Hanoi highlights?
 

We have two half days in Hanoi, giving us very little time to explore. Please assist us by telling us the best restaurants and shopping places. Thanks!

That certainly isn't a great deal of time, but I think you can use it extremely well if you get a map of the city and locate two areas: the "old qauerter" (easy to identify, as the streets are so narrow, numerous, and illogically-placed); and the area around the lake and the Opera House. Both of these are worth a half-day, and there is a contrast between the two which you will find appealing, I think. Of course, you may well be staying in one of these areas, which would simplify things considerably.

I am interested in eating good, safe food. Does anyone have a restaurant?

The old quarter is a great place to stroll. We have had excellent food from street vendors, without ever getting sick. In general, the fancier the restaurant, the worse the food.

Any other restaurant suggestions? Is there anything to buy?

Lissy, I'd suggest 'Indochine' and 'Brother's CafŽ'. <BR>Both excellent and beautiful places!<BR>I loved the food in Vietnam. Never had a problem.<BR><BR>Buy silk. Amazing choices and prices. Although, the best prices for whatsoever I've found were at the Chinese market in Cholon (Ho Chi Minh City).<BR><BR>Enjoy Vietnam!