Vietnam: I, N00B

I survive the flight from Shanghai - (I can only assume because every passenger was armed with a metal knife instead of the crappy plastic ones so no terrorists dared to try anything) - and arrive at Hanoi International Airport.

After getting some cash out and feeling like a billionaire with my wad of 100,000VD notes I head to the official airport transport counter to find out what my options are for getting in to town.  The friendly lady at the counter says that I need to take a shuttle bus into town, that you pay at the information counter, and that it will cost 650,000VD.

What the hell lady?  Can airports please fix this shit?

Luckily I learned my lesson in Shanghai and just headed out the door to the shuttle bus queue where I am quoted 100,000VD to take me to my hostel.  As I'm not used to haggling yet and feel rather happy that it's not 650,000VD I agree and jump in.  The guy sitting next to me got the ride for about 65,000VD but hey - it's better than paying 650,000VD right?

ProTip 1: Never use an Airport Transport Counter to arrange transportation.  Go out to the taxi / shuttle stand.

Forty five minutes later I am dumped somewhere in the middle of town and am forced to take a taxi the rest of the way.  Prick.  After a confusing winding drive and 120,000VD later I am dropped at my hostel.  Later on I would find out that it was actually pretty close and should have only been around 40,000VD for the taxi ride if he hadn't taken the scenic route.

I showed him.

After checking in and dropping of my bags it's time for some cocktails next to the lovely Hoan Kiem lake.  The cocktails here are very reasonably priced which is nice.

And almost resemble the drink that you ordered.

ProTip 2:  It should cost about 30-5000VD to take you to one of the Hoan Kiem accomodations from where the taxi drops you off.


ProTip 3: Try and take a Mai Linh taxi.  They cost slightly more per km, but the will take you straight to your destination and not rip you off.