Hanoi Cooking Class Tours

• Cheap flights hanoi :Hanoi cooking tour is an interactive and fun way to learn new cooking skills and experience the tastes and textures of the cuisine of Vietnam. If you enjoy Vietnamese food and are interested in learning the art of Vietnamese cuisine from Hanoi experienced chefs who are experts in teaching on Vietnamese - style cooking, Hanoi Tour Operator is now offering an authentic Vietnamese cooking course. 

In class, you will be equipped with your very own cooking station, without sharing with others and necessary cooking utensils, you also prepare and cook all dishes by yourself under the instruction of the chef from going to the market to prepare food to enjoying your delicious dishes you have just cooked.

Tour Intinerary:

Beginning: Meet the chef in the restaurant, the cooking program will be discussed within the group.

 Take a little walk to Hang Be market which is a lovely market in the heart of the Old Quarter of Hanoi. You will be fascinated with every step by the color, noise and the smells of the many different foods.

Stroll around to visit distinct food sections with their variety of herbs, vegetables, meat and sea food which brings you very close to the simple life of the local people. It is very interesting to see and to learn how a local woman chooses and buys the best quality of the fresh food from numerous food stalls in the market.

With a rattan hand basket, your job is to buy some herbs and spices for the cooking class (Herbs and spices are a very important part of authentic Vietnamese food).Back to restaurant for a little rest and enjoy Hanoi filtered coffee or jasmine tea (coffee and tea are complimentary).
Raw food bought from the market will be washed and prepared quickly in the kitchen. Cooking methods and utensils will be placed properly on each table.

Prepare to cook, washing hands with clean towel, wearing apron and plastic gloves

You will prepare and cook by yourself under the instruction of the chef from the beginning to the end, learning how to marinate and to spice will be the most crucial lesson. You will also enjoy decorating dishes with carrot flowers, lemon grass stems, banana leaves and curved chili. 

The authentic magical sauce mixed from fish sauce, water, sugar, lime, chili, garlic and herbs is very easy to make.

Enjoy the delicious dishes you’ve just cooked. The chef will taste and give a reward to the best dish. After enjoying the food, a little gift and all of the recipes from the cooking class will be given to you as you leave.

Your lesson in the cooking class is guaranteed to be educational and memorable. You will go home happily with a high confidence to be able to set an elaborate dinner party for your friends and families at home. Menu of cooking class in Hanoi:

Option 1:
Nem Cua Hue - Fried spring rolls with crab in Hue style
Cha Ca Hanoi - Grilled fish Hanoi style
Com Nau Tom Kieu Cung Dinh - Steamed rice with shrimp, royal style
Che Khoai Lang Nau Gung - Sweet potato with ginger pudding

Option 2:
Nem Cuon Tom Thit - Fresh spring rolls with shrimp and meat
Ga Nuong La Chanh - Grilled chicken on skewers with lemon leaf
Ca Boc La Sen Hap Sot Me - Steamed fish wrapped in lotus leaf with tamarind juice

Che Long Nhan - Dry longan pudding

Cooking Tour Price:

Number of Pax	1pax	2pax	3-4pax	5-6pax	7-9pax	10-14pax
Cost/Pax(US$)	95	75	66	58	52	49

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Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Vietnam's long, narrow shape lends the country several seasons throughout the year. Deciding the best time to visit Vietnam greatly depends upon how far north or south that you begin, as well as other factors such as festivals and holidays.

When to Go to Vietnam

Vietnam can be enjoyed at anytime throughout the year, however, weather plays a big factor -- particularly if you plan to enjoy trekking or outdoor activities. You'll find far less travelers during the rainy season and negotiating better prices for accommodation becomes easier. Sometimes monsoon rains can become so heavy in urban areas that streets flood and transportation shuts down.

Read more about how monsoons affect Southeast Asia weather and tickets to Vietnam.

While showers can and often do pop up during the so-called 'dry' seasons, the driest months for visiting the south of Vietnam (Saigon) are typically between December and April. Temperatures in April can be scorching before monsoon rains begin to cool things off in the summer months. The best months to visit are during January and February when temperatures are milder.

The spring and autumn months are most pleasant for visiting the north of Vietnam (Hanoi). Winter nights can get relatively chilly, with temperatures dipping into the 50s Fahrenheit. You'll certainly need a jacket when visiting Halong Bay in the winter, particularly if you're already accustomed to warmer temperatures in the south or in other countries around Southeast Asia.

Typhoons and Tropical Storms

Regardless of the season, large weather events such as typhoons blowing in from the east and tropical depressions can create week-long downpours. While Mother Nature doesn't always play by the rules, typhoon season typically ends around December each year.
See more about the weather in Vietnam.

Festivals and Big Events

The largest national holiday in Vietnam is the New Year celebration known as Tết. During Tết, transportation and accommodation will be booked for days as people go to celebrate or visit family. While Tết is an extremely interesting and exciting time to be in Vietnam, your travel plans will certainly be affected -- book ahead and arrive early!

Tết follows a lunar calendar so dates vary from year to year. The celebration usually occurs between January and February. Learn more about Tet in Vietnam.

Other big national holidays include May 1 and National Day on September 2. Beach estinations such as Nha Trang tend to fill up with families on vacation. That good time buying tickets to Vietnam for travel.

Tips for a great holiday in Hanoi.

Its probable that the international visitor will visiting at least one other region or city of Vietnam but Hanoi is special. As well as being selected by the world renowned Frommer's travel guide as one of the world's "Top Destinations in 2010", Hanoi also has the distinction of being named in the top 10 cities for food in the world by Shermans Travel. Note it actually came second after Barcelona and ahead of New York, Roe and San Francisco. Don't let the name put you off and visit Le Mat - known to tourists as Snake Village - just outside the centre and venue for many unique gourmet restaurants. (click here to book airfare cheap flights Hanoi)

The climate of Hanoi is characterised by hot, humid summers and cool winters similar to Mediterranean Italy or parts of Florida in the U.S. Hanoi has a single rainy season which falls during the south monsoon between May and September. Rainfall is rare and always light during the October to April. Visitors should check what they need in terms of clothes depending upon the time of year. Leisure clothes are frequently highly coloured and business is dome in dark coloured tailored suits. Whatever the attire is always topped off by a polite and welcoming smile.

Flights to Hanoi with Vietnamairlines

Looking for cheap flights to Hanoi?

As the second city of Vietnam by size of population and the first by its designation as the nation's capital, Hanoi is one of the two major international gateways into Vietnam. Alongside Ho Chi Minh city, which was once called Saigon, Hanoi is the perfect entry point for intrepid travellers looking to visit this amazing country.

(click here to book airfare cheap flights Hanoi)

As soon as you descend the steps from your plane, please note that we thoroughly recommend Vietnam Airlines as the best way to fly to Vietnam as they have enjoyable regular flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, you'll find yourself in a land buzzing with energy. The feel in air in modern Hanoi combines an ancient culture and an ambitious modern nation with a young growing population whose values of hard work, fun, achievement and family values are obvious to all who come here.

So if Vietnam sounds like the sort of place you'd like to visit and a flight to Hanoi is on you itinerary, we, at Alternative Airlines, will find you the best way to fly.

As soon as you descend the steps from your plane, please note that we thoroughly recommend Vietnam Airlines as the best way to fly to Vietnam as they have enjoyable regular flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, you'll find yourself in a land buzzing with energy. The feel in air in modern Hanoi combines an ancient culture and an ambitious modern nation with a young growing population whose values of hard work, fun, achievement and family values are obvious to all who come here.

So if Vietnam sounds like the sort of place you'd like to visit and a flight to Hanoi is on you itinerary, we, at Alternative Airlines, will find you the best way to fly.

See the sights of Hanoi

Visiting Hanoi, with its warmth of climate and smiling people, is an experience you will remember for ever.. ask anyone who has been there and see their vibrant response, its amazing! Hanoi is a diverse mix of cultural influences which constantly jostle for your attention. Firstly it's ancient, with over 1000 years of history on this spot as it sits alongside the famous Red River flowing down from China to empty into the South China Sea. Then its ultra modern and booming high tech industrial estates where much of the world's software is crafted by gifted technicians. Between these two extremes is one the world's great cities which is experiencing one of this century great economic booms fuelled by 89 million Vietnamese people and its proximity to the vast markets of modern China.

(click here to book airfare cheap flights Hanoi)

The Vietnamese are great planners, unfortunately the growth of Hanoi has out-stripped their ability to plan and implement hence to the first time visitor it appears chaotic.

Flights to Hanoi arrive at the Noi Bai International Airport which is about 25 miles north of Hanoi city centre and is the only international airport serving the city and the northern part of Vietnam. However soon Hanoi will be served by a totally new major international airport, Hanoi International Airport, costing over $8 billion which will start construction in 2011.This is a massive infrastructure project involving seven years of building work over three phases and including a hospital, two heli-ports, schools, apartments and hotels as well as building the largest and the most modern airport anywhere in Asia. The Vietnamese certainly don't lack ambition ! Phase one alone is planned to accommodate 480 flights a day and 35 million passengers a year with growth aimed at achieving 850 flights daily and 62 million passengers annually by 2025 and then to 1,096 flights daily and 80 million passengers annually by 2035.

From the current Hanoi Noi Bai airport to the city centre is along two highways, both of which deliver the arriving passenger in the centre city in around 45 minutes, depending upon traffic conditions. The journey itself is a rewarding experience with your bus or taxi sharing the main highways with cars of all shapes, motor scooters by the hundred and a separate - but frequently shared lane for often multi-peopled bicycles.

Travel the world with Vietnam Airlines

In addition to its useful domestic network of flights, Vietnam Airlines offers convenient stop over flights from Europe down to the Australian cities of Sydney and Melbourne. Passengers travelling on direct flights to Vietnam can use Vietnam Airlines from many of the world's great cities including Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Prague, Moscow, Rome and Paris in Europe. Arriving in Vietnam on the national carrier is always the best way to arrive having started your Vietnamese experience the moment you boarded the aircraft. 

tickets to vietnam

As suggested above, Vietnam Airlines planning to operate from London soon and whether they choose the popular Heathrow Airport or the currently being upgraded Gatwick it will be an exciting moment when the first Lotus blossom logo'd aircraft touches down here in the UK. Alternative Airlines are closely involved with this new development and we hope to make a special announcement soon.

Book a flight on Vietnam Airlines - with Alternative Airlines With more than 25 years of experience, Alternative Airlines has developed into a specialist in arranging flights to the more unusual destinations around the world, plus we have a special relationship with Vietnam Airlines being one of their top performing agents in the UK - particularly in arranging domestic flights within Vietnam for independent travellers.

To book a flight on Vietnam Airlines (tickets to vietnam), simply use our search tool to provide the details of your journey. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch - we can also help you keep up to date with the latest travel news.

10 reasons flighting in Vietnam (cont.)

WHY VIETNAM #6. Exquisite cuisines 

Have you always been a fan of Vietnamese food? Pho Hung on Spadina- Toronto, Nam Son near Bowery- New York, Le Lotus Blanc on Bourgogne of Paris- They can never be as authentic as the food served in Vietnam (though they all do an awesome job). Vietnamese food goes beyond pho and spring rolls and varies by regions: fresh vegetables continue to dominate the tables, while meat and poultry are rising in popularity. Near the beach such as Nha Trang and Da Nang, you can find plenty of fresh seafood caught in the morning and served in your dinner at very affordable price. A big size king crab costs about $8 and can be shared between 2 people. (click here to book airfare for fights in Vietnam)

WHY VIETNAM # 7. Fast and easy immigration process 

Applying for a visa to Vietnam seems stressful at first- why would you need a visa to Vietnam while you are granted free 30 day entry to Thailand and Ecuador? Vietnam requires you anyway, and to alleviate the pain, the process has been made quite easy. Besides visa at the embassy, Vietnam visas can also be granted upon arrival. All you need to do is to apply online for your approval letter via a number of online travel companies, which are plentiful on the net. The visa letter will be emailed to you after 2 days. If you leave close to the embassy, it will take only about a week.

WHY VIETNAM #8. It’s a natural thing 

Think Vietnam and many still think about a war-torn country- not necessarily but that is usually the case. Vietnam is more than just its war memory: its natural resources are something worth talking about. National parks abound, and you can enjoy a variety of activities you could never enjoyed back in your country: camping and bird-watching in the tropical forest of Cuc Phuong or Cat Ba; renting a jeep and touring Cat Tien national park; wind-surfing crash course in Nha Trang. The bad news is that tourism has brought a lot of commercial activities into the nature. The good news is that there are still a lot more to see, and enjoy.

WHY VIETNAM #9. Traditional festivals

Thanks to its long history, rich tradition and Buddhist influence, Vietnam has festivals organized all year round- many of which are unheard of in the West and really fun to learn about. Tet holiday, for example, is an ideal time to see how families celebrate their love for their ancestors and for each other. Tet should not be mistaken or called Chinese New Year, which may even be an insult to some nationalists. It resembles the Lunar New Year in many ways, but modified with a Vietnamese feel in it. For example, in the countryside, people stay over night and make chung cake- over a bit of fire and some end-of-year gossips. In Hai Phong, the buffalo fighting festival is a well-known occasion: the winning buffalo will get killed and presented to the village god. Even public holidays in Vietnam are worth joining: come to Vietnam on the 2nd of September and you will see nation-wide parades. The whole streets will be lighted by the red flags- and fireworks take over the sky at night. Check our events page to see what events you can join in your next trip. (click here to book airfare for fights in Vietnam)

WHY VIETNAM #10. World famous beaches 

What is more relaxing than spending time in the blue water under the shining sun. Let the waves of Da Nang, Nha Trang or Mui Ne relieve all the stress of the busy day-to-day life. Vietnam has several of the world’s top beach listing. Most of them are safe to swim and there are opportunities for water-sport activities as well. In Nha Trang, for example, you can do kite-running and wind surfing. In Da Nang, enjoy one of the world-class beach resorts- a romantic get away for couples and families alike. In Mui Ne, enjoy the quite with some added wildness while planning for your seafood dinner venture. For beach fans, Vietnam should really be on your list.

Source: VNO

10 reasons flighting in Vietnam

Most travellers place Vietnam in a comparison chart as they decide where to go next: will Thailand, Laos, Hongkong or Vietnam be worth my precious vacation? Will my kids have fun in that place? Will I encounter any problems as a single woman traveler? VietnamOnline will tell you the top 10 reasons why you flight in Vietnam on the agenda for your upcoming trip.

WHY VIETNAM #1: Breathtaking landscape: 

There are no matches to Niagara Falls, Sydney Opera House or the Grand Canyons. However, Vietnam is a truly hidden gem that only those visiting the country themselves will be able to tell. To put it correctly, Vietnam is not short of World Heritage Site: Halong Bay, Phong Nha Ke Bang caves, Hoi An Ancient Street and Cham Islands are all recognized for their intense beauty. However, it is the bits and bites of the non-heritage site that will surprise you further. Da Lat, for example, is too picturesque to miss. French style villas sitting next to a pine forest, bordered by strawberry garden- you feel like Europe but the market scenes speak otherwise. Keo pagoda in Thai Binh province also exemplifies well the no-name beauty of Vietnam: feel the serenity of a religious place, situated amidst greeneries of paddy farms. Whether a must-see site or an off-the-beaten-path attraction, you will not be disappointed.

WHY VIETNAM #2: Friendly and hospitable Vietnamese: 

Like many other neighbor countries in Southeast Asia, Vietnam has a precious treasure: its people. Everywhere you go, you will be welcomed by smiles and kind helps from the locals- whether they know Vietnamese or not. People from Hue, for example, are famous all over the country for their royal-like attitude: elegant and sweet. Those from Hoi An, on the other hand, are known for being honest. If you have time to spend in the Mekong delta of Vietnam, you will even be more surprised and inspired by the way you are received by local farmers. Get impressed!

WHY VIETNAM #3: Affordability 

Vietnam is a well-known destination among budget travellers. Though the price is climbing monthly at a daunting rate, it is still much cheaper than travelling in other continents. There is almost every price for every wallet: a 5 star resort in Da Nang will cost you an equivalent amount to a 3 star hotel near JFK airport. For lower end market, there are a plenty of hostels and guest-houses in most cities. Food costs even lower and street foods are among the best in the world. That says, even in biggest metropolitan areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you can get by a day with $15.

WHY VIETNAM #4: Coffee coffee coffee 

Who do not like coffee (excuse me, tea fans)? There is no Starbuck with the humongous frap and latte but there is the French drip coffee that can be found in EVERY single street of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Why rush in a country like Vietnam? Enjoy a cup of black coffee (ca phe den) or iced coffee with condensed milk (cap he sua da) and watch life goes by on a corner of the street- you will never forget Vietnam. For those who would like to take some coffee home, visit Café Mai (79 Le Van Huu, Hanoi) or Highland Coffee (26 Le Loi, Ho Chi Minh City).

WHY VIETNAM #5: A nowhere-to-be-found travel experience

Vietnam has all the off-the-beaten-path experience that you are all looking for. From staying with an ethnic family in the Northern mountain area of Sa Pa to taking photos over the sunrise in Hoi An to sand-surfing with local kids in Mui Ne- you name them all. A unique travel experience is all about yourself- and the best part about Vietnam is that there are so much to discover after all. Read our “Best of Vietnam” page for more suggestions.

(You can book your airfare to flights in Vietnam here)

Source: VNO

Great Hanoi Trip with Halong Bay and Ninh Binh Day

We just returned from a 5D4N Hanoi Trip and we would like to share our experience. We travelled as a group of 10 family members spanning 3 generations, it was good family bonding time. (click here to book airfare flights from Singapore to Vietnam)

We found a local tour operator Vietnam Awesome Travel through good reviews on the Internet. Initially, we only wanted to book a Halong Bay day trip but the service, suggestions and price we received via email was so good that we ended up booking the hotel, the airport-hotel transfer and the Halong Bay day trip. We emailed different local tour operators for the Halong Bay day trip but none matched the good service and price of Vietnam Awesome Travel.

We were received at the airport by a very friendly Mr Anh who speaks good English. The mini bus for us was in very good condition. We were sent to our hotel in the old town of Hanoi on Ma May street. The office of Vietnam Awesome Travel is just across the road from the hotel which was very convenient.

Our Halong Bay day trip was a private trip. We had the mini bus and the boat to ourselves. The seafood lunch served on the boat was good and the cruise through the bay and the visit to Thien Cung Grotto ("heavenly palace" cave) were enjoyable. We took some amazing pictures.

We were so happy with the Halong Bay day trip we went on to book a Hanoi City tour and a Ninh Binh day trip with Vietnam Awesome Travel. Mr Anh not only offered us these two private trips at great prices again, he even customised them to our needs.

Our Hanoi City tour included the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Residence and Museum, One Pillar Pagoda, Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton), a great lunch, Vietnam Enthnology Museum and Temple of Literature. We were back at the hotel around 4.15pm, rested for 2 hours, then Mr Anh picked us up again with the mini van. We went to Le Mat the "snake village" just outside the city for a snake dinner in a restaurant with elegant Chinese style dinning halls. It was a unique experience.

Our Ninh Binh day trip included the Bai Dinh Pagoda (the biggest in South East Asia, Hoa Lu the ancient capital and an almost two hours local small rowboats (sampan) cruise through Tam Coc the "Halong Bay on land". We passed through three low caves where we could reach up and touch the ceiling.

We did some sight-seeing on our own such as exploring the old town (using the walking tour from Frommers.com), the Hoan Kiem Lake and an evening show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. We also tried Hanoi's famous fried fish at Cha Ca La Vong at no. 14 Cha Ca steet in the old town. Beware of imitation restaurants on Cha Ca street, they even claimed that they are no. 14 when the real Cha Ca La Vong is just across the road! The price at Cha Ca La Vong is high but the authentic experience (you cook and mix the dish yourself at the table) and great taste is worth it. We ordered Cha Ca at another restaurant and the price is half but it is nothing near what we had at Cha Ca La Vong.

We really enjoyed this Hanoi trip and had some great new experiences. Our 5D4N private and customised trip was cheaper with a more interesting itinerary and more sights than 4D3N package trips offered by the tour agencies in our country. We highly recommend Vietnam Awesome Travel to anyone who wants great service and value for their Hanoi visit.

Jess Tan 

Top #5 Travel Tips for Vietnam

Vietnam had been on our travel wish-list for some time, not only because it was where Hai was born but because almost every traveler we met raved about it, and we can understand why. We spent three weeks traveling from the south to the north. It’s do-able but we’d recommend a month if you have it to cover the long distances and account for delays. Here are our top picks from our time in this wonderfully chaotic and colorful nation.

(click here to book airfare fights from Singapore to Vietnam)

1. Go South 

The Mekong Delta region is worth the trip south from Ho Chi Minh City. Not only is there a super-relaxed vibe, but you’ll eat some of the most delicious food Vietnam has to offer, the kind that makes you want to lick your plate clean or slurp every last mouthful of broth from your finished noodle soup. Don’t even get me started on the coffee: hands down the best we tasted in the country.

2. Get to know Vietnam’s war history from the Vietnamese perspective                     

Vietnam is much more than a war, but you can’t put what you experience in the country into context without knowing something about it. And there are many opportunities to get in touch with Vietnam’s war past.

While it is super touristy and you’ll be herded around like cattle, take a tour of the Củ Chi tunnels on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City to experience the underground guerrilla network for yourself. Crawling through the hot and narrow tunnels will give you a momentary sense of what conditions must have been like during conflict. Then learn more about the Vietnam War and the effects of Agent Orange at Ho Chi Minh’s War Remnants Museum. It’s not an easy visit, but you’ll come out humbled about the gravity of war and its ongoing legacy. Most Củ Chi tunnel tours swing by the War Remnants Museum on the way back for those who’d like to make it a full day outing.

Downed B52, Hanoi, Vietnam.

3. Get a bus from your bus                                                               

Most bus companies operate a free shuttle service from bus stations to your hotel in town. They are usually unmarked and unpublicized to foreigners so that the taxi services inevitably waiting for you as soon as you step out of the bus can make their dong out of you. Watch the locals and follow their lead. Sometimes it takes a few minutes for the buses/vans to come, so don’t be put off by the empty bus station and save yourself a most likely inflated trip into town.

4. Take a free walking tour in Hanoi                                              

Want to experience the capital from a local’s perspective without paying for and joining a tour group? Then check out Hanoi Free Walking Tours. They are a student-run organization who provide free English guiding services around the city. While they have some itineraries on their website, these are just as some inspiration. You can go wherever you like for a full or half day depending on your interests. You’ll just need to cover the costs of the student(s) – admission fees, lunch etc and any tips you may want to give. The tour is always private even if you are a solo traveler so you can be sure to have a very personalized experience and lots of interaction with your new friend(s).

5. Whatever you do, get to Sapa

Sapa is not only one of the most spectacular places you will ever see, but it is so different to other parts of Vietnam that you won’t have truly experienced all that the country has to offer without going here. Go straight to the locals for a true village homestay experience and we promise you won’t regret it.

Source: Notes of Nomads

Top Things to See and Do in Vietnam

You’ve probably seen it in the background of countless war movies, but nothing can prepare you for the epic beauty of Vietnam. While it isn’t my favorite country in the world, it is very beautiful and there is no denying that. From the natural beauty of Sam Mountain and Halong Bay to the man-made artistry of the sacred temples and pagodas, Vietnam has a lot to offer. Many travelers either love or hate it here as it’s a hard country to travel through, but despite the challenges, you will find a very interesting place to visit.

(Click here to booking cheap airfare Vietnam)

Top Things to See and Do

• Admire the Pagodas – Vietnam’s most distinctive architecture can be been in the pagodas which are found all over the country. They are notable for their beautiful and intricate carvings. Pagodas are used as shrines and temples and are treasured by the Vietnamese people.
• Wander Hanoi – Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi combines French colonialism with Eastern influences.  Enjoy an afternoon exploring the narrow streets of the Old Quarter or visit the countless temples and galleries dotted around this bustling city.  Don’t miss the History Museum which showcases artifacts from Vietnam’s colorful history and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
• Relax in Dalat – Dalat is nestled in the hills of the Central Highlands and is popular with tourists who want to relax in the mountain air.  People flock here to enjoy its serene atmosphere and natural beauty.  The hills around Dalat are filled with traditional tribal villages which you can tour but there is plenty to do within the city itself too.  Visit the imaginatively titled Palace 1, Palace 2 and Palace 3.
• Tour the Mekong Delta – The delta is a 60,000km long web of interconnected waterways which spans across three Vietnamese provinces.  The area is filled with small craft villages, Khmer Pagodas, mangroves, orchards and the trademark floating markets.  The best way to experience delta life is to go on one of the many boat or bike tours. Spend a view days exploring the region.
• Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels – Crawl through the extensive network of nearly 500 km of tunnels utilized by the Viet Cong in the war with the USA in the 1960s.  Tours involve a description of the tunnels, after which tourists are allowed to crawl about the maze and fire AK47s at shooting targets.
• Visit Cuc Phuong National Park – 120 km southwest of Hanoi lies Vietnam’s first National Park, Cuc Phuong.  Covering 61,000, this place is home to over 2000 species of trees and some truly rare wildlife including the Clouded leopard, Delacour’s Langur and Owston’s Civet. It was my favorite park in all of Vietnam and the only place I could avoid hordes of tourists.
• Hang Out in Hoi An – Hoi An is one of the most popular destinations for tourists traveling to the country.  The place is packed with historical homes and buildings and quaint cafes.  It’s small and great for walking, buying suits (they have a huge fashion and tailor market), eating, and relaxing by the river. It was easily my favorite place in Vietnam.
• Explore Ho Chi Minh City – Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam’s largest city and is definitely worth exploring.  Like most cities in Vietnam, you’ll be met with the roar of motorbikes speeding through colonial streets.  Ben Thanh market is a must-see for amazing food and there is a great buzz of activity within the place.
• Hike in Halong Bay – More than 3000 islands sit within the emerald green waters of Halong Bay, one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Cat Ba island has great for hiking and many tourists find themselves taking one of the cave tours. Tours here usually leave from Hanoi and last 3 or 5 days. Try to find a good operator as many oversell or lie about what their boats look like.
• Get Active in Mui Ne - Despite being a fishing village, Mui Ne has got a significant tourism scene, due to its popularity as a wind- and kitesurfing destination, and because of the pretty sand dunes that lie nearby.
• See My Son - My Son is a set of Hindu ruins in Vietnam which date back to the Cham Empire. The Champas ruled over Central Vietnam from the 3rd to the 19th century. The temples here are of incredible historical importance, but they have been largely reclaimed by the surrounding jungle, and have fallen into a great state of disrepair. Don’t come here expecting something as marvelously preserved as Borobudur or Angkor Wat.
• Visit the Caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang - Hang Son Doong is reputed to be the world’s largest cave, and is located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. It was discovered by a local in 1990, and “rediscovered” by a British caving team in 2009. You can arrange trips to see this stunning cave. Be prepared to be blown away by its beauty.
• Dive in Nha Trang - This area is full of seaside resorts, and has a distinct urban feel. However, the beautiful sand and clear water make it a major spot for scuba diving in Vietnam.
• Check out the Rice Terraces - Outside of connections to the Vietnam War, the stereotypical image of Vietnam is of the many rice paddies. You can find these in the Muong Hoa valley.

Destination Guides for flights in Vietnam

Hanoi

Ho Chi Minh City

Hoi An

Nha Trang

 ( Click here to booking cheap airfare Vietnam)

Typical Costs

Accommodation: Hostels start at $6 USD per night. Private rooms average about $18 USD for a double room.

• Food: By eating at street stalls and markets you can get a bowl of pho or a rice dish for $1 USD. Sit down restaurants are also inexpensive at around $2-4 USD.
• Transportation: Bus travel is very cheap in Vietnam.  As an example, the public bus around Ho Chi Min City will cost a maximum of $.15 USD.  The train is also another inexpensive way to travel with the 791km long train journey from Danang and to Hanoi costing $26 USD.
• Activities: Many of Vietnam’s attractions are based around its natural beauty and as such, cost very little. For organized excursions such as touring the Cu Chi tunnels you can expect to pay $5 USD. Halong Bay tours from Hanoi start at $24 USD for two-day trips and increase exponentially from there.

Money Saving Tips

• Street Food – The food is usually excellent, really cheap and you can watch it being cooked in front of you. Stick to the local food and you’ll save money. The street-side Pho, bread, and bananas are your best deals.
• Late-night travel - If traveling long journeys, try to take the late night bus or train as this will save you the cost of a night’s accommodation.
• Take the Tourist Bus – It is actually cheaper to take the tourist bus around the country than taking local transportation because of the “tourist” price you get at the bus station.
• Bargain Hard - Tourists tend to be charged more than locals for everything from cyclos to street food. Bargain harder than you would ordinarily, and don’t underestimate the value of walking away.

Source: Nomadic Matt

Flights Hanoi: 25 Essential Tips for Travel to and in Hanoi

Ditch the guidebooks and grab your passport. Here’s all you need to know about flights Hanoi, so what’re you waiting for?

1. Visa 

You can pre-arrange a visa on arrival online but you run the risk of waiting up to 90 minutes in Hanoi airport while the visa officers decide whose turn it is to do some work. Better to get it sorted before you leave, through your local embassy or travel agent.

2. Flights

Don’t book your flights too soon, but don’t leave it too late either. Airlines tend to jack their prices up six months before the travel date, slowly bring them down until two to three weeks before travel, then start to raise them again.

flights Hanoi

Long Bien Bridge -- the SSG Barnes of the transport world

3. Booking

When you do book, best options from Singapore can be found at these carriers:

Air Asia

Cathay Pacific

Dragon Air

Hong Kong Airlines

Vietnam Airlines: www.vietnamairlines.com

4. Taxis

Hanoi cabs are cheap and pretty decent. A ride into town from Noi Bai airport costs around VND 350,000 (US$17) and a 10-minute ride in-city around VND 30,000. Your hotel may also arrange a pick-up and drop-off service from and to the airport.

Most reputable cab companies are Hanoi Taxi (+84 (0)4 3853 5353), Taxi CP (+84 (0)4 3826 2626) and Mai Linh Taxi (+84 (0)4 3861 6161).

5. Shuttle buses

Are cheaper: VND 40,000 (US$2) from the airport to the Old Quarter, but drivers may try to persuade you into staying at “their cousin’s hotel” by saying a typhoon in Halong Bay means your chosen hotel is still full. Don’t believe them.

6. Buses

Are cheaper still, VND 5,000 (US$0.25) from the airport to the Old Quarter, but they won’t take your baggage unless you offer a small “luggage fee.” In town a ride costs a standard fare of VND 3,000.

It must have been coupon day at the fizzy pop store

7. Scooter taxis

The best way to experience the rush and blur of daily Hanoi life, just make sure you are equipped with a helmet. And as they don’t have meters make sure you know what you’re paying before you set off. A typical 10-minute ride should cost around VND 10,000-15,000 (US$0.50-0.75).

8. Communication

Most locals speak a few phrases of English, but don’t count on it. You could try your luck with a Vietnamese phrase book, but it’s a tonal language and so your pronunciation may not be quite up to it. Best bet is to hire a personal tour guide or just wing it with the international language of wild bodily gesticulation.

9. Tours

Everywhere offers guided tours, but one of our favorites is an innovative concept from a student-run NGO: Hanoi Kids Tours. The idea is for tourists to get a flavor of the city by being shown around by local children. www.hanoikids.org; hanoikidsvn@gmail.com;

10. Currency

There are around 20,000 Vietnamese dong to one U.S. dollar, so don’t freak out when the bar tab comes along. U.S. dollars are also widely accepted.

11. ATMs

Cash is king and cash dispensers are everywhere. International ATMs include HSBC and ANZ Bank but many have a maximum withdrawal of VND 1 million (US$50). If you need more head to the ANZ ATM near Hoan Kiem Lake, which has a limit of VND 9.9 million.

12. Climate

An intolerable mix of heat and humidity in the summer (June-August) reaching 40 C, a pleasant shower-splashed spring (March-May), a gorgeous walking-in-the-park-every-day fall (September-November) and a cold yet humid winter (December-February).

13. Vaccinations

Travelers are always advised to get themselves protected against the most common diseases, including: Hepatitis B, tetanus-diphtheria and typhoid. Also wise to take anti-malarials if you’re spending long periods outside the major urban areas or traveling in the hot and humid months.

Her tofu dessert was almost as sweet as her smile

14. Eating

You can’t come to Hanoi and not eat pho ga (chicken noodle soup). In fact, you can’t avoid it. Other "delicacies" such as cobra blood wine and dog meat get written about a lot, but aren’t common and are mostly avoided by locals.

Some great eateries worth checking out:

Verticale, 19 Ngo Van So St., +84 (0)4 3944 6317; www.verticale-hanoi.com. French-Vietnamese fusion.

Cam Chan Quan, 108 K1 Giang Vo St., +84 (0)123 259 7696. Singapore-oriented fare

La, 25 Ly Quoc Su St.,, Hoan Kiem;+84 (0)4 928 8933. Western bistro.

Joma Bakery Café, 21 Dien Bien Phu, & 54 To Ngoc Van. Fairtrade organic café.

La Badiane, 10 Nam Ngu, Cua Nam, Hoan Kiem; +84 (0)4 3942 4509. French experimental.

15. Drinking

You can’t come to Hanoi and not find yourself at least once sitting on a tiny plastic seat that feels like its about to buckle under you sipping on a mild beer in a frosted glass. Hanoi’s bia hoi are about drinking beer, and that’s it. Best to arrive at 5 p.m. as they tend to run out of beer around 8 p.m. 

Other bars you could check out include:

Tet Bar, (on the northern end of Ta Hien street). Loud rock.

Nola, 89 Ma May St. Friendly and comfortable

Sunset Bar - InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, 1A Nghi Tam, +84 (0)4 6270 8888. Classy sunset views.

Hanoi can actually seem to get busier at night

16. Sleeping

There’s a wide range of accommodation in Hanoi. Here are a few select options:

Budget

Especen Hotel, 28-38 Tho Xuong St. and 41 Ngo Huyen St., Hoan Kiem; +84 (0)4 3824 4401; especen@gmail.com. New rooms, good service.

Hanoi Backpackers' Hostel, 48 Ngo Huyen St., Hoan Kiem; +84 (0)4 3828 5372; www.hanoibackpackershostel.com; info@hanoibackpackershostel.com. Aussie-run hostel.

Mid-range

Joseph’s Hotel, 5 Au Trieu St., Hoan Kiem; +84 (0)4 3938 1046; www.josephshotel.com; info@josephshotel.com. Free Wi-Fi, comfy rooms, nice service, well located.

Hanoi Elegance Emerald, 85 Ma May St., Hoan Kiem; +84 (0)4 3926 3451; www.hanoielegancehotel.com/; reservation@hanoielegancehotel.com. New boutique hotel on quiet street.

Premium

Sofitel Metropole Hanoi Hotel, 15 Ngo Quyen St.; +84 (0)4 3826 6919; www.sofitel.com; sofitelhanoi@hn.vnn.vn. Grand, historical, heritage-listed and opulent.

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, 1A Nghi Tam, Tay Ho; +84 (0)4 6270 8888; www.ichotelsgroup.com; Reservation.Hanoi@ihg.com. Lake-side suites with private balconies.

Strong coffee + lots of sweet milk = an hour of the shakes

17. Shopping

Hanoi’s old Quarter is lined with various fashion stores, souvenir stalls, snack and trinket sellers. But if you’re looking for an air-conditioned mall experience head for the Vincom City Towers where you’ll find luxury brands, a cinema and a colorful gaming area. Vincom City Towers, 191 Ba Trieu St., Hai Ba Trung.

18. Doing

Various popular tourist activities include Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum/Museum, the Hanoi Hilton prison (officially called Hoa Lo Prison), Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and “green” city tours on electric carts. They’re all worth a peek, and you could do all these in one afternoon.

Don’t miss the night market in the Old Quarter, from 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturday. More about strolling around aimlessly than shopping.

And make sure you check out Long Bien bridge, an awesome spectacle bolted together by history.

19. Coffee

If Hanoians aren’t drinking beer, they’re drinking coffee. Check out Café Pho Co, a café hidden behind a home hidden behind a souvenir shop, and one of the best places to get a view across Hoan Kiem Lake. 11 Hang Gai, Hanoi; +84 (0)4 3928 8153

20. Don’t bother with

The one-pillar pagoda. A hut on a cement column is just a hut on a cement column, no matter how old.

21. Internet

If scooters are the most obvious Hanoi quality, Internet cafés come not far behind. They’re everywhere. All hotels have connections too.

22. Traffic

When Hanoi people move they tend to do it on scooters. And if you wait for a break in the flow of scooters when trying to cross the road, you may miss your flight home. Walk out with intent, and they will avoid you. We promise.

Halong Bay -- four hours away but a world apart from Hanoi

23. Day trips

Trips out of Hanoi are easily arranged via hotels or tour agents. If you want to check out Halong Bay (and you should) spend a night on a boat there too. It’s too far for getting there and back comfortably in one day and this way you can explore some great caves and do some kayaking too.

Or take a trip to the Perfume Pagoda 60 kilometers away. It’s a great way to get some fresh air and chill out on a boat ride for a day.

For a longer getaway, consider a trip to Sapa for a few days. You can travel the 350 kilometers from Hanoi by train and minibus and it has some amazing mountain treks. Hiring a guide is essential.

24. Photography

You’ll be tempted to snap away at everything so photogenic is Hanoi, especially the Old Quarter. But many locals find it rude to be photographed, especially the older ones, so be polite and ask first.

25. Don’t be scared

Hanoi can overwhelm you, but that’s what’s great about it. Try everything, go everywhere, and if you do get lost, physically or mentally, just ask someone for help. A smile can solve anything in this city.

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