Early morning in Hanoi
 

In our Vietnam trip we are planning to return from the Sapa Trekking by train, getting in to Hanoi at 4.30 in the morning. We are being picked up to go to Ha Long bay at 7.45 in the morning. It does not seem worth getting a Hotel for such a short time, so I am looking for suggestions for how we can spend this time in Hanoi.

Suggestions welcome please.

Peter

I'd want to take a shower and eat breakfast - if you are staying at a hotel in Hanoi for an extended period, see if you can get a room at that hotel for a couple of hours, just to freshen up - the folks that are picking you up will have a place to meet you as well. If you are using an agent, ask them to do the legwork for you. If not, e-mail the hotel directly - this is not uncommon...

We stayed at the Elegance 4 hotel and they offered to pick us up after our trip to Sapa so that we could shower and rest before departing Hanoi. They have a shower room and waiting area for those in transit. We declined their offer as we were heading to Hue by plane and went directly to the airport instead, but that was a great option.

Another suggestion is to drop off your luggage at your former hotel and grab a quick bite near the Lake to watch the people do their morning exercises. You won't believe how lively things are at 5:00 AM and the weather is cooler and more comfortable.

have a nice breakfast

Wander around Hoan Kiem lake to watch the early risers practising their Tai Chi followed by Pho Bo for breakfast in the Old Quarter.

Ciao,
we had the same problem in April during our (beautiful!) trip in Vietnam. Be careful, the Town is REALLY sleeping..., we had to wait more than one our in a taxi before having the possibility to have some breakfast / rest in a restaurant booked by a travel agency.
I FULLY agree with the post that suggest the Elegance 4 offer; go there (we spent 5 nights..., really nice place & Guys) and arrange with them your stay.
Ciao, arrivederci. Gianni (Milan, Italy)