Seven Simple Facts About Hanoi Tourist Explained

However, Hanoi has the Old Quarter district with the narrow streets and alleyways that fill with thousands of tourists and locals in the evening.

You can find good guide maps and itineraries online and even go with locals. I would recommend all travellers considering visiting Northern Vietnam to rent or buy a motorbike and explore the natural beauty of Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Ninh Binh etc.. These places are far less touristy, you are very unlikely to get scammed or even be spoken to in English. Every experience differs and although overcharging is common in the Old Quarter, people outside are far less likely to scam you.

I've lived in Hanoi for almost 2 years after travelling here and loving it! Beware some guild cut some program to see only 1 cave instead 2 caves. Be careful in kayaking, they might give you half-broken paddles, but if it finally breaks completely, they will charge you.

All cabins on the same boat are nearly same, just specify in advance whether you need twin or double. People who pay more, for 'deluxe' cruise often are being send on the same tour with who pays minimum price. There are hundreds of cruise boats leaving everyday, most are quite similar.

Boats and cabins are ok (it is well-controlled industry). Furthermore some cruise charge 10,000 dong/bottom the guests who take their own soft drink or water and 300,000 dong for alcohol drink. Drinks (even water) are not included and are quite expensive on the boat-50,000 dong, while on the mainland shops 5,000-10,000 dong.

Ask all the options to be written on your receipt and take foto Info of Hanoi your receipt, since guide will collect it. Guide will try to scam you - ask to buy admission ticket, pay for kayaking, etc... Food is very limited on the boat, so it might be good idea to book tour without food (USD10 less) and bring your own. This price includes transportation, accommodation, all tickets and entrance fees, kayaking and food. If contacting directly to the guide (on the pier in Halong city or when the bus comes to pick up tourists) price could be USD40 or less.

A 2 day, 1 night Ha Long Bay cruise could be bargained down to USD45 at travel agencies. Ha Long Bay 's spectacular ocean karst topography is the most popular side-trip from Hanoi. Don't worry about getting wet, but the seats are very small, and visitors with above-average height will have to squirm a bit.

Camera passes are an extra 15,000 dong, but whether you buy one or not is purely on the honour system. And if you missed the first 15 minutes, be the last to leave and mix in with the incoming audience for the next performance. There are several performances throughout the day, and it's even possible to buy tickets even if the showing is going on for 15 minutes.

Tickets are 60,000 and 100,000 dong. Even in the 21st century, they still elicit an ahhh moment from the audience.