Is Hanoi worth visiting?

The city is where you will find many of Vietnam’s most important cultural sites, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Ngoc Son Temple. … Museums and historic spots aren’t the only cultural sites that make Hanoi worth visiting, the city also has a rich arts scene.

Is it better to visit Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh?

Hanoi is ideal for those looking to experience a more traditional lifestyle while Ho Chi Minh City’s urban landscape is best suited for luxury travellers. You can also explore the best of both worlds as domestic flights between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are available on a daily basis.

How many days should I spend in Hanoi?

We recommend spending three days in Hanoi to truly get a good feel for the city, especially if you’re a first time visitor.

Is Hanoi safe for tourists?

Hanoi is a relatively safe city to travel to. Its main source of income is tourism, so the tourists’ safety is their number one concern. Hanoi has 6 million inhabitants, so street crime is more common here.

Is Hanoi an important destination?

Dive into Hanoi’s pulsating city streets, and you’ll capture the essence of Vietnamese life. The country’s capital is a burgeoning economic center that still clings strongly to traditional culture, managing to be a showcase of both old and modern Vietnam.

When should I avoid Vietnam?

Summer: Unless sunning yourself on the central coast beaches is the only thing on your Vietnam itinerary, we’d suggest avoiding visiting the country during the summer months of June – August as you’ll have a much harder time with the weather.

Is Hanoi more expensive than Saigon?

New data confirms Saigon and Hanoi are the two most expensive cities in Vietnam, the former dearer than the latter. According to the Spatial Cost of Living Index compiled by the General Statistics Office (GSO), Saigon was approximately 1.5 percent more expensive to live in than Hanoi in 2018.

What’s the best area to stay in Hanoi?

Can you fly from Hanoi to Hoi An?

The distance from Hanoi to Hoi An is about 800km and is easiest to travel by flight. When you decide to fly, you need to fly from Hanoi to Da Nang, from where you can continue by shuttle bus or taxi to Hoi An. Flying takes about 3.5 hours, including transfers, while the bus and train take roughly 17 hours.

Can you visit Halong Bay in a day?

It is the favorite choice of domestic tourist because of the affordable price. They book a hotel room in Halong city where you will stay overnight after visiting the bay during the day. … In case you just have one day here and don’t want to miss this famous bay, Daytour is a reasonable choice.

Do they speak English in Hanoi?

Frequent visitors to Vietnam report that you usually have no problems speaking English in any of the main cities like Hanoi, Sai Gon and Ho Chi Minh. The 50% English speaking proportion is over the country as a whole, it is actually much higher than this in the cities, and lower in more rural areas.

Which is the best month to visit Hanoi?

The best time to visit Hanoi is from February to April and from Late September to November. February to April marks the time of spring and the days are warm and sunny. Rainfall is minimal with the usual drizzles. Temperatures hover from 20°C to 30°C.

How expensive is Hanoi?

Summary about cost of living in Hanoi, Vietnam: Family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,562$ (36,039,273₫) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 438$ (10,097,385₫) without rent. Hanoi is 63.68% less expensive than New York (without rent).

Is Hanoi pretty?

Many visitors say that Hanoi is the prettiest and most traditional city in Vietnam and much of this is down to the presence of the Old Quarter. Here you will find densely packed streets which still retain all the charm of a small local neighborhood.

What is Hanoi famous food?

How do I get from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

There are various ways how you can reach Halong Bay from Hanoi – bus, minivan, train, taxi or seaplane. The best and most popular option is to travel by bus or minivan from Hanoi to Ha Long town. Travel by bus to Halong Bay from Hanoi takes about 2.5-4 hours and bus tickets cost about $4.40-23/pp.

What are the bad things about Vietnam?

Is it OK to wear shorts in Vietnam?

Vietnam is a conservative country, so it’s important to dress conservatively while traveling around the country. The dress code is a little more relaxed in major cities, but don’t wear short-shorts, low-cut tops or revealling dresses to the local fish market. Save the skimpy attire for the beach – if you must.

Is Vietnam friendly to foreigners?

Generally speaking, Vietnamese people are incredibly forgiving. They’ve seen foreigners do some pretty idiotic things, so whatever errant blunders you end up committing really won’t upset them all that much. … To keep you from catching flak from locals, here are 11 things you should avoid doing in Vietnam.

How much money do I need in Vietnam?

For a more comfortable backpacker experience in Vietnam, it’s best to budget around $50 per day. This way, you’ll have more money to spend on things like food, drinks, activities and hotel rooms. For a comfortable mid-range experience in Vietnam, it’s best to budget $60 to $100 per day for your entire costs.

Is Hanoi an expensive place to live?

Is Saigon safe?

Saigon is a relatively safe destination for travellers. Violent crime against foreigners is rare. There are some hazards worth noting though and these problems seem to be getting worse.

How much is a taxi from Hanoi airport to city Centre?

How much is a taxi from Hanoi airport to city centre? The average price for a Hanoi airport taxi to downtown Hanoi costs around €10 (245,559 VND). There is no price difference whether you travel by day or by night.

How do you travel around Hanoi?

Getting around in Hanoi is fairly easy because numerous attractions, restaurants, shopping venues, and hotels are located close to each other. The city’s local population travels mostly on motorbikes while motorcycle taxis, buses, and private cars are available for when you want to visit other districts within Hanoi.

Where should I live in Hanoi?

Can you swim in Halong Bay?

Halong Bay is said to be one of the best places to swim in Vietnam with numerous beaches. The bay is not only an ideal place for sunbathing with dazzling sunlight, but also a beautiful beach with calm tides, clean, and green water.

How long is the train ride from Hanoi to Da Nang?

Direct routes for travel from Hanoi to Da Nang

The journey takes around 15 hours and ticket price starts at 28 USD. To get from Hanoi to Danang, you can take the direct train, which takes 18 hours.

How much is train from Hanoi to Hue?

Transfer by train from Hanoi to Hue costs about $16-130, depend on the type of train.

How much does it cost to go to Halong Bay?

The Halong Bay entry fee is US$13 per person for a day cruise and US$25 for an overnight cruise. This is generally included in your ticket, though it’s worth double-checking for the cheapest cruises. Activities like kayaking and island bike rides may cost extra.

How do I get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi?

What is the best way to see Halong Bay?

The best way to see Halong Bay is with a cruise ship. You go to parts of the sea and see islands that you just can’t get to from the land. There are literally thousands of limestone islands topped with rain forests and caves, many undiscovered. It’s such a unique experience from the bustling and busy cities of Asia.

What should you not wear in Vietnam?

Remember that short shorts, crop tops and tank tops are not considered appropriate in Vietnam. Loose, long clothing is both respectful and tends to keep you cooler in hot climates.

Why is Hanoi so cold?

The city has a subtropical climate which basically means that it can get pretty cold during winter. … On the top of that, most buildings in Hanoi don’t have central heating and are poorly insulated so the cold sort of follows you everywhere around.

Why is Hanoi famous?

Hanoi is famous for ancient temples, citadels, authentic museums, French’s architectural buildings, colorful markets as well as many spectacular landscapes. Hanoi also attracts the tourists by the 36 hustling and bustling streets with plenty of shops with a varied option from food to clothes.

Is it safe to walk in Hanoi at night?

In Hanoi, serious crimes against tourists are extremely rare, but it’s pertinent to exercise some caution. While it’s generally safe to walk around the streets of the Old Quarter at night, it’s best to avoid the darker lanes after around 10pm.

Does Hanoi have 4 seasons?

Hanoi has the hot summer with high rainfall and the dry cold winter. … Although the weather is divided into two main seasons: rainy season (from January to September), and dry season (from October to April), thank to transition months, Hanoi still experiences all four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter.

How long should you stay in Halong Bay?

Normally, tourists need to stay for 2 to 3 days in Halong Bay, either on cruise or a hotel on land.

What is a good salary in Vietnam?

While there are some older expats and families, the majority of expats in Vietnam are in the 18-35 age group. Average Local Salary: The average monthly salary of a worker in Vietnam is about $148 per month, those in high paying jobs bring home around $500 per month.

Where do most expats live in Vietnam?

Where Do Expats Live in Vietnam? Expats primarily live in Ho Chi Minh City. Boasting over 100,000 expats, Ho Chi Minh City has English Centers and expat communities. You can enjoy a busy nightlife, engage in business ventures, and meet tons of new people.

What is considered rich in Vietnam?

According to Knight Frank’s report, in order to be included in the 1% richest people in Vietnam, one needs to have assets worth at least US$160,000. For Monaco, which has the world’s densest population of super-rich, the entry point for the principality’s branch of the 1% club is US$7.9 million.

What is considered beautiful in Vietnam?

Vietnamese started to view skinny and white women as beautiful. … The most important thing in Vietnam is one’s skin colouring, so they care about their skin a lot. She also added, “When you visit Vietnam, you will see almost every woman wearing a facial mask, gloves, and long socks to protect their skin from sun.

Which city is beautiful in Vietnam?

1. Hoi An. The central coast’s centuries-old ancient port town Hoi An has retained its charm despite the throngs of tourists drawn here by the heady mix of wooden-fronted merchant houses, graceful bridges and ornate temples.

What is the name of the most beautiful city in Vietnam?

Hoi An. With its cobblestoned streets, narrow canals, Chinese-style shophouses, and French-colonial buildings, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An is one of the most beautiful towns in Vietnam. Located on the central coast, this former trading port is famous for its historic Old Town.

What should I buy in Hanoi?

Can I brush my teeth with tap water in Vietnam?

Yes, you can brush your teeth with the water in Vietnam. You can be sure that the tap water in urban areas is safe to brush your teeth and bathe. In most rural areas, the water is going to be safe as well for bathing and brushing your teeth.

Is street food safe in Vietnam?

A lot of travelers ask about street food in Vietnam. Is it safe to eat? The answer is yes, but only if you use caution and common sense to suss out safe street food vendors. … The more people who frequent a stall, the fresher the food will be.

Is Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi better?

Conclusion. While Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are popular holiday destinations in Vietnam, it’s clear that each city caters to different types of traveller. Hanoi is ideal for those looking to experience a more traditional lifestyle while Ho Chi Minh City’s urban landscape is best suited for luxury travellers.

How much is a taxi from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

Taxis at Hanoi airport use a taximeter to calculate their fares based on the time and distance travelled. A journey from HAN airport to Halong Bay costs around €50 (1,337,500 VND), traffic dependant. Moreover, if you wish to use the Express highway, the toll is payable by the customer.

How much does it cost from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

Is English spoken in Vietnam?

Although English is popularly used and taught, it has not been another official language in Vietnam yet. Therefore, Vietnamese people will speak Vietnamese rather than speak English to each other. English is used only when there are foreigners in the organization.

What is the cheapest month to fly to Vietnam?

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Vietnam

High season is considered to be November and December. The cheapest month to fly to Vietnam is March.

What are human rights like in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s human rights record remains dire in all areas. The Communist Party maintains a monopoly on political power and allows no challenge to its leadership. Basic rights, including freedom of speech, opinion, press, association, and religion, are restricted.

What is banned in Vietnam?

What is Illegal in Vietnam? Some things that are illegal in Vietnam include Gambling, Prostitution, Drug Use and Distribution, and Pornography. Vietnamese law is built based on the long-standing culture and the characteristics of the local Vietnamese lifestyle.

What is considered rude in Vietnam?

Palm down when you call someone over

The usual gesture to call people over — open hand, palm up — is considered rude in Vietnam. It’s how people call for dogs here. To show respect, point your palm face down instead. And you also shouldn’t call someone over when they’re older than you.

Do they use toilet paper in Vietnam?

Toilet paper is usually provided though it’s wise to keep a stash of your own while on the move. There are still some squat toilets in public places and out in the countryside. The scarcity of public toilets is more of a problem for women than for men. Vietnamese men often urinate in public.

Is 100 dollars a lot of money in Vietnam?

What USD $100 buys you in Vietnam. Travelers to Vietnam turn into instant millionaires overnight, as 100 US dollars gets you 2,340,000 Vietnamese Dong (VND). While you won’t exactly be rich by Vietnamese standards, you’ll be set for a comfortable week’s worth of travel.

What are the disadvantages of living in Vietnam?

Why are Vietnamese loud?

Vietnamese people have the habit of beeping horns often as they drive, although there are regulations on horn-honking. The noise also comes from the increasing number of construction sites in the cities, a result of rapid urbanization.