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Questions (2)
I haven't been back to Kaohsiung in years, and I'm not sure that I had much luck finding shoes when I lived there. I might be making a trip back there sometime in the coming year, and I'd really like to find some shoes for my size 13~14 feet. Hanoi has nothing much to offer, and my soles are wearing thin. Will I have much luck with anything other than basketball shoes?
I'm setting up this question so that we have a more effective venue for discussing some of the concerns "jimbo" has recently raised about how we've dealt with certain business' posting tendencies. Jimbo's concern is primarily with Stones 1, but the issue applies to many more in the course of our normal operations. Please post your questions and comments here rather than on business pages. I'll do my best to make our approach clear.
You can see the posts from jimbo that got this started here:
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/venue/show/1984/Stones-1
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/event/show/705
Answers (128)
Posted Wednesday May 10th, 2006.
They won't let you in without a visa.
In response to the question: How long can I stay in Vietnam without a visa...
Posted Wednesday March 28th, 2007.
Last time I flew to the States on Thai Airlines, I paid in cash here in Hanoi. That was almost two years ago, so it may have changed. I'd suggest stopping in their office and finding out.
In response to the question: Does anyone know where to buy tickets from Hanoi to Bangkok using cash? The Air Asia outlet we went to said they didn't accept cash there (go figure ...
Posted Saturday May 5th, 2007.
I think it depends on what you mean by "environmental awareness" organizations. There are quite a few NGOs who work on various environmental issues, but I don't know any whose specific mission involves the promotion of low impact living among the general population. You might try talking to the people at WWF and TRAFFIC. They may have some connections with organizations doing something along those lines. If not, by all means start one up. I'm sure we can get some promotion of it here on the site.
In response to the question: This was my New Year's Resolution and it is now May so I thought it was about time I got started on it. I was wondering if anyone knew of an envir...
Posted Wednesday May 16th, 2007.
Hi Valerie...I drove by 2A Phan Huy Ich today and unless the shop is unmarked, I'd say it has moved/shut down. It appeared to be a small office space that could have been a design space for the sort of items you were talking about, but there were no signs I saw that indicated it was a shop.
In response to the question: Hi! My name is valerie (French lady)living in HK for already 10 years.I 'm coming at the end of May in Hanoi. Two years ago, I saw a nice shop "Vel...
Posted Wednesday May 23rd, 2007.
This is a duplicate question. Try searching for "dvd" in the search box to the right. There were a few answers there in the old post.
In response to the question: Hi, Does anyone now where in Ha Noi I could get some Videotapes I own copied to a DVD?...
Posted Tuesday June 5th, 2007.
Thang Long International Village also has an inexpensive, child-friendly swimming pool. Much like the one mentioned by Grubby, it is in a very sunny location and quite busy. If you don't mind being in the midst of dozens and dozens of crazed youngsters, it may be what you need. It is in the West part of the city...past the Daewoo Hotel a few KM. You can ask a taxi to take you to Lang Quoc Te Thang Long, and then just look for the pool behind the apartment buildings. It's open in the morning and after 3pm.
In response to the question: So I though it would be a good idea to come here for three weeks and learn Vietnamese with my 5 yr old daughter (adopted from Vietnam as a baby) The l...
Posted Saturday June 16th, 2007.
I've often wondered about this myself. Hanoi seems to have the expat scene to support such a league (or friendly, regular meet up), but what it lacks are a large enough group of tables in bars that could constitute a "league". There are tables around, but many of them are pretty shoddy, and some bars just aren't big enough to have a table (but got one anyway). I guess some of the pool halls are an option, but a pool league should really be a bar sponsored affair. What bars do you see having good enough tables? Want to put together a list? I'll get it started:
1. R&R
2. Finnegan's
3. Ete (though it had some serious felt damage last time I was there)
4. J.J.'s (surprisingly worn down -last time I played- for a five star hotel)
5. Polite Pub (back room's a bit cramped and wasn't air conditioned last summer...is it this year?)
6. G/C
7. Al Fresco's (Xuan Dieu)
8. Bud' Moe
9. American Club Bar
I guess there are more than I initially remembered. Some of those places aren't typically pool destinations, but they could certainly work.
Thoughts?
In response to the question: Does anyone want to start a New Hanoian Pool League? Any kind of pool - Eight or Nine Ball, occasional meetings or regular, bit of a laugh and a b...
Posted Sunday June 17th, 2007.
Funny. When I was still playing pool around town, Finnegan's seemed one of the better tables. Maybe it's gone downhill since then.
If the league was on an off night (Tues...Wed), then you could probably get some interest from the bars. We'd be happy to promote it here on the site, but we'd need someone to step up and take on the role of league commissioner...just someone to keep things organized. If it was put together like this, I think the bars would respond.
Of course, if you're looking for something less formal, you can always just throw together a billiards night at a decent pool hall. You could avoid the whole teams and league complexities. Might be a good way to start, as you say.
In response to the question: Does anyone want to start a New Hanoian Pool League? Any kind of pool - Eight or Nine Ball, occasional meetings or regular, bit of a laugh and a b...
Posted Wednesday June 20th, 2007.
It depends on a number of factors, but I'd say a group of eight will probably be in the $20-$25 per hour range. Again, there are factors to consider. The English centers around Hanoi typically pay teachers in the $15-$25 range. You know that they have to charge an aggregate rate considerably higher than that to cover overhead and have a viable business. You should be able to offer them a reduced rate than they would likely face. The amount of reduction should depend on your ability to teach what they are specifically looking for, the resources you can supply (i.e. materials, teaching space, multi-media aids, etc.), and other factors such as travel for those involved (are you teaching at their place of business or are they going to your house?). You should also be making more than you would teaching in another school because you'll have to deal with the notoriously irregular schedule of private students (or you can make them pay in advance like schools so they don't cancel as often), you'll have to organize and update the materials all yourself, and you won't necessarily have the advantage of teaching blocks of classes. Travel between groups of private students can seriously cut into the total class time you can manage during peak hours.
As you can guess, there's a lot of room for negotiation here. In the right situation, where you have a highly developed and tested curriculum set up for a group of demanding professionals, charging $30+ an hour would still be a significant discount on the rates they'd get in big centers. If you're just throwing together bunch of mixed level acquaintances with only vague goals, $15-$18 would keep it all on a very casual level.
Good luck.
In response to the question: Hello fellow english teachers! I have been contacted by a friend of a friend who wants me to strart giving him and his colleagues (8 adults total) ...
Posted Thursday June 21st, 2007.
I'm not too sure exactly which shop would be the best at this point (as it's been a while since I was in the market for a new bike), but I know someone who bought a new Vietnamese-made Wave for less than $700. He's had no problems with it in that time.
As for the license...of course while I would never suggest that someone should openly show disregard for the law, I must also admit that I've never known any foreigner in Hanoi who had a license.
In response to the question: I Want to buy a new Honda Wave RS (100cc) or near new. Any tips on best place to go for price and maybe a little English spoken? Also anyone out the...
Posted Saturday June 23rd, 2007.
There used to be weekend games at the American Club, but it wouldn't be five on five...as they only have a small half court. There are Vietnamese kids who play at the Van Phuc sports complex. In the summer months, you'd have to get there early...like 8am (everybody avoids the heat during the day). I can't vouch for the quality of the games, but there seemed to be plenty of people around playing full court. They rent the court by the hour, so they'd have to let you in the game. It's not just open run. I've also heard that there are games at the Hanoi Amsterdam High School, but I've never seen these.
I'm a bit out of the loop on this, so hopefully somebody more current can give you some specifics.
In response to the question: Hello, Everyone. I'm looking for any weekly or daily full court basketball games around the city. If you know of a sports club or just a public c...
Posted Monday July 9th, 2007.
I routinely buy cans at the shop down the street from me in Thang Long International Village. It's just a little supermarket in the apartment complex. I'll try to get a photo of it later and post it as a new spot for you.
In response to the question: Hi, Can anyone tell me of a shop that sells Dai Viet Bia Den (black beer). Preferably bottles but I think it's available in cans as well. It's pr...
Posted Wednesday July 11th, 2007.
I've entered the supermarket closest to me that has it. You can check it out here:
www.newhanoian.com/details/venueid/999
In response to the question: Hi, Can anyone tell me of a shop that sells Dai Viet Bia Den (black beer). Preferably bottles but I think it's available in cans as well. It's pr...
Posted Thursday July 19th, 2007.
The Lang Ha Driving Range has a pro that gives lessons. He speaks excellent English, but I have no idea what the prices are like. I have a feeling they'd be less than the Hanoi Club, but can't say for sure.
www.newhanoian.com/details/venueid/842
Let us all know how much they are!
In response to the question: Want to start taking Golf lessons here in Hanoi. I found that the Hanoi Club is a bit expensive for only 10 lessons. If you know of anyone giving ...
Posted Thursday July 26th, 2007.
Dong Da isn't the worst area by any means, nor the best by some standards. It all depends on what you are looking for in your "area". Dong Da is safely out of most of the more touristy areas, so if you want to see a typically Hanoian urban area, its likely to fit the bill. Outside of your immediate neighborhood, it might not be the best walking region, and the traffic will be intense around rush hour. But, on the whole, there are some good spots in Dong Da. And, in many ways, this is an area that lacks a defining characteristic or dominating feature that many of the other districts have. It's very much Hanoi, and yet, nothing that overwhelms you as quintessentially Hanoian.
In response to the question: Hi! I will be working in Dong Da when I come to Hanoi in September. I was wondering if this a good area to live in or if I should live in another ar...
Posted Thursday July 26th, 2007.
(yes...that is me using many words to say very little)
What exactly are you looking for in a "good area"?
In response to the question: Hi! I will be working in Dong Da when I come to Hanoi in September. I was wondering if this a good area to live in or if I should live in another ar...
Posted Thursday July 26th, 2007.
Yeah, Dong Da is big and borders five other districts. The parts that I'd be most inclined to live in if walking access to the things you mentioned are important are either near grubby's neighborhood (eastern side) or farther north (near the Temple of Literature). From there you'd have access to all the bars and restaurants of the Old Quarter and French Quarter, as well as some nice walking spaces immediately to the north around Ba Dinh square. However, that might put you so far from your actual work place in Dong Da that you'd realistically want to get a motorbike anyway.
Do you know what part of Dong Da you'll be working in?
In response to the question: Hi! I will be working in Dong Da when I come to Hanoi in September. I was wondering if this a good area to live in or if I should live in another ar...
Posted Friday July 27th, 2007.
Ton Duc Thang is directly next to the Temple of Literature to the west. It's a reasonable area to live in and spend a few weeks/months walking around or taking xe oms while you get a feel for the city layout. You can walk into the Old Quarter from there. If you're like most, you'll do this for a spell and then end up getting a bike and never walking anywhere. You can also consider living in parts of Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, or Hai Ba Trung districts and still be relatively close to the area you'll be working in. You'll be working in a very central location.
In response to the question: Hi! I will be working in Dong Da when I come to Hanoi in September. I was wondering if this a good area to live in or if I should live in another ar...
Posted Saturday July 28th, 2007.
The only members of the Filipino community I've come across in Hanoi were a pair of teachers who worked at Cleverlearn last year (no idea of they're still there), and members of a couple bands who used to play at Seventeen Saloon and My Way Hanoi Opera. I don't know if that helps you any, but if you track any of them down, they may have more suggestions for you.
In response to the question: Anyone who is a member or aware of a Filipino community in Hanoi? Could you name their contacts or ways to contact them?...
Posted Monday August 6th, 2007.
I’m with you Steve. In the last year or so, we’ve all seen a dramatic increase in rental prices. Some of it is just agents looking to cash in on the uninformed, but there seems to be a bit more to it as well.
Property in Hanoi is much more than the commodity that many of us tend to think of it as. Owning land in Vietnam is an intense priority. There have been many periods where there was no fluid real estate market. The current one is in its (relatively) early days. For a long time, being a respectable Vietnamese family has meant the ability to pass on a parcel of land to a subsequent generation. This landed status has always been the key to future financial (and basic quality life) assurance. We’re currently dealing with a situation where the substantial numbers of overseas Vietnamese returning with funds that drive up overall market prices is coinciding with a massive generation of young families who are looking for their first home. Add to that the influx of people from neighboring provinces and you get a housing boom.
Were all of these individuals solely concerned with finding a spot for themselves and their kids, you’d see an increase in overall rates that was proportional to the number of families seeking available plots. However, speculators are not oblivious to this apparent demand. They began buying up lots solely for the purpose of selling or renting. This has driven up rates but also accelerated the commodification. That’s the irony of what we’re seeing. Most Vietnamese who are in a position to avoid it are extremely adverse to the idea of renting a living space (businesses are different), but they’re also keen to turn a buck on those who will do so. And, by trying to invest in a resource whose value is determined by factors beyond market dynamics, they’ve inadvertently drawn its value back into pure market perspective. Many bought land hoping to be able to sell it at a profit in a year or two, and now realize that if they can’t sell it at that rate, the only rents that make the numbers work are HIGH. Previously, they may have never intended to rent it at all. This will survive as long as the post-WTO-inclusion foreign influx (coupled with the continued Vietnamese urbanization) continues and supports at least some of these rents. As soon as that falters, it will likely have ripple effects on the actual buying price of properties where speculation was the prime mover.
That’s just the amateur opinion of someone who’s dealt with real estate in Hanoi as a renter and a buyer in both residential and business matters. At first, it never seems to make sense. But, with a little time watching how locals deal with it and consider it, there’s a desperate rationality to it all.
In response to the question: Whats with these ridiculous rental prices? I think agents advertising apartments for $650 per month in places like Thang Long International Village...
Posted Friday August 10th, 2007.
The only one's I've seen do that are people who own the land outright, and did not get it through speculation. That is, they've owned it for a while. For them, they have far less of a pressing need to rent it quickly. They see where speculators may be taking the market and can hold out for what seems like a "respectable" rate (which is solely where they stand in a comparative sense to others who try to rent similar spaces). For them, again, it's not simply a commodity. It's something that their identity is intimately tied to. Once speculative ventures make up far more of the available rental spaces, and they do not get the rates they're currently fishing for, long term (non-indebted) owners will have lower benchmarks to emulate.
I agree that agents are greedy, but only in a narrow time frame. They don't benefit much from turning down reasonable offers to let a place sit vacant for six months. They'd much rather see quick turnover. Unless the landlord is specifically saying they are firm on a given price, I'm betting that they'd be willing to deal, get bodies in houses, and move on to the next commission. Many agents fear, more than anything else, that someone else is going to place a given rental space and steal their commission. I think they are the most inclined to view them as a simple commodity, so I doubt that they are the sole (or primary) source of the rate increases. Many of them are fishing with a high initial rate, but if they have flexibility, they would be the first to utilize it. Add to this the intense competition among agents, and I just don't see them inclined to hold out all that long.
I'm also not convinced that current land or rental rates would sufficiently correlate with increased demand from foreigners without taking into account the influx of non-native Hanoian Vietnamese (who are disproportionately likely to rent over local Vietnamese) and speculators who thought they'd get rich by cashing in on a boom that was already over-inflated. Sure, Nha Que don't directly compete with us on rental spaces very often, but it would be a great exaggeration to say that they don't directionally effect the movement in our rental rates as they pour into town.
I'm guessing that once land is viewed primarily as a place you pay to live and less as a the place your family legacy will unfold (and fund itself from), then we'll see a correction. Again, it seems like the speculators who thought they'd cash in on the latter sentiment have inadvertently hastened the former. The sweet $150 a month flats might be a thing of the past, but those who buy cheap on the defaulting speculators will probably see the sense of keeping a $300-$400 a month flat filled consistently. I get the sense that this is just a speculation fueled optimism rooted in the fact that property has never been traded this freely at any point in the history of the city.
In response to the question: Whats with these ridiculous rental prices? I think agents advertising apartments for $650 per month in places like Thang Long International Village...
Posted Saturday August 11th, 2007.
Maybe I haven't been very clear.
I don't believe that the housing/rental market in Hanoi is either mature or irrational. It's a market that is undergoing a maturation process. The previous perspective viewed land as far more than a simple commodity. This inflated land prices in its own right, but the subsequent speculation sent it toward untenable levels. When those investments falter, I have a feeling that they won't simply drop back to where the previous perspective would have taken the market. Rather, I think the speculation itself will have shrunk the time frame with which landlords consider a property's "performance". In the recent past (and still now to some extent), families thought of a piece of land as a multi-generational investment...like three or four generations. I think all this flux and speculation is moving that sense of perspective closer to what most of us are familiar with as real estate. My sense is that the recent jump in rental rates all across town has more to do with this than simple greed or lack of business acumen. They're caught between to evaluative systems, and things will shake out at a more reasonable and consistent place fairly soon.
Maybe we're talking about two different things. I'm not talking about why one specific landlord or agent may quote one particular price, but rather, why we've seen such a dramatic jump in the last year or year and a half. I don't think that greed is sufficient as a causal explanation in this situation, because I don't think greed has changed much in the last year or two. It's always been there, like it has been everywhere. Due to the rapid change in the market (due to speculation as much as anything), there's probably a significant information lag in how a landlord casually evaluates their place's value. They anecdotally compare prices with a previous period where the supply/demand ratio had yet to be effected by the tons of people who thought it looked like a good idea to get in that market....and thus change the ratio. It's a classic fallacy of composition. It'll settle down eventually, but not as low as it was before and below the outrageous quotes we see currently. Greed in all that seems like a constant, not a variable.
In response to the question: Whats with these ridiculous rental prices? I think agents advertising apartments for $650 per month in places like Thang Long International Village...
Posted Sunday August 26th, 2007.
Search for "Rugby" in the "Search Q&A" box to the right. There was a post about the Rugby World Cup recently...
In response to the question: Hi, can anyone recommend the best place to view the Rugby World Cup in Hanoi?...
Posted Thursday September 6th, 2007.
There will be a www.newhanoian.com meet up at Finnegan's Irish Pub next Friday (September 14th). Site members will be drinking for free until the beer we've got set aside for the event runs dray (a significant amount of beer it is however). We'll be looking for you there! Welcome to Hanoi.
In response to the question: Hi all! I have just arrived in hanoi and will work here for the next 3 years. I wonder if you have any gatherings at pubs or other activities? ...
Posted Thursday September 13th, 2007.
Hi Kristen...nice to see you've made it to Hanoi. If you'll use the search box to the right of this post, you'll see that others have asked about gyms in a past post. There is a bit of advice for you there.
In response to the question: Hi! I was wondering if anyone can suggest a gym to join. I know a lot of them are really expensive, but if there is one that is a decent balance betw...
Posted Wednesday September 19th, 2007.
If it's in good running order, you'll be fine. I've ridden Minsks in the northern mountains on several occasions, including on the muddy, dirt path valleys outside Sapa and never had the bike fail me. An added advantage is that once you get to the mountains, 90% of the adult males you meet will know how to fix one (and probably have the tools handy). The only time I've lacked for power on one was in wanting to haul ass a bit on some of the better paved roads, but what they lack power, they make up for in simplicity. Besides, are you there to enjoy the ride, or will you be racing somebody?
I'm sure "grubby" will be quick to point you in the right direction concerning this sort of trip once he notices this thread. He's been there and back to those yonder hills many a time on his own Minsk. Pick his brain a bit if you need more details...and have a good trip.
In response to the question: Is it possible to rent a dirt bike or touring motorcycle for trips to the north? I know Minsks are the way most go, but I'd rather have something a ...
Posted Saturday September 22nd, 2007.
You might try using the search bar on the right. There was another post about this in the past.
Good luck.
In response to the question: I am looking for spas in Hanoi for a trip with my girlfriend. could you please give me some directions? I am looking forward to the replies. th...
Posted Sunday September 23rd, 2007.
Tomorrow (23rd), around many of the High Schools and universities you'll see some early festival activities. I'm not sure exactly which ones, but I'd guess Chu Van An is doing something. They tend to be pretty observant when it comes to traditional holidays.
On the day itself, the Old Quarter will be a zoo. If you plan to check it out, go early, park the bike, and just plan to walk around. Traffic will be...uhh....heavy.
The West Lake Temple is also a good bet for some of the more religious aspects of the holiday. There are always big crowds there for lunar events.
Sorry that I don't have more specifics. I must be becoming a jaded old expat, because my first thought is to stay home and avoid the crowds. :)
I hope you find something and have a great time.
In response to the question: Does anyone know if there are any good festivities worth visiting in Hanoi on September 25th (the Mid-Autumn Festival)? I don't know what they do for...
Posted Monday September 24th, 2007.
I just paid $60 for a new 6 month-ish business visa. I say "six month-ish" because we just found out that if I ask for a 5 month, 25 day visa (which you can apparently do), it only costs $60. Get that extra five days, and it's $110. This is from the official office on Hang Bai street (across from the Theatre), so you can also expect to pay a little something extra to grease the works. 200,000vnd in the envelope with your documents seems speed things up nicely. Without that, you will be repeatedly sent home to make "corrections". Also, the status of your existing visa is pretty important. You'll need a "sponsor/employer" who can vouch for your status. That's why the agencies do such a rollicking business. They "arrange" such sponsorship.
All in all, if you've got a good Vietnamese friend who you think would help you out, you can cut that $135 fee nearly in half. It's going to involve paperwork, plenty of running around, and the usual bureaucratic headaches. These include:
1) Get the N14/M form from the office on Hang Bai
2) Get confirmation of residence from the local police station in your neighborhood (a good landlord should do this for you...or expect to have to give a little something (200k) to the police as well).
3) Get proof of sponsorship/employment
4) Take all forms as passport back to the Hang Bai office with $60 (+200k).
5) Wait three days.
All told, that comes to about $85.
None of these steps are as easy as walking into a tourist agency and saying, "I want to stay longer."
Your choice.
In response to the question: Hi, Anyone out there been out and about shopping for visa extension quotes recently? Got one saturday from tropical tours for a six month multiple ...
Posted Monday September 24th, 2007.
Make that, "4) Take all forms as well as passport..."
In response to the question: Hi, Anyone out there been out and about shopping for visa extension quotes recently? Got one saturday from tropical tours for a six month multiple ...
Posted Wednesday September 26th, 2007.
A good way to start would be to head to the C.A.M.A. party this weekend. You'll see a sizable chunk of the expat and local crowd that's worth hanging out with there. You can find some details here:
www.newhanoian.com/event_description/eventid/353
We'll also be having a meet up of New Hanoian site users at just about the end of your stay. I hope you'll be around for it. Since you're on the mailing list now, you'll get a newsletter with details in the next week or so.
See you out on Saturday night!
In response to the question: I'm looking for people to hang out with in Hanoi on weekends! I've been here for 3 weeks! Please help me! Harri x...
Posted Monday October 1st, 2007.
We also need to remember that last year was unseasonably dry. That two months of dry air and blue skies we had from mid-November to mid-January last year isn't always like that. Things are considerably more damp post-Tet, but they aren't always dry before that either.
As Dratman says, temperature should not be a problem. It rarely drops below 10'C, though it can be a little disorienting to westerns to come inside and find it just as chilly as it was outside. The only experience that comes close to "cold" is when it's about 10 or 12 out with a fine mist falling and you're driving across town on a motorbike. In those situations, gloves and a jacket are much preferred.
If you've got a pretty serious mold/mildew allergy, you're going to need to get a dehumidifier as soon as you arrive. The walls will grow mold on them in the winter and spring, and good luck ever getting your clothes to dry.
Personally, I like the winter. It's the summers that get me down...
In response to the question: Dear Hanoians, I've been offered a job with an NGO in Hanoi (from Canada), so I've been reading up. My question is: how bad are the winters in H...
Posted Tuesday October 2nd, 2007.
The third floor flat I live in now manages to stay fairly mold/mildew free...with the exception of clothes that's hung up to dry. They always need a fan. The (lakeside) villa I lived in before, on the other hand, was a regular petri dish. Getting off the ground floor and away from large bodies of standing water seems to help.
The effectiveness of dehumidifiers is, admittedly, limited. The people I've known who made them work used them in single rooms that were better sealed than most Vietnamese buildings. If you've got the common loosely fitted windows and doors, you'll just be dumping out buckets of water without much noticeable effect. If you have a bedroom that is fairly well sealed, you can a least get some relief at night (what several of my friends said helped them get through it), and it will give you a place to dry your clothes.
Hope it helps, and we'll be looking for you in the near future.
In response to the question: Dear Hanoians, I've been offered a job with an NGO in Hanoi (from Canada), so I've been reading up. My question is: how bad are the winters in H...
Posted Tuesday October 2nd, 2007.
Yeah...keep an eye out for the next meet up announcement. Each one we have gets bigger and bigger. The next one is going to be at one of Hanoi's newest bars, so it should be great time and you'll have many opportunities to make some new friends. We'll be looking for you there.
In response to the question: I need to make friends!! I'm practically friend-less here, just got here. Will be here for 3 years. So where or how shall I start? I'm free during w...
Posted Monday October 8th, 2007.
The last place I saw Kettle crisps were at Dan's near the Daewoo, but that's been months. I haven't been there recently to check.
In response to the question: Can anyone tell me where I can get a nice bag of Salt & Vinegar crisps? The Kettle ones are half decent but the shops seem to restock every 2 or more ...
Posted Wednesday October 10th, 2007.
Agreed. They're everywhere.
I'm not quite sure if it's even possible to find a neighborhood without several such spots these days.
Oh...and don't let all the "Wifi Free" signs fool you. It's just one of those head shaking Hanoi eccentricities that suddenly appeared everywhere before somebody could take them aside and say, "Uhh...guys?"
In response to the question: Are there free wi-fi cafe's or other wi-fi public spaces where one can enjoy free internet access from their laptop/pda? Thanks...
Posted Friday October 12th, 2007.
There's been a lot of discussion of this topic on Ask A.N.H. in past posts. I'd recommend searching for "teaching" in the "Search Q&A" bar to the right. Sift through those threads and if you have some specific questions that weren't covered there, let us know what those are.
Good luck
In response to the question: Hi, I am looking for a esl teaching job in Hanoi to start soon! I'm already living in north Viet Nam [Thai Nguyen]. I have not got a TESOL qualifi...
Posted Saturday October 13th, 2007.
Well, pptech. We're having a meet up tomorrow night. I recommend you come out early. There will be plenty of mingling opportunities.
It's at Bar Red....Just give it a search here on the site.
See you there.
In response to the question: I am new to Vietnam and would like to know where I can meet single ladies in Hanoi and HCMC.I have heard about Beer Bars and have had a few Vietnamese...
Posted Wednesday October 17th, 2007.
You might try checking out the bar and cafe pages under "Top Spots" here on the site, or you can go to the "Groups" page and start a group for the expressed purpose of finding people and places for hanging out.
In response to the question: Im back to Hanoi but I dont know where to hang out. There are not many places like in hcmc. Do you have any place in mind?...
Posted Wednesday October 17th, 2007.
I'd have to agree with most of what was said above. The real kicker is the asking for a deposit after requiring a full year of rent in advance. That's ridiculous. You're taking almost all the risks here. Three months in advance is the most common contract, and you'll occasionally pay six months (I do, for instance). I'd be pretty wary of this set up. There are many ways it could end badly.
In response to the question: Hi, I am considering renting an apartment without requiring the landlord to issue me a red invoice. This enabled me to negotiate for a lower price on ...
Posted Wednesday October 17th, 2007.
Why don't you guys start a capoeira group here on the site? It'd be an easy way to manage it's events and attract new members. Just head up to the "Groups" link above and enter a new group.
In response to the question: Does anybody know of any Capoeira groups in Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi?...
Posted Wednesday October 17th, 2007.
How about some of you salon savvy Hanoians enter these places into the site for the community? This is a very helpful thread, but it'd be great if these had full exposure to site visitors. Just visit the "enter new spot" page (the link is at the bottom of each page) and then just enter away...
In response to the question: I've been picking alot of New Hanoians brains recently, and here I go again. I've been here long enough, but I have still never quite found a replac...
Posted Thursday October 18th, 2007.
When Heaven and Earth Changed Places can be found all over Hanoi. There are bootleg photocopied versions in a lot of the little shops along Trang Tien, and you may be able to find an original in some of the better bookstores around town, like Bookworm or The Press Club bookshop.
In response to the question: bother some of u again Anyone knows a bookshop which has surely the "When the heaven and earth changed places"-by a Vietnamese lady and "THe time ...
Posted Thursday October 18th, 2007.
Good luck with it. I hope it turns out well for you. Maybe your organization will have enough perceived clout to keep the landlord in line with the hopes of getting similar deals in the future. People with organizational ties, while occasionally paying higher rates as bobthebob01 mentioned, also often get decent service on the landlord end because they don't want to lose out on future deals.
Don't be shy about coming back to the community with any experiences this year long contract brings you!
In response to the question: Hi, I am considering renting an apartment without requiring the landlord to issue me a red invoice. This enabled me to negotiate for a lower price on ...
Posted Monday November 5th, 2007.
My current apartment is in the same "international village" that rain_bowl1983 is mentioning above, and I pay about $280 a month for three (relatively small) bedrooms. The overall apartment is about 100 sq. meters. Since I signed this lease (almost two years ago), prices have gone up considerably, but other apartments like mine in the same building are only going for $500-$600. For $900, you better have a touch of swank (but only a touch).
In response to the question: So I have no idea on apartment rental prices in Hanoi, and Im on the verge of signing a 6 month lease at 900USD a month. Is this too much to pay for a...
Posted Saturday November 17th, 2007.
I'm guessing that's why he put that section in quotation marks. Maybe others read his answer differently, but by "discover", I assumed he meant "read somewhere".
In response to the question: To all you biologists out there - why does gecko poop have a white bit at the end? Yes, I have way too much time on my hands....
Posted Sunday November 25th, 2007.
Yeah...somebody probably should have mentioned that it's best to steer clear of both Metro and Big C on the weekends. Unless, of course, you're just there for the spectacle.
In response to the question: Do you need a card to shop at metro? Can you only shop there if you have a business? How does it work?...
Posted Monday November 26th, 2007.
I'd have to go with Mike on this one. Be happy you're getting your deposit back. The odds of your contract having any practical value are slim, and if you did "force" the landlord into letting you stay there, you could be sure that such a start to that relationship would lead to all kinds of fun down the road.
In response to the question: I have been waiting patiently to move into an apartment for over 3 weeks now. I waited while the place is rennovated. I am schedualed to move in tomo...
Posted Saturday December 1st, 2007.
You found a motorbike for less than $20 a month, and you want a cheaper one? That's very, very cheap...suspiciously so. I'd have some serious concerns about how many times that bike was going to get me around the block...and there'd be absolutely no support from that "management" if you ever got into any sort of trouble over the bike, I'm assuming.
In response to the question: What about motorbikes in general? I know there are several places around Hanoi that rent them....especially in the Old Quarter, but are any of them a...
Posted Saturday December 1st, 2007.
Be sure to pass it on to us. We're always eager for a good story.
In response to the question: What about motorbikes in general? I know there are several places around Hanoi that rent them....especially in the Old Quarter, but are any of them a...
Posted Tuesday December 4th, 2007.
You've just got to wait for your antibodies to catch up. I've had this experience with just about every foreign, high-density population center I've moved to. Before moving to Asia, I very rarely even had a cold. But then again, I never lived in a place so packed with people. After a few months it slows down. If you're teaching, remember that you're in contact with large numbers of students who are in contact with large numbers of individuals as well. It's a fertile breeding ground for microbes, and you're going to be feeling it until your body has come into contact with most of the major variations of bugs out there. If it doesn't slow down after three or four months, then it may be allergic reactions to the pollution. That may require some allergy medication to keep the symptoms under control. Have you lived in any other cities with comparable pollution and dust levels? Did you have a similar reaction?
In response to the question: This is half-question, half-gripe. My gf and I have been here for over months now, and we seem to be constantly afflicted with some annoying symptom ...
Posted Thursday December 6th, 2007.
Feel free to head to the "Groups" page here on the site and create a group that lets people know how this project goes. It should help you to get the word out and you can post any events you put together.
Good luck with it!
In response to the question: I wonder if any of you know where to learn African dance in Hanoi? Or if you have some experience in African dance and would like to teach, we can for...
Posted Saturday December 8th, 2007.
It's common practice for businesses who hire substantial numbers of foreigners to observe common overseas holidays, but they're under no legal obligation to do so. Do you think a Vietnamese individual working overseas would get much sympathy when they ask why they don't get a week off in February or January?
In response to the question: My danish employer has JUST told me that I have to work over christmas as I have to now follow vietnamese holidays. Is that correct? Is that legal? My...
Posted Tuesday December 11th, 2007.
Generally speaking, NBA games can be seen live twice a week on Friday and Saturday mornings (with replays later in the day...sometimes afternoon, sometimes evenings). There's actually been quite a bit of NCAA hoops on this year, but the days/times are very erratic. If you want to get an idea of what you're dealing with, go to www.espnstar.com and click on "TV Times". Select Vietnam and Basketball and you'll get a run down of what is generally available in a given week. There are quite a few places where you can watch the games, but it mostly depends on what time the game is. When the game comes on at 7am, your choices are a bit more limited. Even then, it's doable.
I'm not sure what you're skill level is, but finding decent run in Hanoi would be a challenge. I've heard that Tuesday nights at the Van Phuc Sports Complex is a popular time/place. You might start there.
In response to the question: Two questions: 1. Is there anywhere to watch US college basketball games. I'm a huge UNC fan and college basketball is my favortie sport. 2. Ar...
Posted Thursday December 13th, 2007.
I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who considers drinking a sport. :)
In response to the question: has anyone an idea where to go out tonight ?i am very new in hanoi and i will arrive there at 12:30 pm looking forward to stay for a good..so if there...
Posted Tuesday December 18th, 2007.
It wouldn't hurt to stock up on essentials, but it's becoming less and less of a total shutdown. More and more places realize that the sooner they get back open, the more money they make in the absence of competition (funny how that works). Another thing to consider is that the places that do stay open often jack up the prices considerably.
Plenty of foreign oriented businesses stay open, and the overall lull in activity around the city makes it absolutely one of the best times to be here. When given the opportunity, I gladly leave town for the week just before Tet (it's chaos in the streets) and come back to Hanoi for a few days of holiday dreaming about what it would be like to live here if the streets were always so peaceful.
In response to the question: I'll be a Tet first-timer in February. I've heard from some colleagues that practically everything shuts down for the duration except for a small n...
Posted Friday January 11th, 2008.
If you're unlucky enough to have VNPT as your provider, you will find that several blog sites are blocked. So far I've noticed that Blogspot and Wordpress are no longer considered viewing worthy by this state owned internet provider. I'm sure there are others as well. Of course, I can just take my laptop to the cafe on the first floor of my building and use their FPT wireless connection and look at any of it. I'm not sure what the point their blocking it is...
In response to the question: Anyone know why I might not be able to log onto any blogs from my home internet site? I set up a blog form a cafe the otherday and now can't access i...
Posted Saturday January 19th, 2008.
One of my good friends is a renowned jade dealer here in Hanoi. He'll be at the meet up tonight, so if you make it over to Goldmalt, I'll introduce you to him. If he doesn't have what you're looking for, I'm sure he can point you in the right direction.
In response to the question: Well. Could anyone tell me where there's a Jade shop or a shop that sells real Jade? I'm sure there must be one around Hoan Kiem Lake somewhere?...
Posted Saturday February 2nd, 2008.
We've set up a new group for this very thing. Anyone looking for a place to stay can join this group to let people know that they are looking for a living space. Join this group. Get the word out. And, maybe find other people looking for a place that you can get nice home with. Just check the "Groups" page. It's called the Hanoi Roommates Pool.
In response to the question: Looking for message boards in cafes or internet cafes where you can find posts regarding finding a roommate. Or is there a news paper having a section...
Posted Sunday March 9th, 2008.
I saw some Jet Skis for rent at the second beach in Do Son (south of Hai Phong). No idea how much they were to rent.
In response to the question: Dear All, I am looking for places in Hanoi and Saigon or in the surrounding area where you can practice jet ski,quad,4X4 or buggy. If someone has co...
Posted Tuesday March 11th, 2008.
Last I looked into it, the ability to send out $7,000 with only your customs form was only good for 30 days after you enter the country. That may have changed.
In response to the question: Does anyone have information on international bank transfers? I don't have an account in Hanoi and I'd like to send money overseas. Any suggestions o...
Posted Tuesday March 18th, 2008.
There are yoga classes at the Cultural Friendship Palace on Tran Hung Dao. I believe all the classes are taught in Vietnamese, but it's been more than a year since I heard much about those classes.
In response to the question: I have found Yoga places in Westlake and Tay Ho, and these are ok for now. But I will be living closer to Hoan Kiem and working a lot relatively quick...
Posted Saturday March 22nd, 2008.
You're probably seeing the Vietnamese National Team training. They have a training center on Lac Long Quan street where many of the younger members live. They'll be out on the lake every morning (or so it seemed when I used to live down the road from them). In the evenings, you'll occasionally see them on the lake again or jogging in groups around West Lake. It's possible that there are other rowing club activities going on through this center as well, but I never saw any sign of them myself.
In response to the question: lately i've seen lots of rowers and kayakers on west lake. does anyone know any details about their club?...
Posted Sunday March 23rd, 2008.
The only place I've ever come across Maker's Mark (or any other small batch bourbons) was at Restaurant Bobby Chinn. I've never seen them being retailed in liquor stores.
In response to the question: Hi folks! My second week in Hanoi and a great deal of time has been consumed 'hunting' for the necessities. The list is starting to whittle down t...
Posted Sunday March 23rd, 2008.
Hi Geekgirl, welcome to So Saigon. "Top Spots" are rankings based on user reviews. Your contributions (along with the rest of the community) in the form of reviews will be reflected in those rankings.
Another way that you can show the Saigon community what you think is really worth seeing would be to mark them as one of your "favorites". This can be done in one of two ways. You can visit the page and click on the "Add to Favorites" link, or it will be automatically done if you rate it with four or five stars in a review.
Again, welcome, and we all look forward to more of your contributions.
In response to the question: Hi, I'm new to this webpage and can't seem to figure out how to post anything in the top spots, any help would be great thanks. ...
Posted Monday March 24th, 2008.
I guess it depends what kind of beer you're in the mood for. If I had a nice house warming party in the works, I'd spring for the good stuff and visit one of the smaller brewpubs around town. I know that both Pragold and Goldmalt both advertise kegs available, and you might even get them to deliver. Hoa Vien is another possibility, but I can't recall for certain whether or not they had kegs on hand. They go through so much of their own beer in-house, they may not have any to spare. I've actually been there when they ran out of beer...and they make a lot of damn beer. Windmill also makes good beer, but I have no idea whether or not they sell kegs for outside use. I'd give 'em each a call and see what the story is.
In response to the question: Hi there, I am having a house warming party with quite a few individuals. Do you have any idea how I would go about getting beer kegs from somewhere ...
Posted Thursday April 10th, 2008.
Click on the "Thai" category on the restaurants page. There are several listed.
In response to the question: I need to find a Tahi Restaurant in Ha Noi...
Posted Thursday April 10th, 2008.
These are all already listed on the restaurants page under "Japanese", along with many others. Is there a particular reason, thanhthuy, that you asked this question and then immediately answered it yourself?
In response to the question: I need to find a Japanese Restaurant in Ha Noi ...
Posted Sunday April 20th, 2008.
When you are logged in, click on "My Profile" in the header. Once there, click on the "photos" tab. You should be able to enter all the photos you'd like there. Also, once you've entered some, you can use the photo management page to decide which will be your avatar.
One thing of note: It would be wise to resize all of your photos to 640x480, as this is the maximum size that the site will store the photos. Uploading anything larger will just waste time, and the site will automatically resize them to the smaller size.
In response to the question: How do I add a profile picture? ...
Posted Monday April 28th, 2008.
Agreed. Get a bike. It's really not nearly as difficult as it seems. Don't let it intimidate you. In many ways, it's far more accommodating to a novice rider than many other traffic "systems" would be. There's nothing you can do out there out of either inexperience or ineptitude that is going to take any of the other drivers by surprise. Everyone on the road is expecting the unexpected at all times. Take it slow and steady and you'll find that everybody goes around you without batting an eye. In a traffic system where there are strict rules and expectations about what will and won't happen on the road, you might be in trouble. Here, you'll be just more background noise.
In response to the question: Hi - I'm moving to Xuan Dieu shortly and will be commuting to work near HK lake each day. I know, I know, I could buy a motorbike, but I'm a wimp!!! ...
Posted Friday May 9th, 2008.
Those that are involved in this group should set up a "Group" here on the site and post the schedule so that others looking for these softball matches can find them with ease. That could also pique the interest of those browsing the events calendar who might not have thought to seek out softball in Hanoi.
We look forward to seeing the softball crowd tuning us all in.
In response to the question: I hear there is a softball league in Hanoi, but I can't find contact information - does anyone have any info? ...
Posted Monday May 12th, 2008.
Actually, it is the law. If neither of you are Vietnamese, it can be got around. Landlords that deal with this on a regular basis have an arrangement with the police that involves everyone looking the other way. I've never known an employer who was so concerned about sticking to the letter of the law, but I have known landlords who were not used to having foreign tenants and who were not too thrilled with the idea. It took a little extra cash and a visit or two to the local police station.
I've heard that this is being relaxed a bit, even with Vietnamese couples. I haven't personally seen many signs of it though. My wife (Vietnamese) and I still have to take our marriage license with us when we travel domestically. If we don't have it, they make quite a fuss and threaten to not let us stay in the same room. It's nothing that can't be got around, but the issue obviously still exists.
In response to the question: Hello there.. I wanted to stay with my girlfriend in an apartment together, but my employer told me it is illegal in Viet Nam for a couple to live ...
Posted Wednesday May 14th, 2008.
The Champions League final? In Hanoi? I'd say you'll find it on roughly any-and-every television set everywhere you look. It's mostly a matter of preference in viewing atmosphere. What kind of place you want to watch it in?
Drum and Bass/Dubstep? Not my area of expertise. New Hanoians? What's the word?
In response to the question: Hi, I'm visiting family next week in Hanoi and will be around for about a week. Is the football (Man U v Chelsea) going to be on anywhere? Also are...
Posted Thursday May 22nd, 2008.
I think bobthebob01 has the right idea. TNH keeps us plenty busy, so a "Sex in Hanoi" site will have to wait. Definitely put together a group for those uninspired by the usual "singles" outlets. Might I suggest, "New Hanoians for Battery Conservation"?...given the nastiness that comes with recycling such energy sources and the absolute certainty that this legendary thread is going to be the TNH introduction for many a site newcomer.
Get to it (so to speak), and start putting together some outings.
In response to the question: Okay...so I believe the ladies of Hanoi will not disagree with me that the ratio of men to women in this city does not work in their favour, and what ...
Posted Sunday May 25th, 2008.
Easily the most popular thread we've ever had. Shatters all records.
In response to the question: Okay...so I believe the ladies of Hanoi will not disagree with me that the ratio of men to women in this city does not work in their favour, and what ...
Posted Monday May 26th, 2008.
There is such a site for Saigon now. www.so-saigon.com. You can go to it directly, or you can use the city switcher in the header of The New Hanoian. It's only been up for a few months, so we're eager to see more contributors.
In response to the question: This website is very helpful i think to know the best places to go. Is there any same website about Saigon?...
Posted Friday May 30th, 2008.
I should hope it's less than $100. There are places in Hanoi where you can rent a new bike for around $50.
In response to the question: Does anyone know if it is possible to rent an automatic motorbike (monthly) and where to do so? I know that is pretty lame, but looking at the streets...
Posted Friday May 30th, 2008.
I think that technically it is possible to open a place without a Vietnamese partner, but from a practical standpoint, it can be rough. Having a Vietnamese partner you can trust seems to be a major advantage.
In response to the question: I'm wondering if it is possible to open my own bar in Hanoi with a group of English/American friends. Any advice? Cheers....
Posted Wednesday June 4th, 2008.
From the perspective of those of us who manage this site, I think jestert79 and Katiti have the right idea. We hope that all users of this site end up with context to make their own decisions. Without doubt, we as a community are not going to agree on all things. Lots of sites apparently get off on the power trip of listing their own not-to-miss places side by side with blacklisted places, but we feel that no place is beyond reproach nor redemption. More than anything, we'd like to see places actually responding to the attitudes expressed here and moving away from the mentality where any single public listing is allowed to hold sway beyond the period it was intended for. We've all visited our fair share of LP listed places (for example) that got their name in the book and immediately ceased to live up to their billing. Such finality of opinion need not exist here...or at least that's what we think. Maybe you disagree. We're willing to accept that.
In response to the question: I've found a list of the top ranked spots in Hanoi but not a list of the ones to avoid like the plague ... and having read a recent review of Bobby Ch...
Posted Thursday June 5th, 2008.
To preempt what is about to happen here (because this is the most asked question on Ask A.N.H.), PLEASE enter the agents into the database through the "Add a Business to the Directory" link in the bottom of this page. Listing them in Ask A.N.H. is great and all, but if people are going to consistently be able to relate their experiences with different agents (who often work directly and knowingly with landlords like this) to the community, it needs to be this way. Even if they are rather "informal" businesses with no address or known map point, enter them. We need people reviewing them so that the good ones are rewarded and made known while the scumbags are avoided. Not much is going to change without some sort of accountability. If they are a lone agent without any business name to attach to their activities, list them by something like "Agent - Mr./Ms. (name)". That will work for now. Let's get them documented and aware that their actions are public. When you meet with them, ask to take their photograph. If they refuse, that should be enough to make you want to look elsewhere. If they accept, add it to their page here on the site.
In response to the question: Hi there. I'm seeking some advice from people who have been here a while and may have had dealings with the police and crooked landlords. The day aft...
Posted Monday June 9th, 2008.
Soju can be bought in any Korean restaurant, or in any of the little supermarkets in the Trung Hoa area, I'm sure. Off hand, the only place I can say I've seen it with certainty recently would be the little convenience store across Tran Duy Hung from the Trung Hoa apartment complex called K-Mart. Again, anywhere in that area will probably have it.
In response to the question: I have major issues with mould. I don't like it, it doesn't like me (I can tell); basically we don't co-exist happily. I have just moved into a h...
Posted Wednesday June 11th, 2008.
Would somebody like to give this a site entry? Just click on the "Add a Business to the Directory" link in the footer of this page. It also sounds like there are several Vu Doo fans on here who know the new location well. I'm sure Vu would appreciate some reviews to get his new location back up to the status the old location had (review-wise).
In response to the question: Anyone have the new phone number for Vu Doo salon? I've been given two but neither are working......
Posted Saturday June 21st, 2008.
We do ask that each person attending the event sign up for an account. Seeing that it is free and takes about one minute, we haven't been too over the top in "policing" the attendees. We also usually provide a computer at the event for people to sign up on if they have heard about it and not yet registered.
See you at the meet up tonight.
In response to the question: Hi Everyone I'm planning to attend the New Hanoian June meet up tonight. I noticed the the email sent out about the event it referred to "New Hanoi...
Posted Sunday June 22nd, 2008.
Megastar cinema in the Vincom towers is the newest and most modern facility. It shows mostly high profile Hollywood films (for english films, but they also show Vietnamese and other Asian films). They are subtitled into Vietnamese rather than dubbed.
Cinematheque on Hai Ba Trung street also shows English films (as well as a whole variety of other languages and nationalities). This is more of an art house cinema showing classics across a variety of genres. Also, it is run as a film club with a small annual membership fee and a per film donation that is based on your means.
Each of these has a listing here on the site.
In response to the question: Are there any movie theaters in Hanoi that show undubbed English language movies?...
Posted Monday June 23rd, 2008.
Thanks for your thoughts jestert79. I'll post our position on this matter for those who did not read the initial exchange bewteen jimbo and I. I'll have to post it in two parts (there's a character limit for the length of Ask A.N.H. posts). My apologies for the length, but I want to make sure it's all clear.
We do not feel that Stones 1 has been rewarded for dishonesty. They have been allowed to participate in the TNH community through things like prize sponsorship and the hosting of meet ups because they have been nothing but open and responsible since the first time I sat down with the owner Hany and discussed the policies and expectations of this site. You are correct that he posted a review with his initial entry of Stones 1 into the site. He also answered an Ask A.N.H. post with an inclusion of his bar's contact information. That post was removed as soon as it was brought to my attention. The review was removed following my discussion with him. I waited until that time to remove it because I wanted to use it to show him how it was likely to be viewed by the TNH community and so I could explain his options. His options were two: 1) edit the review so that it included full disclosure of his identity and his relationship to the business, or 2) remove the review. Business owners ARE allowed to post a single review to their own business provided that they fully disclose who they are and how they are related to the business. This policy can be found in the Business Owner's FAQ in the footer of this page. I told him, however, that even this can set a less than stellar tone for those considering his new business. My advice was not to do this, but rather to encourage his regular customers to visit his page and leave their thoughts there. He asked me to remove the review, and I did. In the period following that time, he showed no signs of improper use. He contacted me directly concerning any information he wished to have posted, and inquired as to how he could use the site to get the word out about his business. We allowed him to sponsor a prize, which he did with full compliance while honoring all the expectations that come with that. My interactions with him led me to believe that he would be an appropriate host of a meet up. He did not let us down. That is this particular business' history with us.
As for the general policy we have of talking to and discussing site policy with businesses who initially violate one or several of our policies, it is a matter of both practicality and principle. From a practical perspective, we are in contact with hundreds of businesses around Hanoi. These days, most come to know the site without our introducing them to it. Having used the business entry interface to add their listing, they see the review space as the most ready place to add a bit more about their business. It is a natural inclination, but one we take time to explain will ultimately be counterproductive. That you have chosen this single instance to crusade against, jimbo, I will take as a compliment. The fact is that this, or something very much like it, happens several times a week. The pattern is almost always the same. A business discovers the site. Business enters themselves and tries to post something about themselves in a place not really suited to it. I contact the business to set up a time to meet with them so that we can discuss the best ways to use the site. Business then becomes a respectful and contributing member of this site. If you think that this is in someway a remarkable case of abuse or unusual site activity, then, again, thank you. It takes a lot of work to monitor our community's activity and to turn uninformed interest on the part of businesses into responsible, policy conforming contributions. Some businesses make it easy, some don't. Stones 1 has been an easy one.
(continued below)
In response to the question: I'm setting up this question so that we have a more effective venue for discussing some of the concerns "jimbo" has recently raised about how we've de...
Posted Monday June 23rd, 2008.
(continued from above)
There is also a fundamental element of principle involved. Hanoi is undergoing rapid change. The small business practices which have been deemed strategic up to this point have quickly been rendered a liability. Those establishments who continue to view their customer base as made up of adversaries who must be out-witted and deceived are hurting both themselves and Hanoi as a whole. We do not want to see this continue. In the 5000+ hours I've spent on this site over the last three years, it's become clear that the best way to achieve that is not simply through condemning those offenders who attempt to apply their old habits to this new medium. The more effective approach has been to try to bring them into the fold by demonstrating the consequences of their actions and how things might be done differently. Were we to just get steamed and engage in blacklist-like behavior, it would only perpetuate the idea that the foreign community in Hanoi is an antagonist to be milked when possible and never identified with. Whether they know it or not initially, their businesses are reliant upon healthy relationships with the very community that they have so often kept themselves distant from. We'd like to have a part in seeing that change. We feel that providing incentives and disincentives for relevant behavior is the way to go, and that the "death sentence" mentality achieves little.
On the user side, this same approach is often applied. The posts by Steve and jimbo on the Stones 1 page are an example. I've been in touch with both of them hoping to see those posts get back to reflecting the experiences they've had with Stones 1. I'll leave the posts up for a bit in case anyone wants to know how this discussion turns out, but ultimately all will be coming down. Unless we want the site to degenerate into a bunch of hearsay and off topic discussions, we need to stick to reviewing what we experience. That said, I hope that its clear that I don't in any way mean to suggest that all members need to or should feel compelled to think any particular way about Stones 1. If you do not trust them or feel that they are not a business you wish to try, then that is your choice. We accept that, but it also needs to be understood that in explicitly choosing not to visit their business, you've also precluded yourself from having an informed opinion on their operations. This is the reason the posts from Steve and jimbo will be coming down off the Stones 1 page (unless they are edited to reflect their personal experiences there). I'll leave them up until this discussion is concluded so that no one is given the impression that we are trying to coddle Stones 1 or deflect this attention from them.
I also continue to extend an invitation to meet in person with jimbo (or anyone else who has concerns about this). I know that even private messaging or email does not always fully convey one's opinion effectively. What comes across as a confrontational affair online can easily be translated into a friendly conversation between mutually concerned individuals.
If anyone wants to talk about this over a beer or coffee sometime, please let me know.
In response to the question: I'm setting up this question so that we have a more effective venue for discussing some of the concerns "jimbo" has recently raised about how we've de...
Posted Monday June 23rd, 2008.
Are you going to be supplied with a company car (and then driving yourself), or are you going to have a car with a driver? Whether or not you need a place to park a car can alter which areas are within practical consideration.
In response to the question: Gday all... I am about 90% sold on moving to Hanoi later this year in approx September to work at a new airline that is about to start flying from ...
Posted Monday June 23rd, 2008.
That increases your options. I'd agree with some of the other posters in that the Truc Bach area may be the best compromise. It's not far from the dike road (Nghi Tam/Au Co/An Duong Vuong...it changes names a few times), which heads straight to the highway that will take you to the airport. It has a few bars and restaurants and is in close proximity to areas with many more. There several buildings offering serviced apartments on the lake front, and many other residences just to the east of the lake.
Good luck.
In response to the question: Gday all... I am about 90% sold on moving to Hanoi later this year in approx September to work at a new airline that is about to start flying from ...
Posted Wednesday June 25th, 2008.
The best luck I've had with playing the local, pirated DVDs (and I've had three or four players at this point) is a tiny little Phillips DVD player I picked up last year. I think it's failed to play one DVD in that time. My previous players had a failure rate ranging from 20-40%, depending on the shop the DVD was from.
I'd always heard that the knock off Chinese DVD players were better for playing the pirated discs (this is what the DVD shops always told me), but it hasn't been the case.
In response to the question: Where can I buy a cheap DVD player? Yes, all the DVD players for sale in Hanoi are cheap when compared to their Western counterparts. But the stan...
Posted Friday June 27th, 2008.
Hi all. Sorry I was so late in getting to this for you. I was moving into a new house (always quite the ordeal), but the internet is hooked up and I'm back at it.
The event is posted to the Green Mango page. You can see it here:
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/event/show/737
In the future, I'll be quicker on getting these things posted for you. If you're organizing an event, and you feel like you're likely to be doing more of the same in the future, just head over to the groups page and set up a group for this. That will allow you to do all the event posting yourself. If it's a one off thing, just send it my way.
Also, being a fundraiser, we'll be sure to give you some press in an upcoming newsletter. Probably sometime next week.
Good luck
In response to the question: For anyone who enjoyed the recent B.O.D thread, you will be pleased to hear I have organised a party/fundraiser to celebrate the launch of the Sex in ...
Posted Friday June 27th, 2008.
How about starting up a "Hiking/Mountain Biking" group here on the site. That would be the easiest way to promote your events and get them on the event calendar. My guess is this is going to be a regular interest for many of you, and that's what the groups functionality is all about.
Let me know if you have any questions.
In response to the question: Does anyone out there know any nice hiking or mountain biking trails? I am also looking for people whom enjoy these things as well. Let me know....
Posted Friday June 27th, 2008.
This event has now been given a proper listing. You can find it on the event calendar and get a look at the venue.
In response to the question: Okay...so I believe the ladies of Hanoi will not disagree with me that the ratio of men to women in this city does not work in their favour, and what ...
Posted Tuesday July 1st, 2008.
Well, you might try looking under the services/motorbike rental section here on the site:
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/venue/category/108/Motorbike-Rental#1
Or you could take some of the advice from the multiple other threads on this in Ask A.N.H.:
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/aska/answers/qid/7
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/aska/answers/qid/773
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/aska/answers/qid/127
Just a word of advice for others who might be (relatively) new to using Ask A.N.H., posting to an older thread, no matter how far it was buried in the list when you found it, automatically brings it to the top of the list. If you're looking for more detail on a topic that's already been discussed, this is the most effective way to do it so that future information seekers have it all in a single thread, instead of scattered throughout multiple threads. You can search directly on the Ask A.N.H. page for your topic (to only get Ask A.N.H. Q&A results) or do a general site search which will also return some Ask A.N.H. entries.
Good Luck with your bike hunt April1.
In response to the question: Hi everyone, I'm looking for a place where I can rent out motorbike on monthly basis. It would be good if they have Vespa or Piaggio. Please let me...
Posted Thursday July 3rd, 2008.
Yeah, a good place to start might be searching for "Tattoo" in the search box in the header.
In response to the question: anyone knows a good tatooer with high standards of cleaningness? did anyone made a tatoo here? thx...
Posted Saturday July 5th, 2008.
I'd guess that they continue to be the group that was mentioned the last time this was asked. Head to the Lac Long Quan rowing club and ask them if you can join in.
Let us all know.
In response to the question: Though its been asked a couple times before (once by me) it remains a mystery and as I saw about 20 kayakers out on West Lake today it is time again t...
Posted Saturday July 19th, 2008.
It's on Lac Long Quan Street. If you're starting at the Thuy Khue end of Lac Long Quan, it will be a couple KM. Look for it on the right just after passing the section of road where one is directly next to West Lake.
I'm not certain on the details of this club, but I get the impression that it isn't all that open to general membership from community members. The main folks I saw using it were young Vietnamese training for the national rowing team. Many of them lived on the grounds or very near by. They can be seen rowing in the early morning and jogging around the lake during other parts of the day.
I also think one can do some rowing by way of the Hanoi Club, but that will probably require a membership that you may (or may not) deem a bit much for the privilege of rowing. Then again, maybe full membership isn't required.
In response to the question: Though its been asked a couple times before (once by me) it remains a mystery and as I saw about 20 kayakers out on West Lake today it is time again t...
Posted Sunday July 20th, 2008.
I believe this is the place that opera is referring to:
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/venue/show/1125/Linh-Lang-Vegetarian-Restaurant
It's a very small, casual place...more like stepping into their house than a restaurant.
In response to the question: Can anyone recommend a cook/maid who can make good vegetarian dishes? I am also looking for a place to buy vegetarian foods-- e.g. soy/gluten pro...
Posted Monday July 21st, 2008.
Probably a good time to enter this place into the site. It sounds like it's deserving of a couple of reviews. Just hit that "Add a Business to the Directory" link in the footer of the page.
Thanks guys.
In response to the question: My powerbook G4 12" went bonkers and refused to boot again. This time for good. Has anyone seen 2nd hand retailers or spare part dealers for Mac's any...
Posted Tuesday July 22nd, 2008.
Here is what Khumbu is referring to:
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/venue/show/2174/Yin-Yang-Salon-and-Spa
In response to the question: Hi, does anyone know where I can buy a good, inexpensive mud mask for my face? I don't want the peel-off kind - rather, I'm looking for the mud kind ...
Posted Tuesday July 29th, 2008.
Wow. This is going to be a rather long list if you want businesses that are owned by expats or have a significant expat managerial influence. I don't mean to pry, but can you give us a bit of your motivation so we can narrow down the list for you?
In response to the question: Hi a question here: Could anyone adress any Hanoian restaurants and bars that are run by expats? Any Italian Pizza done by Italians? Any French croiss...
Posted Friday August 1st, 2008.
My wife has studied Vo Vi Nam with a guy named Mr. Long whose gym is near the Hanoi Hotel (around the corner from the Amsterdam School).
virezo lists the facility above:
"'October 10th' Club
Address: Youth's School of Sports October 10th - Tran Huy Lieu st. - Giang Vo area - Ba Dinh st.
Class time: Wed, Sat. 19:30-21:15
* Good equipment"
Some of his assistants speak English and they gladly accept foreign students.
My wife would introduce you if you'd like:
Linh (0914 347 609)
In response to the question: Hi everyone! I need to find out if anyone know of a Shitoryo Karate club in Hanoi, even better if it is near the University of Hanoi Campus, if not al...
Posted Friday August 8th, 2008.
A lot of people were familiar with the old location of Vijit, but they seemed to fall off the map (of general word of mouth discussion) after the move. That's been quite a while now, so maybe they've rebounded a bit.
Some reviews would be nice.
In response to the question: I just got a massive craving for Thai food but can't seem to find any reviews to bowl me over. Any suggestions? Also, what's the name of the place ...
Posted Wednesday September 10th, 2008.
If you guys set up a group on the site for this, you can post it to the event calendar.
That might get you a bit more of a turnout (if you're looking for it).
In response to the question: Hi all, I'm looking for life drawing classes/groups (that is drawing nudes, in a no-happy-endings, strictly art kinda way!) Does anyone know if...
Posted Friday September 12th, 2008.
That sounds like a fabulous idea. Let's get together and work it out.
In response to the question: Does anyone know where one may purchase one of these t-shirts bearing so priceless a slogan. I guess I could get one printed up but it wouldn't be ...
Posted Sunday September 14th, 2008.
It's also important to understand that the information on this site is meant to be overwhelmingly community generated. We don't intend to be a magazine.
Posting it as a question is the proper way to go, and your fellow community members can fill you in on various aspects of the mid-Autumn festival.
In response to the question: Hi all, I have been registered with this site for some time and I have found that it is a useful tool for connecting with other foreigners. Ho...
Posted Monday September 15th, 2008.
Wow. I turn my back for a few hours and RIKI's love life has everybody all worked up.
I know that this can be a heated topic. I know that there are differences of opinion and interpretation, but at least keep the posts constructive in some way. We've got to pull the direct attacks between users, the ad hominem nonsense, and those posts that aren't doing anything but serving to inflame the situation.
I've got better things to do than babysit this thread, so keep it respectable.
Please.
In response to the question: Okay people...don't bash me too hard here (he-he): Since I have been in Hanoi, I have only met the WRONG types of women. Either they don't speak Engli...
Posted Tuesday September 30th, 2008.
It's a good idea to check the EspnStar website for tv schedules here. Those are the two most commonly carried international sports channels in Hanoi. It looks like the local ESPN channel is carrying a National League Division Series game starting at 3:30am Hanoi time on Thursday as well as an American League Division Series game starting at 7:00am. The National League game is being re-shown later at 10:00. You can see the schedule and check other days here:
http://www.espnstar.com/tv-listings/region1/day3/
This website has always posted their times in Hong Kong time, so you'll need to subtract an hour. But, given how generally frustrating their website maintenance has been in the past, they may have done the sensible thing and started posting the times for the region you've actually selected and then not noted the change.
If their past performance televising basketball is any indication, they're also likely to select a single series or maybe two to show every game of, while completely neglecting the rest.
Good luck.
In response to the question: Does anybody know if any place in town is able to televise the Major League Baseball Playoffs that start Thursday morning our time?...
Posted Friday October 3rd, 2008.
Feel free to join the existing table tennis group on the site and set up your own afternoon sessions. There are plenty of site users with free time in the afternoon. All it might take is contacting anyone who shoes interest from this thread, joining the group on the site, and then posting it as a regular event.
Good luck.
In response to the question: I am looking for a place to play table tennis (ping pong) during weekdays at daytime. Anyone know the place I could go to? Thanks!...
Posted Monday October 6th, 2008.
There's obviously some interest in this sort of gathering (and there's likely to be a steady supply of those interested), so why don't one of your put up a "Hanoi Newbies" or some such group on the "Groups" page here on the site. That will allow you to post your events directly to the event calendar and keep everyone informed a bit easier than through this solitary thread. If the "newness" of Hanoi wears off, you can leave the group and let others take the reins.
Let me know if you have any trouble setting it up.
In response to the question: I am new to Hanoi and am looking for any fun, social activities that can get me out of the house. It can be as formal as a tour or as informal as meet...
Posted Wednesday October 8th, 2008.
You can also use the city switcher at the top of the page to visit the Saigon site or the one for Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
On the issue of "discussion" on Ask A.N.H., there are a few issues actually.
To begin, we intentionally stayed away from a general forum. From our experience, too many forums degenerate into outlets for those frustrated with their overseas experience to vent, and that subsequently turns into flame wars when people come to the defense of this or that. We thought the Q&A approach would provide a relatively effective way to keep people on topic and productively contributing.
As the site incrementally grew in popularity, it was fairly easy to keep things on track. We removed posts that weren't really questions and encouraged people to use past posts for any subsequent comments and questions that were related to the same subject. Ideally, people would use existing posts so that all the information on a given inquiry would be in one place for future info seekers. It would also help to prevent the unfortunate situations where a question is posted, there are some great answers given to it that show real sensitivity to detail and effort, then a week later someone asks the same question. Those same contributors who went to all that work are not likely to go to that effort again and may not even feel as inclined to contribute in the first place if it appears that their work will have such short lived appreciation. Because any thread that gets a post immediately goes to the top of the list on the Ask A.N.H. page, we'd like to think that this system would work. Up until about three or four months ago, it did.
Starting last spring, the gradual, incremental increases in site use took on a greater order of magnitude. I tried to keep up with monitoring the quality of Ask A.N.H. question posts, but it ended up being a hell of a time burden. Additionally, a large portion of the users who I asked to move or change their posts started responding with outright vitriol at the suggestion. They basically told me to go f*#k myself and that they should be allowed to post wherever and whatever. We'll probably use some volunteer moderators to help keep an eye on that section in the near future, but for now, I've thrown my hands up a bit concerning the non-questions and repeat posts. We sincerely wish people would use the Ask A.N.H. search box on the Ask A.N.H. page before posting, but whether or not it happens is a bit beyond us right now.
Another issue that comes with more general, less-Q&A-oriented posts is that Ask A.N.H. turns into a data dump. People throw any and all information there, when the site is explicitly set up to provide a more structured and usable method of contributing. There's no problem with asking about a salon or doctor that somebody recommends, but the real way to deal with this is to ensure that the business is listed on the site, then review it. That way, anyone who looks into that category of service or business can find opinions on the matter with all the context of differing views. They also don't have to search through dozens of scattered posts to find contact info and then wonder whether or not the place is still open or in the same location. If the business isn't listed, there is an "Add a Business to the Directory" link in the footer of the page. Use it. Once it's entered, we can then go through the usual verification processes and future face to face interactions with them to ensure that the info stays up to date. If you just dump it in Ask A.N.H., its usefulness is greatly diminished. There's been a great deal of this lately. I used to message each individual who did this, but that would take me hours a day now if I continued to do so.
Finally (I know this is getting rather long winded), there is the issue of what can and cannot be discussed in Vietnam. General discussions often have a way of moving toward public policy/politics, sex, and religion on many forums. Two out of those three are very sensitive subjects that we nearly have to avoid altogether if this site is to continue in its live posting manner. Whatever our own political and cultural leanings may be concerning these subjects, caution is needed. The problem then becomes, "Where do you draw the line?" Given the overall lack of transparency when it comes to media law (especially online media), it's a very real and practical concern for us and the future of this online community. If we let things go too far, then suddenly start pulling on the reins, many on The New Hanoian will perceive us as arbitrarily limiting their speech. To some extent, they'd be right. However, we're not the source of that arbitrariness. We'd just be its messenger. That further leads us to be wary of general discussion that isn't rooted in something we can all turn to and agree is the arbiter of what stays and what goes.
We don't want to hold you back. We want to promote greater understanding here, but it's not always so straightforward.
In response to the question: I'm not sure whether it's a growing phenomenon, but I'm noticing increasing numbers of "questions" posted here that are really inviting a discussion o...
Posted Friday October 10th, 2008.
Unfortunately, housing in Hanoi can be a very,very unsavory business. Real estate agents aren't exactly the most trusted and admired lot in many a society, but the current tendencies in Hanoi do seem to a magnification of many of the negative things I've seen elsewhere. Personally, I've never lived in a place in Asia or elsewhere where it was such a consistent headache. Taming this situation isn't easy no matter how you approach it. Doing so within the framework of what we generally do on this site in the manner we do it is an additional challenge.
Listing and reviewing actual properties is confronted with plenty of challenges, and it's not even clear that such a system would be all that effective. It's predicated on all the properties being accurately entered and all subsequent listings (even if the landlord knows they've been panned on here) being made in a way where they can reliably be checked. There will be all sorts of subterfuge when it comes to bypassing this system. The individual managing a given property is frequently not the actual owner of the property, and this person may change. Since it is their treatment of the tenant that is essential here, the system would have to take into account those changes. Those changes would often be cosmetically made in the case of bad press on here. Landlords would also want to have the right to respond, if not actually review their tenants as well. Individual renters would have to then be listed (by proper name) and we can all imagine where that would end up. These are only a few of many more issues that would arise.
In the end, I think the best, most practical solution is going to be to encourage people to list and review the agents they pursue housing through. One thing I always recommend doing when I'm talking to new arrivals who are looking for housing is to take a camera with you, and before anything really gets going, ask the agent if you can take his/her photo. Let them know from the start that there will be accountability for what transpires. If you found them through a listing on this site, then they know how widely viewed such a review (with attached image) may eventually be. When it comes to landlords, any respectable agent will act as a buffer between tenant and landlord. When trouble arises between you and the landlord, contact the agent. If they ignore the issue, then they deserve taking some of the heat for the situation. Mention the property specifically in the review. If there is a pattern of cooperation between a given agent and a less than scrupulous landlord, it will become apparent. Those agents that deserve a loyal clientèle will want no part in dealings with such landlords.
Of course, I guess there's also nothing stopping people from entering an individual listing poster to the site as the "agent" that they got a house through, even if they are not in the real estate game full time.
As always, we'd love to hear more from all of you about what might work for you here.
In response to the question: I am wondering if Tom/Elliot could allow users to review properties they have seen and agents they have dealt with. Quite a few people I work for have...
Posted Monday October 13th, 2008.
There are numerous threads concerning both swimming pools and fitness centers in Ask A.N.H., as well as pages for reviewing both of these. If you want additional information about a topic that has been discussed in the past, post that question in the already existing Q&A thread. If people continually ask the same questions, people will stop answering them and it makes using that past information very, very difficult since it's scattered through a dozen different threads.
Also, anyone who recommends a pool should really just review it so that anyone looking for a swimming pools can find it without this same run around each time.
Sorry if I seem a bit picky about this, but it's Monday, last night involved heavy drinking, and the repeat questions here are getting WAY out of hand.
Past related threads:
Doing a search for "swimming"
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/aska/answers/qid/1137
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/aska/answers/qid/867
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/aska/answers/qid/653
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/aska/answers/qid/1186
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/aska/answers/qid/13
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/aska/answers/qid/437
Doing a search for "gym"
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/aska/answers/qid/154
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/aska/answers/qid/209
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/aska/answers/qid/189
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/aska/answers/qid/861
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/aska/answers/qid/570
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/aska/answers/qid/293
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/aska/answers/qid/907
Do we really need another post on this?
In response to the question: Hi! Could someone suggest a good affordable swimming pool and fitness centre ? A clean, well looked after pool, with decent shower rooms, and fitness...
Posted Saturday October 18th, 2008.
Hi amandahkj. "Daily" events were discontinued due to over abuse. Too many businesses decided things like, "Hey. We service lunch everyday. I should enter that as an event!" All it ends up doing is cluttering the event calendar and ultimately leading people to find it less valuable and use it less. We had to put an end to it.
In your case, I should probably drop in and chat with both you and the Intercontinental marketing department so that we can come up with the best way to get you and your performances a presence on the site in a productive way for both you and the community as a whole.
In response to the question: This is a New Hanoian "site" question. I posted my performance info on the New Hanoian & the listing was coming up for a little over a week, then all...
Posted Tuesday October 28th, 2008.
I hate to rain on the parade and all, but this is exactly what leads to information getting lost. Each of these should have been a review. Those not yet listed can be listed with the "Add a Spot to the Directory" link you see in the footer.
This whole site is basically "Too Much Information On Hanoi", so its important that it gets entered in a structured way if it's going to be of much use going forward.
In response to the question: This is answering a question than asking one, due I am clearing out my personal website but wanted this info to go somewhere that you would see and be...
Posted Tuesday October 28th, 2008.
That is how the site is set up to run.
Anyone can enter any business (the little button at the bottom that says "Add a Spot to the Directory" gets it done). Once entered, reviewing it positively or negatively means that future information seekers don't have to wade through hundreds of un-indexed bits of advice. There have been more than three thousand reviews now on the site. Can you imagine what it would be like if you had to weed through all of them to find out people's take on a single place? For some things, there's really no simple way to provide a structured, aggregating entry method, but people still want to know. Thus: Ask A.N.H. For other things, you're contributing far more by entering it properly. In your post, only the bits of advice about the phone usage don't have a clear place to be put. But even that probably has several other Ask A.N.H. threads about phones and sim cards that would have been a more useful home.
It's not that we're upset you're contributing to the site, it's just that we'd like to have those contributions continue to be contributing for you and others go forward. A post like this turns into a "data dump" that fades into the background pretty quickly (when people like us aren't constantly talking about it fading).
In response to the question: This is answering a question than asking one, due I am clearing out my personal website but wanted this info to go somewhere that you would see and be...
Posted Tuesday October 28th, 2008.
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/venue/show/1098/Australian-Dental-Clinic
In response to the question: Anybody know where is the best Orthodontist in Hanoi please let me know ! Many thanks Tina...
Posted Tuesday November 4th, 2008.
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/group/show/111/Tennis-Club
In response to the question: Hi. Does anyone know where I can find players to play tennis. I don t even know where available courts are... but I am very interested and I play n...
Posted Thursday November 6th, 2008.
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/group/show/9/Hanoi-Ois-Netball-Club
This group has been set up for ages. If any of you wants to take over the administration of it, let me know. You'll be able to post any info about the club's activities to the site.
In response to the question: Group of friends are looking to get involved in netball, does anyone have any info if there are active meets of the Hanoi Ois or other netball groups?...
Posted Friday November 7th, 2008.
Did you get it through the private messaging on the site, or did you get it to your email?
In response to the question: Do people get much spam in response to things they post here? I just asked a question two days ago and just got the following spam message (the funni...
Posted Friday November 7th, 2008.
The account it was sent with via private message has been banned.
Have you posted your email anywhere on the site recently?
In response to the question: Do people get much spam in response to things they post here? I just asked a question two days ago and just got the following spam message (the funni...
Posted Saturday November 8th, 2008.
We're looking into it.
The private messaging spam is something that (unfortunately) is going going to happen at times. We ban those users as soon as we're notified. The emailed spam is more concerning.
If you received the above listed message to your email address, please send me a private message or email (elliott@newhanoian.com) with the details of it all. Include your email address that the message was sent to, the subject line, and the text.
In response to the question: Do people get much spam in response to things they post here? I just asked a question two days ago and just got the following spam message (the funni...
Posted Saturday November 8th, 2008.
bobthebob01's entry was a duplicate. Here's the original entry that is still up:
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/venue/show/1251/Hung-Long-Minimart-Xuan-Dieu
In response to the question: Okay, I'm used to eating Pho with Hoisin Sauce and I can't find any here. The strangest thing is that i can't remember any restaurant I've eaten at i...
Posted Monday November 10th, 2008.
Different owners.
In response to the question: Does anyone know if Dragon Hotel (48 Xuan Dieu), Gold Dragon (95B Hang Ga) and another Gold Dragon Hotel (5 Ngo Bao Khanh) have the same owner or not?...
Posted Monday November 10th, 2008.
At least the one on Xuan Dieu is different. I'd have to check on the other two again. Hotel "ownership" in Hanoi changes so often, it's hard to keep up on who is running which place at any given time.
In response to the question: Does anyone know if Dragon Hotel (48 Xuan Dieu), Gold Dragon (95B Hang Ga) and another Gold Dragon Hotel (5 Ngo Bao Khanh) have the same owner or not?...
Posted Monday November 10th, 2008.
Hung Long Minimart has the sparkling La Vie, if I remember correctly. And, they deliver.
In response to the question: I feel it's probably wrong of me to ask two substantially unrelated questions in one post, however I'm feeling reckless so here goes: 1. Has anyo...
Posted Tuesday November 11th, 2008.
He means Khach San ("Hotel"), and it is listed:
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/venue/show/651/Trung-Tien-Hotel
In response to the question: We're looking for a relatively cheap guesthouse to stay in while we continue our search for housing. The hotel section seems to be missing a "sort by...
Posted Tuesday November 18th, 2008.
I think the key phrase in the original question is, "fairly obvious". These attempts very, very rarely have the intended consequence. People spot them (as you have) and police the situation in a variety of ways. One, these posts often lead to numerous reviews from patrons looking to set the record straight. These reviewers may have been inclined to sit quietly in the background had the offending post not been made. Upon coming to the rescue, the business actually ends up with a boost in overall rating. This has happened several times (Daluva and Green Mango come to mind). Two, people demerit it to the point that it is both graphically obvious that there is real doubt from the community (checking the number of utter rubbish clicks) and to the point that the review's poster is lowered in influence to the point that their star rating has little to no effect on the rating of the business in question. Not all users on the site are weighted equally. Depending on the number and types of contributions made to the site, in conjunction with the community's response to those contributions, a user will have a greater or lesser impact with any given review. This can also be factored in in how a particular user's merit/demerit clicks affect any given user's overall strength on the site. That is to say, a user with massive contributions and positive community feedback will "hurt" any given post more when they click "utter rubbish" than if a new account were to do so. Long story short: not all reviews are equal (mathematically), nor are all "utter rubbish" clicks. Past behavior is taken into account. We've got some things in the works to give you a better graphical representation of the results of any given set of merit/demerit clicks. We hope it will ease some of the confusion.
Finally, jimbo is occasionally right. Publicly commenting on reviews would lead to all sorts of problems. Even without considering the flame-fest that would immediately ignite, it would also lead to people diverting their energies from the existing data accumulation structures we have in place. That is to say, they'd just start venting all over the place and forgetting that they were here to contribute information in a useful manner.
We won't remove a review suspected of ulterior motives unless we have clear evidence that a specific policy has been violated. We'd rather leave it up and let people be adult enough to use good judgment rather than accidentally removing legitimate reviews that merely suffered from poor writing ability or a lack of tact. In the end, I think it is a healthy development that people start to think of information as something they have to independently parse and evaluate the merit of instead of waiting for it to come down from on high.
Happy to hear more of what you think about it, of course.
In response to the question: I’m not sure if this question has been addressed before but I’ve met others who feel strongly about it. It’s in regard to the guideline that mem...
Posted Thursday November 27th, 2008.
I think there are a couple of different issues and proposals going on in this thread that haven't been clearly delineated. Some future developments on our part will help, and some explanation of existing policies might as well. For those who have heard much of this in other threads, my apologies, but it seems to come up often. I'll add a summary of it to the User FAQ soon, though I doubt that it will get read enough to really put a dent in the questions.
For one, we do have some general review guidelines in the User FAQ. A section on the review feedback merit/demerit system will be added.
Adding public feedback/comments on reviews directly or as an explanation of the individual merit/demerit clicks has the potential for disaster. I posted something about it in a previous thread:
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/aska/answers/qid/1342
The gist of it is that it can quickly lead to the contributions to the site degenerating into flame wars, and people will use the comment space as a substitute for their own writing of an actual review when they disagree about the characterization of the place. The structured entry of information is essential to the functioning of the site and its ongoing existence as a useful community tool. A comment section like this is likely to lead to a move away from that structured entry.
Simply identifying who has clicked also has the potential for things turning ugly, and we feel that there is a more effective way to limit the abusive potential of such clicks without going that route. The basic foundation of it is that not all site users are weighted equally when it comes to their more numerical impact on site dynamics. Of course people will personally and individually respect a given user's contributions to a greater or lesser extent when considering how much trust to put into what was written, but the site itself also distinguishes levels of contribution in a more algorithmic manner. The most obvious way that such mathematical weighting can be brought to bear is on how a given user's star rating affects the overall weighting of a business. I think most of our regular users understand that this is a factor in how places are rated and ranked by this point. However, this same thing can be done with how a given user's clicking of "Well-Written" or "Utter Rubbish" affects the site. One of the most important aspects of those review feedback links is that they raise or lower a given user's mathematical significance to the site (the "coefficient of contribution" among TNH staffers). Generally speaking, positive clicks strengthen your significance, and negative clicks weaken it. However, the extent to which your coefficient of contribution is strengthened or weakened depends on who has given you those clicks. Someone who themselves has greater site significance will raise or lower someone more than a random sign up with no contributions of note. Currently, there isn't a lot of visual evidence of this process. That will change.
Additionally, there are a few other ways this dynamic will probably be made more intuitive and easier to stomach for those of you who cringe at those UR clicks piling up anonymously.
1) We can give each review or answer a "user response" graphic (like a bar) that shows not only the discrete number of various clicks, but also their aggregate impact when the clickers' relative site significance is taken into account.
2) We can add another less over the top click (like jimbo suggested) along the lines of "I'm dubious" or "meh". As was mentioned, we chose "Utter Rubbish" so people wouldn't take it so seriously, but so it goes.
3) We could allow people to post comments on a review, but they would only be made visible to the original review poster and the person offering the feedback. In those cases where you think the original reviewer was sincere, but mistaken, it could be valuable. It would also give people a chance to offer compliments to some of our better contributors. We would not, however, make those public, nor would it be mandatory for clicking one of those feedback links.
Like it or not, the anonymity of those links is essential to their getting used in numbers high enough for them to be an effective self-policing tool. The fact is, we'd like to see them being used more than they already are. Giving some visible evidence of their impact is likely to aid on that front as well.
Does that help any?
In response to the question: Can we do something about the utter rubbish section. It seems that there are some people who are playing with this click. I agree with all the others ...
I'm the co-founder and one of the general directors of Xemzi Limited of Hong Kong...the parent company of www.newhanoian.com, www.so-saigon.com, and www.kaohsiunginsider.com.
I spend much of my time in Hanoi working as the New Hanoian's community relations director, but I also make frequent trips to Saigon to see to the development of the So Saigon community.
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