Vietnam forum

If you arrive in daylight hours, you can take the Vietnam Airlines shuttle to their offices just south of the Old Quarter - much safer than a random taxi. If you arrive later, I would insist on Mai Linh Group cabs. Head for Hoan Kiem Lake - center of town in the Old Quarter.

If you tell us your budget, we might suggest a few places, but Hanoi is far far more complex and one hell of a lot bigger than Vientiane or Luang Prabang with literally hundreds of small hotels. This year, the travel business is pretty poor, and that means it's a buyer's market. For 2 star, I suggest the Holiday Gold Hotel on Hang Manh. For 3 star, it would be extremely hard to beat the Art Hotel on Hang Dieu. I stayed at both places on my trip this month (both were excellent, friendly, well located and value-packed!)

Thanks Daawgon, the shuttle bus sounds ideal, I get to Hanoi mid morning. Yes, i figured this exercise in accommodation hunting would be pretty different to Laos, Im looking forward to it, but I dont eant to spend too much time on it. My budget is up to $20 a night, could probably stretch that to a bit more if it seems really necessary ... I *need* a window in my room, I need non-smoking and I like a bit of character! Suggestions welcome

I have stayed in the Especen Hotel in the Cathedral area - this is a very basic, but clean hotel. I was last there about 3 years ago in the $25. family room that comes with a very large balcony (currently around $30.) Look at the Especen's website because it not only illustrates it's rooms quite well, but if you go to it's FAQ page, you will find links to some prettty good local maps as well.

Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it