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How to have your best Halong cruise tour? What are the top tips for your travel? This will help you answer all necessary questions to get the greatest Halong Bay 1 day cruise ever. Let’s check and see what you need to prepare for your trip. We make sure you will get all information you want.

Halong Bay Overview

Halong is a part of Quang Ninh province, which is 144 kilometers from Hanoi. This name is meaningful, it is known as “descending dragon”. Being recognized as a UNESCO world heritage, Halong Bay is famous not only in Vietnam but also all over the world.  This owns more than 1600 islands and islets, and be one of top new 7 natural wonders of the 20th century.

Ha Long is one of the new 7 Wonders of the world.

Why Take Halong Bay 1 Day Cruise?

Having a chance to visit Halong is great to all. It is clean, wild, majestic and safe. The environment is wonderful and the air is fresh. Enjoying both natural beauty and food is what a traveler should do. So what is the best way to get this? Taking Ha Long Cruises! This is the most popular way chosen by almost comers in Ha Long Bay.

Halong Bay cruises help visitors enjoy Ha Long beauty.

• From the luxurious boats to normal ones, you can see many islets around and enjoy the food at the same time. You can easily enjoy cool wind and sunbathe on the highest floor.
• From the sea, HaLong shows its strength to the world. You can see not only its blue clean water but also see how majestic the rocky mountains are. And of course, you can immerse yourself with the world.
• There are many far islets in Halong where you can get troubles to get to on your own. Taking Halong Bay 1 day cruise, you can have help from others, be safer and easier to get there. You can also save time and health to discover many things during the trip.
• Many kinds of cruises are serve well for each customer. You can choose one which is suitable for your budget. Do not worry about money!
• Experiencing very unique activities such as having dinners in a cave, kayaking or having time to enjoy special food.
• Ha Long is a great hotspot in Vietnam as well as in Asia. This is considered the 7th Wonder of the World. Of course, you should not miss your chance to adventure a great destination like this.

1. How to Have Your Best Halong Bay 1 Day Cruise

To have your best Halong Bay 1 day cruise,  you need to have a good plan. A good plan means a plan with the specific number which can express your hope and demand. Please answer carefully our question to have a great tour ever.

2. How long do you want to stay?

To choose a tour, the first is to decide how long to stay there. This can help you save your budget well and have a very clear schedule. To visit Halong Bay, people often spend 1 day, 2 days 1 night or 3 days 2 nights. In this article, we will help you get the best preparation for your Halong Bay cruise day tour. There are 3 types of Halong 1 day cruise:

• 4 hours
• 6 hours
• 8 hours

The schedule depends on each boat you choose. In fact, almost boats we mention in the next part offers these 3 kinds of Halong Bay day cruise tour. You can contact the boat through their hotline, or ask the tour guide to get a clear view for your tour.

3. Where to go in Ha Long

The second thing to care is about the places you go to. If you know where to go, you can decide well which kind of boat to use, how long to get there and how much money you will spend. Knowing the right places, right sites to adventure is what you should decide very first. We can mention below some great destinations for you to choose when visiting Ha Long:

• Hon Ga Choi Island: a special destination to visit.
• Castaway Island
• Ti Top Island: a charming island to visit if you are in Halong.
• Soi Sim Island
• Bai Chay beach: a famous beach to enjoy during your Halong tours.
• Bai Tu Long bay: a beautiful bay in Halong.
• Ha Long Bay
• Tuan Chau Island: a very famous hotpot in Halong Bay.
• Dragon Eye Island
• Ngoc Vung Island
• Quan Lan Island
• Luon Island

Because you will have a Halong Bay 1 day cruise, so you should check to find some famous places to visit or choose some which are near each other. This helps to save time, save money but you can still get many experiences.

4. Choose boats

Next tip is about choosing boats. Please read carefully what we mention below about tips for choosing boats, so you can find one yourself.

– Choose white boats better than red or brown ones. All boats are painted white in 2012, so make sure your boat is safe to choose. If you take an old boat, you make get some problems that you do not want. Just look with your eyes and decide your ship.

– Do not choose boats with more than 30 people. In such boats like these, you can not find a place to enjoy yourself. Other people will affect your tour.  So you should choose a boat under 30 people: ask for help from a travel agency. They can choose great boats for you with good price. 

– Choose boats that can have special services. This can help you have a real adventure in Vietnam. You can choose from recommended boats above to enjoy dinner in a cave, take part in kayaking or sleeping overnight on boat.

– Choose boats which will lead you to the places you want. Each boat has its own schedule, they are not the same. You can read carefully our 3 recommended main routes, so you can choose the right cruises.

5. Three main routes for a Halong Bay 1 day cruise tour

As a traveler like to discover natural beauty, you can easily immerse yourself with romantic and mysterious landscapes in Ha Long on such great boats. Although there are many ways for you to choose a cruise, please check for these  3 main routes.

• First route: From Tuan Chau harbor, the largest artificial harbor in Asia. That is why there are many cruises for you to choose from. You can choose from Bhaya, Paradise to Indochina Sails. There are many boats ranging from different kinds and quality to choose. 
• Second route: You will start from Lan Ha Bay. For people who do not like crowded places, this is really a very good choice to choose. You can see a list of Lan Ha Legend cruise, Emerald cruise, and others. In this kind of tour, you can get to Cat Ba island in Hai Phong. Besides that, you can also enjoy many other islandS and great scenarios. Bai Tu Long is really a wonderful place to see.
• Third route: Last but not least is the route from Hon Gai. This is the least touristy but many still take this. From Hon Gai harbor, you can choose Huong Gai sealife or take a better high-end boat such as Dragon Legend to start your tour. Another choice is the Swan Cruise. You can choose it for a middle budget to make your tour better.

Choose boats which are under your budget: From 3-star to 5-star (3-star: Swan Cruise, V’Spirit; 4-star: Huong Hai Sealife, Royal Wings, Orchid, Azalea; 5-star: Dragon Legend, Alisa Paradise).

Top recommended cruises

Here are some cruises you can take a look at to prepare for your tour.

1. Dragon Legend cruise

This is a famous 5-star cruise. It has a special name, and its design is really Oriental. You even can take time to learn Thai Cuc Kungfu to get better health. Dragon Legend also serves you well with its sunbathing area, wardrobe, TV, and a spa. All receptionists are fluent in English. Local food can help you get a good mood for travel. Really great to have your Halong Bay day cruise tour on this.

2. Orchid Ha Long cruise

This is really a very high-end boat for you to choose. It is close to the night market in Ha Long and you can easily enjoy the food there. The boat supplies spa rooms and a fitness center. The food is served at the restaurant or at the bar. Of course, Wi-Fi is free in all places. The boat is very suitable for travelers, especial for couples. Moreover, all needed things such as hair dryers, towels, and small refrigerators are served well.

3. Royal Wings cruise

This boat means wings of royal. This special name makes Royal Wings become famous. All are designed modernly with 20 cabins. These cabins are divided into 3 kinds of rooms: Executive, Royal Executive, and Royal Suite. Each room is about 24 square meter and the biggest one is  35 square meter. This is really a good choice to enjoy your Halong Bay 1 day cruise tour.

4. V’Spirit cruise

Our next recommended boat is V’Spirit. Like its name, the boat is very traditional from its design to its arrangement. You can have more chances to discover Vietnam culture. This can lead you to the biggest villages in Ha Long, Vung Viêng. You can see how local people live daily life and enjoy good food there. V’Spirit has small rooms at 15 square meters. Each has a winder, a mini refrigerator, a wardrobe other facilities.

We hope that you will find this helpful for your trip. If you want more information or have any further questions, feel free to contact us, the AZ Local Team. We are always at your service!

 

 

Halong Bay, one of the most famous hotspots in Asia is waiting for you. The World New Wonder of the S-shaped country has its treasure as a wide variety of beaches and natural landscape. Taking a Halong Bay cruise is, of course, the very charming way for travelers to visit its tourism sites.

A breathtaking view in Halong Bay

1. Why Taking Halong Bay Cruises

Halong Bay is one of the most famous spots, not only in Vietnam but also in Indochina. The name has become more and more popular since the UNESCO recognized it as world heritage. In a peaceful country like Vietnam, Halong Bay seems to be an outstanding point to people all over the world. Every year, there are thousands of people coming to visit the beauty of this area.

There are 5 reasons why you should take a Halong Bay cruise:

• Halong Bay has long clean beaches, which attracts many travelers for its natural beauty. Taking Halong cruise tours, you can, of course, see how nice it is and immerse yourself well in nature.
• Being known as new Wonder of the world, Ha Long Bay recognized UNESCO world heritage is a spectacular hotspot in Asia.
• Many kinds of boats from high-end, mid- quality to normal brings you wide options for your Halong Bay Cruise tours.
• You can enjoy a tour without worrying about hotels, food or traffic 
• Safe and great for both privates and families to enjoy.

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2. Best Places To Visit During Your Best Halong Bay Cruise

There are many places in Halong that you can visit during your tour. This area owns a list of islands and islets so that you can spend many days to discover each one.

This world heritage will never let you down because of its majestic and unique beauty. More than 1600 islands with many famous stories are what you should never miss in your tour. Coming to Halong in Quang Ninh, enjoying the cool weather and adventure its food, so amazing your Halong Bay cruise! Right now, we will let you know the best destinations in Halong to make your tour the best ever!

• Bai Tu Long Bay: it is the place you can visit many islands and beaches such as Co To, Van Don beach,  Me Cung cave, Tam Cung cave, Bai Tho mountain and so on.
• Titop island:  its name was given by Ho Chi Minh, the beloved president of Vietnam. 
• Sung Sot grotto: this cave can hold more than 1000 people.
• Thien Cung cave:  which is one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay with more than 10.000 square meters.
• Hon Trong Mai: the symbol of Halong Tourism.

There are many other island and caves you can visit during your Halong cruise tour such as Lan Ha Bay, Vung Vieng fishing village, Cat Ba island, Tuan Chau island and so on. 

3. How To Choose Boats for Your Best Halong Bay Cruise?

Choosing a good boat is the key to have a good cruise Halong tour.

Please notice that the right boat is really important. That helps you get good sleep, have a good view and enjoy good food. Well, is that a suitable boat for me? you can ask many times this question. Just list things below and this can help you know what you can do next.

Decide how long you want to stay:

If you want to stay just 1 day, you can ask for this service, but 2 days 1 night is more often served, so please be careful. Schedule of each boat is different. In case you want to spend 2 or 3 days in Halong, you need to choose the travel company which can help you set a good schedule to save time and money.

Halong Bay 1 day Cruise Tips

Decide where to go:

If you want to visit Bai Tu Long Bay, the schedule is different from visiting Tuan Chau island. That is the reason why you need to decide where to go, where you want to visit during your time in Halong. The places you visit will lead to the cruise you book and the money you pay for.

How much money do you have:

If you have little money, you can not choose the best boats, 5-star boats are expensive, all know that. You have to know about your budget before booking a boat. There is a long list of boats from 5-star to 3-star for you to choose. Search information from the internet or ask the tour company and book the most suitable one.

How to book your boat:

This is the most important. Some think that asking from hotels is a good idea, but in fact, it is not. You should search on the internet for reviews of the boat. One more thing, you should also ask your friends who have got there before. You need all the information. Choosing an online company for booking is also ok, but it is not the cheapest way. Choosing a travel company or travel agency. Why? Because they have a good price for you. 

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Care about how much a boat can hold.

If the number is more than 30, that is too much and you can not do things well. You should care about the number and of course how large the boat is. You need somewhere to rest, to sunbathe, so do not try to have a seat in just a full boat but cheap.

White is better than red.

In fact, many boats in Halong are painted in white. This is a signal for you to know if it is an old or a new one. Too old boats cannot be safe enough for your tour. Do not use your eyes of art, use your mind after that.

4. What Kinds of Cruise do You Want To Enjoy? The Cruise Glossary.

To have a good Halong Bay cruise tour, you need to choose the right kind of cruise to book. There are a lot of kinds which have different features. This is a short list of them:

• Luxury Cruising( Hera cruise, Dragon legend, Paradise cruise, Au Co cruise and so on):  Luxury cruise is related to 5-star boats and offers top rooms and cabins.
• Deluxe Cruising( Syrena cruise, Dragon’s Pearl, Pelican, Paloma and so on): A cruise offers cabins and services of 3-star boats, a good way to save money but can still have a good Halong Bay cruise.
• Superior Cruise( Lavender, V’Spirit, Glory, Phoenix and so on): Cruises offer services and facilities good enough at the lowest price of the decent standard.
• Private Cruise/ Charter: Cruises offer for only you or your group, your own schedule.
• Indochine style: Cruise with style influenced much by French over 3 countries including Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
• Cabin/ suite: A cruise offers different rooms at different sizes.
• Shuttle bus: A cruise that offers a shuttle bus or a public bus.
• Force majeure: You have not to pay money for its cancelation as a result of the government restriction or bad weather.

5. Halong Bay Cruise 2022: Self-sufficient or  Booking Through a Travel Agency?

Should we have a self-sufficient tour or book it through a travel agency?

Should you choose to have your own tour by searching for information from the internet and try to book a boat and a hotel on your on? Or you will ask your friend to find a good agency and need their help? 

• Self-sufficient: it is a good way to save money but it is quite difficult for you to book a good boat at a good price. None can help you whenever you get trouble and sometimes it is dangerous when the weather is not good.
• Through an agency: the expense is not too expensive, you can have a good price while booking a boat. The agency has a good relationship to help their customers choose the best hotel, best boat, and best schedule. It is also a safe way when traveling alone.

>>> Make the most of your trip with FREE CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY <<<

6. How about Top Halong Bay Cruise FAQs?

Being a smart visitor, you should know something below to behave and to have the best Halong Bay cruises ever.

• Should we tip on the boat? Tipping is important, and it is higher on boats than other tours.
• Should we check the information carefully? Many things are included, but to be smart, you should check as if your drink in a list of them. It is normal that the drink is often not included
• Is it necessary to search for special service? Yes. In Vietnam, you can enjoy the sunset cruise with dinner or sleeping overnight on the sea. Such services are served by some boats only. Choosing what you want, so you can know which boat to choose.
• What about a good plan to enjoy in Halong Bay? Having a clear plan for where to go, how long to stay and how much budget you have. You know exactly and clearly, your tour is, of course, you can save time, save money when choosing the services.
• What should we do for changing of weather? Good preparation for changing of weather in Vietnam. The weather in Vietnam is variable. Especially in some destinations like Ha Long and Mekong, sometimes waves are quite strong. You should know before you go. It is better.
• How to get to Halong Bay? You can book a flight to get to Halong. It is easy and popular. You do not need to take time on 2 buses. Just ask your local tour or your travel company to get good information.
• Is the food safe for my stomach? Good mood to try the best food ever. Well, Vietnam is a heaven of food. Seafood is amazing. You can enjoy the great things that you expect.
• Is it important to be on time? Please be on time. No boats stop for just only you. It is not like a normal tour, you must be on time if booking a boat. There are many others who will go with you.

>>> Make the most of your trip with FREE CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY <<<

Tips for a good Halong Bay cruise:

• Prepare cool clothes for outdoor activities like kayaking. This can help you flexible when moving on boats and be willing for any activities.
• Use shoes instead of a high heel. Forget them! Sure, shoes make you safer on boats.
• Prepare sunbathing cream to protect your sensitive skin. It is hotter when you are higher on boats.
• Having a cap or a hat is really a smart choice to protect you from the sun above.
• Preparing antihistamines in case you cannot enjoy seafood like others. Some can get troubles with seafood, so prepare some medicines for you and your team.
• Do not bring expensive jewelry or necklaces. To be safe when you take part in many activities. You can not find them when it drops. You are on the sea.
• Having cash is better than many of credits. You can find no ATM on the sea. What about the case that you need to buy something but running out of money? Good preparation is better, is that right?
• Being careful and check well for your documents. Yes, papers are really important. You can not get back to take them. No!
• Preparing a good camera because things are so beautiful and unique. It is a pity if your camera cannot work in such a wonderful tour in Vietnam. There are many majestic and amazing landscapes.

Well, with much more than you can expect, we want to give you great tours ever. Reading this article carefully, again and again, and you can set your own tour, a wonderful tour. Let’s go for your Halong Bay cruise this year, 2022, and enjoy your happy days with your family and friends.

 

 

All about ✅ HANOIKIDS TOUR that you should know before doing the Free Tour.

➤ HERE

Let’s see how Hanoikids tour work.

Hanoikids tour have been recommended by many travelers visiting Hanoi city, especially have rated 5-star on tripadvisor for many years. 

Hanoikids has beeen the top 1 thing to do in Hanoi on tripadvisor . Have you heard about Hanoikids Tour and would love to travel to Vietnam, the tour that has been one of the top thing to do on tripadvisor for more than 3 years  If you want to visit Hanoi, meeting the local university free tour guides, booking a hanoikids tour is best way to truly understand Vietnam on the eyes of locals.

All about Hanoikids Tour

There are several situations that you can book a free tours with Hanoikids in hanoi

If you are one of those, try to read carefully before doing the hanoikids tour booking.

1. Family hanoikids tour booking

Hanoikids tour booking email is often be full with the tourist with the whole family, this is very common to travel with your kids to a new city like Hanoi, and choosing a hanoikids tour is a good option for your family. If you have kids, it would be better to inform before the tour to customize the activities interesting Kids.

2.Solo Travelers  hanoikids tour booking

If you are a solo traveller visiting Vietnam and would like to book a Hanoikids tour you will be guided by one university student from Hanoikids. To minimize the cost of travel for backpackers, asking for joining a group to will be a good idea of saving money. Because you need to pay for the tickets and transportation.

3. Group of Friends hanoikids tour booking

There could be more than one kids guiding you around Hanoi to make sure all of you have chance of having conversations with locals.

Having a private car (van) also a good idea to avoid taxi scams and visit as many places as possible ( Time is limited). 

Hanoikids Tour Package

Hanoi kids provide several types of tours that interest you. note that, your tour can be customized to meet your interest.

The tours provided by Hanoikids cover:

Hanoi the old quarter, Sword Lake area, French Quarter,  Hoa Lo prison, Ho Chi Minh Complex, Temple of Literature, West lake area, Bat Trang pottery village.

For half day of Hanoikids tour you can book

• Option 1: Old Quarter and French Quarter
• Option 2: word Lake area, French Quarter,  Hoa Lo prison
• Option 3: Bat Trang pottery village
• Option 4: Ho Chi Minh complex, Temple of Literature and West lake area

Duration: 3 hours for half day tours, 4-5 hours for full-day tours which cover 2 option above.

Pick up: at your hotel

Note:

• You will pay for all the expenses during the tours like taxi, food and drinks.
• The places can be flexible depending on your time and preference.
• Almost all site attractions are closed in the evening, therefore the evening tours are often taken place in the Old Quarter.

Temple of literature – Hanoikids Tour

University students taking a journalist voluntarily from Singapore around Hanoi as a the way to learn English and help travelers know more about Hanoi.

The Temple of Literature is one of the first visit during the tour with Hanoi kids, which is the oldest university in hanoi, and Vietnam as well,  where the royal exams were held to choose the talents for helping the country. Originally, temple of literature dedicated to Confucius, this complex was built in 1070. Nowadays, no longer is it is considered as a university and became one of the most popular tourist destination for visitors travelling to Hanoi.

• Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 8:30 – 11:30 & 13:30 – 16:30
• Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Van Mieu, Dong Da,
• Hanoi Price Range: VND 30,000/Adult ( VND 15.000 with Card Students)Ho Chi Minh complex – Hanoikids Tour

HCM Complex is the second place if you book a Hanoikids Tour

The Ho Chi Minh complex consists of the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, living space of president Ho Chi Minh, the Ho Chi Minh Museum and One Pillar Pagoda.

• For further information you can read : Ho Chi Minh Complex
• Note: Visitors are required to wear shirts with sleeves and pants under knees.

Hoa Lo Prison – Hanoikids Tour

The political prison built by French to arrest vietnamese prisoners during the wars is an area that you should include in the tour with Hanoi kids members. The prison was then taken over by Vietnamese government and used to arrest pilots, including John Mccain. during the wars with the US

Hanoikids Tripadvisors

Great experience with Hanoikids

Spent an interesting and informative morning with Joy and Hang from Hanoikids tour, we visited the mausoleum and temple of literature the knowledge both girls had was amazing which made our visit much more interesting than if we would of gone alone. Joy and Hang were a pleasure to spend time with and a tour with Hanoikids is a must for anyone visiting Hanoi

Highly recommended,

Thank Triapdvisor for letting me know Hanoikids.

Talavalino

We booked a full day tour with Hanoi kids in advance. On our first day Yun picked us up in our hotel earlier than our meeting time and she was very kind to wait for us while we still have breakfast. She’s very lovely, polite and knowledgeable. She brought us to the Ho Chin Minh Complex and Temple of Literature which I don’t think I would enjoy without her interesting stories and facts. She also brought us to St. Joseph’s cathedral, around Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and we had lunch at local Vietamese restaurant to try Bun Cha. If we weren’t too tired from our midnight flight we could still visit a lot of places and I felt really bad when we had to part ways. This free city to tour is a must when in Hanoi!

Gifts for Hanoikids after tours.

Tipping in Vietnam is not how things are done. So the same goes for Hanoikids Tour

Give Kids Quality chocolate, cologne or perfume, Small currency from your country such as coins if available.

Hanoikids Tour reports from guides.

Report 1. 10/2019. Nga

Here is my afternoon today with 2 young sisters who booked a hanoikids tour in the last minute through Triapdvisor

—

I got their hotel 15 minutes earlier as normal, waiting for them in the lobby.

Simply, I asked them where they had been to and where they would like to visit. A quick discussion was done to know that their needs were visiting as many places as possible because they had only one day in Hanoi. Then, I took them to HCM complex, one pillar pagoda which were mention in the hanoikids’ tour booking email for a short while before truly being a informative guide at temple of literature where there were many university students having their graduation pics taken. After that taking a taxi to Hoan Kiem lake is a good way to save time for a cup of egg coffee at Giang Cafe, they loved it! 🙂

once again, it was very interesting to visit Dong Xuan Market, Long Bien Bridge to see how locals delivery food, vegetable.

– Time: 2:00Pm-4:45Pm

– Destinations: HCMC, temple of literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, Egg coffee, Dong Xuan Market, Long Bien Bridge,O Quan Truong

Report 2. 10/2019.

“Today I met an awesome couple from the US, (the contry with a lot of tour booking with hanoikids.)

They told me a lot of stories that I had not heard about before from how they met each other to how they have been together organizing a non-profit healthcare company in Myanmar.

Visiting almost all the tourist destinations, 3 coffee stores, several local places helped the tourists get to know more about the beauty of our country.

they also told me that they would definitely recommend hanoikids tour to their friends if they visit hanoi, so I made friends with them on facebook and sent them our tour booking from on our hanoikids official website.

—

One the way to the hotel, the tourists gave the 30 US dollars and told me that their day with me was much more worth than a private food tour they had taken yesterday.! Nice! J

the thing has made my day is that I got 10 dollars for our organization.

not a lot, but hope that 10 dollars would help us have a better room for the mewbie first meeting, better training program!!!

Try up! “

Hanoikids Tour report 3 

Tourist: Emily, Chris, Sam and Emily’s teacher (Singapore)

Guide: Đào và Thanh Thanh

Places: Vietnam national museum of history, HCM complex and Cộng cà phê.

——-

Just by accident, Thanh and i supported each other again and this tour was AWESOME and became one of my memorable tours. We guided 4 tourists from Sing. Three of them are in their middle 30s and their teacher is even older but they are not only nice, polite but also CUTE, open and funny. We laughed almost of the tour due to their cuteness and humors.

Thanh is cool tour guide, she provided us a lot of information about our president. They were very useful and interesting. She is worthy of the being- member of Vietnamese communist party.

During the tour, we learned a lot from them. Each meal, they always shared their drinks and food. The way they took care together and showed their affection. I specially admire the friendship between Emily and Chris.

The reason made this tour special than others was i found my lost sister from Singapore. Thank to Thanh, Emily and I found each other. We are on the same team because we have a lot of things in common.

——

This tour was so meaningful and made our days. We are very happy and lucky to be your members.

Thanks!

Hanoikids Forum

Hanoikids forum is where Kids could discuss a lot of topic like how to be a informative, professional tour guide or even common talks as other forum.

How to book free Hanoikids tours

There are several situations that you can book a free tours with Hanoikids in hanoi, If you are one of those, try to read carefully before doing the hanoikids tour booking. access Hanoikids official website to book their free city tours!

Besides, there are also many student-run organizations providing tourists with the free tour services as Hanoikids in Hanoi. Such us Hanoi Free Tour Guides, Hanoi Free Walking Tours, Hanoi Free Local Tours.

They all have excellent reviews on Tripadvisor, so if hanoikids tour booking of yours is difficult, or in the waiting list, consider visiting Hanoi Free Local Tours to raise the chance!

 

I, Hanoi Coffee Culture

I.1 Overview of Coffee in Hanoi

The coffee was first imported to Hanoi by French during their first colonial exploitation here. With the formation of the French Quarter where the French immigrated, they brought their favorite drink, and Hanoi coffee began to take its first steps on the streets around Hoan Kiem Lake.

Following the French invasion at the 1800s, coffee was introduced in Vietnam, but the source of coffee back then was limited therefore it was considered as a luxury good, only the French colonists along with Nguyễn dynasty’s nobles could have the right to drink it.

Few years later, some “pure” Vietnamese coffee shops were opened in the neighborhood. The famous names such as: Giảng, Lâm coffee shops began to change their coffee making recipe in order to satisfy customers. They started to replace the French coffee roasting way by using avocado oil for roasting the coffee, which creates a creamy flavor as well as avoids being over cooked. Moreover, they also used the Arabica way mixed with Robusta or other nuts to make the flavor stronger.

Those coffee shops are always in mind of Hanoians as a coffee lover’s destination no matter how much their changes could be.

Why don’t we go around French Quarter and take a sip of coffee?

I.2 Hanoi coffee culture.

It can be said that the story about Hanoi coffee is an unique one. Its own features can make you feel the soul of Hanoi once you taste it.

• Hanoi coffee culture has no rush in the way to enjoy as Americans.
• Not diluted as the French style.
• The taste is not as Italian flavor.

Compared to the millennial history of this city, Hanoi coffee is just an exotic cultural which has been there for nearly one century.

But with an essence of the city that always refines the identity of one’s own, Hanoi coffee has gradually been replacing the tea in the daily beverage culture, turning the street shops into an interesting corner in all kinds of coffee shops or restaurants.

So no matter wherever a Hanoian goes, what that man who grew up in the heart of Hanoi remembers the most is the street stalls, and coffee. The smell of coffee is the compass that leads us to the soul of Hanoi.

There was a saying to praise the most famous brands of coffee shops in the 70s-80s: “Nhân, Lâm, Năng, Giảng”

• Giảng coffee nearly a century is still attractive by the unique egg coffee.
• Nhân coffee, nowadays, has no ancient atmosphere but modern style but its flavor is still very good.
• Năng coffee is at the small alley of Hang Bac street. Very small, just a set of tables and chairs, with coffee flavor characteristics and a space which can be one in million: the silver lime walls, the pretty stools faded in the dim light and stillness.
• Lâm (Nguyễn Hữu Huân Street) is as quiet as Phố Phái paintings (the famous paintings of famous Hanoi by the well-known artist Bùi Xuân Phái. The place is like an unreachable sadness.

Old Quarter Coffee in Hàng Hành hides its self like a peaceful corner in the middle of a busy area. The shop is only for patrons, people who love quietness and nostalgic. In the quiet space with ancient houses, parallel sentences, garden, bamboo architecture, some bantam chickens (the smallest chicken) around the yard, the coffee shop makes people feel like time to stop.

The Hanoi coffee space has changed a lot. Street coffee shops with poetic, romantic and airy landscapes of natural lakes such as Trúc Bạch lake, West lake, Thiền Quang lake, Đắc Di lake,… or Rock coffee, Book coffee, Takeaway coffee,… are places that seem to be served for young people.

Coffee in luxury buildings such as:

• Lakeview sky lounge on the 18th floor of the Daewoo Hotel,
• the 20-floor Summit Lounge on the Sofitel Plaza,
• City view on the roof of the Shark Jaw Building

Is a meeting place for business people. Customers can enjoy both coffee and the city view here.

I.3. Egg coffee

Egg coffee – the creative beverage of Hanoians, has become famous around the world by the foreign guests after passing along the story about that drink. Someone said, only by drinking hot egg coffee in a simple glass cup once can make you hardly forget Hanoi.

The coffee maker must choose fresh raw eggs to not smell fishy. Coffee must also be a purest class of Vietnam, has a passionate aroma. Chicken eggs are chewed with yolks, hand-wiped or hand-woven until it smells like a bun and then poured with hot coffee in the middle of the cup. Eggs then floats on top of the cup.

The way to make egg coffee is not too complicated, but requires a sophistication and skilled hands . The recipe is nothing special but very few places can make this drink. The secret is to reduce the rate of eggs, coffee and milk so that the mouth is just right, harmony is not too sweet, not too bitter, dank in the smell of passion.

The eggy taste mixed with the aroma of Vietnamese coffee creates the flavor of coffee. You should drink as soon as it is still hot, otherwise it will be fishy and difficult to drink. Later on, some restaurants sprinkle over a cup of coffee with a little pinch of brown cocoa powder which make your hot cup both beautiful and have more attractive flavor. Alike any other traditional foods, when drinking, one must slowly stir the bubbly foam, put each spoon to the mouth to feel the creamy taste of egg spreading the rich flavor .

Egg Coffee is considered the heart of Hanoi coffee culture. The first egg coffee in Hanoi appeared in the early twentieth century, the creator of this unique egg coffee is Nguyen Van Giang. At the time, he had worked as a chef at the French five-star Sofitel Legend Metropole so that he was able to transform the familiar Capuccino of the West into egg white with more intimate ingredients.

I.4. Weasel Coffee

Weasel Coffee – the most expensive coffee in the world (or sometimes called Civet Coffee or Kopi Luwak) has the history from thousand years ago.

Back to time when French took the control of politics in Vietnam, farmers, who were the one making coffee, had no chance to enjoy their work. They were not allowed to taste even 1 drop of what they made.

The only way they can taste coffee was to pick up Weasel poops, which was a block of coffee beans sticking together. They then realized this type of “poop coffee” was way more aromatic than the usual one. With this new type of coffee beans, the coffee taste was smoother and less bitter, much better than what they had to serve for the French.

These farmers discovered that the coffee beans were perfectly protected, only the skin was digested. It is the enzyme from the Weasels stomach make the coffee beans unharmed and fermented.

Weasel coffee once roasted, becomes extremely aromatic with vanilla – smelling, created a smooth and sweet after – taste coffee while the contained caffeine yet lessen but still preserved, therefore the pleasant feelings that people often associate with their first cup of coffee in the morning are not affected.

II. Hanoi coffee shop

II.1. From the very first traditional coffee shop

Giảng Café

As the very first place in Hanoi having egg coffee, Giảng Café was founded by Mr. Nguyễn Văn Giảng in 1946. Giảng Café is humbly hidden on a small lane on Nguyễn Hữu Huân Street in the city’s old quarter. It may be difficult to find for visitors, but it is well worth the effort. It continues to be hugely popular among Hanoi’s coffee addicts with its special Egg coffee.

(Address: No.39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân street)

Nhân Café

Was born and stick with Hanoi since 1946, the brand was opened by 3 ranger soldiers (Thi – Nhân – Thế), then the Nguyễn Văn Thi – Trần Thị Thanh Kỳ family created the recipe and established this coffee brand.

The owner of the cafe has the secret of roasting, grinding their own coffee so that the coffee is always particularly delicious. Until now, each of his children opened their own coffee shop, so you will see a lot of coffee shops named Nhân. But most people still find the one in Hàng Hành street.

(Address: No.39D Hàng Hành street)

Lâm Café

This one of Hanoi’s oldest café. Its proprietor, Mr. Lâm, provided coffee and often loans to the city’s impoverished artist community during the war.  The place is nostalgic and packed with local people. It was an interesting experience to sit at the pavement and watching people passing by. Opposite to Giảng cafe.This place offer traditional Vietnamese coffee

(Address: No.60 Nguyễn Hữu Huân street)

Năng Café

As the oldest café in Hanoi, the Café  has been selling coffee for over 50 years. This was a small address at No.6 Hàng Bạc street where artists of Hanoi gathered. The place is decorated with a folk style always crowded. Its customers are attracted by the taste of coffee. According to the owner, there is no secret in the way of making each cup of coffee but the heart of the seller.

(Address: No.6 Hàng Bạc street)

II.2. To the modern coffee shop branches. 

With the growth of outgoing youth communities, many coffee shops have expanded to many branches in the city, covering many provinces in the country. To survive for a long time, these shops must still retain its own identity, not mixed up the cafe market that is already very saturated.

These following coffee shops are best suitable for people who are looking a space to work and to have meetings with friends.

Highlands coffee

Highlands Coffee is a Vietnamese coffee shop chain and producer and distributor of coffee products, established in Hanoi by Vietnamese American David Thai in 1998. The chain of coffee shops located in beautiful locations in the city which is convenient for having business meetings or small group discussions. Here they use the self-service at the counter.

Trung Nguyên coffee

Although the brand is said to have a lot of scandals surrounding the spokesperson, brand positioning, image identity, the Trung Nguyên chain is still one of the top choices for ones who love the “real coffee”.

If you are familiar with Trung Nguyên, you will find it very difficult to drink coffee at street stalls, you will immediately notice the difference in the taste of coffee mixed with many additives.

Cộng Caphe

Cộng Caphe is a popular coffee chain that has taken Hanoi with its rustic, military chic decoration.

In the city, there are 18 outlets in most crowded locations.

Here, crowd avoiders can always find the hidden corner for themselves, or those who like noisy places can chat with friends on the balcony. It’s worth checking out at least one Cộng Ca phe branch.

The Coffee House

This coffee chain was first opened in Ho Chi Minh city and up to now, it has covered hot spots in this city. In 2015, The Coffee House appeared in Hanoi and quickly expanded its branches.

Their target customers are students, office workers who need quite space for studying, working and partner meetings.The main style of The Coffee House is the simplicity and maximum use of light in the balcony, windows, and the placement of many green spaces.

Aroi Dessert Café

Starting from a small café on the street that is also very modest in Hanoi – Nguyễn Thiệp, no one did expect that the coffee shop later grows that fast. Up to now, Aroi has 7 facilities in Hanoi. Not being invested so much but by catching the right opportunity when the wave of Thai snacks spilled into Vietnam, the chain has quickly gained its ranking.

III. Take a sip of Coffee while taking a tour in Hanoi

Completely different from take-away coffee, traditional coffee in Hanoi makes people live slower to taste the bitterness in the tip of tounge, but sweetness later.

Tasting a cup of Hanoi coffee is just like to live a life. Every one tries their best in work when they are young to get all the deserved achievements when they are mature.

Taking a Hanoi tour around city, you have a chance to pass by those traditional coffee shops. The smell of coffee beans flies in the air and lightly touch your nose.

You might not help but falling in love with a beauty of Hanoi – traditional coffee.

Don’t hesitate to ask the guide for a stop at coffee shop to live slowly, and to share with each other your life and your experience.

Written by Kalyn.