Hanoi

[condor]

for bros who stay in fortuna,try the beer garden on the left side fortuna hotel and walk 50m.try the lau hai san( hotpot seafood).

walking distance from fortuna is hanoi hotel. on the right hand side of hanoi hotel there is 2-3 local cafe. in the night time even on weekdays is kinda swarm with wolfpack and some pretty gals. maybe they are the gamcheng of KTV gals or waiting for pickup gals. wana approached some on motorbike there but toi com tieng noi tien viet very hard for me.

nutz bar.. simply hate it. gals there chop you carrot cake. they are meant for guilo. unless you have a thick wallet. no pt.

all is my personal opinion.

[condor]

go these kind of place sure kenna chop carrot one way or another one. The prices to sit down and drink and book girls to sit with you will be standard one.. tipping the girl and tar bao back will depends on how they want to chop you and how easily you let them chop liao... if you cannot speak Viet and dun wan to kenna chop carrot, then you have to stay in room liao. So dun worry about chop carrot.. take it as paying school fees and then please remember to write about it here.

last time use to stay in daewoo hotel 5 years back but last 3 years price is double or triple so i stop staying there.
i not sure whether the same KTV, but they have limited rooms i think 3-4. with a pool table on the ground floor. my boss kena chop USD100 for short time and pay another USD20 for outside hotel room. gals not so many compare to fortuna.
If you want a room suggest u go early or make advance booking.
one thing good about daewoo hotel is they have some nice resturant inside the hotel.

if you are loaded, might as well go fortuna KTV. all the KTV ladies seem got big boobs. average i think C cup. maybe artificial, squeese before you ONZ.

[jackbl]

Top class thoroughfare
========================================

VietNamNet Bridge - Stretching from Hoan Kiem lake to the south of the city centre, Ba Trieu is one of Hanoi’s most popular and modern shopping streets.

Sitting in a small coffee shop in Ba Trieu street, I stare out the window at the high-end fashion shops and glitzy commercial centres, which seem fairly incongruous considering the street’s magnanimous and historic name.

Ba Trieu (Lady Trieu) was a much revered heroine from the 3rd century, who was also known as Trieu Thi Trinh or Au Trieu. She is described in legend as a young general who led an insurgency against occupying Chinese forces. She is often depicted fearlessly charging into battle while riding an elephant.

Thanks to her leadership, the Chinese garrisons were overwhelmed and destroyed. However, the Chinese soon returned with reinforcements. They also used money to bribe some fickle Vietnamese commanders. Ba Trieu and her loyal troops battled to the last but eventually she was outnumbered and outmanoeuvred.

She sacrificed her own life on Tung mountain in Thanh Hoa province. Her brief reign lived on in memory. Described by some as the Vietnamese Joan of Arc, Ba Trieu was symbolic of the indomitable Vietnamese spirit. Her absence from historical records has led some historians to claim she is a fictional folk-hero invented or exaggerated to bolster Viet-patriotism.

Past life

Ba Trieu street was once known as Hang Gio as this is where you could purchase ‘gio’, a kind of processed pork. In the French colonial period, the northern stretch was named Gia Long after the first Nguyen emperor (née Nguyen Anh). The southern section was named Le Loi, the first Le emperor. After the August Revolution in 1945, Gia Long became Mai Hac De street while Le Loi became Ba Trieu street. When peace was reestablished in 1954, the two sections were combined and named Ba Trieu street.

Historical corner

In 1946, the house at No.21 was a liaison office for the newly established Vietnamese government. One of its duties was to bolster relations between the Vietnamese and French armed forces in Hanoi.

On 19 December 1946, when fighting erupted between the two sides, the office was targeted by the French. All the building’s defenders inside were killed in the ensuing firefight.

Today, the address is home to the Communist Party People’s Committee of Hoan Kiem district. In revolutionary times the house at No.18 was a rendezvous for the Vietnamese communists camouflaged as a florist shop.

Vu Thach complex

Vu Thach Communal House on Ba Trieu street honours Khoa Ba Sơn, a military officer who served under the Hai Ba Trung (The Trung sisters), who famously led a rebellion against the Chinese oppressors in the first century.

Vu Thach temple worships the Mother Goddess Lieu Hanh while Vu Thach pagoda was built in the period of the Ly dynasty in honour of Buddha. Vu Thach is the only historical site that survived the French colonial administration’s re-construction of the street in late 19th century and early 20 century as part of the policy known as ‘Mission civilisatrice' (civilising mission).

Famous Food Roasted peanuts

Look out for ‘Lac rang hung liu’ (flavoured roasted peanuts) on Ba Trieu street – you can find it sold at Ba Lan (192 Ba Trieu), Ba Van (208) and Ba Noi (264). It’s an ideal snack for a cold winter’s day in Hanoi and best served with hot tea. The peanuts are flavoured with spices such as cinnamon.

Banh cuon, 101 Ba Trieu

Banh cuon is one of Hanoi’s most popular traditional dishes. The crêpe-like rolls are made from thin, wide sheets of rice flour and filled with ground pork, minced wood ear mushrooms, herbs and spices. The banh cuon is served with cha lua (a Vietnamese-style pork sausage), mixed greenery, bean sprouts and nuoc cham, the crucial dipping sauce made from fish sauce, vinegar, peppercorn and sugar with chilies added to taste.

Sometimes, a drop of ca cuong (belostomatid extract) is added for extra flavour, though be warned this ingredient is rare and so it’s quite expensive. At 101 Ba Trieu you will find hanh phi (fried shredded onion) and ruoc tom (salted shredded shrimp) added on top of the banh cuon. One serving costs VND 12,000 or VND20,000 with cha lua and ruoc tom.

Mondo Gelado, 30A Ba Trieu

An old fashioned Italian ice cream parlour with coffee, pastas, pizzas and steaks also available, open from 7am till 11pm.

Ban Mai café, 336 Ba Trieu

A straightforward and very nice little Vietnamese café, Ban Mai is an interesting place for a coffee and sandwich. The beef sandwich is now VND10,000 while the other meat sandwich sets you back VND 12,000. Ban Mai is also known around town for its rather delicious sweet rum cocktail.

Vincom City Towers, 191 Ba Trieu

Located at the south end of 191 Ba Trieu, Vincom Twins City Towers is a state of the art office, shopping and entertainment complex. The original 21-storey tower features six floors for shops and entertainment and 15 floors dedicated to offices. The building is designed according to the highest international standards and covers 75,000sqm.

The luxurious shopping centre offers high quality goods and brands – with outlets for the likes of Nike, Dior, Converse and Levis. The newly opened Vincom Galleries, adjacent to the original tower block, is home to international brands including Nara Camicie, Paris Hilton, Kelly Bui, Valentino Rudy, Mexx and Charles Jordan. You can also kick back and relax over coffee at Highlands on the ground floor or check out the latest blockbusters at Megastar Cineplex on the sixth floor – Hanoi’s only multi-screen cineplex.

Shopping

The upper end of Ba Trieu is home to a string of shops whether you’re looking for a high-end products or something more cheap and cheerful. Check out An Phuoc Pierre Cardin at 69 Ba Trieu for vests, jackets, shirts, pants, khaki pants, jeans and underwear for men and women as well as clothes for kids. Nem Nem Fashion and Ivy at 156 and 34 Ba Trieu respectively offer French and Italian style collections for ladies. 31 Boutique is a place to pick up “irregular” designs for a bargain price. For hats check out Sun Hat at 8 Ba Trieu.

Accommodation Zephyr Hotel, 4 Ba Trieu

Slap bang in the heart of the capital city, Zephyr Hotel is literally a stone’s throw from Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi’s spiritual and geographical focal point. The stylishly-appointed hotel features 43 elegant rooms, a full bar and a restaurant (open 24 hours a day). All rooms are fully equipped with IDD telephones, tea and coffee making facilities, a mini-bar and safe deposit box, cable TV and impeccable bathroom facilities.

VietNamNet/Time-out

[jackbl]

A beautiful boulevard
=========================

VietNamNet Bridge - The salubrious Trang Tien in Hanoi is a wonderful promenade and one of the capital’s most fascinating streets in terms of architecture.

The Old Quarter of Hanoi is also sometimes referred to in Vietnamese as “36 streets” and local Hanoians often refer to Trang Tien as the 37th street. However, compared to the skinny and congested streets of the Old Quarter, Trang Tien is much wider and opulent thoroughfare replete with colonial buildings.

Its history is obviously tied to France’s colonial administration. But it existed before the French arrived. The original name of the street was Truong Tien in reference to the state mint which was established in 1808 under the Nguyen dynasty.

The mint was demolished in 1887 by the French colonial authorities who had grand plans for the capital of Tonkin, the French name for northern Vietnam. Looking down the 700-metre long road from Hoan Kiem lake you can see a colossal colonial icon in the shape of the Hanoi Opera House, a small-scale replica of Palais Garnier in Paris. Built in 1901, the Opera House is still one of the city’s most prominent landmarks.

The whole of Trang Tien street was originally built by the French for the French. It was to be a boulevard that wouldn’t look out of place in the heart of Paris. At the time the street was named Rue Paul Bert after the French zoologist, physiologist and politician, who was appointed resident-general of Annam and Tonkin in early 1886, and died of dysentery in Hanoi later that same year.

Shopping and ice-cream!

Trang Tien plaza, 24 Hai Ba Trung
For Hanoians, Trang Tien is now synonymous with shopping. In colonial times the French also came to the street to shop. Where once there was a department store called Gouda now there is a modern shopping mall, Trang Tien Plaza.

The plaza opened at the turn of the last century and was at the time the most modern commercial centre in Hanoi. Shoppers can find all sorts of brand names for clothes, footwear, sportswear, jewellery and accessories such as watches and sunglasses. During summer the plaza is always a bustling place as Hanoians look to escape the intense heat on the street.

Fashion shops
Trang Tien street is home to a number of fashion shops catering for both men and women. Phu Hung at 8, 14, 20 Trang Tien is well known for its tailor made suits. At 48 Trang Tien, Trang Tien Glasses you can pick some shades by Dunhill, Cartier, Lastes, Christian Dior, Calvin Klein, L’AMY or Gucci. You will also find a great selection of shirts, dresses, pants, coats and skirts for women in Nem at 60 Trang Tien.

Bookstores
Trang Tien is well known for being a haven for bookworms and has become the biggest and the busiest book-street in Hanoi. There are a number of large bookstores catering mostly to Vietnamese but you can find increasing amounts of English language books as well as newspapers and magazines. You can also find plenty of resources for studying Vietnamese.

Trang Tien Ice-cream, 35 Trang Tien
Trang Tien Ice Cream is an institution in Hanoi – on hot days you can see massive crowds outside the small outlet near the junction of Ngo Quyen- Trang Tien. You can find lots of delicious flavours such as green bean, chocolate or “com” (green rice flakes).

Established in 1958, Trang Tien is now expanding with more outlets opening up throughout the city but Hanoians always prefer to head to the source. The ice cream is well known for its quality and taste but it’s also cheap so even those less well off can enjoy a scoop.

CULTURE VULTURES

The Workers’ Cinema, 42 Trang Tien
Currently being redeveloped for the the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi next year, the Workers’ Cinema was originally built in 1917 by the French colonial authorities and known as Eden cinema. After the capital was liberated in 1954, the cinema was renamed the Workers’ cinema. After it reopens the building will be used for art performances and exhibitions.

The National Museum of Vietnamese History, 1 Trang Tien
This museum once belonged to the Far East Research Institute of France. Today, the museum showcases Vietnam’s history with large displays of Dong Son-period bronze drums, Bat Trang ceramics, Shiva statue and vestiges of wars. The building was designed by the architect Ernest Hébrard and constructed in 1932.

It is considered a successful blend of French colonial and traditional Vietnamese architecture – a genre known as “Indochina architecture”. Hébrard created double walls and balconies to create a natural ventilation system and protect the interior from sunshine. The museum is open daily except for Mondays.

The Hanoi Opera House, 1 Trang Tien
The Hanoi Opera House is still a cultural centre for the capital and a frequent venue for classical concerts, operas and ballets as well as theatre performances.
The Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra, which first formed back in 1959, regularly plays concerts with guest conductors and musicians from around the world. Check out www.ticketvn.com for upcoming shows.

L’Espace, 24 Trang Tien
A cultural bridge between Vietnam and France, L’Espace is a reincarnation of Alliance Francaise, which was originally established in 1993. Funded by the French government, L’Espace ceaselessly promotes arts and culture with regular exhibitions, concerts and theatre performances. It also provides a space for the study of the French language with a multimedia library and modern study rooms.

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD!

BBQ Chicken, 35 Trang TienTapping Vietnam’s growing demand for modern fast-food restaurants, the Korean-owned BBQ Chicken has opened numerous outlets across the capital city, competing toe-to-toe with the more internationally known KFC. The simple recipe of grilled chicken seems to be popular with the local palate.

HanoiHanoi Cafe & Restaurant,
43 Trang Tien
HanoiHanoi Café & Restaurant is both a culinary and a cultural space. Located in a French designed house you can find traditional Vietnamese and international cuisine as well as an art gallery, which highlights the work of some of the best Vietnamese contemporary artists.

GALLERIES

Green Palm Gallery, 15 Trang Tien
A mid- sized gallery, near the Hanoi Opera House, Green Palm displays the works of contemporary artists such as Bui Huu Hung, Dao Hai Phong and Nguyen Thanh Binh as well as work by lesser-known or emerging artists.

Adong Art Gallery, 61 Trang Tien
Established in 1998 this gallery showcases the work of several senior artists from Vietnam’s Fine Art Association, professors and lecturers from various fine art institutions as well as younger talents; an excellent starting point for anyone interested in discovering more about the multi-faceted art scene with a wide variety of styles on display. Art lovers should also check out Good Home Gallery and New Gallery at 21 Trang Tien, Thanh Mai Gallery at 11 or Viet Art Gallery at 18.

VietNamNet/Time-out

[specko80]

Bro Jackbl,

Many thanks for the tips and details to Hanoi!

Am working and living in HCMC and always wanted to explore Hanoi as of coz....so many people said that Hanoi girls more dep...haha....

Cam on and Chuc Mung Nam Moi!

[rolf2000]

Hi all,
I am currently in HAN and simply wanted to know if one of you guys could get me in contact with a nice girl that is willing to get some extra work to do
Due to some business aspects I can simply not go out to one of the places mentioned earlyer and see what I can get. Therefore I would rather get in contact by email, you know.

THX in advance
rolf

[Micoxafloppin]

Originally Posted by naemlo

Smart ger... chop chop...

I didn't buy her the neckless and moved on.

One week later heard she trying to contact me as she had split up with b/f and he'd smashed her h/p and lost my number.

Saw her but now no mood lah and got other ger - not so smart eh.

[naemlo]

Originally Posted by rolf2000

Therefore I would rather get in contact by email, you know.

Good luck to u... bros in Hanoi dun depends on gers to survive... We have a decent job or another words we r not OKT.

Originally Posted by Micoxafloppin

I didn't buy her the neckless and moved on.

Smart move.

[rolf2000]

Originally Posted by naemlo

Good luck to u... bros in Hanoi dun depends on gers to survive... We have a decent job or another words we r not OKT.
Smart move.

You are not my kitchen table, right OKT - What does OKT stand for? Acronyms and abbreviations by the Free Online Dictionary.

Anyway U should now that I was not going to pay you for a hint

[Micoxafloppin]

Smart move. [/QUOTE]
Arranged to meet another ger from Relax on Sunday and suggested she choose the rendevous - Vimcom of course. She ask if I have lunch and no I hadn't, she say she had. Go to top floor I not hungry anyway (late b/f) I have 2 beers suggest she come back hotel. Downstairs for shopping - bracelet US$800. Forget that - go to leave she want clothes shopping. I say tired need go sleep bye. SMS from her "u no happy today" don't reply.
Total outlay 1 carrot juice + taxi fare. Tink I give gers in Relax a miss though.
Lined one up from 17 for this weekend - another adventure.
Fortuna, as I'm staying there is always a good fallback solution and being a member of the OS Club helps on the prelim expenses.
Branching out to Matador & Halle this week. They still both open? Maybe give Pho Vong a first visit Saturday afternoon.
Am I on the rite track bro?

[naemlo]

Originally Posted by rolf2000

Anyway U should now that I was not going to pay you for a hint

Dunno what u trying to say Good luck waiting for ppl to email u for contact. If till now none, it will be good to use your most trusted left or right hand.

Originally Posted by Micoxafloppin

Branching out to Matador & Halle this week. They still both open? Maybe give Pho Vong a first visit Saturday afternoon.
Am I on the rite track bro?

Matador changed to something like Halle, ya both open this week. Pho Vong will be good for 15mins.

[Seize the day]

Matador is renamed MP3 and is still situated at the old premises while Halle is at 64 Nguyen Du. Hope this helps.

Cheers and enjoy

[deptrai4u]

Originally Posted by rolf2000

You are not my kitchen table, right OKT - What does OKT stand for? Acronyms and abbreviations by the Free Online Dictionary.

Anyway U should now that I was not going to pay you for a hint

Wow, you dun know what OKT stands for??? okok,i tell you.. it means Orh Gui Tow... now you understand or still dun understand?

If you still dun understand I can still explain further.. if you understand than that is good...

Naemlo DOES NOT need you to pay him any money for any hint. He will gladly take any newbie out and show them around... you dun even need to pay for his beers as he is rich enough to afford more than just beer...

What he means in his message to you is that if you want any of the guys to show you around... do PM that particular person.. otherwise nobody is gonna to respond to your open invitation because nobody owes you a living.

You 2 messages current reads this way "Does anyone knows any pretty girls that needs some fucking and some money??? Please send one to me.. and if I fuck and like it, then i pay.. by the way, i will NOT pay you anything for sending the girl... go fuck yourself!!!"

[Micoxafloppin]

Originally Posted by deptrai4u

Wow, you dun know what OKT stands for??? okok,i tell you.. it means Orh Gui Tow... now you understand or still dun understand?

If you still dun understand I can still explain further.. if you understand than that is good...

Naemlo DOES NOT need you to pay him any money for any hint. He will gladly take any newbie out and show them around... you dun even need to pay for his beers as he is rich enough to afford more than just beer...

What he means in his message to you is that if you want any of the guys to show you around... do PM that particular person.. otherwise nobody is gonna to respond to your open invitation because nobody owes you a living.

You 2 messages current reads this way "Does anyone knows any pretty girls that needs some fucking and some money??? Please send one to me.. and if I fuck and like it, then i pay.. by the way, i will NOT pay you anything for sending the girl... go fuck yourself!!!"

Are you in the diplomatic service - not worth to reply to this bro.
He may not know OKT but for sure know PCC.

[Micoxafloppin]

Originally Posted by Seize the day

Matador is renamed MP3 and is still situated at the old premises while Halle is at 64 Nguyen Du. Hope this helps.

Cheers and enjoy

Thanks bro - which one you recommend (both, 1 or none)?