The best area of Hanoi for tourists

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Hanoi is a huge city, but most of the tourist infrastructure and hotels are concentrated in only one place. This is a small area around the local landmark-The Lake of the returned sword, and in particular the Old Town area north of the lake (Old Town / tourist district on the map). This is the best place for tourists to stay. In addition, the most inexpensive hotels in Hanoi, budget hostels and hostels are concentrated here.

In the Old Town, which is considered the tourist center of the city, you can find a huge number of travel agencies, shops and shops with souvenirs and goods aimed at selling to tourists. Here is the most cafes, restaurants, and inexpensive local "food".

Hanoi Old Town

Historically, some streets of the Old City are trade and craft, and with their own specialization. For example, Hang Bac Street is a zone of jewelers and moneylenders, here you can find the most favorable exchange rate. Thuoc Bac and Hang Thiec are streets of tinsmiths. And Dong Xuan is the main shopping street, where a street Night Market Opens at nightfall.

Old Town Street Market

However, the Old City, although diverse and interesting, is not devoid of dangers. Due to overcrowding and chaotic development, there are very narrow streets and sidewalks. It is dangerous for pedestrians to walk here, you must always be on your guard. After all, not only are all the sidewalks busy parking motorcycles, trading, or even just used as a cafe or kitchen, so they still manage to ride motorcyclists. Due to the poor work of the city's sanitary utilities, waste from retail outlets and cafes end up right on the sidewalks, and it is not uncommon to see a rat crossing the road. It is also a place of concentration of all sorts of crooks and thieves. So keep your eyes open and do not agree to various dubious offers from strangers who themselves turn to you.

So, if you decide to visit Hanoi, and this should be done by all means, it is best to start the search from the area of the lake of the returned sword (Han Kiem Lake) and the Old City. However, carefully read the reviews, as from them you can learn not only about the convenience and cleanliness of the room, but also the environment near the hotel.

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