3. Safety — Hanoi is not a dangerous city and most visitors enjoy holidays in the city free from any unfortunate incidents. A certain degree of petty crime is present and some basic steps should be taken to minimize the risk of being targeted by thieves. Wallets and purses are easily picked in crowded places so keep them in hard to reach places and keep cash in a money belt if possible. Bags also are common targets, both for snatchers and thieves looking to help themselves to their contents in busy public places, so make sure you wear them securely about your person and keep them within visual range at all times.
- Do not wear shorts, dresses or skirts, or tops with low-neck lines and bare shoulders to Temples and Pagodas. To do this is considered extremely rude and offensive.
- Do not give handkerchiefs, anything black, yellow flowers or chrysanthemums as a gift.
- Avoid public displays of affection with a member of the opposite sex.
- Do not touch someone’s head.
- Do not point with your finger – use your hand.
- Do not pass anything over someone’s head.
- Do not touch anyone on the shoulder.
- Do not touch a member of the opposite sex.
- Do not take photos of military installations.
- Do not encourage the habit of paying local people to take photographs of them, as it encourages a begging mentality.
5. Sleeping –– Hanoi has long become a famous destination among not only domestic but also foreign travelers. Going along with that is a wide range of accommodation in Hanoi, from budget to luxury ones well equipped with modern facilities, fitting the demand of both business and leisure travelers. So, don’t worry about not finding anywhere to stay in Hanoi.
6. Shopping — Everyone to Hanoi cannot miss the chance to enjoy shopping in Hanoi Old Quarter which is lined with various fashion stores, souvenir stalls, snack and trinket sellers. But please remember that these streets give you a view of traditional shopping model, and of course there is no air-conditioning there. So, if you’re looking for an air-conditioned mall experience, head for the Vincom City Towers or Grand Plaza, Keangnam Tower, etc. where you’ll find luxury brands, a cinema and a colorful gaming area.
7. Doing – There are numerous attractions in Hanoi for you to enjoy, such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the 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.
And make sure you check out Long Bien bridge, an awesome spectacle bolted together by history.
