SOS

Who do I contact in an emergency in Hanoi?

Hanoi:

Ho Chi Minh City:

Hospitals in Hanoi include:

International SOS
31 Hai Ba Trung St, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Tel: (04) 934 0666
Fax: (04) 934 0556

Hanoi Family Medical Practice
Van Phuc Compound
298 Kim Ma Road, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Emergency Tel: (04) 843 0748
Fax: (04) 846 1750
E-mail: hanoi@vietnammedicalpractice.com
http://www.vietnammedicalpractice.com/

Vietnam French Friendship Hospital
1B Phuong Mai St, Hanoi
Tel: (04) 577 1100
Fax: (04) 576 4443.
http://www.hfh.com.vn/

Police

The police in Hanoi tend not to have the best reputation in Vietnam. While they certainly don't spend their time hassling foreign tourists, they can be a little slow off the blocks. It will not help your situation toscream, rant, rave and yell at the police in Hanoi. Be patient and polite at all times. If you've been robbed, don't expect them to do much more than write out a police report (if that).
The emergency telephone number for the police is 113

How do I get around in Hanoi?

Public transport

Public Buses
Hanoi Bus runs a comprehensive and very affordable public bus system throughout the city (and out to the airport). The buses are all numbered and ply some very handy routes. If you pick up a tourist map in Hanoi, make sure it is one that marks the bus routes on it. See their website for detailed bus route information.
http://www.hanoibus.com.vn/InfobusVN/hanoibus/homeE.asp

Taxis
Hanoi has a number of private taxi companies. Do not use a taxi if they refuse to put the meter on. Fares are very reasonable, with a flagfall of around 5,000D the norm.

Motorcycle taxis
Motorcycle taxis are easily the fastest and most dangerous mode of public transport in Hanoi. They're unmetered -- unless you know the correct fare, it is a good idea to agree on a fare beforehand. Wear a helmet is possible -- your driver may have a spare (normally of appalling quality) which he'll offer to you. Motorcycle taxis are fast -- very fast. Many accidents are attributed to these guys. Buyer beware. Fares over longer distances tend to be comparable to metered taxi fares.

Bus stations

Hanoi has three main inter-provincial bus stations. Kim Ma to the west, Giap Bat to the south and Gia Lam to the east. Kim Ma serves all destinations to the northwest such as Son la and Dien Bien Phu. Giap Bat serves everything south and Gia Lam searves the north and northeast (this bus station is on the other side of the Red River).

Kim Ma Bus Station: Nguyen Thai Hoc & Giang Vo Sts. Can be reached by cyclo, motorbike or taxi.
Giap Bat Bus Station: Giai Phong St, about 6km south of Hanoi's central rail station, opposite Giap Bat train station. Can be reached by motorbike or taxi -- it is a long way by cyclo!
Gia Lam Bus Station: Ben Xe St, about 2km from the Old District, on the eastern side of the Red River. Can be reached by motorbike or taxi.

Train station

Hanoi's central train station sits a little to the south of the centre of town. There is an Information Kiosk with staff who can speak English. Tickets to all main destinations in Vietnam can be purchased in advance from this station. For comprehensive timetable and fare information, see the Vietnam Railways website.
Ga Hanoi: 120 Le Duan St, Hanoi. Tel: (04) 942 3697.
http://www.vr.com.vn

Hanoi's international airport is Noi Bai International Airport, some 37km from central Hanoi. Departure tax is USD14. There is an information kiosk in the arrivals terminal.

Means for getting from Noi Bai Airport into Hanoi include:

Taxi
A taxi into Hanoi is generally an off-meter charter, with $10 being the going rate. You are not expected to pay tolls.

Public bus
Hanoi Bus have at least two bus lines that run from Hanoi out to Noi Bai Airport, with the trip taking roughly one hour. Bus #7 will take you to Kim Ma Bus Station and bus #17 will take you to Long Bien Bus Station. From either of these it is a short cyclo/motorbike/taxi ride into the Old Quarter. The bus fare is 5,000D. From the airport, both leave from underneath the overpass to your right as you walk out of the terminal. The buses have limited space for luggage, so if you have a lot of bags, take a cab.