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■ Population: 3.5 million
■ Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND); US dollars are accepted at major tourist outlets, hotels and restaurants
■ Country and city code: +84, +4
■ Tourist info: The Hapro Tourist Information Centre 7 Dinh Tien Hoang Street
■ tel: +84 (4) 926 3366
■ website: www.vietnamtourism.com
FUN FACT
Vietnam is one of the biggest consumers of Armagnac regionally, a run-off from the nation’s swift economic success.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (corner of Ngoc Ha and Le Hong Phong streets, Ba Dinh district) Built in 1975, this imposing structure was co-financed by the Soviet Union and is one of the most visited places in Vietnam. People come to pay their respects to the entombed Uncle “Ho” whom they regard as the father of modern Vietnam.
Cho Hom (Hue Street, Hai Ba Trung district)
One of the joys of visiting Hanoi is getting your clothing tailor-made. Though most tailors have material for you to choose from, you’re better off buying it at the huge fabric market downtown. You will find all sorts of patterns piled high and a stream of stall-holders ready to strike a deal with you.
Dogma (13 Hang Bac Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem district)
Original Vietnamese propaganda art is fetching big bucks these days, but copies are equally popular and within everyone’s price range. Dogma sells printed posters, T-shirts, mugs and books which feature recreations of old propaganda pictures, complete with anti-imperialist slogans.
Chim Sao (65 Ngo Hue, Hai Ba Trung district, tel: +84 (0)4 976 0633)
For well-priced Vietnamese dishes, Chim Sao offers traditional cuisine with vegetarian options in a comfortable, colonial setting. Seating upstairs is on traditional bamboo mats at low bamboo tables. $
Cook and Cook (3 Ngo Ba Trieu, Hai Ba Trung district, tel: +84 – 4) 974 6279)
Indulge yourself at this teppanyaki-style Korean restaurant, with a large selection of meat diced and grilled at your table. Portions are generous and filling, so come with an empty stomach. $$
Lighthouse (51 Phuc Tan, Hoan Kiem)
Hanoi’s nightlife may not be as vibrant as its neighbouring countries, but those desperate to experience what goes on late at night should head to the Lighthouse. Situated on the Red River, watch traffic crawl over two bridges as you enjoy a beer and the DJ’s set.
Daewoo Hotel (260 Kim Ma Street, Ba Dinh District)
* This five-star hotel overlooks the scenic Thu Le Lake. All rooms have both city views or lake views. The old quarter of Hanoi (where the main shopping area can be found) is just a 15-minute drive away. The hotel’s restaurant provides diverse culinary delights. Room rates start from SGD341. $$$
Hotel Bodega (133 Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem district)
The room in this large hotel range from the incredibly spacious to the not-so-spacious.
The hotel is on one of the busier Old Quarter streets and is constantly a hive of excitment - have your camera at the ready! Room rates start from USD15 (SGD22). $
BY HELEN CLARK
* FOR EXCLUSIVE DEALS, BOOK HOTELS AT www.TIGERAIRWAYS.COM
