letsgoeverywhere's profile
letsgoeverywhere's Posts
16 reviews or comments posted; 5 questions asked; 48 answers given.
Reviews / Comments (16) see all
If it wasn't for the NewHanoian I never would have found this great eye glasses place.
I went in this morning to get a free eye test and some new glasses and upon arrival was ushered to the front of the eye test line. I really don't like that kind of treatment and told the receptionist not to skip me ahead, but they insisted. Whatever.
The optometrist took her time with the eye test and fitted me with the kooky binocular glasses that they use to see if the lens are right. They sent me out into the store so everyone could have a good laugh at how ridiculous I looked (including other customers who were wearing the same contraption) and while I waited I picked out some fancy frames that cost just under a million dong. They were among the most expensive, but hey, they were lightweight and cute.
Once my prescription was ready, I told the girls which frames I wanted and 20 minutes later, I had my new glasses.
Easy, friendly and quick. Five stars.
They also have their own parking compound, which is useful now that the cops are pulling bikes off the sidewalks.
| Was this review ... |
I had a really terrible breakfast here that cost over 300k. My boyfriend and I had the same thing and neither of us could eat most of what was on our plates -- cold and greasy is how I'd sum it up.
However, this isn't a breakfast place per se, so I'll be back soon for some tapas and hopefully I'll have a better experience.
I should add that the wait staff was extremely friendly and accommodating, and the dark, subdued tones of the upstairs were great for my hangover. We were also the only ones there.
| Was this review ... |
Went back yesterday for my free one-month-later touch up, and he had done such an amazing job originally there was little to nothing for him to touch up.
If you're looking for an outstanding tattoo artist and high standards of cleanliness and care, give this guy a call!
| Was this review ... |
Great selection of gummy candies too.
| Was this review ... |
I ate here tonight and as per usual I was pleased with the food, service and general ambiance.
However, billing me at a rate of VND18,600 to the dollar when the official exchange is VND16,800 is bad business, plain and simple!!
| Was this review ... |
Questions (5)
Does anyone if any of the LASER TAG places are still open?
Has anyone been to Dien Bien Phu city recently?
I'm working on a project and I'd like to ask a few questions of any who's been up to the northwest recently.
1. How did you get there?
2. Where there any good restaurants/hotels?
3. Did you take any sidetrips? To Son La, Yen Chai, Lai Chau, etc.?
Cheers!
If anyone feels like taking a couple days to see DBP, I'm heading there next week by air for work.
I'm currently owed close to VND10 million by a company based in HCMC, and I agreed to allow them to transfer the funds (in VND) into my domestic bank account.
I am with BIDV and I'm not sure which bank they use.
As of today, it's been well over 7 business days since they apparently ran the transfer, but no money yet.
Does anyone have any experiences with bank-to-bank transfers in the country? How long does it take?
Also, does anyone know why my funds had to be transferred through Chase Manhattan bank in NYC??
I've been searching without success for some time now for a telephone number for Cat Ba National Park's front office.
Anyone have their contact info?
Cheers!
Does anyone know if any airliner is offering *direct* flights from the US to Hanoi?
I know you can fly direct San Francisco to HCMC as of 2005, but what about Hanoi?
Anyone heard any news about a US-Hanoi route opening up?
I'm only looking for info on flights that do not stop over in Tokyo, HK, Bangkok, etc.
Cheers!
Answers (48)
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
A weekend jaunt to Bangkok usually does the trick for me.
In response to the question: Does anybody know an arcane ritual, occult ceremony, special dance, etc. that will make the sun actually come out for once during this dour, depressin...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Hello,
I have a dog and a cat and when my partner and I go away we use a number of options.
Firstly, on Truong Dinh Street there is a "khach san cho meo", dog and cat hotel, where they will board your animals (outdoors in cages) for not too much money.
However, they also keep baby bears there and I think that really freaked out my animals! I used them once and never went back.
Another option is that most international standard vets (Pet Health on Au Co for example) also board animals. It does not cost too much (maybe 60,000/day for a cat and dog). My animals also hate this place, but we use them when we have to.
The BEST option is to find a local woman you trust and who loves animals and pay for them to come to your home to look after your pets. This is much less traumatic for all involved and can be arranged fairly cheaply!
I have a woman friend who I trust to do this, and she is currently looking for extra work. If you want her contact send me a note and I can arrange a meeting!
In response to the question: I have tried to find a solution before but without success, we have two small dogs, young, Jack Russell type dogs and we are going on holiday mid June...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I know what you mean about those coil things and how they seem not to work, but I can swear by them!!
A Korean gent who lived in my place before me left a bunch of Korean coils and they work like magic. I still see mosquitos flying around, but I haven't been bitten in ages.
Bizarre but great!
In response to the question: Lately I've found myself being attacked rather vigourously by mosquitos whilst I'm sleeping, which I'm not enjoying. I can't seem to locate the insect...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
There's also the Sunflower Studio on the southeast side of Truc Bach Lake.
In response to the question: Does anyone know of a recording studio? I need to make some short voice recordings to send via email to Ho Chi Minh. I have no clue how to do that wit...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Hi, I've been around Hanoi for about four years and it used to be that Apocalypse Now was the big gay night spot, but I think it's closed now. Also, GC Bar on Bao Khanh Street is considered LGBT-friendly, as is Mao's Red Room.
According to my gay friends, the scene isn't great and there's not many reliable places that are sure to have a gay clientele.
As a woman, I've been told to swim and do my hassle-free sunbathing at the Asia (or Asian?) Hotel near the old Apocalypse Now because it's clean, has a great pool and is a gay gathering spot. Hence, I won't be bothered.
Maybe head down there and ask around?
Also, my boyfriend has dudes trying to pick him up whenever he was walks alone around Hoan Kiem Lake in the early evening. At dusk there seems to be a lot of young gay Vietnamese guys looking to chat up foreigners. Watch out though! Could be a trap!
In response to the question: Are there and LGBT hangouts in Hanoi?...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I know the Sunflower Studio is not too expensive -- maybe 400,000-700,000 depending on how many CD copies you want. I tried to look up their exact address (as they moved from one place on the lake to another) but I couldn't find any info. However, if you head down to Truc Bach Lake and just drive around the small perimeter, I bet you'll find it.
Good luck!
In response to the question: Does anyone know of a recording studio? I need to make some short voice recordings to send via email to Ho Chi Minh. I have no clue how to do that wit...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I just thought I'd share my Mac repair experiences here in Hanoi.
My logic board fried on Valentine's Day this year and I took my G4 Powerbook (12") into the FPT on Yet Kieu. The dude there... I think his name is Thanh, ordered me a new logic board from Singapore, which proceeded to sit in customs in limbo for the next month. When he finally got it and installed it, it was a dud.
The next day he ordered another one - express this time - and within 5 days my laptop was back to me and working perfectly.
While my laptop was being serviced he lent me a big, nasty Windows laptop of somesort, which was a big help.
If your Mac breaks down, go see Mr Thanh at 1A Yet Kieu! He reads English better than he speaks it so he's great to communicate with via text.
In response to the question: Is there any any apple mac community in Hanoi ? Been looking for info on where mac enthusiasts get their hardware from and at a reasonable price....
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Yes!
Although I won't be here in August, if I were, I'd be all over a hip hop party.
In response to the question: Hi, a friend and I are thinking about throwing a hip hop party and we're just trying to get an idea of how many people would be interested in coming. ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
There are indeed authorised Apple resellers and repair people in Hanoi. The state-owned FPT is one of them.
In response to the question: Is there any any apple mac community in Hanoi ? Been looking for info on where mac enthusiasts get their hardware from and at a reasonable price....
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Let me know if they are able to fix it because I've got four or five shirts that were wrecked like that in the laundry!
In response to the question: So my laundry got messed up... I know it is part of the lottery sometimes when you are away and using laundries. (I wish I had a machine or had done i...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
To get the police to do anything, you'll have to bribe them mightily. The problem here is your landlord can simply up the ante by increasing *their* bribe to the police, which they gladly do.
I've had this happen more than once.
So, if it's really, really, worth it to you to teach these ass landlords a lesson, be prepared to pay several mil at least to get the police to lean on them. Otherwise, you'll encounter an "us vs. them" mentality and the police will side with your landlord (who bribes them anyway just to have foreigners living at his/her place).
Did that make sense?
It's also handy to befriend a police officer here, who may advocate for you for free. I never taught English before, but I made an exception for a young cop I met at Fivimart who struck up a conversation. That friendship has been more than useful for us both.
In response to the question: Hi there. I'm seeking some advice from people who have been here a while and may have had dealings with the police and crooked landlords. The day aft...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
PS. The police all know about the two signed contracts scam... That's mainly done for income tax purposes.
In response to the question: Hi there. I'm seeking some advice from people who have been here a while and may have had dealings with the police and crooked landlords. The day aft...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
If all else fails, buy some denim at the fabric market and take it down to Doi Can Street. They've got a few jeans tailors down there with all the right needles and studs and whatnots. They don't speak much English though!
In response to the question: does anyone know where i can get decent jeans 36" ish with long leg. Tried calvin klein& vincom Cheers...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Definitely let it be known far and wide, maybe make posters if you're really pissed, with the address of this terrible place.
It sounds like the landlord screwed himself, because you were willing to stay at a discounted rate despite the construction. Now he's gotta find someone else to accept the place while the racket's already going on!
Dumb!
In response to the question: Hi there. I'm seeking some advice from people who have been here a while and may have had dealings with the police and crooked landlords. The day aft...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
The Dong is only allowed to trade within a 1% band of the dollar daily. Traders are putting a lot of money on the fact the gov is going to devalue the Dong 40% before the end of the year, in an effort to avoid a currency collapse.
In response to the question: So there is currently a gap between the black market buy/sell rate and the bank buy/sell rate for USD and Dong. I'm just curious, what's to stop me f...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
My multiple entry, 6-month business visa cost $115, though that was about three months ago.
PM me for address if anyone wants it.
In response to the question: Hi, Anyone out there been out and about shopping for visa extension quotes recently? Got one saturday from tropical tours for a six month multiple ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Thanks Stoss!! Great info!
In response to the question: Has anyone been to Dien Bien Phu city recently? I'm working on a project and I'd like to ask a few questions of any who's been up to the northwest ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
The French Hospital is notorious for its shit service and DIRTY facilities. It should be avoided at all costs unless you're looking for a staph infection.
For foreigners and Vietnamese alike, the Korean Friendship Clinic is the best (most modern and well equipped) and most affordable option going. It also has a two tier pricing system, but foreigners aren't gouged to begin with. I pay around $7 to see a great (and handsome) Korean doctor, and Vietnamese pay $3.5. Fine with me.
In response to the question: I have been in a running discussion with the French Hospital in criticism of their maintenance of a dual pricing policy for Vietnamese and foreigners ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Are you strapped for cash? Buffalo Tours does a great Mai Chau trip that will take you trekking deep into the valley to stay at a White Thai village. I've been all over north Vietnam and it was truly an awesome trip.
I do have the public bus info at my office; I'll PM you with it tomorrow.
In response to the question: How does one get to Mai Chau or Cat Ba by public trans? where is the station? Has any one got experience taking a bus to Mai chau? how was it? Ar...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I take my cat and dog to Pet Health on Au Co. I can't remember the exact number, but it's 200 and something. I've always been happy with the quality of care there and it's not too expensive.
Haven't seen that type of food though... The litter available here sucks pretty bad.
In response to the question: I am looking for a veterinarian who is good to my cats. Can you give me a recommendation? As well I am looking for places selling cat food, especial...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Mai Chau can be reached by public transport fairly easily; take a bus from the Hanoi bus station to HOA BINH TOWN (about two hours) and from Hoa Binh town local buses run to Mai Chau Valley at 6am, 12pm and 4pm daily. Costs 25,000VND and takes another hour and a half.
That bus stops at Tong Dau Junction; from there take a xe om to Ban Village or the main town.
If you go via public transport, you may be stopped and made to pay a 5,000VND entrance fee right before descending into the valley.
WORTH THE TRIP!
Don't hang out in the crappy, ultra-touristy Ban Village (Ban Lac); hire a guide and trek out to a White Thai village.
In response to the question: How does one get to Mai Chau or Cat Ba by public trans? where is the station? Has any one got experience taking a bus to Mai chau? how was it? Ar...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Pet Health (Benh vien thu y)
191 Au Co, Tay Ho District
tel. 04 242 8882, mob. 090 449 1454
email. mypet.hospital@gmail.com
http://www.pethealthvethospital.com
In response to the question: I am looking for a veterinarian who is good to my cats. Can you give me a recommendation? As well I am looking for places selling cat food, especial...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Only made the news because this kind of thing happens so rarely.
Are you worried about being shot in Hanoi? Because you're more likely to contract the bubonic plague or cholera. Or have your currency suddenly become worthless overnight.
Guns = not a problem.
In response to the question: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/18/AR2008061800285.html Was trying to get clarity on the current financial situation...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I occasionally buy a couple boxes of Cuban cigars (to send home to Canada) from the fixed shops at the top of Hoan Kiem. They have real Cubans, with seals and everything, but they aren't cheap.
That's the only place I've seen boxes of good cigars.
In response to the question: Other than the few baskets and shops on the northwest corner of HK lake, does anyone know where there's a tobacconist selling good cigars? (Preferabl...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
A friend of mine was complaining about the lack of a clean, affordable, all purpose gym focused on weights last year, and now he's well on his way to opening one up.
I'll try to find out how far he's progressed with the set up...
In response to the question: Im into my weight lifting are there any gyms in Hanoi to cater for me...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
teacherman: Is your info from the Viet Nam News, by any chance?
In response to the question: Dear all, Just a quick question-- what is the current black market rate for VND-USD? Has it risen above 18500 to even higher rates? Or has it sta...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Sounds good, how much are tickets?
In response to the question: For anyone who enjoyed the recent B.O.D thread, you will be pleased to hear I have organised a party/fundraiser to celebrate the launch of the Sex in ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Thanks for the info, Mike.
I've been trying to get paid by this company for close to two months now and I am really starting to get frustrated with them. They came back at me with all kinds of ridiculous requests (wanted photocopies of EVERY page in my passport) and have given me every excuse under the sun.
UGH! Now that I know domestic transfers shouldn't take more than a week I'm going to have to write another firm yet polite email demanding my fee.
Do I have any recourse if these guys just keep f-ing me over?
In response to the question: I'm currently owed close to VND10 million by a company based in HCMC, and I agreed to allow them to transfer the funds (in VND) into my domestic bank ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I do have a red invoice, so that's good!
I finally got ahold of the company owner and he, apparently, is personally going to put the money through on Monday.
We. Shall. See.
In response to the question: I'm currently owed close to VND10 million by a company based in HCMC, and I agreed to allow them to transfer the funds (in VND) into my domestic bank ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Will do!
In response to the question: I'm currently owed close to VND10 million by a company based in HCMC, and I agreed to allow them to transfer the funds (in VND) into my domestic bank ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Wow, you're right, it IS Canada Day!
Happy Canada Day to my fellow compatriots and all other NewHanoians. I'd definitely be up for celebratory beers tonight but my partner has a work party.
The Canadian embassy usually does something lame a couple weeks after Canada Day -- and it usually costs close to $20. I don't know how they get anyone to attend since they don't email anyone about it!
In response to the question: Are the any Canadians out there doing some Canada Day celebrations tonight? If not are there any Canadians or people who appreciate Canadians and/o...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I saw the blurb on Cat Ba National Park but I didn't see a telephone number anywhere on that site.
In response to the question: I've been searching without success for some time now for a telephone number for Cat Ba National Park's front office. Anyone have their contact inf...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
That second number was helpful but the number they gave me for Cat Ba Nat'l Park doesn't work.
Oi gioi oi!
Still searchin'...
In response to the question: I've been searching without success for some time now for a telephone number for Cat Ba National Park's front office. Anyone have their contact inf...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Finally got it via the Holiday View Hotel on Cat Ba Island.
If anyone else is looking for it, it's 031-368-8686
In response to the question: I've been searching without success for some time now for a telephone number for Cat Ba National Park's front office. Anyone have their contact inf...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Sadly, firecrackers have been banned since 1995.
If you find someone doing a fireworks display, post the info. I wanna go too!
In response to the question: I know we are all suppose to hate the Americans, even if we are American. But I was wondering if there are any 4th of July celebrations going on. Ther...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Today's official bank rate jumped to VND17,000.
In response to the question: My rent contract is in USD but I pay in VND, I think this is pretty standard and wasnt a problem at all until last month. At that time my landlord...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
A couple of younger, college-age friends of mine have also said that since ATMs are relatively new, some people take longer because they are inexperienced with the machines. That's just some people, though.
Like 4inhanoi said, some people do all their banking transactions (on multiple accounts) at ATMs.
In response to the question: This is an odd thing I noticed in Vietnam. Many times, I've been waiting to go to an ATM behind a Vietnamese person who takes a VERY long time to fin...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
???
Not sure if this is what you're asking, but you're certainly allowed to go in and read the books. Taking them out is another matter and will require some serious hoop jumping, but you can browse and hang out in there as long as you want while they're open. Here's their number 04-825-4927.
www.nlv.gov.vn
In response to the question: Hi, Does anyone know if foreigners are allowed to read in the National Library, and if yes, what is required for registration, if any? Thank...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
It's probably not helpful, but four years ago I bought a beanbag chair in the northern part of the Old Quarter, on a the street where they sell blankets and small beds and pillows. It cost about VND100k and it lasted about two weeks at my house before my dog peed on it and we had to put it out on the street.
I'll drive by the street tomorrow and see if the store still exists.
In response to the question: I know the beanbag question has been asked before, answered, then answered again with there are no beanbags to be found... but has anyone found a sour...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Check out the Vietnam-Korea Friendship Clinic. There's a listing on this site. It's at 12 Chu Van An (new building) and it has all the hospital facilities. It's cheap and the Korean and Vietnamese doctors speak English.
In response to the question: Hello all, I'm in need of a physical/medical check up kind of thing and I'm wondering if anyone has a suggestion as to the best place to go. I apol...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I'll second Samitivej Hospital in Bangkok. When I was working in BKK I did all my medical stuff there. You gotta love the bling bling chandelier in the main entrance.
In response to the question: Hello all, I'm in need of a physical/medical check up kind of thing and I'm wondering if anyone has a suggestion as to the best place to go. I apol...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
There is a weight-lifting gym at 148 Au Co, in Tay Ho. It's above a shop called T & T handicrafts on the Red River side of the dyke road and it looks to be a serious affair.
I've never been myself, but I've seen some rather hunky Viets go in and out.
In response to the question: Does anyone know of a small (or large) weightlifting gym near the Tay Ho area? Local gyms are preferred, but if I have to join a chain then I have to...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I just answered this question in your last post but I don't know where it went.
In response to the question: also how is it for pet dogs there, re, places to walk them, parks ,pet shops... and whatnot, landlords attitudes toward renting to pet owners, and of ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Okay, no problem.
I bought a dog three years ago and I haven't had any problems with her at all. There are lots of Hanoians who love fancy dog breeds and they tend to differentiate between "dinner dogs" and "house dogs".
There are dog clubs (Vietnamese speakers) and lots of vets, though not too many great places to walk a dog. One place I like to go is Xom Chua Street right on West Lake. I guess any of the small lakes would be good to walk around. I always thought it'd be nice to take my dog for a walk around the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum area, but I wouldn't dare.
There's little to no good grass and there aren't any dog parks, but people won't look at you crazy for having a dog on a leash out on the street.
You do have to be careful if your dog is big or really handsome because they are often stolen to be resold or eaten. I'm told thieves particularly like big blonde dogs. Anyway, the traffic is awful so you don't want to leave it outside unattended.
Otherwise you should be fine! Don't count on having a garden or any lawn at whatever place you rent -- your pooch will have to get used to squatting on cement.
Good luck! You shouldn't have any problems!
In response to the question: also how is it for pet dogs there, re, places to walk them, parks ,pet shops... and whatnot, landlords attitudes toward renting to pet owners, and of ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
They probably wouldn't eat a pug, but they would steal it and resell it to someone else. Pugs are rare in Hanoi (saw my first one here yesterday!) and they could probably sell it for a few million dong.
Definitely tell the landlord in advance that you have animals. I've lived in about five different places here and each one of my landlords was fine with animals, so you should be able to find something.
In response to the question: also how is it for pet dogs there, re, places to walk them, parks ,pet shops... and whatnot, landlords attitudes toward renting to pet owners, and of ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
You should definitely be able to buy a ticket with VND cash!! I always pay by card, but I would put up a fuss like you wouldn't believe if they told me I couldn't pay them in their own currency. Which agent do you use?
In response to the question: Does anyone know if any airliner is offering *direct* flights from the US to Hanoi? I know you can fly direct San Francisco to HCMC as of 2005, bu...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
The one I use most often is Asia Wings Travel in the Hanoi Towers. They're the most efficient and pleasant.
Good luck with wherever you try and post about what happens!
In response to the question: Does anyone know if any airliner is offering *direct* flights from the US to Hanoi? I know you can fly direct San Francisco to HCMC as of 2005, bu...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Whatever you do, don't pay for your kitten!! Most families with litters give them away free.
I paid VND35,000 for my cat back in 2004 and the woman who sold it to me still laughs to herself when she sees me. Crazy Tay paying for cats!
In response to the question: Okay I know there are normally signs everywhere advertising cute fluffy kittens, and there's a cat giving birth in every alley every night, but at the...
Elite User
0 Followers
16 Reviews
3 First Reviews
Well-Written (2) Funny (8) Accurate (19) Useful (30)
Miz West If You're Nasty
My Blog or WebsiteNot Listed
EmailPrivate
In Hanoi SinceWednesday September 29th, 2004
Here UntilSaturday July 26th, 2008
New Hanoian Member SinceMonday August 27th, 2007
Followers (0)
None