10 STRANGEST OR MOST ASKED QUESTIONS

1.     Can I rent a motorbike in Hanoi?

Yes, you can only need to present your passport and pay a small deposit. Be daring and rent a Minsk: there are a number of vintage Russian motorbikes still available in Hang Bac and Dinh Liet streets in the Old Quarter. There is even a Minsk Club, a Hanoi equivalent to the Hell’s Angles…..

2.     What time does the Dong Xuan night market open?

Running from Hang Dao, Hang Ngang, Hang Duong, up to Dong Xuan, this night market opens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, from 7:00 PM until 12:00 PM. Ideal for good  bargains: clothes, accessories, shoes, sandals… at a very friendly price.

3.     Is Hoan Kiem Lake a natural or an artificial lake?

This lake, like the Ho Tay (the West Lake) was once part of the Red River and was left behind when the river changed its course to where it is today, thousands of years ago.

4.     Where is the Old Quarter?

Our TIC Tourist Information Centre is located in the heart of the Old Quarter. A maze of crowded streets still bearing traces of old colonial buildings, to be explored on foot or by cyclo.

5.     Where can I eat the best pho?

Rule #1: Pho is best eaten in places that sell nothing else, places that exclusively offer noodle soup with kitchen (Pho Ga) or with beef (Pho Bo). Bowls of fresh lemons, chili, fish sauce and vinegar (with garlic and chili) will give the additional tang to this heavenly dish, an essential part to the food culture in Vietnam. Don’t be put off by the plastic stool and the basic cutlery: this might be the best soup you will ever taste.

6.     Where can I learn to wrap a spring roll (nem)?

There are many of cooking classes offer short courses to make a spring roll of your own, as well as other Vietnamese specialities. Check our addresses.

7.     Where is the French quarter?

Hanoi’s French Quarter with grand boulevards and wide pavements is to the south and east of Hoan Kiem Lake. In the process of building their capital, the French cleared many of the ancient Vietnamese monuments and replaced them with Parisan-style buildings such as the stately Opera House, based on the neo-Baroque Paris Opera, the near by History Museum, the main artery of the French Quarter, Trang Tien Street, the reknowned Metropole Hotel.

8.     Why do the loudspeakers start so early in the morning?

Each district runs a daily information bulletin for its inhabitants. Every morning, usually from 6.00 AM to 6.30 AM, the local authorities broadcast (very loudly) local news of the interest to the residents on their ubiquitous sound system: advice on community life (“tidy your surroundings”, birth control campaigns, army duties reminders, martial arts…An effective technique to wake up the late riser.

9.     What’s a “ban bao” (“news boy”)?

In the morning, young boys hang around the Opera and the Hoan Kiem Lake with their load of newspapers, magazines and Xeroxed books. For a minimal amount, you can buy or even rent your daily copy while getting your shoes shined (5,000 vnd a pair) and sipping your coffee on a small stool in the open.

10.  Where to learn to cook Vietnamese cuisine?

Hanoi Cooking Centre

Hanoi Cooking Centre classes are scheduled Monday to Saturday at 9am, 2.30 and 6pm. Classes begin with a tour of the local market. Upon return, you will prepare at least 4 dishes at your own station, in a purpose built, fully air-conditioned training kitchen. After class enjoy your meal, accompanied by local beer or wine.

44 Chau Long, Ba Dinh District

Tel: (04) 3715 0088

www.hanoicookingcentre.com

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