Howdy Hanoi 河内你好!

Hanoi 河内 (literally "Inside the River") is the capital and second largest city of Vietnam that lies on the banks of the Red River with an estimated population of 3.8 million. 

On 10th October 2010, Hanoi commorated its 1,000th anniversary since it's establishment as a capital city in 1010 when Emperor Ly Thai To moved his capital to Hanoi which was then called Thang Long until 1831.

Upon arriving Hanoi, if you do not have any Hanoian friend or tour/car rental representative waiting, you may choose the following options:

1. Bus (5am-10pm)- VD4,000-5,000 (per person) and take 1.5 hour. Cheapest but not the best option. From the airport exit to the bus stop, it's a long walk along the ramp to the end. Furthermore, baggage might not be permitted abroad the bus. Bus 7 terminates at Kim Ma bus station and Bus 17 at Long Bien bus station. 

2. Vietnam Airlines Shuttle (25 seater) - conveniently parked outside the airport but depart only when it's full. US$2 (per person) to their office (1km away from Old Quarter) or US$3 to your hotel. Pay the driver directly upon reaching your hotel.

3. Taxi - taxi companies are located outside the exit. Fixed rate per car US$15-17 (depending on type of car) inclusive of toll charges to all destinations within the city. Double Confirmed the price with the taxi driver before entering the car.

4. Hotel Transfer - some hotel provide free transfer, otherwise, charge a fixed rate.

The journey from Noi Bai International Airport is about 45km to the city and took about an hour to our hotel. Interesting views along the way that took my lens away...

Looks like a Giant Green Crocodile out there on the river!

And moving on land... 2 wheels 4 legs

2 wheels 8 legs... Wow..

And high above there.. a boxer to look after belongings

Have a cuppa on cloud 9 while the world whizZ by...  

Xin Chào!  Welcome to Hanoi!