Hanoi, Vietnam

Before stepping on to the soil of Vietnam, I knew nothing about the country. I have gained Vietnamese friends in Singapore, who gladly introduced me to the Vietnamese Baguette, some hot-and-sour soup, and snails. But that was it. Now, after staying here for a year, I have heard a lot about Hanoi and how people compare it to Ho Chi Minh City (which locals still call Saigon). I became curious and I told myself to visit this place as soon as possible. For 2016, the next holiday after the long Tet Holiday was the King Hung’s Day, April 15. Aha, it was no doubt the next thing on my mind.

Hoan Kiem Lake
The Hoan Kiem Lake in the hazy morning with the famous red Huc Bridge on the right, which connects the Jade Island that contains the Ngoc Son Temple.

Honestly, I did not quite understand the weather in Hanoi when we were there. When we woke up, it felt like it was going to rain soon but until sundown, the weather remained constant. It was just hazy and humid. Also, although Hanoi is much bigger than Ho Chi Minh City in terms of area, I personally felt there are much more attractions in Ho Chi Minh City. However, I only had a day to explore Hanoi so I may be wrong. The rest of the days, we spent it in Ha Long Bay.

We booked 2 nights with a unique Airbnb place due to its concept of having beds as wooden boxes such as in the photo below.

Box-type Airbnb
Our Airbnb in Hanoi, box-type. Very interesting concept as each box has its own blinds, small locker, lamp, sockets, and toiletries.

 

Places Visited

April 15, 2016

Old Quarter

Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and Turtle Tower

Ly Thai To Monument

Royal City Vincom Megamall

Imperial Citadel

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

One-Pillar Pagoda

 


April 15, 2016

Old Quarter

We stayed in Old Quarter for 2 nights and while walking towards Hoan Kiem Lake as our first stop, I noticed that the roads were still empty. I had this impression that Hanoi roads will be really busy just like in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City where I live but probably in the early morning, the city is still sleeping.

Ta Hien
Around 8:30 AM, we were passing by Ta Hien, Hanoi’s backpackers area, with newly weds having a photo shoot at the best time of the day.
The roads of Hanoi early in the morning, no traffic jam so far.
The roads of Hanoi early in the morning, no traffic jam so far. Check the skies, downcast.
Hanoi Roads 2
The road beside Hoan Kiem Lake. Check the skies again, still downcast.

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