Vietnam, land of Ho Chi Minh

bangkok 
How to survive in Hanoi, a guide for travellers.

Do not be fooled by the apperance of helpful Hanoians. They just want your money. Especially if you are talking about accomodation. Turn around and leave if that's what you feel like.

Pay more to go to Halong Bay, or else you will have a boat full of rats keeping you awake in the night. And you will get a crew that does whatever they want and suddenly "don't understand" english.

If the weather is crap (like in the wintermonths), we suggest you do Halong Bay independently. It is still nice, but you don't have to follow an itinerary were you are expected to swim.

Do not eat garlic bread in Hanoi. After trying different restaurants we conclude that they just cant do it. It is only a dry peace of toast with melted butter on.

Do go and see Ho Chi Minh in his mausoleum, and all the vietnamese people who go there everyday. They love their former leader and try to go see the dead man as often as they can (5000 go through the mausoleum every day from 8am to 11am!!! The word "brainwashed" is on the tip of my tounge here...)

Do go see a Waterpuppetshow. Where did the thought origin from; "Hey lets put water inside the theatre!"

Go to LePub and drink by the bar. Newopened bar and restaurant by an englishman. The special thing about this place is that all the people working there are kids who used to live on the streets. So it's actually a program to teach them a work and a better way of living.

Do absolutely drink beer on the streetcorners, only 1500dong (that is less than 1kr!)

Catch a lift by the motorbiketaxi's. Live a little on the edge of Hanoi traffic!

Enjoy!