Manila Philippines to Bangkok Thailand
Bangkok Thailand to Hanoi Vietnam
When my husband went to Ho Chi Minh Vietnam last March he did not have any problem with Immigration and Customs but his experience in Hanoi was not okay.
Read: Glimpse of Ho Chi Minh Vietnam
Noibai Airport
Since this was a business trip, he brought some product samples for his presentation and training. It is the same product samples that he always brings whenever he travels in Southeast Asia but only in Hanoi Vietnam that they questioned it. They were asking for some papers regarding the samples.
He was advised to wait for their officer and he stayed in the room for several minutes waiting for their decision. He messaged me about his situation and I immediately remembered the articles and forums that I’ve read before. Bribery or tip is a common issue in Hanoi Airport, you can read more about it here. So I informed my husband about this. Vietnam is part of the 5 most corrupt countries in Asia, check the article here.
Voila, the airport staff advised him that he could bring his luggage if he needed to pay USD100. But my husband told them that he had no money. He was firm that he would not pay anything. He also informed his Vietnamese colleague about his situation.
One airport staff came and he was advised to close his luggage and go out of the room. After several minutes, they called my husband and informed him that he could get his luggage and go. They let him go without paying anything. He stayed at the airport, for more or less 2 hours.
It was a really loooong and stressful day for him so he was really tired when he reached the hotel. Lesson learned, if ever he goes back, he will just ship all the stuff that he needs for work.
Sheraton Hanoi Hotel
My husband stayed in Sheraton Hanoi Hotel which is about 25km away from the airport and a few minutes' ride to the city center. Just like other Sheraton hotels, it has a garden that gives a pleasant experience in the midst of the city center. The hotel is near the West Lake and Red River so you can also see this from your room.
Read: Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel in Thailand
Sheraton Towers Singapore
Checking the photos, the hotel shows signs that it is old already. When it comes to the size of the room, it is similar to Sheraton Towers Singapore. It has a bathtub too.
The room package includes a buffet breakfast.
They have a swimming pool too.
According to my husband, they also offer free laundry of 3 pcs of clothes but he was not able to avail of this since he only stayed there for two nights so no need for laundry service. He was not sure if it was every day or one time only.
If you are a tourist, the hotel has a nice location because most of the tourist spots are just near. You can visit Bat Thrang Ceramic Village, Flower Market, Hanoi Old Quarter, Hanoi Opera House, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Temple of Literature, and West Lake.
But unfortunately, my husband has no time to check the tourist spots. After a few days, he flew to Bangkok Thailand, and stayed at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel, I already blogged about this hotel and the experience was still the same, check it here.
Sheraton Hanoi Hotel
K5 Nghi Tam,
11 Xuan Dieu Road Tay Ho District
Hanoi Vietnam
Too bad the husband wasnt able to tour around. But the hotel for me is really a nice place to stay and relax after a day or two of presentation /work. Love that they also have a buffet, one of those I look forward to when checking in in hotels.
ReplyDeleteIt is really traumatic when an airport staff questioned about your belongings. And I didn't know Vietnam is in 5 most corrupt countries ha, at least now I know. Was supposed to go there two years ago but later found out I was pregnant hehehe.
ReplyDeleteGosh, that was a terrible airport experience. I would have been scared if I was in the same position even if I know I didn't do anything wrong. I guess it really pays to be aware of these things when you're travelling so you don't fall prey to such bad things.
ReplyDeleteGosh! I can imagine your husband's anxiety about the situation. Nakaka-stress yun. Buti na lang the hotel where he stayed in is so relaxing ah. Ang ganda ng place. Hopefully, that won't happen again. Mas mahigpit lang siguro talaga sa Hanoi.
ReplyDeleteBreakfast buffet... yum! The hotel sure looks good, not to mention the tropical pool. I imagine it would be very calming to stay there!
ReplyDelete