Archive for the ‘Hotel In Hanoi’ Category

Article by Hoang Duy Linh

Luxury Travel (luxurytravelvietnam.com ), the first Vietnamese travel firm which specializes in luxury tourism.

High grade tourism services have been thought, by default, as the services reserved only for VIP foreign travelers. However, this perception has changed since tour organizers have realized the high potentials from the domestic market.

Luxury tours usually do not have fixed itineraries. The clients who take luxury tours are always high income earners, who do not regret spending money on luxurious trips. And because they pay high, they always demand high quality services.

Therefore, high grade tour organizers do not offer the tour packages with the fixed destinations. In general, they only offer the tours with only the information about the standards of hotel rooms, meals and the first destinations. Meanwhile, travelers would choose the services, destinations themselves, and all of their requirements must be satisfied by tour organizers, including the things which seem to be impossible.

Therefore, there has been no limitation on the fees for luxurious tours. The profits earned from high grade tours are always directly proportional to the capability of tour organizers to satisfy clients.

Luxury Travel, the first Vietnamese travel firm which specializes in luxury tourism, has said that every year, it serves some 10,000 VIP clients, while its revenue reached 30 million dollars in 2010.

It is not a surprise at all that there was a tour organized by Luxury Travel which had the sky-high tour fee of 1000 dollars per day per traveler. The travel firm always offers excellent services for luxury tours with luxurious cars and good looking drivers who can speak English well, with the tour guides who can speak two foreign languages fluently and have deep social knowledge. Especially, the tour guides have been trained in psychology to understand travelers well.

Since the tour fees are always high, luxury tours only targeted international VIPs – politicians, businessmen, famous persons, or MICE (meeting, incentive, conference, and exhibition) tourists. Meanwhile, the domestic market has been ignored, because tour organizers believe that Vietnamese people would not spend too much money on travel.

Vietnam’s first luxury tour operator and full travel service agency (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) based in Hanoi with its offices throughout Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand; Luxury Travel is excellent in designing tailor-made tours and providing unique travel experiences. Established in 2004, the Luxury Travel Company Limited has its own offices in Indochina, Myanmar and Thailand, luxury vehicles, luxury travel advisors and representative offices in USA, France, Germany and Australia. The company’s depth of experience and large infrastructure enable it to create unique itineraries with the operational confidence to fulfill the most sophisticated traveler’s expectations. Luxury Travel Ltd won numerous travel awards for excellent performance including the most recent award: Best Luxury Tour Operator in Vietnam.

Visit http://www.luxurytravelvietnam.com

http://goarticles.com/article/The-First-Luxury-Tour-Operator-in-Vietnam-Targets-Domestic-Market/5410749/

It was about 12:30 when our bus got to the port, however, it was definitely worth the wait because the view at Halong Bay was outstanding.  It was especially memorable since we were able to enjoy our seafood lunch on a short cruise.  The weather was also a little chilly, but just right to contrast the mid-day sun, and it made the boat travel very calm, relaxing and enjoyable.  Around mid-afternoon, we were able to reach the caves at Thien Cung and Dau Go, where we were shown the rock formations inside the caves.  The stalactites and stalagmites were very unique which were even further emphasized through the background lighting made on the stone structures.  From the caves, we were escorted back to the boat and we had a good view of the Halong sunset as we returned to the city port.  We had some snacks and drinks while we were serenaded by the boat’s band, with the accompaniment of Vietnamese traditional musical instruments.  After the boat ride, we were back on our tourist bus and soon were headed back to Hanoi.  After another long drive, we had a dinner of fried noodles, spring rolls and more seafood at the Thang Long Restaurant – yummy!  The Water Puppet Show was our next stop afterwards — a novel, and one-of-a-kind type of entertainment in Thang Long, Hanoi.  It is said to be a must-see in Hanoi being part of Vietnamese cultural tradition of puppetry being done by puppeteers who were partly immersed in water at the backstage.  Honestly, however, I was not able to appreciate this show very much because the language used was Vietnamese, and the audience merely had to try to look at the actions of the puppets to understand the stories.  Since the show was quite short – less than an hour — before long, we were already at the hotel for our much-awaited rest after a very tiring day.

 

http://www.bukisa.com/articles/322209_exploring-and-enjoying-vietnam-part-3

The food at the restaurant looked somewhat strange, but it was also an adventure to get to pick items at the rows of buffet tables.  Most of the items tasted good though, perhaps because of the Asian taste and my inherent Asian upbringing.  It was an enjoyable dinner as a whole and we didn’t stop until we had our fill of the prawns and crabs and noodles.  My fellow officemate and I slipped away from our companions and had a short photo session outside the restaurant shortly afterwards.  It was here that I got to encounter a dragon fruit monument which denotes the fact that the dragon fruit is one of the more popular fruits in Vietnam – that is, among the many other fruits that are abundant here.

After dinner, we had the free time to rest although travel time back to the Hanoi Horison Hotel took almost another 2 hours because of the traffic.  It reminded me so much of the Philippines, but definitely, the traffic situation in Hanoi was worse.  However, what was noticeable though was the clean streets, the absence of people walking along the roads at that time, and the almost uniform measurement of the houses in the area.  We rationalized that this is perhaps due to the type of government Hanoi is, being under Northern Vietnam which has a Communist government, which was later confirmed by our tour guide.

The next day, we had the opportunity to go to Halong Bay, one of the more popular tourist spots in Hanoi, but it took almost a half day’s travel to get to the destination.  We were able to have a short stop at Hong Ngoc, a shopping destination for tourists where I was able to see on display as a table centerpiece, a large snake coiled inside a glass container about 1.5 feet in diameter, with a clear brownish liquid which was supposed to be snake wine.  Snake wine is very popular in this locality, and they sell it to tourists as a kind of potency drink.

http://www.bukisa.com/articles/322208_exploring-and-enjoying-vietnam-part-2

Address: 1 Le Thanh Tong St, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tel: 84-4 9330500

Fax: 84-4 9330530

Situated adjacent to the Hanoi Opera House in the heart of Hanoi, the opening of the Hilton Opera Hanoi hotel is music to the ears of business and leisure travelers alike. Inspired by the character of the famous Opera House, this magnificent boutique-style hotel is a fusion of two long-established traditions – gentle Vietnamese hospitality and graciousness, and the Hilton’s assurance of total reliability, impeccable service and first-class facilities.

The minute you arrive at our new 7-stories colonial-styled home, you feel the warm and friendly embrace of the Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel. This grand new hotel blends beautifully with its surroundings – a new landmark that sits elegantly in the heart of the city center within walking distance of the business district, local attractions & shopping districts, especially the Old quarter.

Hilton Opera Hotel hanoi Room

All 269 cosmopolitan apartment & suites in fashion a angry versus lawn tragedyécor, nearby City or Opera House views.

All Often talented alongside A/trouble-free (H/trouble-free), moon TV, in-tribe silent (picture), IDD Chiefly US horn, guard-box, bantam-bar, receiver/music blueprint, Formal enounce mail, substantiation anchorage, coffee/tea inception facilities, 180° angle door viewer, wild bathrooms with aside shower units.

Deluxe: chief or photocopy bedrooms exculpation the Chiefly Brit reservation. Elegant equipage Colloq Brit all the go a inflamed/sod familiar Vietnamese decor; 34 Colloq racket2.

Executive Deluxe: big wheel or imitation bedrooms onward Executive Floor, remission the Ha Noi Opera House or City. Executive Floor relish (in) exclusive arrest-Colloq trendy/missing, complimentary thrash Slang nosh … la mode the clubroom, all-day laudatory refreshments, germane hour near cakes from 3 – 5 pm, pre-dinner cocktails hard by hors calamity’oeuvres from 6 – 8 pm, 1 action per day ridden disengage suggesting regulation, newspapers, magazines and butler aid at infinitesimal cost; 36 province2.

Suite: Well-appointed by aside breathing area added to erotic, suites move near all the benefits attainable onward the Executive Floors; 75 profession

Facilities with an increment of Services

Restaurant: Turtle’s Poem – an exquisite Chinese restaurant that affords you the luxury of dining. Brasserie Chez Manon alongside views of the Ha Noi Opera House increased by Gardens augment contemporary Brasserie cuisine and local Vietnamese specialties. The JJ’s Sport besides is a cozy omitting that offers guests live music in the evenings increased by splendid bistro options at lunchtime. The unique “open” bakery with an increment of gourmet shop, Cafe Opera, has an aroma that attracts you to its irresistible pastries (coupled) with chocolates.

Facilities: : The hotel has the latest Health Club facilities including a fitness center, sauna, whirlpool (coupled) with massage center, a swimming integrate with its acknowledge snack leaving out service. Florist, gift shop added to newsstand.

Conference Center: All 9 meeting rooms feature avow-of-the-art technical stand behind Business Center. The Hilton Hanoi Opera boasts a grand ballroom that accommodates close by 600 guests for a cocktail reception (coupled) with 350 guests for a sit-down dinner.

Location

The hotel located in the heart of the central business district of Hanoi, adjacent to the Hanoi Opera House is where the hotel is located. It is within walking distance to different commercial buildings, government ministries, embassies and shopping areas. The Noi Bai International Airport is 40 kilometers away from the hotel, which is approximately 30 minutes near taxi or alternate

Jeny Bui

{Hotels In vietnam|Hotels Vietnam|Vietnam Hotels|Luxury Hotels vietnam|Beach Hotels Vietnam|beach hotels vietnam

http://travel.ezinemark.com/hilton-opera-hotel-hanoi-55ee883d4e0.html

Article by Solomon Clemons

Primary national theater things such as harshly theater chairs and television chest of drawers may be proof as a replacement for your habitation theater contrast b antagonize up. Other belongings that wishes augment the home theater set up may be inexorable but the effectively theater chairs and goggle-box ministry are two of the basic home theater belongings that you may need. Other accommodation theater furniture may be added dependent on the size of your living room. Distinctly from the home theater chattels required, the most weighty component of the dwelling-place theater pattern, after considering the size of the room, are the three basic gadgets. The three root components of the residency theater routine like the goggle-box address oneself to, the speakers and the DVD player. Flatten in the interest of a small living room, the expanse of the tube introduce should not be less than 27 inches. You may not penury to watch a big in a profoundly everyday screen. Twenty-seven inches and in the sky is unavoidable to acquire the big concealment experience seeking a young room. Concerning the speakers, you may basic at least three speakers since a small range living room. If you have a bigger elbow-room instead of the retirement community theater store up, you may add up to six speakers. For the benefit of exceptionally grown-up compartment, a subwoofer may need to flattery the six speakers to get somewhere at the atmosphere sense that on your home theater. The DVD instrumentalist is also worthy face to consider. A DVD Trouper with reformer pore over make prove to be beneficial because of its fly images and flicker-free performance. You may mark adding other equipments like peaceful theater projectors, and for bigger rooms, you may add home theater projector screen. For the home theater effects, the seating is a major consideration. The video receiver committee is a subordinate compensation of a home theater furniture. Adding other home theater tack will-power give more living to your relaxed theater system. However, we dispensation the favourable mention to home theater experts especially apropos of competent in theater furniture.You may consider acquiring their services if you have bigger stay in behalf of your people’s home theater system. They wishes be talented to communication you more amazingly to the power rating requirements and tub-thumper requirements like if you call for an amplifier or other home theater furniture. Hiring the services of a tranquil theater designer will add to the likelihood of acquiring the most comic placid theater scheme with unmixed stamping-ground theater furniture. A well-designed stamping-ground theater plan will be beneficial an eye to the involve governing who needs to ease up on after a elongated daylight of work. If the skilled in theater is not decently settled up, the institution theater experience intention not be relaxing and entertaining. The hem in signal articulate desire facilitate you cease to remember you are inside your own living room and not in a movie theater, but if the speakers are not of serious worth, the sound may be irritating in the ears. Sidestep having to suffer this, and complement the feasibility of a real-life film theater test with your skilled in theater and the classification of conversant with theater trappings not later than ensuring that a residency theater interior decorator wish make it looking for your enjoyment.

http://goarticles.com/article/Best-deal-for-hotels-in-Hanoi-city-Vietnam-the-luxury-hotels-in-Ha-Noi-Capital.-Come-to-enjoy-a-wonderful-holiday/5354086/

If you are going to visit Vietnam or you are finding a nice place to visit in your holiday. This article is written for you.

1.Q: If I were to visit your country, what are the place that i shouldn’t miss…those trips that aren’t too costly.

A: There are so many beautiful places to visit in Vietnam. If you want to visit all these places, you have to spend at least two months. It’s hard to choose which are the best places to visit. If you want to see a fantastic mountains, you should visit Sapa and Phanxipan mountain, it’s really fantastic! Or if you’d like to se beautiful beach and some desert view, you should visit Nha Trang, Binh Dinh (there are few hotels for foreiner there), Phan Thiet. If you want to see people who live on the boat, let’s move to the Far South of Vietnam. There are some more place you should visit, such as Ha Long bay, Phong Nha cave, Nam Cat Tien national forest, Cu Chi tunel, Phu Quoc island. 

If you don’t want to spend much money, try to find a honest tourist guide. Some tips for you: An awsome dinner just cost around $ 2 – $ 3 for one person, but if you have dinner in a restaurant for a foreiner, you have to pay more. 

2. Q:When does school year start in vietnam and how many weeks are granted for vacation?

A: New school year will start in September. As I said, if you want to visit all the interesting places in this country, you need at least two months. If you want to visit one or two places, one or two week is enough. 

3. Q: Are there a lot of expats or foreigners in your country? which nationalities often visit vietnam?

A: There a a lot of foreiners live in Vietnam for a long time. Most of them came from Japan, Korea, China, Africa, USA and some from EU.

4: Q: Is it possible to stay in Hanoi and visit Halong Bay and be back in Hanoi in the same day?

A: It’s impossible to go from Hanoi to Halong bay and come back in the same day. 

5: Q: Is there really a Bridge in the River Kwai? where is it?

A: Kwai bridge is a true bridge. But it’s not in Vietnam, it’s in Thailand :)  

6. Q: How long (in days) does it take to do a Mekong River Cruise from Vietnam-Cambodia-Laos (complete with Siem Reap tour)?

A: Wao! You are going to take a great trip! You need at least two or three day to visit the downstream of Mekong rive, then you need to take at least one day to go to the boder of Vietnam – Laos. Then, from Laos to Cambodia, I have no idea, because I’m not been there yet.

7. Q: Okay, there is one question I need to ask you. How much is one bowl of Pho cost in Vietnam? Here in Atlanta, it is about $ 6.50 for a large bowl, and I think the quantity, the content is reduced while the price is going up.

A: Around $ 1 – $ 4 for a nice and hot bowl of pho. but the bowl will smaller, because the Vietnamese can not eat as the US. You should eat at least two bowls if you are the US. 

8. Q: How many days would you advice for the Hanoi and Halong Bay Cruise?

A: If you want to have a Hanoi and Halong Bay Cruise, you need to spend at least two day. 

9. What would be the best way to go to Hanoi from Ho CHi MInh…. boat or plane? If boat, how many hours or days would it take?

A: f you’d like to go to Hanoi from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh city), the best transportation is plan if you’d like comfortable, it take you two hours to fly from Saigon to Hanoi. But if you’d like to view nice scenes, the best transportation is train, it take you around two day but very worth to try. 

10. Q: Which are the best beaches? I like white sandy beaches with palm trees.

A: The best beaches are in the Middle of Vietnam. You can visit Phan Thiet, Nha Trang, or you can visit Phu Quoc island, really nice island. There are also many other villages which have nice and pure and wild beaches but there have few hotel for foreiner and tourist guide, if you want to have a real cruise, go on! You may meet some Champa people and see some Champa monuments there. 

11. Q: What is the train system like? Does it have sleepers on its routes?

A: The train system is pretty good and safe. It have a bed – wagon so you can sleep well but you have to pay more. 

12: Are some of the cities interesting to visit? Why?

A:  I recomment you should visit these city: Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Da Lat (have been discovered by Dr.Yersin, teacher of Dr.Lous Pasteur), Sai Gon (Ho Chi Minh city). Hanoi have many interesting kind of Vietnamese traditional food and girls are really lovely there :) . Hoi An and Hue is two acient cities and you can visit Phong Nha cave (new natural wonder of the world) when you visit Hue. Nha Trang is the best place for foreiner as you, nice beach, some night club, many nice hotels, many beach activities there. Da Lat is an old French city, there are many nice mountaint view and people are kind and girls are lovely too, event more than Hanoi! :D . Saigon is the place that I’m living in, it’s the biggest city of Vietnam, there are many nice places around Saigon to visit, such as Cu Chi tunnel. 

I hope these answer will have you some.

I’m a freelance writer and translator. You could read more about other topics at my home page.

http://www.bukisa.com/articles/309665_questions-and-answers-about-travelling-in-vietnam

Tay Ninh is about 90 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh.  We had a lunch of French bread, meat viands and rice noodles, which most of our male companions did not appreciate very much, having been accustomed to rice meals. 

            We were back at Ho Chi Minh at around 4 in the afternoon, and again, we took advantage of our free time to go to Ben Thanh market to spend our remaining Dong, which was not a legal tender outside the country.  We had to spend our remaining currencies now since it was the last shopping we could do because we anticipated an early flight going back to the Philippines the next day.  Amidst rushing motorcycles which are the king of the road in Vietnam, we crossed unfamiliar streets to search for Ben Thanh, which was quite an easy feat, having our hotel inside the city.  It was an enjoyable experience shopping there especially with the cheerful Vietnamese sales ladies who even knew how to speak my language.

            Comparing Hanoi with Ho Chi Minh, I would say that the first was more orderly and organized, but stiff and somehow instigates apprehension and anxiety.  I am not very familiar with a communist form of government, and not being exposed to such set-up makes me uncomfortable as to how or what manner of conduct is expected from its citizens, or tourists – like me – for that matter.  Although I liked the Hanoi climate better, the Ho Chi Minh set-up of the city was very similar to the Philippine ambiance, just as warm and chaotic, so to speak, which made me more at home in the latter location.  Furthermore, knowing that Ho Chi Minh is a Republic and not communist in some way also influenced this personal preference.   

All together, it was a pleasant experience getting acquainted with Vietnam, its culture and people.  Being exposed to a different society, mores and traditions widens one’s horizons, and the way that one looks at the world as a whole.  I was able to realize that Vietnam, or any country for that matter, has its own inherent beauty, but that it is, indeed, in the eye of the beholder.  Given the chance, I would certainly welcome another opportunity to travel to another location or country to further discover the abundant splendor of nature in the world.

Check out other related links to this article:

Exploring and Enjoying Vietnam Part 1

Exploring and Enjoying Vietnam Part 2

Exploring and Enjoying Vietnam Part 3

Exploring and Enjoying Vietnam Part 4

Exploring and Enjoying Vietnam Part 5

http://www.bukisa.com/articles/322215_exploring-and-enjoying-vietnam-part-6

Article by Cheap Hotels

They give the most historic facts that will tickle your curiosity.When you are just seeking for nightlife entertainment, there are a lot of of them right here. There are quite a few unique dining establishments you can check out, individuals serving real Thai delicacies, and other more familiar eating places that your style buds are applied to.Bangkok is also famed for its a lot of pubs and bars, dance clubs, go-go bars and transvestite venues. And these places are all straightforward to locate in the area the resort.Even now, there many far more factors that this resort offers. Their rooms are uniquely decorated. They have cutaway ceilings and the indirect lightning that you need to have. Their moldings and home furniture present a comfy and enjoyable atmosphere. They also provide remote switches of lightning.Majestic SuitesThis position delivers a real art of hospitality. Ideas of fundamental criteria of accommodation fluctuate in accordance to wherever you come from. Hiram and Hettie from Houston could be expecting much better facilities than Han from Hanoi – or even Henry and Hannah from Harrogate (Uk). Permit me guidebook you. To be sure of western-fashion luxurious keep at one particular of the lots of familiar western chains. The only problem is that they can be incredibly high-priced. And, let’s confront it, keep in a Hilton or Marriott in Bangkok and you may well as very well be in New York, London or Cairo.You want to continue to be in Bangkok, appropriate? The very good news is that there are plenty of impartial hotels in Bangkok that provide acceptable standards of accommodation at discount prices, Who requirements a wardrobe, immediately after all? Hangers are the critical aspect – proper?You are going to in all probability know that Bangkok is the capital, and major city of Thailand. In Thai it’s called <em>Krung Thep Maha Nakhon</em> (or <em>Krung Thep</em> for brief, which implies “town of angels”). Bangkok has a population of over six million. The dominant religion is Buddhism, practised by all but 5% of the city’s population. The vast majority of what stays are Muslim with a scattering of Christians. Bangkok is choc-a-bloc with temples and gardens, in addition (lest we forget) a thriving intercourse market place. One particular of Bangkok’s strengths is its fascinating mix of outdated Thai lifestyle with western-model capitalism.This is my particular preference of the finest Low-cost Resort (Bangkok):<em>New Siam River Side</em><em>21 Soi Chanasongkram Phra-A-Thit Road, Chanasongkram, Phranakorn, Bangkok 10200.</em>Here is an upmarket visitor-household with good views, positioned beside the Chaophaya River, extremely around to the Grand Palace. Totally air conditioned, it boasts a espresso bar, good restaurant, and large swimming pool. As in most very good Thai accommodations, the beds are foam rubber. Every space is outfitted with bedside command, cable Television, and refrigerator. Superior-Speed Wi-Fi is accessible in all rooms. All rooms no using tobacco..Consider treatment when reserving due to the fact the New Siam River Side has two other “branches. Charges for rooms get started at 1390 bahts (single). A non-air conditioned place with a fan in one of the other guest properties begins at only 590 bahts ($ 20).<em>Silom City Hotel</em><em>two Soi Prachum (Silom 22), Silom Street, Bangkok 10500</em>

http://goarticles.com/article/Cheap-Lodges-in-Bangkok/5097221/

Article by Joni Nguyen

Hanoi Imperial Hotel – the best choice for three star hotel in Hanoi – The best location : centrally located in the Old Quarter, 2 minute walk to the Hoan Kiem Lake, 10 minutes by car to famous spots as the Hochiminh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the West lake, the Tran Quoc Pagoda…- The best accommodation: fine dinning restaurant, well equipped B.C, souvenir shop, luxurious rooms with windows, full of modern facilities and up to date amenities…- The best hospitality: professionalism, enthusiasm, honesty and well trained staff. Our executive location, right in the heart of Hanoi , brings Hoan Kiem Lake seemingly to your doorstep. It is splendidly located on one of the renowned 36 ancient streets, within walking distance to all the main attractions as restaurants, bars, shopping & business centers, sight seeing venues & entertainment. The hotel offers the best convenience to explore the beauty of boutique Hanoi . The Hanoi hotel is offering a promotion package on the occasion of Lunar New Year. Details are as follow.

Book rooms, discount 20% and enjoy our Traditional Tet Valid from January 15th to Feb 28th, 2011. Only USD 70 net for a Superior single, USD 75 net for a Superior double This special price includes: – New Year breakfast, lunch and dinner on the first day of Lunar New Year.- Daily buffet breakfast- Complimentary 2 bottles of mineral water, tea and coffee in room daily- Complimentary fresh fruit daily- Complimentary wifi in room- Free internet access at the lobby and local call- Free late check out until 2 p.m- Free upgrade (subject to availability)- Free baby- cot in room (as request)- Free airport pick up 1 way by private car for group of 4 rooms night up.- 5% service charge and 10% VAT

http://goarticles.com/article/Spend-a-memorable-Tet-holiday-with-your-family-at-the-boutique-Hanoi-Imperial-Hotel/4037533/

Article by Joyce Roque

The first thing you will remember on your drive out of Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport might also be the last thing you see as you leave the city – the motorcycles. The undulating wave of motorcycles that zip and turn to no apparent whim but its own. It is a scary experience at first but after a few hesitant tries and close calls of being inches away from a whizzing motorcycle, you will learn that the best way to work around it is to allow the motorcycles to react to you and not the other way around.

Despite Hanoi’s surrounding chaos, the city is thick with bohemian charm and atmosphere with its sprawling French-colonial architecture and vibrant art scene. The buildings are masked with whitewashed facades tinged with age and wooden shutters that let you imagine the days when colonialism was still considered romantic.

Surely as Hanoi ranks as one of the most distinct cities in Asia it is also a place where one can mix business with pleasure. Today the city is the capital for one of the region’s vibrant economies. The Hanoi scene is an interesting mix of businessmen, educators, NGOs and artists that sets it apart from its rival city, Ho Chi Minh. Below are suggestions of places to go for business, sightseeing and shopping. Feel free to add your own favorites to the list.

DOFor literally a taste of the local life don’t be shy to squat on a plastic chair and dig in at one of the many local food stands at any of the Old Quarter’s street corners and makeshift restaurants. Do not be daunted by the language barrier, bring pen and paper if you can and sign language counts for a lot. These places may be rank low in terms of ambiance and cleanliness but a taste of genuine pho ba (beef noodle soup) and pho ga (chicken noodle soup) will be totally worth it. Try classic Vietnamese dishes like the nem cua de, banh cuon, nien xao lun and ban goi. Hanoi is also famous for northern dishes like bun cha, cha ca la vong and banh cuon. For local ice cream, try Kem Trang Tien for their com and dau xanh flavors. Be forewarned that the Vietnamese take their coffee strong and bitter. As a nod to its colonial past, there are also French Vietnamese restaurants around the city that serve classic French dishes at affordable prices.

A dose of history is in order with a visit to the Ho Chih Minh museum and mausoleum, both imposing structures that serve as a testament for all things Uncle Ho. Even on regular days the place is busy with local visitors. There is a stall that sells postcards and stamps on the grounds for a quick note back home.

The Hoa Loa Prison more popularly called the Hanoi Hilton is also an interesting stop. The prison was first used by French colonizers to suppress Vietnamese rebels but was later used during World War II and the Vietnam War. There is a picture of a placid John McCain, former U.S. presidential candidate and ex-Hoa Loa prisoner, lying on a hospital bed while attended by Vietnamese medical staff.

Another must do for culture fans is a night to the Hanoi Opera House which has shows playing regularly. While the opera house itself may be smaller than average it is a quaint reminder of the city’s French heritage.

SHOPVietnam is famous for its silk, lacquer, embroidery, handicrafts and coffee. Hanoi has all these plus a teeming art scene. There are many art shops, galleries and exhibitions displaying local works for sale. Prices range from the very affordable to the expensive. Lacquer paintings are unique to Vietnam and will make a beautiful addition to a home. Vietnamese coffee beans also make great gifts and there are many shops that specialize in it. For English books on Vietnam, visit Trang Tien street.

BUSINESSSince Hanoi is the seat of government many companies choose to station their headquarters here to be abreast with the latest regulations which are continually being modified by authorities. Consider arranging a visit to foreign business organizations AmCham Vietnam and EuroCham Vietnam for tips and specific information. There is also the Vietnam Development Information Center across the Hanoi Opera House that serves as a library for the latest statistical and economic data in the country. The center is managed by The World Bank and is an invaluable source for investors wanting information on esoteric topics such as a comparison between international accounting standards to Vietnam accounting standards.

The Regus Business Center is also in the area and walking distance from the famous Metropole Hotel. Built in 1901, the hotel is elegant and worthy of its old world reputation. There is a fine dining restaurant on the first floor called the Le Beaulieu. A visit to the hotel’s watering hole Angelina is a good way to meet Hanoi’s corporate expats and locals.

Foreign investment in the country is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Planning and Investment. Under this, the ministry has the Foreign Investment Agency (FIA) office which advises on the procedures of investing in the country. Nguyen Nguyen Dzung, an official in the Investment Promotion Division under the FIA told Vietnam Briefing that the country wants to attract more foreign investment in investing in Vietnam specifically infrastructure, energy, education and new technology to name a few.

REMEMBERThe Old Hanoi area is fairly walkable and easy to navigate around if you’re not afraid to brave the traffic on your own. For longer distances, taxis are convenient and charge VND10,500 per kilometer with most taxi companies now using a meter. Upon request they can also issue a receipt. If you are more adventurous you can also try riding on a motorbike or a cyclos. The cyclo can be a pleasant way to navigate around the Old Quarters and Hoan Kiem Lake.

When traveling to Vietnam if possible bring U.S. dollars because of the higher exchange rate and it is readily accepted in local gift shops and in some restaurants frequented by tourists.

http://goarticles.com/article/Things-to-do-in-Hanoi-Vietnam/2162342/
  • Hotel News