5 days in Hanoi

This entry is dated Dec 2003.

Vietnam. A place where I have always wanted to visit since three years back. Attempts to go with Esther failed due to the 911 incident and everyone got kind of scared to travel abroad. But we were finally going when Esther messaged me to ask if we should go for a trip after her studies in Australia. Both of us were keen to visit Veitnam and it is Hanoi that I chose since I wanted somewhere less urban ( compared to Saigon, that is).

And so we went, with a lonely planet guidebook and some US dollars. The budget-traveller mindset of mine was once again manifested in this trip as I intended to spend the bare minimal amount of sum.

Before the trip, I tried to book some guesthouses that were available via the internet.However, based on experience, I decided not to but to search for accomodation upon our arrival. This would be more interesting. :o) An another piece of good news. There is no need for Singaporeans to get an entry visa wef December 2003. Yahoo!

Disclaimer

Information is provided as accurate as possible at the time of writing and thus the writer holds no responsibility over any loss, injury or inconveniences sustained by anyone resulting from this information. Please obtain updated information from relevant authorities before you travel.

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1st Day in Hanoi - 21 Dec 2003

Text by Lynn Photography by Lynn & Esther

Both Esther and I reached Hanoi's airport and were impressed. The toilets are cleaned and even better than ours back home. The custom immigration was rather smooth and we were out of it in no time at all. Since we did not book any lodging beforehand, we decided that the best thing to do was to purchase a map (@ 10 000d ) at the service counter. Thankfully, the girl at the counter told us that we could get to the city centre at US$2 via the mini-van. It seemed really a good deal as compared to other choices. We just told the driver the street to go and the rest was given to him to handle.

And so we reached Hang Quat Street, the street of Buddhist Altars and Statues. We were brought to Vinh Quang Hotel ( It is very normal for drivers to bring you to an accomodation if you did not state the exact one as they could earn commission from the hotel itself). The management staff came out quickly and recommended their rooms to us. I was quite skeptical but on hearing the rate and after scanning the rooms, I personally felt that it was a steal and decided to stay there.Esther and I immediately booked a tour to Halong Bay and an overnight stay at Cat Ba for US$18. It was indeed cheap compared to the one that my colleague has recommended me. Not wanting to waste anymore time ( Singaporeans' mentality), we decided to roam around the area using the map that we had purchased. It was still early in the afternoon as we set off ( Hanoi's time is 1 hour behind ours).

I guess the things that really made me scared is the crossing of the roads there. It was crazy. The motorbikes and bicycles alike weaved through the pedestrians every now and then. I was really at a loss and really didn't know how to cross the roads until Esther pulled me. I freaked out and shouted.

To Ba Dinh District we went. We decided to travel by foot instead of using the transportation as we could perhaps see more things along the way. We headed towards the northern part of central Hanoi, passing through embassies ( really nice architecture), HCM's Stilt House, HCM's Mausoleum (it is here that I know who Ho Chi Minh is) & Lenin Statue.To satisfy our hunger and some recommended food from Lonely Planet, we went in search for the street. It came across as difficult since it was not listed in the map. As we walked on, we turned into a small lane which intrigued me by their alleys of food stall. I decided to go in and then minutes later realised that it was the street that we were looking for all this while - Cam Chi. As one could guess, we really had a wonderful and hearty dinner.

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2nd & 3rd Day in Hanoi - 22 & 23 Dec 2003
Text by Lynn Photography by Lynn & Esther

Woke up real early today because of the tour that we had signed up for. We rushed to get our breakfast (some noodles) but later found out that we should take our own sweet time since we had to wait for other tourists as well. After a few hours of travelling, we finally reached Halong city where we continued to wait for our turn to get on board the boat. Once on board, both Esther and I felt that the waiting game was all worth it. The ride in the clear, emerald waters was simply serene and you had before you a picturesque view of the grottoes. It was all peaceful as we savoured the moment. Of course, it was not all quiet as we chatted with the tourists on board. Four of them ( in particular) were really fun. The two pairs were from Canada and Britain respectively and we had a lively and funny chat throughout. We made friend with an old chap who was really humourous and wacky. Most of the travellers that we talked to were on a really long travelling plans and this really caused the envy in me to arise....

The wait to reach one of the grottoes (Sung Sot Grotto) was rather long. It was getting cold and we became restless. When dusk fell, we reached Cat Ba city. A lifeless city I must say. I had my massage done by a rather unprofessional lady but I was secretly entertained by the sensational sounds of the ladies next room where they serviced foreign men. What kind of service? Hmm...I honestly could not tell. The next day was simply the trip back to Hanoi. I had a nasty surprise when I got back to my room @ the guesthouse after some roaming. The side bag which contained a bag of melon seeds was chewed and the sight was ugly. I was frightened and Esther commented that it could be the work of the rats. Oh! Of all creatures, I hate rats most. We complaint to the management and they moved us to another hotel. And to the benefit of this hotel, I must recommend. Although they charged US$8 per night per person, I tell you, the room is fantastic. It is really home and is better than my room back home. Definitely worth checking out (Lucky Eden Hotel : 35 Quan Thanh Street. email: luckyeden35@yahoo.com) As we still had time in the night, we decided to roam around again in Central Hanoi. This time round, we headed north, found a recommended eating place from LOnely Planet and a wonderful cafe where they served fantastic coffee. The best ever..

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4th Day in Hanoi (Old Quarters) 24th Dec 2003
text by Lynn photography by Esther & Lynn

Today was walking through the Old Quarter. There are 36 streets in the old quarter and has a history of over a thousand years. It is, to me, the highlight of the entire trip. Esther and I wanted to follow the path recommended by Lonely Planet solely but we decided to go to some additional places before we began the actual Old Quarter route.

There is this Hoa Lo Prison which I found interesting to visit. Sadness loomed in that place where thousands of patroits and revolutionary fighters were once imprisoned. Soon after that, we started on our walking tour, organised by ....Esther! I was very fortunate to be able to find a wondeful travel companion in her, a traveller who knows how to read map and one who will not complain much. It is difficult to find someone who likes touring around by foot. hehehhe..Anyway, our itinerary is such as this
Ngoc Son Temple --> The Huc Bridge --> Martyrs; Monument --> Shoe Shops --> Flower Market --> Jewellery Shops --> Clothing shops --> Bach Ma Temple --> Cua O Quan Chuong ( we stumbled upon Little Hanoi - a wonderful eatery) --> Don Xuan Market --> herb sellers --> Tin Box Makers --> Leather Shops --> St Joseph Cathedral.

We returned to our guesthouse with a Christmas celebration by the boss, Vietnamese style, complete with local delicacies. =)

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5th Day in Hanoi 25th Dec 2003
text by Lynn
photography by Esther & Lynn

Going back.
Tata.
Thanks for the memories.