Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SCAM ALERT!
Hanoi is a very safe city on the whole and crimes against tourists are extremely rare. That said, the
city certainly has its share of scams. Make sure you report scams to the Vietnam National Adminis-
tration of Tourism ( 04-3942 3760; www.vietnamtourism.gov.vn ; 80 Quan Su), which might well
pressure the cowboys into cleaning up their act.
» Fake Hotels Beware of taxis and minibuses at the airport that take unwitting tourists to the wrong
hotel. Invariably, the hotel has appropriated the name of another popular property and will then at-
tempt to swindle as much of your money as possible. Check out a room before you check in, and walk
on if you have any suspicions.
» Hotel Tours Some budget-hotel staff have been verbally aggressive and threatened physical violen-
ce towards guests who've declined to book tours through their in-house tour agency. Don't feel pres-
sured, and if it persists find another place to stay.
» Women Walking alone at night is generally safe in the Old Quarter, but you should always be aware
of your surroundings. Hailing a taxi is a good idea if it's late and you have a long walk home.
» The Kindness of Strangers There's a scam going on around Hoan Kiem Lake in which a friendly
local approaches you, offering to take you out. You end up at a karaoke bar or a restaurant, where the
bill is upwards of US$100. Gay men have been targeted in this way. Exercise caution and follow your
instincts.
Getting There & Away
AIR
Hanoi has fewer international flights than Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), but with a change
of aircraft in Hong Kong or Bangkok you can get almost anywhere.
Vietnam Airlines ( 1900 545 486; www.vietnamair.com.vn ; 25 P Trang Thi; 8am-5pm Mon-Fri)
Links Hanoi to destinations throughout Vietnam including Dalat, Danang, Dien Bien Phu,
HCMC, Hue and Nha Trang, all served daily.
Jetstar Airways ( 1900 1550; www.jetstar.com ) Operates low-cost flights to Danang, HCMC
and Nha Trang.
VietJet Air ( 1900 1886; www.vietjetair.com ) This low-cost airline has flights to Hanoi, Nha
Trang, Danang, Dalat and Bangkok.
BUS
Hanoi has four main long-distance bus stations, each serving a particular area. It's a good
idea to arrange your travel the day before you want to leave. The stations are pretty well
organised with ticket offices, displayed schedules and fixed prices.
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