Hanoi, Vietnam - Part 1

11th August ,2008

Kuala Lumpur - Hanoi

Didn't have much sleep as we need to leave home for airport at wee hours. Even though it's still dark , but the weather outside is real humid. Departed at 6.30am for Hanoi.
Here comes my much anticipated holiday.

Arrived Hanoi on time. Looking high and low for our driver but saw no one. A little bit anxious as we don't expect such problem. A guy from nowhere volunteered to call our hotel and soon after that, we were told to get into a taxi that will drive us to our hotel. At that moment, there's no time for us to consider anything as we desperately needed to get to our hotel. Just have to trust the driver.

The traffic is chaotic or should I say it's pretty normal in most parts of Vietnam. The scenery along the way is quite scenic, and there's many street vendors selling french bread if I am not mistaken. The way they do business along the road is quite dangerous but it doesn't bother them it seems. They are already accustomed to such vendors I guess.

















Streets in Hanoi



Alright, we arrived at the hotel safely but we have to carry our own bags as the hotel is located in such location that it is not accessible to four-wheelers. No complain about that because along the way, we see many locals doing business in the morning markets. Foods, vegetables, meats, everything. You can see almost everything in that market.

















Market scene



Soon after we have checked-in, we decided to look for a place to cure our hungry stomach. What else do you eat in Hanoi if not pho bo. The hotel guy recommended this shop but honestly speaking, I am very dissapointed because it doesn't live up to my expectation. I expected the food to be tremendously good, but I was wrong. I can have better pho bo right here in KL. Anyway, that's just the beginning.

After breakfast, we make our way to the famous Old Quarters. One have to be very careful whenever walking on the street of Hanoi as motorbikes and bicycles seems to have less concern for pedestrians. Even crossing the road is a challenge.




































Parts of Old Quarters



Had our lunch at the local stalls. That lunch was great as we tried out many local foods which is not available in KL.






















Back alley
















Dessert


















My lunch



















Tau fu fah vendor



After walking around under the scorching sun for some time, we finally find a place to rest our tired legs- Hoam Kiem Lake.

















Hoam Kiem Lake


















A tired-looking me



After a short break, we decided to have our dinner, but there's no where we can find a decent shop serving decent meal. A little dissapointed for the second time. As we have the water puppet show to catch, we decided to eat at a stall serving dry beef noodle with I-dunno-what's-the-vegetable-name.

Dissapointed for the third time :-(

As we have been walking endlessly during the day, I can't stand the sleepyness anymore and sorry to say that I fell asleep during the water puppet show (nice aircond and the seati is so comfortable). You see, I am not interested in that show in the first place as it is in Vietnamese and I don't understand a word. Anyway since my travel buddy wanted to see it so much, I have no choice but to tag along.

Unable to find our way back to the hotel. Asked around so many times and that tireds me because the distance from Hoam Kiem Lake to our hotel is not that near. But thankfully, the Hanoians are friendly people and they managed to give us directions back to our hotel.

To be continued...