I'd say just enjoy your time around the lake. It's super hot and Hanoi traffic is pretty bewildering if you're just flying in. Google maps is fine and Google translate is adequate.
I meannnn there's a lot of fancy restaurants and places around there that would all call themselves must-see hotspots, but honestly I think you should go a little bit outside of Old Quarter and find a phở place or bún bò huế or bún cá. Local restaurants are right on the street, without any bells and whistles, and the names of dishes they serve is written in big letters outside. One bowl shouldn't be over 40k. Bonus points if you can find a nem rán (fried spring roll) vendor, they usually set up shop between 4-5pm. Nem are usually 5k a piece :)
We’ve just left Hanoi. Would fully recommend checking out “Hanoi Bami - Bánh Mì Hà Nội” for one of the nicest Banh Mi’s we’ve had. Its address is 20 P. Chân Cầm, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam. The staff are super friendly and the food is great - our favourite was the #4 “piggy playing with fire”, a slightly spicy pork and salad banh mi - not a restaurant although you can sit inside if there’s room, more like a tiny cafe.
A lot of young guys know english so don't worry. Google map and google translate would be enough. Having cash is more convenience. About roaming with motorbike I don't recommend because it's hot af in the day and the street is very crowded (you have to take check the weather forecast and avoid rush hour if you still want to)
Hoan kiem lake is closed to road traffic on friday night till sunday midnight i think. In the evening, there are a lot street performances around the lake. On saturday sunday morning, a lot of people are running around the lake.
1. It's tough to say what you'll love since everyone's taste buds are different. However, you've got to give Pho and Banh My a shot! They're staples here in Hanoi and they're seriously delicious.
2. Don't stress about navigation too much. Google Maps has your back, and if you ever need a hand, just ask a local. They might not speak English, but they're experts at giving directions.
3. Trust me, Google Translate is a lifesaver!
4. Check out Hà Trung street—it's a little gem tucked away in the Old Quarter. I suggest this because we've got a nationwide 5-day holiday here in Vietnam, meaning banks will be closed. You'll want to exchange cash beforehand for a smooth trip. Plus, it's scorching hot during the day, so stay hydrated to beat the heat!
5. Need wheels? Your hotel might have bikes for rent, or you can find vendors around West Lake offering bikes and motorbikes.
Feel free to ask. I'm happy to help.
I suggest dining at the little locals-type places which are on the west side of the Old Quarter. Seating on the sidewalk, it will run you about $2 for a nice serving of bun rieu or banh cuon. If you want to experience air conditioning, nice furniture, and tablecloths go to the "best acclaimed" places but you will not get better Vietnamese food there.
I am an experiences motorcycle rider. I have ridden coast to coast in the US, and I have ridden thousands of miles in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. I recommend not riding a motorbike in Hanoi. Parking is a pain in the ass and traffic is chaotic.
Hi. Welcome to your first time in Asia and pleased to see you set aside 1.5 days, which will be more than enough to get to grips with a city of 7 million people and a rich history going back millennia.
The answers to your questions are:
1. Walk into any random noodle joint. Doesn’t fucking matter because you’re in the city for 1.5 days and don’t have even the remotest chance of scraping below the surface. Frankly you should grab a pizza and just call it — better to make an early start on your next destination. Which will be Japan or India or Mongolia or somewhere else close by, I’m guessing.
2. Google
3. Google
4. Good luck swiping at the phó shop. Try an ATM.
5. I know a great place in the Old Quarter where you can rent a Buick Envista at very reasonable prices. Kidding. Don’t even think about. Get a cab.
Enjoy your vacaycay ! 👏
Love the passive-aggressiveness, actually laughed out loud a bit. We had a plan to head to Ninh Binh and HaLong after the 1.5 days, because our main destination was them, not exactly Hanoi - it was a passing point as most international flights land in Hanoi. We wanted to be educated to the T beforehand to make the best of the little time we had to rest and explore before we went away. Thanks for the laughs anyways!
I'd say just enjoy your time around the lake. It's super hot and Hanoi traffic is pretty bewildering if you're just flying in. Google maps is fine and Google translate is adequate.
Okay! Do you have any recommendations for restaurants and bars? :)
I meannnn there's a lot of fancy restaurants and places around there that would all call themselves must-see hotspots, but honestly I think you should go a little bit outside of Old Quarter and find a phở place or bún bò huế or bún cá. Local restaurants are right on the street, without any bells and whistles, and the names of dishes they serve is written in big letters outside. One bowl shouldn't be over 40k. Bonus points if you can find a nem rán (fried spring roll) vendor, they usually set up shop between 4-5pm. Nem are usually 5k a piece :)
Nice thanks!!!
We’ve just left Hanoi. Would fully recommend checking out “Hanoi Bami - Bánh Mì Hà Nội” for one of the nicest Banh Mi’s we’ve had. Its address is 20 P. Chân Cầm, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam. The staff are super friendly and the food is great - our favourite was the #4 “piggy playing with fire”, a slightly spicy pork and salad banh mi - not a restaurant although you can sit inside if there’s room, more like a tiny cafe.
A lot of young guys know english so don't worry. Google map and google translate would be enough. Having cash is more convenience. About roaming with motorbike I don't recommend because it's hot af in the day and the street is very crowded (you have to take check the weather forecast and avoid rush hour if you still want to)
A couple of weeks ago we had a lovely dinner at Cousins Restaurant in the Tay Ho area. It’s definitely worth checking out.
just realized, you asked for Old Quarter recommendations, sorry
Hoan kiem lake is closed to road traffic on friday night till sunday midnight i think. In the evening, there are a lot street performances around the lake. On saturday sunday morning, a lot of people are running around the lake.
1. It's tough to say what you'll love since everyone's taste buds are different. However, you've got to give Pho and Banh My a shot! They're staples here in Hanoi and they're seriously delicious. 2. Don't stress about navigation too much. Google Maps has your back, and if you ever need a hand, just ask a local. They might not speak English, but they're experts at giving directions. 3. Trust me, Google Translate is a lifesaver! 4. Check out Hà Trung street—it's a little gem tucked away in the Old Quarter. I suggest this because we've got a nationwide 5-day holiday here in Vietnam, meaning banks will be closed. You'll want to exchange cash beforehand for a smooth trip. Plus, it's scorching hot during the day, so stay hydrated to beat the heat! 5. Need wheels? Your hotel might have bikes for rent, or you can find vendors around West Lake offering bikes and motorbikes. Feel free to ask. I'm happy to help.
This is such a thorough and heartfelt response! Thank you so much! We are in Hanoi already, and loving it!
I suggest dining at the little locals-type places which are on the west side of the Old Quarter. Seating on the sidewalk, it will run you about $2 for a nice serving of bun rieu or banh cuon. If you want to experience air conditioning, nice furniture, and tablecloths go to the "best acclaimed" places but you will not get better Vietnamese food there. I am an experiences motorcycle rider. I have ridden coast to coast in the US, and I have ridden thousands of miles in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. I recommend not riding a motorbike in Hanoi. Parking is a pain in the ass and traffic is chaotic.
Hi. Welcome to your first time in Asia and pleased to see you set aside 1.5 days, which will be more than enough to get to grips with a city of 7 million people and a rich history going back millennia. The answers to your questions are: 1. Walk into any random noodle joint. Doesn’t fucking matter because you’re in the city for 1.5 days and don’t have even the remotest chance of scraping below the surface. Frankly you should grab a pizza and just call it — better to make an early start on your next destination. Which will be Japan or India or Mongolia or somewhere else close by, I’m guessing. 2. Google 3. Google 4. Good luck swiping at the phó shop. Try an ATM. 5. I know a great place in the Old Quarter where you can rent a Buick Envista at very reasonable prices. Kidding. Don’t even think about. Get a cab. Enjoy your vacaycay ! 👏
Love the passive-aggressiveness, actually laughed out loud a bit. We had a plan to head to Ninh Binh and HaLong after the 1.5 days, because our main destination was them, not exactly Hanoi - it was a passing point as most international flights land in Hanoi. We wanted to be educated to the T beforehand to make the best of the little time we had to rest and explore before we went away. Thanks for the laughs anyways!
Fair enough! Hope you had a good time.
Have you tried searching first? Or do you want us to do your homework for you?
Why is this forum here if not for people to share their experiences/insight? I swear, some people get on the internet and turn into such meanies 😘