Hanoi is a city bursting at the seams and at times can appear very chaotic. Hiring a private car and driver might seem a little over the top, but it's actually very affordable and a fabulously relaxing way to see the top sites in comfort. Your driver has local knowledge and acts as your guide, taking you to the hotspots and best restaurants.
When in Hanoi, do what the locals do. Explore at your own pace, don't waste time haggling and get a true taste of local life. Be warned though, the traffic can feel like an aggressive assault on all your senses. You must be skilled and confident to take on the madness. There are shops across the city offering mopeds for rent per day, week or month.
Hanoi's roads are awash with motorcycles whizzing around pedestrians with up to four people on board. You'll spot them everywhere, and with plenty of competition you can easily barter a cheaper price, which you should agree upon before your journey. A slower option would be a cyclo, which is a bicycle with a seat attached on the front.
Taxis are best for longer distances and are inexpensive, clean and modern. Try to negotiate a fixed rate rather than use the dubious metres. If you use an official fleet like Hanoi Taxi or Taxi CP you should get a fair deal, and when you see the mania on the roads you'll be pleased you left the journey in the hands of experts.
Spend an unforgettable day cruising the jade waters of Vietnam's most scenic destination. Your boat will meander through magnificent limestone karsts and explore hidden corners of the area's 2000 islands. Enjoy a seafood lunch, discover coral reefs and learn about local customs on a village tour. This is Vietnam at its best. Small group tours run from 8am – 8pm and cost around AUD$80.
The Old Quarter is an ancient maze of narrow, noisy streets and home to a wealth of stores that sell anything from silks to smartphones. Hone your bartering skills and prepare to be amazed by the chaos! Using a private guide will help you navigate the streets and find the best bargains. The tour lasts three hours and departs mornings and afternoons.
Be whisked away to enchanting Hoan Kiem Lake for sunrise, take part in a reviving Tai Chi session, and enjoy a traditional Pho breakfast in the Old Quarter. Next, a chef will guide you through colourful Hang Be market, picking fresh ingredients for your Chinese cookery course. The best bit? You'll get to enjoy your dishes afterwards! Tours last six hours and cost around AUD$50.
Take a two-hour drive through exquisite countryside to Vietnam’s ancient capital, Hoa Lu, and discover the glorious ruins of ancient temples and statues revering past kings from the 10th century. A boat tour along the winding Hoang Long River will take you to through stunning mountain scenery to Tam Coc, where you’ll uncover the mysteries of the region’s famous caves. Tours cost around AUD$120.
Take a private half-city tour for your first morning, starting at Ho Chi Minh Museum and Mausoleum. Next, uncover some of Hanoi's ancient history with a trip to the 11th century One Pillar Pagoda and the Confucian Temple. Hop on a cyclo to the Old Quarter, the city's cauldron of commerce dating back centuries, to visit the ancient house and experience life in the old days. That evening, head to gentle West Lake and the Sunset Bar where you can relax in style, watching the sun set over the water.
Watch the morning break with a stroll across Long Bien bridge amidst hundreds of hurrying vendors. Head to the Old Quarter by cyclo to soak up a hearty traditional Pho before indulging in a spree around the bustling market lanes. That afternoon, head for the peace of Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc San Temple. Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is next on your schedule, where you'll watch beautifully crafted puppets tell tales of old myths and legends.
Your day trip to Ha Long Bay begins early, with most tours picking you up at around 7am. Drive through lush green countryside before reaching the Bay, where a private cruise will take you on an unforgettable tour. Marvel at huge limestone karsts towering out of emerald waters and discover magical hidden caves. You could even take a dip and explore the coral reefs. Next, you'll be taken to a local fishing village to learn old customs and crafts before heading back to the city.
Take a day trip out of the city to the tranquil surrounding countryside, accessible by a private tour and just two hours drive away. Discover authentic rural life, which travels at a much gentler pace. Sit back and relax on a river cruise, winding through magnificent limestone mountains and green fields. You'll explore ancient caves and hidden waterways with sparkling blue pools. That evening head to the spectacular Rooftop bar, a cocktail bar with incredible panoramic views of the city.
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Expedia Holidays > Hanoi Holidays
