Hanoi Travel Forum

My plan to Hanoi is in June, worry about communication in Hanoi. is english speaking common in Hanoi? can local people understand english or mandarin?
I'm worry I will be having communication problem while looking for tour information later.

Besides, I would like to have day tour to Halong bay and Ning Binh (Tam coc). Shall I book in advance or is it easy to get it done after arriving in Hanoi?

Total 4 of us, shall we go for private tour or SIC tour?

HI,

No worry much about communication in Hanoi. You can communicate easy with saleman: gallery shop, clothes shop, cafe shop, glasses...even some street vendors, xe om driver.. can speak English and French. I had a funny talk with xe om driver, you know.

In addition, if you want to book day tour to Halong Bay or Ninh Binh, no need to book in advance. After one or two relaxing days in Hanoi, you can find a travel agency that support package service, tour guide and choose a good one for you. Be careful, not all travel agencies are trustful. I satisfied with Halong bay kayaking of Active travel Vietnam. It was really fantastic for all, I love kayaking! Maybe i will come back Vietnam in Nov this year for my business, for sure I want a biking tour around Hanoi or some nice places nearby, interesting?

Have a wonderful trip in Vietnam!

Most people that you will talk to can speak English. As for booking tours, book them when you are there, its cheaper, and there are heaps of travel agencies to choose from. Prices vary for the same tours, and often you all end up on the same bus, so shop around if you want to.

You will have no problems whatsoever in Hanoi (my favorite VN city). I have a good friend who can help you with tours - it's Diep, from Adventure Indochina Travel. A most honest guy who really goes out of his way to please. I've used him now for 2 trips, and the guy is so generous. He's centrally located in the Old Quarter, and will also do Visa on Arrival Approval Letters for you. More info on his website:
http://www.adventureindochina.com

(tell him to take you to the Bun Bo (noodle place) and the seafood place near the Lake - nobody knows the Old Quarter quite as well as Diep!)

You will have no problems whatsoever in Hanoi (my favorite VN city). I have a good friend who can help you with tours - it's Diep, from Adventure Indochina Travel. A most honest guy who really goes out of his way to please. I've used him now for 2 trips, and the guy is so generous. He's centrally located in the Old Quarter, and will also do Visa on Arrival Approval Letters for you. More info on his website:
http://www.adventureindochina.com

(tell him to take you to the Bun Bo (noodle place) and the seafood place near the Lake - nobody knows the Old Quarter quite as well as Diep!)

feel relief after your replies...

thank you very much for all the advises, at least we can plan what to do now...

how about the signboard? can we find it in english?