04.05.2014
We took a late night flight via CebuPac at 10:05 in the evening. Arrived in Hanoi at 1:00 in the morning the next day. Not so typical for me to book an airport transfer but this trip was an exception given that we'll be arriving at wee hours. So far so good. We checked in to our hotel with a lil bit surprised because when we arrived, the lights were off and the receptionist was sleeping haha. As per local it is normal for the hotel staff to take a nap during wee hours. And we were like "Interesting" haha!
04.06.2014
We requested for a 5:00 AM wake up call for an early day tour to Tam Coc. Our accomodation includes daily breakfast and restaurant servers are very accomodating. They taught us some Vietnamese words every morning that we dined in.
Given the limited time that we have in Hanoi, we have to ensure that we will be able to see Hanoi's beautiful destinations. One of this is Tam Coc.
Tam Coc also known as Halong Bay in the land is a two hour trip from the main town to this rural part of Southeast Vietnam. Along the way you will see beautiful sceneries that are very picturesque.Tam Coc is a three limestone caves stretching along Ngo Dong River. The boat trip is a nice journey along the river with peaceful scenery of limestone mountains, rice paddy, floating market and the sight of some temples along the way from the Hang Ca (first cave) Hang Hai (second cave) and Hang Ba (third cave).
Along the way to our hotel, we passed by to one of the souvenir shops. This is normal. Whenever you go on tour arranged by a travel agency, it is always part of your itinerary to pass by souvenir shops for 30 minutes to sometimes an hour stop.
What amazed me in Hanoi was that I can't seem to find a starbucks because who would need it if there's a lot of local coffee shops in every corner of the streets that offered not just good coffee but the cheapest too. No wonder, Vietnam is ranked as the 2nd Coffee Capital of the World.
We roamed around Old Quarter at night to look for some good place to eat. Then we found ourselves dined in at Avalon Bar and Sky Garden where you can see the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake. Their stir-fried squids served in a hot claypot is way too hard to beat. After dinner we just went to the Hoan Kiem Lake Park and do our favorite pastime. People watching :).
Who wouldn't fall in love with Halong Bay? If it is like a piece of heaven on earth? From Hang Bac where our hotel at, it would take 3 hours before you reach Halong Bay. There was a small amount of raindrops along the way so I was a bit worried that it will be cancelled. But who could stop as from cruising? Not even the rain. It was a smooth journey. As soon as we've boarded at the ship that will sail us to Halong Bay, lunch was served. It was part of the package. We were served a variety of seafoods meals and feels good that while you feed your grouching stomach you see the beauty of the sea. So relaxing.
We dropped by to Dong Thien Cung before we reached the main tourist spot in Halong Bay. This celestial palace cave is totally an eye candy.
We've stayed exploring the cave for an hour then continue cruising until we reach the heart of Halong Bay. I can't help but channeled by photographer inner self because it's picturesque in every turn. And so this Halong Bay. it was named as One of the Seven wonders of the world in 2012.
The 6 hours travel time back and forth from Old Quarter to Halong bay was really worth it. I would definitely love to come back and would stay an overnight next time around.
We were back to our Hotel around 7:00 in the evening and just changed our clothes for dinner. We just walked around the area of Hang Bac and found this Gecko restaurant. This time, I tried their local cuisine. Not bad.
You will love wandering around at night in Old Quarter. People are nice and you will never have a single of fear as you wander around. You'll never get surprised if motorcycle bike ride is everywhere. Just be careful in crossing the street so you won't get hit.
04.08.2014
We were contemplating whether we go to Sapa Village or have our city tour then we have chosen the latter. We went to different tourist spot destinations. We also visited the old house where President Ho Chi Mihn used to live. I also learned that he prefer to live here instead of the Presidential palace. This really showed his simplicity that's why Vietcongs loved him dearly. I also learned that he never married. He committed his life to his People and did everything to unify them. Such a great President!
We also visited his mauseluem where his remains is being preserved. A very long queue before we finally get in. Camera is not allowed inside. You'll get goosebumps when you see him as you walked around on his remains.
After the city tour, we went out to hang out to one of the great coffee shops in Hanoi. You just have to ask the receptionist of your hotel to get some recommendation on what place you should visit. She recommended City View Cafe which is located at the building where the Aldo store is in it's ground floor. I think this is one of most favorite hangouts in Old Quarter. I enjoyed the view of Hoan Kiem Lake in a drizzling afternoon.
04.09.2014
If I could buy back memories, then Hanoi trip will definitely part of my list. It maybe an old town but a great place for wandering.
Thank you Hanoi!
Til my next stop.
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