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Hanoi Travel Resources

Hanoi Travel Resources

Hanoi Vietnam Travel Guide

Essential Digital Tools

Essential Apps for the Destination

  • Grab:

    For booking transit and food delivery.

  • Google Maps:

    For navigation, public transport routes, and places to see.

  • Maps.me:

    Offers offline maps, useful without internet access.

  • Google Translate:

    Download Vietnamese offline package for language assistance.

  • Zalo:

    A favored local messaging app for local contacts.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

  • Vietnam National Administration of Visiting:

    Provides official tourism information and destination guides.

  • Vietnam Immigration Department:

    The authoritative source for visa information and e-visa applications.

  • Booking.com / Agoda / Airbnb:

    Main websites for accommodation bookings.

  • VNExpress International, Tuoi Tre News:

    English-language local news sites for current events.

  • HappyCow:

    For finding vegetarian and vegan dining options.

Offline Companions

Recommended Guidebooks and Maps

Lonely Planet Vietnam, A Popular series of travel guidebooks Vietnam, Fodor's Vietnam. Pick up city maps from your hotel.

Books About the Destination History, Culture, Fiction

"The Sorrow of War" by Bao Ninh, "Catfish and Mandala" by Andrew X. Pham, "Vietnam: A History" by Stanley Karnow, "A Dragon Apparent" by Norman Lewis.

Local Publications Worth Picking Up

"The Word HCMC" (often contains Vietnam-wide info). Look for the nearby city guides/magazines in hotels for happenings.

Safety & Well-being

Emergency Numbers and Contacts

  • Police: 113
  • Fire: 114
  • Ambulance: 115
  • Your country's Embassy/Consulate in Hanoi.

Hospital and Clinic Locations

  • Vinmec International Hospital: Private, high standards.
  • French Hospital Hanoi: Reputable private option.
  • Hanoi Family Medical Practice: International clinic.
  • Bach Mai Hospital: Largest public hospital.

Deepen Your Understanding

Documentaries and Films About the Destination

  • "The Vietnam War" (PBS series by Ken Burns & Lynn Novick).
  • "Indochine" (film) set in French colonial Vietnam.
  • Travel documentaries focusing on Vietnamese culture, cuisine, and scenery.
  • "Greetings, Vietnam" (film) for historical context.

Music and Art to Experience Before or During the Trip

  • Traditional Vietnamese folk music (Quan Ho, Ca Tru).
  • Contemporary Vietnamese pop music.
  • Music accompanying water puppetry.
  • Vietnamese silk paintings, lacquerware, calligraphy.

Online Communities and Forums for Travelers

  • TripAdvisor forums for specific questions and recommendations.
  • Reddit (r/vietnam, r/hanoi) active traveler communities.
  • Facebook expat groups for local insights and connections.
  • Blogs and vlogs from people who have also traveled.

Critical Travel Information

Health Precautions

Vaccination Reminders

  • Consult doctor for recommended shots.
  • Keep vaccination records accessible.
  • Yellow fever certificate if from endemic area.
  • Malaria prophylaxis discussion.

Food & Water Safety

  • Stick to bottled water only.
  • Avoid ice from unknown sources.
  • Eat hot, freshly prepared meals.
  • Peel fruits yourself.

Common Illnesses

  • Diarrhea (Traveler's Diarrhea).
  • Mosquito-borne diseases (Dengue).
  • Heatstroke symptoms.
  • Skin infections.

Personal Well-being

Hand Washing

  • Regularly wash your hands with soap.
  • Use hand sanitizer.
  • Before eating, after restrooms.

Sun Protection

  • Apply high SPF sunscreen regularly.
  • Wear wide-sun hats.
  • Seek shade during peak hours.

Travel Prepared

Travel Insurance

  • Confirm coverage for medical emergencies.
  • Verify cancellation clauses.
  • Document policy details.

Staying Connected

  • Local SIM card for communication.
  • NordVPN for secure internet use.
  • Portable power bank.

Entry Essentials

Passport Checklist

  1. Valid for 6 months beyond stay.
  2. At least two blank pages.
  3. Copy stored digitally.
  4. Keep secure at all times.
  5. Emergency contact specifics inside.

Visa Acquisition Process

  1. Determine visa type required.
  2. Apply for e-visa online.
  3. Print approval letter.
  4. Carry passport photos.
  5. Confirm entry requirements with embassy.

Money Matters

Currency Exchange

Exchange at banks or reputable changers. Avoid airport kiosks for large sums.

ATM Usage

Use ATMs from large banks. Inform your home bank of travel plans.

Budgeting Tips

Track daily expenses. Bargain politely at markets for fair prices.

Emergency Contact Reminder

Always maintain local emergency numbers and your embassy details readily available.

Traveler's Toolkit

Speak with Confidence

Basic Phrases

  • Hello:

    Xin chào

  • Thank you:

    Cảm ơn

  • Excuse me:

    Xin lỗi

Language Apps

  • Babbel:

    For organized language learning.

  • Google Translate:

    To translate things quickly.

  • Phrasebook:

    For offline access to common phrases.

Find Your Way

Offline Maps

Download Maps.me or Google Maps offline regions before arrival.

Download Maps.me

Public Transport

Understand bus schedules and the fare system. Ask locals for directions.

Plan routes

Walking Tours

Explore the Old Quarter with guided or self-guided walking tours.

Smart Packing

Luggage Essentials

  • Lightweight luggage.
  • Packing cubes for organization.
  • Daypack for excursions.
  • A collapsible shopping bag.

Personal Items

  • Universal adapter.
  • Portable charger.
  • Refillable water bottle.
  • Small first-aid kit.

Secure Your Devices

VPN Usage

  • Use a VPN for public Wi-Fi.
  • Protect personal data.
  • Access geo-restricted content.
  • Ensure browsing privacy.

Data Backup

  • Cloud-based storage for photos.
  • Offline copies of documents.
  • Secure sensitive information.
  • Enable remote wipe for devices.

Travel Smarter

Embrace digital tools and area resources. They ease your journey.

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