Hanoi Plaza Hotel, Hanoi

Advantages: Still maintains a lot of its original character
Disadvantages: very busy and chaotic traffic

...was very willing to answer We asked all kinds of questions about life since the war and how Vietnamese people feel about everything that happened. They were amazingly philosophical about it all - it happened, it's over and now we need to move forward. Surprisingly the Northern Vietnamese were much more forward looking than those in the South who did mention the war quite a lot. In Hanoi we stayed at the Melia Hotel (www.meliahanoi.com) which was very central and comfortable - excellent breakfasts (which is how my husband Kev measures hotel standards!) There was a swimming pool, sauna and steam room and a fitness centre but we did not use these as there was so much in the city to see and do. We had a tour of the city and visited Ho Chi Minhs' house which is behind the Presidential Palace in Hanoi and is built in the traditional Vietnamese... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: It's a peaceful city with many beautiful sceneries
Disadvantages: there are not so many places for entertaining

...! +++ HOTELS AND TRANSPORTATION ++ - Hotels: the price is varying from 10$ to more than 100$ per night, depends on the hotel that you choose. There are many nice hotels: such as Sunway hotel, Horison Hotel, Hilton, Daewoo, ... - Hanoians - like other Vietnamese people - often use motorbikes. As the results, you can see motorbikes everywhere in the streets. You can catch a bus, take a taxi, or even use "xich lo" - a special kind of transportation in Vietnam (you can see in the photo below) or "xe om" - people riding their motorbikes, earning money from taking customers to places that they need to go... or you can rent a bike, a motorbike, or a car and go around the city. However, the traffic in Hanoi is crazy (actually, the traffic in Vietnam is crazy) - I have to admit. So you'd better use the taxi. Well, those are just something... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Very beautiful
Disadvantages: Can be busy

...Hoan Kiem lake is at the centre of Hanoi and a focus point of the city. It is easy to get to and doesn't cost a penny to visit. The lake isn't too large and doesn't take too long to walk around. The lake is central to the locals as well as the tourists in Hanoi. If you visit early in the morning while it is still cool you will be able to watch the locals do Tai Chi. Badminton courts are painted onto the ground all around the lake and sometimes you will see the locals playing this too. The lake is a great place to meet people and see local life. It can be busy at times but this is due to the fact that the locals love and use this lake as much as the tourists. There are loads of shops and coffee bars around and it's great to spend the afternoon people watching.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful