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HANOI CITY
Arriving Old Quarters in Hanoi City, Vietnam, was quite unlike any experience I've had in my life. We flew into Noi Bai International Airport after a short layover in Seoul Korea. Our trip hosts arranged for us to stay smack dab in the middle of Old Quarter's chaos, in a lovely boutique hotel called Essence Hanoi Hotel. We were greeted with a welcome tea comprised of ginger, honey, and some amazing spices, as well as with some warm hand towels. In spite of the fact that it was late evening, we hit the streets running!
Arriving Old Quarters in Hanoi City, Vietnam, was quite unlike any experience I've had in my life. We flew into Noi Bai International Airport after a short layover in Seoul Korea. Our trip hosts arranged for us to stay smack dab in the middle of Old Quarter's chaos, in a lovely boutique hotel called Essence Hanoi Hotel. We were greeted with a welcome tea comprised of ginger, honey, and some amazing spices, as well as with some warm hand towels. In spite of the fact that it was late evening, we hit the streets running!
Welcome Tea, Essence Hanoi Hotel, Hanoi Vietnam
It's quite common for people to wear face masks in the city. I was told they serve various purposes such as protecting oneself from the pollution as well as from the sun. Other people wear them as a courtesy when sick. The pollution is palpable, not only in Hanoi, but in many Southeast Asian cities. By the end of the trip I followed suit and bought a mask! |
You can get a bowl of Pho on almost any corner in Old Quarters, Hanoi, Vietnam
Mark and Anne in a Tuk Tuk in Hanoi, Old Quarters, Vietnam
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Fruit on the way to market, Hanoi, Old Quarters, Vietnam
Food Market in Old Quarters, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Chinese New Year in the streets of Hanoi, Old Quarters, Vietnam
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Scott walking the streets of Hanoi, Old Quarters, Vietnam
Speaking of streets, we were told when we cross the street to act confidently and to walk with a steady pace in order that traffic can predict our moves. The rules are don't panic, bolt, or back up, unless you wan to get hit. The streets are crammed full of mopeds, bicycles, small cars, and Tuk Tuk's, which seem to operate without any traffic rules. Everything Goes! It was terrifying to navigate the streets at first, but we soon became comfortable. We found the Tuk Tuk's were a great way to see Old Quarters, because we could relax in the midst of the chaos. The driver's were pleasant and fair. As a side note we refrained from taking Tuk Tuk's in Bangkok. It was not recommended to do so there.
Fires burn in front of shops and on corners in Old Quarters, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Mopeds are the most popular way to get around in Old Quarters, Hanoi, Vietnam
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HANOI KIDS CLUB
One real highlight in Hanoi was connecting with Hanoi Kids Club, a volunteer organization of students (our student was affiliated with the University) that, if prearranged, will take you on a tour of the city. It is mutually beneficial because the students get to practice their mastery of the English language, and tourists get a local perspective of life in Hanoi. Our guide was wonderful, so a shout out to you Bach! Bach introduced us, to a couple of local coffee shops, which were interesting to say the least! I can't say enough about the Pho soup and Banh Mi, sandwiches. They were tasty!
One real highlight in Hanoi was connecting with Hanoi Kids Club, a volunteer organization of students (our student was affiliated with the University) that, if prearranged, will take you on a tour of the city. It is mutually beneficial because the students get to practice their mastery of the English language, and tourists get a local perspective of life in Hanoi. Our guide was wonderful, so a shout out to you Bach! Bach introduced us, to a couple of local coffee shops, which were interesting to say the least! I can't say enough about the Pho soup and Banh Mi, sandwiches. They were tasty!
Egg Coffe at Cafe Giang, Old, Quarters, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Enjoying coffee with our tour guide in Hanoi, Old Quarters, Vietnam
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The first coffee shop, Cafe Giang, provided us with EGG COFFEE! We were told this is made by frothing raw egg yolks with honey, and adding a little sweet and condensed milk. The mixture covers your coffee like a meringue style marshmallow. I have to say it was delicious! I suppose you could do this over hot chocolate as well. The second coffee shop, Cafe Gia Truyen Kim Lai, was made from roasting Weasel digested coffee beans. Yes, you heard me correctly! Apparently, these animals eat the fruit, but are unable to digest the seed or bean. After passing them, the locals collect them in perfect, whole condition, and roast them into what they call Weasel Coffee. A definite cultural phenomenon.
HOA LO PRISON AND B52 AT HUU TIEP LAKE
Built by French Colonialists, in 1896, Hoa Lo Prison held thousands of Vietnamese revolutionary fighters prior to the liberation of Hanoi in 1954. After this, the prison was used to hold captured American Pilots, John McCain being one of them. I've chosen not to include photos of the prison. Below is a photograph of an American B52 that was shot down in 1972 where it still remains in Huu Tiep Lake, in Hanoi, Vietnam. This plane wreck is in the middle of the city and is once again a short drive from Old Quarters in Hanoi.
Built by French Colonialists, in 1896, Hoa Lo Prison held thousands of Vietnamese revolutionary fighters prior to the liberation of Hanoi in 1954. After this, the prison was used to hold captured American Pilots, John McCain being one of them. I've chosen not to include photos of the prison. Below is a photograph of an American B52 that was shot down in 1972 where it still remains in Huu Tiep Lake, in Hanoi, Vietnam. This plane wreck is in the middle of the city and is once again a short drive from Old Quarters in Hanoi.
American B52 in Huu Tiep Lake, Hanoi City, Vietnam
TEMPLE OF LITERATURE
If you are interested in a day trip from Old Quarters, The Temple of Literature, which encompasses the Temple of Confucius, is a great choice. The grounds are peaceful and serene, and provide a much needed respite from the busy city. The tickets to enter were under a few dollars, and the temple, a short taxi ride from Old Quarters in Hanoi.
If you are interested in a day trip from Old Quarters, The Temple of Literature, which encompasses the Temple of Confucius, is a great choice. The grounds are peaceful and serene, and provide a much needed respite from the busy city. The tickets to enter were under a few dollars, and the temple, a short taxi ride from Old Quarters in Hanoi.
Temple of Literature, including Temple of Confucius, Hanoi City, Vietnam
Manicured grounds at the Temple of Learning, Hanoi City, Vietnam
The architectural details of this ancient site are rich with symbolism. Our guide explained the value of the outdoor garden area, intentionally designed to provide time to be still and ponder life. I would definitely recommend visiting this site! |
The detailed architecture at the Temple of Learning, Hanoi City, Vietnam
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HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM AND PRESIDENTIAL PALACE
We visited the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and and his vestige in the Presidential Palace area, which gives much of the regions history. The Palace today serves as a modern political administrative center for government officials. The grounds were absolutely gorgeous and extremely peaceful. It made for a nice morning meditation of sorts and was, once again, a short day trip from Old Quarters, in Hanoi. Be sure to check dress code and days of operation. We actually combined this day trip with the Temple of Literature. Once again, tickets are less than a few dollars.
We visited the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and and his vestige in the Presidential Palace area, which gives much of the regions history. The Palace today serves as a modern political administrative center for government officials. The grounds were absolutely gorgeous and extremely peaceful. It made for a nice morning meditation of sorts and was, once again, a short day trip from Old Quarters, in Hanoi. Be sure to check dress code and days of operation. We actually combined this day trip with the Temple of Literature. Once again, tickets are less than a few dollars.
Palace grounds, Hanoi City, Vietnam
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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hanoi City, Vietnam
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Drill on Palace grounds, Hanoi City, Vietnam
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HA LONG BAY
To reach Ha Long bay required a shuttle and approximately 2 hr. 45 min driving time from Hanoi. We had prearranged to spend the night on the water, and were met by our boat coordinator (refer to link below) upon arrival. This lovely cruiser opened up to an outdoor deck, and private balconies off the rooms. As you can see the boat design was open, which lent itself to really feeling you were out in the mist of it all. We even ferried to some of the prehistoric limestone islands and entered the interior caves that naturally exist. Ha Long Bay is a UNSECO World Heritage Site and home to just under two thousand islands.
www.aphroditecruises.com
To reach Ha Long bay required a shuttle and approximately 2 hr. 45 min driving time from Hanoi. We had prearranged to spend the night on the water, and were met by our boat coordinator (refer to link below) upon arrival. This lovely cruiser opened up to an outdoor deck, and private balconies off the rooms. As you can see the boat design was open, which lent itself to really feeling you were out in the mist of it all. We even ferried to some of the prehistoric limestone islands and entered the interior caves that naturally exist. Ha Long Bay is a UNSECO World Heritage Site and home to just under two thousand islands.
www.aphroditecruises.com
View from the top deck of our boat, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Best sun hat ever! Believe it or not the sun did shine through the mist later in the day. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
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Chad and Mark working to synchronize their stroke in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
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Local fishing village homes in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Close up of the vegetation growing on the limestone island rocks at Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
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Mark and Chad exploring the local culture by Kayak, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
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Scott took this fantastic panoramic shot in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam