...But what you don't know is that it's mainly for dodging the countless motorcycles while crossing the street! - and I really mean COUNTLESS. The motorcycles really seem to outnumber the cars, making the streets prone to accidents (they have an accident count board along one of their main roads). They say that Filipinos are the 'best' drivers in Asia, but after going here, I think I'd have to disagree. :p
Don't get me wrong though, this is actually part of the adventure!... I think. :p But I assure you, the sights and sounds of Hanoi are all worth dodging motorcycles for. :))
Our first stop is the French Quarter of Hanoi. It's such a charming area in this city. The architecture is a mix of French colonial influences and some Chinese/local styles. It’s interesting to see the huge difference between the western and the Asian buildings as they are put side by side.
In this part of town, visit the 900-year-old Temple of Literature - the oldest (non-functioning) university in Vietnam. I had such a warm feeling walking into this place. Not only is everything so serene and calm, I think it's also because one of their famous landmarks specializes in a field close to mine (English Studies). :p
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| Stone slabs with the names of those who earned Doctorate degrees from this ancient University |
Need wisdom? Place your hand on top of these turtle heads and you got it!
In Vietnam, it's believed that the turtle is among the country's four holy creatures (along with the unicorn, the dragon, and the phoenix). These creatures can live very long and healthy lives, so placing these stone slabs on top of turtle figures means that they are showing everlasting respect to the doctors' talents. Imagine having your names immortalized in one of these stone slabs for everyone to see. Amazing. haha:)
Next destination is the the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
I only got to see the outside because apparently they periodically close the mausoleum for cleaning and maintenance - this lasts around 3 months, I think. So if you're planning to visit, make sure to check it out online and see if they're open before making any plans. If not, you can always go next door to check out their leader's home during his regime.
To know more about Hanoi's French Quarter, you can always visit page 508 of the book, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.
After going around the French Quarter, we rode a pedicab to the Old Quarter. And as soon as we entered it, I was immediately taken back to my home - divisoria to be exact. In the Philippines, this is where people go to buy anything and everything under the sun, and at the cheapest prices possible.
True enough, after going around their quaint shops, the Philippines' Divisoria is similar to Hanoi's Old Quarter. Mom and I bought acrylic bowls, plates, and trays made from egg shells and bamboo. We also bought Vietnam's famous Weasel Coffee (made from none other than Weasel poop - hey! It was really good!), a purple lantern for my room, some paintings (there are a lot of small art galleries in that area), and other various souvenir items. Everything was REALLY CHEAP so it made it all the more fun to shop there! :)
To find out more about this shopping district, visit page 509 of my travel bible, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.
Hungry after all that shopping and touring around? Yes? Solution: Eat at Cha Ca La Vong.
When Mom and I first arrived at this 'restaurant', we were both kind of scared to go in. We were kind of confused because there was no one inside. It turned out that the eating place is actually at the second floor of the small house-like building.
Upon sitting down, we felt a bit out of place because no one knew how to speak in English. No one was even approaching us for our menus. THANKFULLY, though, we did not leave! Apparently, Cha Ca La Vong only serves one dish - and it was really worth it!
They served us some kind of fried fish with dill and chives, white noodles, peanuts, and sauce. The food may look really simple and kind of dubious but it was definitely one of the BEST meals I've had! In fact, I'm actually salivating while writing about it. HAHA:))
Learn more about this dish and find a weird surprise on pages 507-508 of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.
Next stop: Halong Bay!
I'll be moving away from the city and going to this wonderful and calm spot. :)
The boat ride along Halong Bay was so relaxing. Everything seems so quiet and serene! I actually felt a little bit more at home here because it reminds me of the more remote Philippine provinces. ♥ ♥ ♥
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| Floating village at Halong Bay |
While going around the bay, I never realized that it isn't just a bay. It's a home for some. In fact, we even saw a floating little school! They actually get to school on boats. :) Amazing. :)
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| Brave the rickety boat - this is a MUST! |
On one of the stop overs, you have the choice to ride this small rickety boat to get to narrow passageways which the boat couldn't fit in. You can always choose not to ride if you're scared to fall in the murky water, but where's the fun in just staying on the big boat for an hour or so, right?? :p
It was definitely scary at first, but OMG, the view would DEFINITELY make you forget how easily the boat could capsize.
Near the end of the Halong Bay tour, there's a cave in which the Vietnamese put colorful lights to further enhance the magical stalactites. Although it took away the natural look of the cave, I still loved how it made the place so Disney-like.
This tour is definitely a MUST-try, so to know more about Halong Bay, turn to page 507 of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.
To satisfy your cultural hunger, there are more and more places to go in this gold mine. One of them is the Museum of Ethnography.
You'll surely learn about Vietnam's culture, its different tribes and other traditions in this massive 3-storey museum. Before planning your trip, make sure to visit their website because they're not open everyday.
... On the other hand, if you want to know more about the socio-political history of Vietnam, visit the Hoa Lo Prison - the largest and most concrete prison in Indochina way back in 1896. This was constructed by the French colonists when Vietnam was still under their regime.
... And last but not the least, here's Mercure Hanoi La Gare.
This was the hotel we stayed in when we were in Hanoi. It's just a small hotel but it definitely has character - I mean just look at our room! :) It's chic, modern, and colorful. Plus the service is really excellent! I really recommend staying here.
All in all, Vietnam is really great! It's definitely a MUST-SEE, especially Halong Bay. The culture, the food, and all the other sights and sounds are worth visiting for, yes, even the reckless motorcycles on the road. haha:p
Visit Hanoi and make sure to tell me all about it ;)
P.S. visit my photo tumblog also to see more photos of my trips: http://fyeahtravelling.tumblr.com/
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