12 hours in Hanoi train station
Replies: 17 - Last Post: Jul 25, 2012 1:53 AM Last Post By: mrmookie
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12 hours in Hanoi train station
Wondering what I can do with a 15 hour layover in Hanoi between my train getting in from Sapa and the one heading down to Hue? Does the Hanoi station have lockers or anything or is it just easier to grab a hotel for the day? I was also thinking of just spending the day in Hanoi and taking the train the next nightagain any help is much apperciated
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I don't think there are any lockers but you should be able to get a cheap room. Personally I would stay at least an extra night. Hanoi is a terrific city.4
Be very cautious re: the taxis outside the train station. Early morning arrivals are targets. There are numerous honest drivers, but I'd suggest that you ignore the ones immediately outside and look for one a block or so away.Know where you want to go so you can tell the driver, in fact write it down so you can show him.
Type ""Puku" in the search box, you'll find some good advice in the posting that pops up.
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I'd get a hotel. I never sleep well on the trains and to hang around the train station all day is no fun. You may also want a shower, Ha Noi is pretty hot this time of year.10
decided to spend an extra 2 days net in Hanoi, get back from Sapa Fri AM and head to Hue Sat night, besides I need to do a long run around one of the lakes and I found a good 13k route12
Keep in mind that you will have to run pretty early. Gets almost impossible after 07:00 due to the traffic. I guess you mean the loop around West Lake?13
I had the same transfer time last week --arrived at 4am, and departed again at 11:30pm.I was travelling with a large group of teenagers in tow, so decided to book a few rooms for the day.
Even if I was doing this again as a solo traveller, I'd do the same; nice to have somewhere to rest at 4am, as well as shower and somewhere safe to leave luggage.
If you're looking for recommendation, we booked rooms at Mango Hotel. We first tried Hanoi Backpackers, but they don't do early morning checkins.
Right by the train station (it's a short walk of about 5-10 mins on arrival, as you depart from the west side of the station, but right next door for the evening train south, as you can board on the east side of the station).
Check in at 4:30am, check out at 9:30pm, with breakfast included.
Surly guy that works the night shift for checkin, but day staff were very friendly and helpful.
ETA..noticed further down the thread that this info is no longer useful for you, but will leave it here as may help others doing a search on similar topic...
Edited by: EmilySnow
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You can get a hotel room for the day for $40, with en suite, try the Art Hotel, nice people, nice hotel. You'll proably get breakfast inccluded in that price when you arrive, too. It's a place to keep your bags, snooze, freshen up.There are lockers at the station, but only a few old ones and not very secure.
