Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Captain Corea]

My wife occasionally goes there for business and I was thinking of spending a wek or so in the region.

Has anyone been there and can offer some adive?

(I will definately do the tourist tombs in the city and such but would maybe like a place to relax)

[deessell]

Yep, I lived there for two years and had a great time. If you want the names of some Bars etc I will PM you.

It is one of the most beautiful cities in Asia IMHO.

[neandergirl]

Hanoi is wonderful – bustling without being over-the-top frenetic like HCM. What to do really depends on what you like.

There��s obviously loads of history, and if you��re interested in that you can visit the Temple of Literature (11th century). The Old Quarter has beautiful old buildings and a temple on just about every street. I think the best known is Bach Ma Pagoda. You can buy just about anything here – even if you��re not buying the silk shops and flower market are great just for colour.
You can still see bullet holes from that mark the beginnings of the American War (as it��s known). Hang Bac has a fair few internet cafes and is a bit like Khao San.

There are loads of museums (the Vietnam History Museum, the Army Museum, the Mother��s Museum, the Revolution Museum etc) and of course Uncle Ho��s stilt house and mausoleum.

The Lake (Hoan Kiem) in the center city is a beautiful place for a walk (although the zoo looks beyond depressing) especially in the early morning. Ngoc Son Temple (Tortoise Temple?) makes a good if touristy backdrop for pictures. Around the lake there are gajillions of cafes, restaurants, pubs (all sorts of styles and cuisines) as well as shops with original and not so original paintings. They��re really cheap so if you��ve ever wanted a Monet or a Van Gogh��.
There��s also a couple of reasonably well-stocked bookstores. This is where the water-puppet shows are held (in the old Opera house). At some times of the year they have outdoor music concerts.

The French Quarter (where the Mausoleum is) is amazing just for the architecture, although there are now lots of towers. I think this is where the Korean embassy is located (it��s where most embassies seem to be). This area has the botanical gardens, the one-pillar pagoda and the temple of literature. There��s also a great restaurant/street kid training program there called KOTO (Know One Teach One). It's a good place to take someone if you're trying to make an impression.

Lenin Park is another good place for a stroll and you can buy just about anything in the nearby market.

If you��re able to travel out of the city there��s even more to see/do. The Perfume Pagoda trek is good exercise and Halong Bay is beyond words (even if it is touristy to go there).

[deessell]

I would reccomend going to Sapa on the train. When you get there hire a Russian Minsk motorbike and drive through the mountains. You can hang out with the Hmongs and Daos (ethnic minorities). In Hanoi also rent a scooter.....a lot of fun to be had and the only way to travel. Don't worry to much about the traffic....just learn the art of the merge. People drive quite slow.

[jajdude]

Wanted to visit, but did not. Just HCMC and others. Hanoi sounds good.

[Tiger Beer]

I've been there twice.

You'll definetely be staying in the 'French Quarter' or 'Old Quarter'.. whatever the name.. its a maze of everything.. and great architecture. Everything tourist-related happens there.. so you won't miss it.. its along the Lake (that the other poster described).

Most people see the water puppets in Hanoi as well.

My favorite part of the Hanoi region is going to HALONG BAY. Large rocks jutting out of the ocean.. absolutely beautiful to see.. I've seen it twice, and would definetely do it again any and every time I'm back in Hanoi again.

Just curious.. what kind of business is your wife in that she goes to Hanoi frequently?

[SarcasmKills]

[Tiger Beer]

[FUBAR]

[jajdude]

I believe the poster "gang ah jee" is in Hanoi now (photos from there as his neighborhood). Maybe send him a message.

[gang ah jee]

Yup, I'm in Hanoi now - until Sunday.

I pretty much agree with everything said above, although -

[schwa]

Same as the op is contemplating, I spent one week in the Hanoi area a couple years ago. It was great!

A couple days in Hanoi, the overnight train to Sapa & a night up there, back to Hanoi for a day, an overnight boattrip on Halong Bay, back to Hanoi, then flew back here. Sapa & Halong Bay are both awesome in different ways, both highly recommendable.

We took Hanoi very easy, going for strolls (its scenic all over) & not bothering with tourist "must-sees." Its very easy to fill your time in Hanoi with fun authentic experiences just by following your whims. Lots of great places to eat & drink. Met some friendly locals.

Zero planning beforehand -- we basically just showed up & figured it out from there, easy to do. A relaxed but stimulating week, never a dull moment & some very pleasant memories.

[gang ah jee]

Oh god, I miss Hanoi already. And I haven't even left yet.

[Tiger Beer]

[gang ah jee]