Hanoi
From the airport
You can take Grab or the airport bus which is quite convenient. My usual practice is to try out the local bus.
Bus number 86 - Orange bus that operates from 5 am to 10 pm. Ticket price is 30,000 VND. The bus route includes Hoan Kiem Lake, and Long Bien Station and terminates at Hanoi Central Railway Station.
Stay
I have chosen a local Viola Royal hotel in heart of old quarter's. It was a new hotel when I stayed in 2017. Reasonable price with excellent location.
The Allure Hotel
Located near to Dong Xuan Market and Beer street. Rooms were clean and excellent hospitality. Price is higher than other hotel in Old quarters.
The Pilgrim Boutique Hotel
Wonderful location and cheap room rate. Several good eateries and spa massage around the hotel.
Eat
New Day restaurant
72 Phố Mã Mây, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm
This place serve northern vietnames cuisine in a zichar style. It was so good that we went back for the second time for dinner.
Ashima mushroom hotpot
Address: 21 Điện Biên Phủ, Điện Bàn, Ba Đình (there are many branches, just check google map)
This is a MUST go restaurant when I visit Vietnam, be it in HCMC or Hanoi. The mushroom soup based and fresh ingredients never fails me.
Giang Cafe
Address: 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm
A must go for all coffee lover.
Tung's kitchen
Address: 2 P. Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
If you like street food, plenty at Beer Street.
Address: 1 P. Hàng Mành, Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Roast BBQ pork with bee hoon. Tasty!
Manwah Restaurant (HaiDiLao equivalent)
Address: 3B P. Lê Thái Tổ, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 10000, Vietnam
Visit
Halong Bay
I took Cristina Diamond Cruise due to the "special rate" given by my hotel for guest. Regretted loads as those that I met on board actually paid a cheaper rate be it booked online or from tour agent. I could have just walked in to The Sinh Tourist and book my 2D1N trip. Halong bay is quite a distance from the city, do a 2D1N as you will be spending all your time on the road if you were to take a day trip. Bus journey to the bay is almost 4 hours one way.
Just a quick note, for such trip, it is usually cheaper to walk in to tour agent at the backpacker street than to pre-book online. I usually go to The sinh tourist agent as they are more reliable and provides better services. Beware of fake "Sinh cafe", "Sinh xxx" trying to ride on the name. There are many cruise boat that you can choose from, try to go for the bigger and more reputable one.
Sampan to fishing village
Cave visit
Dong xuan market
This is a typical vietnamese market which sells everything under the sun. Good for those who wants to experience it. It reminds me of HCMC Ben Thanh + An Dong market.
Old quarter's
Old quarter's on weekends evening is a must visit when you are there. Roads around the lake will be closed from 5pm to 12am on EVERY FRIDAY, WHOLE SATURDAY and SUNDAY every week into pedestrian area. Local, street performers and buskers will gathered for many different activities. As I was too engrossed with the performance, that's the only photo that I have taken.
Do check out my Sapa blog
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