Planning a trip to Hanoi in Mar '08, do share your experience.?

Question

Would like recommendations on places to see, eat & shop, affordable accommodation. Also, what is the cheapest way to get to Halong Bay and Sapa Valley, basically maximizing the whole 5D/4N trip.

Look forward to your answers.

Answer 1

I think you're stretching it. Both Hanoi, Halong and Sapa in 5 days !! Why rush?

Leave out Sapa.

March is spring. I recommend a day trip to moutain valleys in Son La province west of Hanoi - beautiful green with newly planted rice.

Combine that with a visit to Tam Dao. At an altitude of over 1,000m, Tam Dao was once home to over 200 French villas, a collection of hotels and restaurants, a swimming pool and even a dance auditorium all coming together to form northern Vietnam's first hill station and health spa. Today, while the pool may be empty and the 1920's ball gowns off the scene, Tam Dao retains an element of charm and a welcome respite from the oft-well heated plains below, over which Tam Dao offers some splendid views.

Answer 2

I would go to Sapa before Halong Bay - I have been to both several times. Cheapest is probably bus - but not safest. There is an overnight train from Ha Noi to Lao Cai, and then a 2 hour bus ride to Sapa. Halong Bay is a day trip.

If you are into museums, there are lots here. The ethnology museum is well worth it!

The old town is good for several days of exploring - which you don't have. Check out the "Water Puppets" in the theater near Hoan Kiem Lake - every night there are several shows.

Bat Trang Village, about 15 km outside of town is a pottery village that has been producing pottery for hundreds of years.

Answer 3

Contact with Sinh Cafe for cheapest price to Sapa or Ha Long.

Answer 4

I agree with another answer that you will be pressed to fit in Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa into five days.

You will want to stay in Hoan Kiem District in Hanoi, which is the epicenter of the city. Just about everything there is to see in Hanoi is within or close to there, and there is a whole lot to see. In fact, you won't see everything that Hanoi has to offer even if you stayed there for the whole five days. Hotel accommodations in Hoan Kiem District can range from $15/night in the small hotels or a few hundred dollars/night at the Hilton Hanoi Opera or other five star hotels.

I can write a book on ventures through Hanoi, but it's best for you to experience the city without presumptions. One thing I will suggest is make sure to dine and drink at Bia Toi Tiep (a.k.a. Bia Toilette). It is a very nice microbrewery/restaurant with some great eats and excellent beer that every tourist must visit when in Hanoi.

If you must venture out of Hanoi, I would recommend Halong Bay over Sapa. Two typical ways to get there are by bus or car. Bus is cheaper (about $2 one way), but a car will give you more flexibility in your travel. A car and driver will set you back about $40-$60 US. Halong Bay is (or should be) a two-day venture. Overnight accommodations can be sleeping on a boat or staying at a hotel on Cat Ba Island. Cat Ba Island is a venture in itself. With the limited time that you have, you may want to reconsider venturing out of Hanoi or consider staying in Vietnam longer.

An option you may consider over Halong bay or Sapa is a boat ride on the Red River. There are day trips that visit some interesting temples along the River with an extended stop at Bat Tran village. Bat Tran is a world famous ceramics village, where you will find anything that has ever been made of ceramic at incredibly reasonable prices. You will be back in time for dinner and drinks at Bia Toilette.

Have a great time!