Things to do:
- Bring US dollar there. It's widely accepted everywhere and the best thing about taking USD there instead of Vietnam Dongs is that for every 100USD you exchange/use there, it works out that you actually gain RM50+ (true as of May 2007). Heck, even our Ringgit is worth more there but be aware that while money changers in Hanoi accept Ringgit, the proper ones in Hanoi Airport does not.
- Get a Vietnamese phrase book. We didn't encounter that many Vietnamese who speaks English, and while some hotel staff fare better than others, in hindsight it would've helped tremendously if we learn some basic phrases before going there. Having said that, all restaurants that we went to have English menus and as for the street hawkers, it's a simple case of pointing to whatever everyone else is having and let yourself be surprised.
- Try café-su-da, literally translated: coffee milk with ice. And café-kem (coffee with ice cream). Available everywhere (being 2nd largest coffee exporter has something to do with this), Vietnamese coffee is served really strong and not like the usual glassful we get in Malaysia. Mixing it with warm water helps a lot. Get the unique simple stainless steel coffee filter thingamagic (about RM2.50 each) and coffee powder before you leave home. They make for great souvenir if you're not a coffee lover.
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Rent a bicycle (15000VND) and ride in downtown Hanoi. Traffic is crazy, some major junctions do not have traffic lights, but you'll do alright. Like Andrew said: it'll increase your midichlorian level, making you a Jedi knight in no time.
Not sure if your insurance will cover this but hey, live life a little right? Or if you feel inclined to leave it to the pros, take a ride in one of the many motorcycle taxis. Just as thrilling, minus some cardiac-arrest-inducing moments when crossing junctions. Oh and they use their horns. A lot. And they drive on the right lane.
- Try taking the trishaw ride in the city of Ho Chi Minh, if you're pressed for time to visit some places of interest, like we did (We only had 4 hours in HCM before heading to Danang). Besides, feel the thrill of sitting in front of the trishaw, going at 10km/h, watching the big bus come straight at you while your driver casually makes an impromptu and illegal U turn. One word of caution though: make sure you agree on the places to visit and the final cost of the ride. We found out to our shock that the initial agreed 40,000VND ride per person was only enough to cover our first stop at a busy restaurant. The drivers had wanted to charge us a total of 800,000VND at the end of our trip. More shocking than the illegal U turn, that's for sure. We settled (term used loosely here) our dispute at 300,000VND, even then it's a 375% hike from initial price. You have been duly warned.
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For a truly personalised souvenir, you can't go wrong with the name stamp and for USD2 each (cheapest we found), it's a steal. Available from many vendors in the Old Quarters, Hanoi, these stamps can be customised with names and are available in various unique, traditional and modern designs, big and small.
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Try out the many different types of food, both in restaurants and on the street. The Vietnamese spring roll is a must for any food lover, so is the roast chicken/pork. The street beef noodle is simply mouth watering.
For the health-conscious and vegetarians, try the fruit cocktail with ice. It's a mixture of more than 5 different fruits served in a glass with a bit of condensed milk. A bowl of shaved ice is included for you to mix to your liking.
- If you're travelling in Hanoi, check in to Classic I Hotel in the Old Quarters. They've got great helpful staff who speak good English and are a very friendly lot. Room rates are not too shabby either, comes with breakfast and free Internet. Highly recommended.
DON'Ts
Nothing much to add here except a few things: Don't be late as the people here are very punctual, taxis arrive on time, if not earlier. Don't pack too much stuff on your trip, leave room for souvenirs and shopping sprees. Things are cheap here but bargain for a good price. Although there's not too many public trash bins to be seen (I saw 1 only on my trip), doesn't mean you can litter, do dispose off your stuff at the hotel or in proper trash area.
*YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary