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Weather
Hanoi has a more distinct 4 seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Due to the humid tropical monsoon climate, winters are cold and dry, whereas summer is hot and rainy. Notice the transitions to prepare suitable clothes for each season.
Interesting fact: Autumn is the most stunning and charming season in Hanoi. Staying here during autumn, you will experience a subtle and poetic Hanoi.
Transportation
Many expatriates get around the city either by a small motorbike or by taxi.
Motorbikes are easy to buy or hire in Hanoi. However, you will need to have a motorbike driving licence if you want to travel by motorbike. It is recommended that you bring your UK driving licence to Hanoi as it is easier to convert your licence to Vietnamese licence than to undergo a Vietnamese driving test for motorbikes.
Please note that you can not drive if you have any alcohol in your blood or you are driving without a valid licence.
Taxi rates are very reasonable in Hanoi as long as you choose a reputable company and the meter is used. It is always useful to have your destination written down before you embark on a taxi trip. It is easy to catch a taxi on the street but sometimes it is easier to call the taxi company. Another option is using various taxi apps such as Grab, GoViet, Mai Linh or FastGo.
Reputable Taxi companies:
- G7 Taxi: 024 3263 6363
- Taxi Group: 024 38 26 26 26
- Mai Linh Taxi: 024 38 333 333
Recreation
There are a huge range of recreational activities and opportunities available for both adults and children living in Hanoi.
Below are some activities you can try for a perfect weekend:
- Cinemas
- Live Music
- Hanoi Pony Club - Horse riding lessons, hire ponies for birthdays, events, etc.
- Jump Arena - A fun, active and popular environment for families
- VietClimb - A fun, indoor climbing and bouldering centre
- Golf - There are a number of good standard golf courses in and around Hanoi as well as a driving range at the Hanoi Club on West Lake.
- Hanoi Hash House Harriers - A walk/run held on Sunday afternoon to see the countryside and meet people socially. Hashers meet at the American Club, 19-21 Hai Ba Trung Street, at 1.30pm.
- Hanoi Night Market - Hang Dao Street in the Old Quarter turns into a bustling market every weekend on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7pm - 11pm, selling everything from clothing and shoes to electronics, jewelry and food. The area around Hoan Kiem lake also becomes pedestrianised for the whole weekend from 7pm Friday - 11pm Sunday.
- Bowling
- Dance Studios
Restaurants
Vietnam is famous for its delicious food and it can be very inexpensive to dine out each evening if you have an adventurous appetite and try some of the local dishes.
However, if you’re not ready to dive into the tastes of Vietnam, no need to worry. There are a fantastic number of restaurants to choose from in Hanoi with foods from around the world and different price ranges.
Many restaurants have a ‘take-away’ and delivery service. Expatriates can use many takeaway apps that are available in Vietnam to get food delivered in a fast and convenient way.
Especially, if you’re a coffee lover then Vietnam is the place for you. It’s strong but it’s delicious and you can get all sorts of varieties from egg to coconut!
Nightlife
Hanoians are subtle, outgoing, friendly and positive to the integration as well as the overseas friends. They like to gather in the evening and this time will be the perfect time for you to experience Hanoi’s nightlife.
Enjoy the nightlife atmosphere of Hanoi at Ta Hien & Luong Ngoc Quyen street (Old Quarter) or around Quang Ba area (Tay Ho). There are a lot of local and expat places to try, depending on your mood and your company.
