hanoimonkey's profile
hanoimonkey's Posts
49 reviews or comments posted; 2 questions asked; 26 answers given.
Reviews / Comments (49) see all
A nice spa at a good location with professional therapists. We came here for a reflexology foot massage ($12/hour) and it included arms, legs and shoulder massages as well. Personally I'd prefer to have the whole hour spent on my feet and legs but my friends were very happy with the holistic approach.
There was a lovely smell that pervaded the whole room, making it very relaxing. Except for when the train passed by and seemed so close you thought the building may have been built over the tracks.
The only downsides were that it wasn't cheap (and you pay extra for the hot rock treatment) and they were quite disorganised. Despite booking in advance and having the place to ourselves, it took them about half an hour to actually get started. We spent that time eating pomelo with our feet in hot ginger-infused water so it didn't faze us.
| Was this review ... |
Had the set pizza lunch which was fairly cheap (about $6) and food was ok. Pizzas were a good size (one would have sufficed between 2 people) and came with a cucumber and lettuce salad and free bread. A stale smell of cigarettes lingered on the 1st floor. A very small cup of tea (with a tea bag) was rather overpriced at $1.50 with no free refills. Staff were friendly and the food was fast. A decent, no frills spot.
| Was this review ... |
Food is consistently good here, well priced and quality ingredients. The pastas are delicious on cheap Tues - all pastas (about 8 choices) for 50k. With a financial crisis looming, there's a bargain for you. Breakfasts are also delicious - the omelette is enormous and eggs benedict has perfectly poached eggs and is oozing with hollandaise sauce. Some mushrooms or spinach wouldn't go astray though.
Staff are fantastic too, very friendly and will provide directions to friends who are lost. Agree with the other reviews though - portions could be slightly larger for the money.
| Was this review ... |
I came here for dinner with friends and could only find set menus on offer. I don't know if this is a weekend/foreigner thing but it was a bit strange. Two options for the $US17/head menu with about 6 dishes, including dessert. Big wine selection starting from about 475k/bottle. Not sure if you can byo.
The food was good, nothing special but our overseas visitors enjoyed it so that was the main thing. Lovely colonial building, decor and table settings, good service. Not the best value for money though.
| Was this review ... |
My favourite Japanese restaurant in Hanoi! Big menu, lots of choice and they do the popular dishes well - california rolls, sashimi, etc. Service is very friendly and fast and with 3 levels, you can always get a table. Not too expensive and the servings are well-sized. Free miso with most dishes (though I find it too fishy). Lots of bike parking out front. And even when its busy, it doesn't get too loud.
| Was this review ... |
Questions (2)
Does anyone know where I could buy a cheese fondue pot?
Just in preparation for winter...
Does anyone know where I can get a battery for my watch? A watch shop? Or are there some little fix-it shops around the old quarter?
And where can I get a key cut?
Answers (26)
Posted Monday August 25th, 2008.
This may be a stretch but I'd recommend Hoi An. In particular, B-Binh at 11 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi An. My partner had a pair of black leather shoes for work made there in one day and they are very nice.
In response to the question: shoes for men-where are the good shoe stores(ones that have sizes to fit western feet!)or can I get shoes made?...
Posted Monday August 25th, 2008.
I agree that Vertical is a lovely dinner (and lunch) spot. Another fancypants restaurant with very good food is Halia, just opened up at Pacific Place building on cnr of Ly Thuong Kiet and Phan Boi Chau.
In response to the question: Hi all, Me and my husband are celebrating wedding anniversary in a few days. Can anyone recommend a fine dining restaurant for this occasion? Would...
Posted Friday September 5th, 2008.
Yes I also had several done there, $10 each for big A1 sizes, with nice wooden frames. Just wander into any of the art shops along there.
In response to the question: Can anyone recommend a good picture framer? I've seen heaps of art places around, but don't know what the workmanship is like. Not looking for anythi...
Posted Friday September 5th, 2008.
Dome has similar stuff though may be more pricey... http://www.dome.com.vn/
In response to the question: does anyone know if there is a web site for UMA furniture at CT6 My Dinh Hanoi?...
Posted Thursday September 11th, 2008.
You can count me in for one too! - M womens. They're hilarious... I also saw one with "Eat, sleep, gym" worn by a tiny Vietnamese woman. I don't it would look so fetching on me though ;)
Maybe some of the propaganda poster shops around Hoam Kiem would know...
In response to the question: Does anyone know where one may purchase one of these t-shirts bearing so priceless a slogan. I guess I could get one printed up but it wouldn't be ...
Posted Friday September 12th, 2008.
I went to Tran Tien Plaza, specifically Hang Hien optometrist. Prices start from 100,000/pair. Be sure to check the expiry dates and get a receipt in case you want to return them.
In response to the question: Does anyone know where I can buy contact lenses in Hanoi?...
Posted Monday September 29th, 2008.
I've had heaps of trouble at home lately with wireless connections and my mac and also with cable internet. My solution thus far has been to do nothing at all and wait for it to come back, which it usually does after a couple of days. Trying to change your computer settings etc which have been working perfectly until now or calling in someone to 'help' you will only send you round the bend. C'est la vie.
In response to the question: Today the internet seemed very very slow at my hotel (still looking to rent an apt) and when I went out to a cafe by the lake, the same thing happened...
Posted Monday September 29th, 2008.
I'm answering my own question in case there are any other deprived sods desperate for a melted cheese fix out there... the nice fella at Oasis Deli recommended a glazed claypot dish from the little shops around Dong Xuan market. Bon appetit!
In response to the question: Does anyone know where I could buy a cheese fondue pot? Just in preparation for winter......
Posted Friday October 3rd, 2008.
You can start by going to any of the events posted on this site, most esp the monthly meet up or the NH bowling nights. Depending on what country you're from, your embassy may have social events on a regular basis too that you could check out. There's also the Hanoi International Women's Club, or for a more low key meet-up, the Hanoi's professional women's assoc. Or you could get involved in the Hanoi Theatre Group - http://hanoi-hits.info/. Hanoi is full of friendly people - good luck!
In response to the question: I am new to Hanoi and am looking for any fun, social activities that can get me out of the house. It can be as formal as a tour or as informal as meet...
Posted Saturday October 4th, 2008.
After an exhausting search of what seemed like every dvd player in Hanoi, cheap and not, I finally found the Toshiba SD-690KA which plays everything from any region and was super cheap to boot. Media Mart on Hai Ba Trung. Short of that, I suggest picking up model dvd players and checking them yourself because most salespeople had no idea what I was talking about.
In response to the question: Which brand of dehumidifier would people suggest buying? I want something that works very well indeed. In another post, the name "Delongui" was droppe...
Posted Saturday October 4th, 2008.
Metro is a madhouse and the stuff isn't that great. It takes forever to get around, to get through the checkouts and nobody is at all friendly. Have heard of lots of people being mugged at Big C so wouldn't go there either. Much prefer to buy bits and pieces around Hanoi markets.
In response to the question: Do you need a card to shop at metro? Can you only shop there if you have a business? How does it work?...
Posted Tuesday October 7th, 2008.
Don't do it!! Suggest farewelling your VB days down at the local bia hoi.
In response to the question: Hi to all, Is there a place I can buy or order Victoria Bitter Beer (Australian)in Hanoi? Many thanks....
Posted Tuesday October 7th, 2008.
For something a bit indulgent, try the Daewoo hotel on Kim Ma - men's haircut for about $9. They throw in a foot/leg massage as well.
In response to the question: Hi, New here to Hanoi and looking for a stylist who specializes in fades, any suggestions?...
Posted Monday October 20th, 2008.
Or just go to the embassy and speak to the Australia Education International office on the ground floor. I have had them supervise an exam for me before.
In response to the question: Hi all, I'm studying with Open University (Australia) and have to sit an exam on the 1st of december. I desperately need someone to invigilate (sup...
Posted Monday October 20th, 2008.
Thanks. I finally got the battery from a watchmaker on Le Duan (Ly Thuong Kiet end).
In response to the question: Does anyone know where I can get a battery for my watch? A watch shop? Or are there some little fix-it shops around the old quarter? And where can...
Posted Sunday October 26th, 2008.
Look up 'contact lenses' in the search menu and you'll find this question's been answered before.
In response to the question: can i get ACUVUE contact lens here??? OR has anyone bought their contact lens in hanoi? if so, can anyone please give me some good tips ...
Posted Thursday October 30th, 2008.
They're made of sheepskin and they're warm and snug and lovely for winter. More of an indoor boot. Sorry, I don't know if you can get them here (I brought mine with me!)
In response to the question: Anyone ever seen UGG boots in any shops in Hanoi?? Probably a long shot......
Posted Monday November 3rd, 2008.
If you do a search under "volunteer" you'll find this question's been asked before with lots of helpful answers
In response to the question: I have been searching around for a while and am struggling to find short-term work with local NGOs. Does anyone have advice? It seems like most peop...
Posted Tuesday November 4th, 2008.
I went to a place calling themselves Toni & Guy on 1A Nha Chung St, right opposite the cathedral. I only had a wash and blowdry (because I get my hair cut at Vudoo's) and it was ok but nothing flash. Expensive, 200k and took about an hour. The main guy, who was cutting someone's hair, spoke good English.
They do a very good hairwash with a bit of a head massage but is hard to relax because of the noise factor outside and also there is a very pervasive smell of dried fish and cigarettes. Mmmm...
But if you're after T&G, they apparently do exist in Hanoi!
In response to the question: Can anyone recommend Toni and Guy Hairdressers???...
Posted Friday November 7th, 2008.
Old quarter was fine throughout last weekend. I waded through knee-deep water on Ly Thuong Kiet, Hanoi Towers, etc up to Green Mango Friday night and apart from a fallen tree (no damage except to the tree), it was plain sailing (no pun intended). And most shops, restaurants were open there all weekend too.
In response to the question: I am on Van Ho Ba, near Dai Co Viet and Ba Trieu, and am MUCH better off than the Le Duan side of Lenin Park. Wow, went over there today when it wasnt...
Posted Friday November 7th, 2008.
Try getting involved in things at the universities (English conversational classes, etc). There's heaps of single, clever young women there. Or if you know any Vietnamese people through your work or whatever, ask them to introduce you to their friends.
In response to the question: I am new to Vietnam and would like to know where I can meet single ladies in Hanoi and HCMC.I have heard about Beer Bars and have had a few Vietnamese...
Posted Wednesday November 12th, 2008.
I went to Lenin Park once and it was 2,000/entry so you were definitely had! I gave them a 5,000 note and they gave me my ticket and a stick of chewing gum. Hmmm... note to self: have correct change.
Clothing-wise, it really varies but at most tailors you can bargain a little. As a rough estimate, I'd pay $10/top (women's), $10-15 for a skirt and about $20-30 for a silk/linen dress (mostly I go to Pho Hang Trong). If you have your own material it's a lot cheaper. I haven't had shoes made/bought in Hanoi and I don't often buy ready-made clothes as they're generally more expensive.
If you feel someone's ripping you off, say 'khong duoc' (not ok) and that generally helps. Just laugh as though it's all a big joke but don't get angry or upset. Good luck!
In response to the question: I went to the park yesterday, at the entrance as I walked in the guy pointed to a little notebook in front of him that had 200,000 written on it. I so...
Posted Tuesday November 18th, 2008.
yeah you're basically in the same boat as most other foreigners here, so get an overpaid consultant job as a 'technical expert' or volunteer, pass on your skills and meet some real Vietnamese people.
In response to the question: My wife has 2 - 3 year work contract in Hanoi, starting end of 2009. Accommodation included. The issue: I need some interesting work or I'll go nut...
Posted Tuesday November 18th, 2008.
Yeah I'd ask some Vietnamese people for recommendations. Good for you that you're keen to learn the language... I did some lessons in Aus but didn't pick it up properly till I came here. So best way to learn is to study intensively in-country so you can practice with local people at the same time. Good luck!
In response to the question: Hey, I know this isn’t really the right place to ask this but i don’t know where else to find out. I'm going to be living in Hanoi for much of nex...
Posted Friday November 28th, 2008.
Vine
In response to the question: Whats your vote for the best pizza in Hanoi?...
Posted Friday November 28th, 2008.
Yes, the postal workers are not best known for their customer service. Packages, I've found, do arrive at their destinations sooner or later.
In response to the question: hey guys, i want to send some christmas gifts to the US. i have read about the post office and costs, but i am wondering if i can wrap the gifts o...
Elite User
3 Followers
49 Reviews
6 First Reviews
Well-Written (7) Funny (3) Accurate (41) Useful (35)
Not Given
My Blog or WebsiteNot Listed
EmailPrivate
New Hanoian Member SinceMonday August 18th, 2008
