Paid 22 USD per night with breakfast. Centrally located, clean and English speaking staff. Also in this hotel bought excursions to Halong and Ninh Binh at a discount.
Hanoi on the map
The map shows the old quarter in the Hoan Kiem Lake area, where you should stay and look for hotels.
