Old cities that have withstood time always draw my
attention. Especially if the city hides behind the shadow of a bigger and more famous
one, Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam. Yet Ho Chi Minh City seems to be the
destination favoured by many tourists. Although I have never been to HCMC, I
was told that it is more developed than the city capital. But then I still
chose to go to Hanoi with two of my friends because of Ha Long Bay. The bay is
famous for its limestone islands and rock cliffs scattered along that north
eastern coast of Vietnam and almost close to the border of China. Everything
you need to know about getting there and going around can be found in several
internet sites but I would like to share is how enigmatic Ha Long Bay is which
is quite the same thing I felt with Hanoi City. If you are the type who enjoys
laid back atmosphere and to be in a city that still possess the magic of olden
days. Head to Hanoi and visit the Old Quarter and the French Quarter. Although
luxury shops and boutique hotels are scattered in the French Quarter area, many
of these establishments are housed in French-inspired buildings in the olden
days. The tallest buildings probably reaches only up to 5th and 6th
storeys in these area (you can correct me if I am wrong and I am only referring to that area in the French and Old Quarters). The absence of
western capitalism is very evident considering this is the capital city of the
country. In the Old Quarter you can visit shop houses anywhere in the streets.
At night, they also have night markets which sells cheaper than the shop houses
that are open anytime of the day.
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| Hanoi Opera House, one of the best preserved French-Colonial Building in Hanoi |
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| Hoan Kiem Lake |
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| St. Joseph's Cathedral, Old Quarter |
The most striking part for me in the city is how people hang
out together in the streets seating in low plastic benches surrounding each
other while feasting on pumpkin seeds, pho hoa (local noodles) and Hanoi beer.
Although it messes up the city because of the dirt scattered all over, I still
feel like it is an important part of their tradition to have this kind of
gathering like after work or during their breaks.
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| People hanging out in small plastic chairs just outside the St. Joseph Cathedral |
You can also visit some of the important sites in the city.
I recommend walking to tour the city if you are up to it. Renting motor bikes
are also recommended although the streets are infested with tons of motorbikes
that you can count the cars and buses rather than motorbikes.
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| Junction between the night market and Hoan Kiem Lake |
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| Opposite the junction between the night market and Hoan Kiem Lake |
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| The majestic and old Temple of Literature |
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| A common sight to see in the streets. A bread vendor in her bike. |
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| Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum |
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| The Presidential Palace |
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| Their traditional rickshaw or tuktuk |
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| A fruit vendor with her bike |
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| It just taste right |
Ha Long Bay is lovely. I recommend it for a couple who wants
to have a longer stay and sleep in the boat overnight. But be careful of
choosing the operator of your tour. The locals may take advantage of you. We stayed
in The Time Hotel in the Old Quarter and they recommended us a day tour but
unfortunately, our tour operator and the boat sucks big time. Do not expect
those brown boats you see on the internet as they no longer exist. If you want
to have a pleasant stay, I suggest you enquire at this operator:
We still did enjoy our day cruise although the food was
quite disorganized. It’s like they just served whatever they have in the
kitchen without thinking of the combination.
Hanoi and Ha Long, Vietnam
April 5 - 7, 2013
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