Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh - Where to go near the airport?

[YSSY]

I have some longish stopovers on an upcoming trip and would appreciate any advice on someone near to the airport to eat in Hanoi (walking distance or 20-30 mins away) and then for a 9 hour stopover in Ho Chi Minh would be great to know where I could go with my 5 year old son to have a wander around and get a sample of Vietnam.

 

[puppysparkes]

On our last trip to Hanoi in 2013, I didn't notice anything around the airport other than construction. You might be stuck with the offerings in the terminal. As for Siagon I would suggest getting a reputable taxi or Uber to the Ben Thanh markets for food https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTdA8Vp2viE and the War Remnants Museum

Otherwise if either you or your son are not travelling well you could grab a hotel room with a pool to relax in. Anywhere to district 1 is roughly 20min from the airport. You will need to be careful of bag snatching around traps so don't carry unnecessary back packs.

 

[YSSY]

On our last trip to Hanoi in 2013, I didn't notice anything around the airport other than construction. You might be stuck with the offerings in the terminal. As for Siagon I would suggest getting a reputable taxi or Uber to the Ben Thanh markets for food https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTdA8Vp2viE and the War Remnants Museum

Otherwise if either you or your son are not travelling well you could grab a hotel room with a pool to relax in. Anywhere to district 1 is roughly 20min from the airport. You will need to be careful of bag snatching around traps so don't carry unnecessary back packs.

Thanks, heading up in to the markets sounds good. I will have a backpack though, will have to decide whether to take it or leave at a left baggage place in the terminal.

Will just have to endure the lounges in Hanoi

 

[Spongbob]

Taxi fare from SGN to central HCMC is cheap - less than $20 even with a tip.