Hanoi & Halong Bay

Just came back from Hanoi on saturday nite after spending a week there for work. Flight was delayed due to á 'wheel change' and spend a couple of hours at the airport.Thankfully, it was a big group of us and so, i wasn't bored.

Well ... having been to the south (Ho Chi Minh & Dalat) in May, i now had the chance to journey to the north. Surprisingly, it was the first time for most of us in the group and even if they have been to Hanoi before, that was years ago. Since it's the first trip for most of us, we also did some touristy thingy such taking a one hour cyclo tour to visit the old quarter and see the water puppet show in Hanoi.

It's actually quite interesting to take the cyclo ride (a bicycle with a seat in front, similar to trishaw). There were 27 of us and wow ... i suddenly felt that i was part of a japanese tour group riding through the streets in Singapore. But what the heck, i'm a tourist and i shall behave like a tourist... after all, who knows me here. So there i was, happily taking photos as the cyclo driver brought us through the streets around old quarters. Thankfully, it wasn't terrifying as the driver weave me through the continus traffic. Wish i had my brother's SLR camera with me.



Streets of Hanoi .. where the coach alighted us to take the cyclo ride.






As the name denotes, it is the oldest area of the town and has long been an important economic center. This bustling area is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. We passed by many interesting shops such as this that's selling kites. There is a street to cater for all tastes and i was also surprised to see that there were some streets selling specialised items such as shoes, spectacles, arts & crafts and wedding cards. It was interesting. Some of the items are really nice and wished i could tell the driver to stop and let me check out the shops.



The only thing which i didn't quite like is the endless motor-cycles around me. I guess i have to be used to that coz. virtually everyone in Vietnam travels on the two-wheeled machines. Even Brad Pitt was spotted driving the motorbike through the city center with Jolie on the back-seat in Ho Chi Minh some months back.



Another touristy thing which the group did was to watch the Water Puppet Show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Thang Long water puppetry is a traditional art form with distinctive culture identity of Vietnam. It came to existence, developed and diversified over a thousand years ago in the Red River Delta. The theatre has taken part in various international festivala overseas. Thankfully, it is just an hour show. Anything more than that, i think i would be totally bored. And yes, once is enough for me.



However, i do admire the talents behind it. It's indeed a craft. Puppetry is common throughout the world, but puppetry theatre of Vietnam on water is unique. The surface of water serves as the stage and the puppeteers would stand waist-deep in the water to manipulate the puppets making them move about and even dance on the surface of the water. Looks easy but it's definedly not.



The most enjoyable part & highlight of my trip is definedly the world natural heritage sight, Halong Bay which is 170km east of Hanoi. It has a picturesque landscape of sea and sky and it's also famous for its clear emerald waters, towering limestone islands and caves. We were there for a meeting and part of the agenda was to also visit the bay. It has 1,969 islands and was formed about 250 - 280 million years ago.

After the meeting ended in the afternoon, my counterpart and tour guide brought us to the dock to get on a big junk-boat.







As soon as we were on board (we had the whole junk-boat to us & the owner was with us), we were off sailing into Halong Bay and were served cold beers and beverages. I had a lovely time on board the junk which also made a stop at one of the íslands' where we went to visit the cave at Thien Cung which is 4km from the wharf outside of Ha Long City.







This is one of the most beautiful grottoes in Hạ Long Bay. Legend has it, that beautiful young lady named Mây (cloud), caught the eye of the Dragon Prince and he fell in love with her. They were betrothed, and their wedding lasted seven days and seven nights in the very centre of the grotto.



Spotted a little fountain. Some of us wondered if it's natural or man-made.



Too dark to take any pictures in the cave. One for the momento.




View near the exit point of the cave.





As the junk departed from the çave-site, the weather was much cooler by then and many of us went to the upper deck to enjoy the sea-breze. The scenery was simply stunning.

Junk leaving the çave-site





Hmm ... is Fiona bored or is she reflecting on something?



It's surroundings was breath-taking and i particularly enjoyed the the beauty of the sun-set and amazing artistry of the various rock formations with pretty rays shining on it. It was awesome as i admired God's beauty and creation and there were also some birds/ eagles flying in the open skys. Wow!

Someone in the group mentioned that the islands and caves bear unique features that make them look like spectacular sculptural works. The folk tale has it that the dragons descended from heaven to help locals by spitting jewels and jade to the sea, forming a natural fortress against invaders. These previous stones are represented by the lush green outcrops.



Ms Hong aka Ms Rose pointed us that the floating house with the red roof is a school. Every morning, the children staying around the islands will go there for their lessons.



This is Miss Hong aka Ms Rose. Why do we call her Rose? Well .. she explained to us that her name actually means rose. And it was definedly easier for all of us to remmeber. She's one of my counterparts in Halong Bay and speaks good english.



Relaxing at the upper deck and we had a good time laughing over some jokes. During this trip, i discovered that David could be quite a joker. Can't remember what the joke was about but it must be really funny. That's Eric caught in action. This must be the photo of the trip.





Dinner was hosted on-board the junk-boat. It was fantastic and we had loads of wine and vietnamese vodka.





Many of us wished that we could stay overnite on board one of the junks which actually have bed rooms in it. I overheard from a colleague that the option was actually given by the operator. But it's just that there may not be sufficient rooms for everyone in the group and we would have a problem with our luggages. What a pity coz. some of the junks like the Indochina Sails (www.indochinasails.com) are really good. I could have enjoyed the dawn and morning fresh air at sea.

After a nice time crusing along Halong Bay, we headed back to the pier and took a coach-ride to Tuan Chau island to watch a dolphin/sea-lion show. Well, Halong Bay was certainly a retreat from the streests of Hanoi.



Nothing really impressive because it's just the usual sea-lion, dolphin act which you'll find in sea-world. After the show, we were suppose to see some laser shows but the whole group decided to give it a miss and headed back to the hotel. We were all tired after a 3-hour ride from Hanoi to Ha long Bay, meetings and a day out at the sea. Whatmore, we had to take a 5-hour coach-ride to Ha Tay province the next day.

Actually, the trip to Ha Tay province is quite a waste-of-time and boring. Most of us in the group knew ittle of Ha-Tay even before the trip but it was recommended by our counterparts. I only know that it is located in the Red River Delta surrounded by Hanoi, Hung Yen, Ha Nam, Hoa Binh and Phhu To. The Kinh account for 99% of the province's population while the remainding are from the Muong and Dao enthic group.

On the way to Ha Tay, spotted some áttap' house in the water. Not too sure what it is for. Maybe it's to store some stuff.



And this is their toll-station.



If not for the meeting, i guess the whole group would have given it a miss. Doesn't excite any of us. I saw a lake with some 'swans' which you can hire to seat and paddle around. It sure does resemble the lake in Dalat.

It certainly doesn't help much after reading the local paper, Vietnam Times that day that there were reports of bird-flu in the province which resulted in some deaths. Apparently, a 22-year old woman from the northen province of Ha Tay has just died last week due to the bird flu. The seven month pregnant woman was admitted to the hospital on July 26 with a lung infection and breathing difficulties. She had bought some chicken to prepare a meal for her family and fell ill after eating it. The case marked the sixth infection since May with two people dyinge earlier.

Lunch was hosted and oh oh ... there was chicken served. Most of us didn't dare to even touch the dish and give it a miss. The host must be wondering ... what's wrong with these Singaporeans. They don't take chicken? Somehow, sticky rice tasted the best at that time. Well ... better be safe than sorry ... esp. when i have a weak stomach. We ain't taking any chances too except for one or two adventurous ones.

One thing which i like about Hanoi is the many quaint and pretty restaurants which they have. I wish there were more in Singapore.

Wild Lotus restaurant
Add: 55A Nguyen Du St. Hai Ba Trung Dist.

The setting is pretty and the ambience is lovely. Unfortunatedly, the food does not live up to the setting.



Dinh Lang Restaurant
Add: 1 Le Thai To St., Hoan Kiem Dist.

Prime view over Hoan Kiem lake and they serve decent traditional Vietnamese dishes. Nightly music provided by a traditional band. Dinner begins with corn soup followed by crab spring rolls, which arrive attached by toothpicks to a carved pineapple. Next, come cha ca (grilled fish cakes), a regional specialty. Glazed duck and grilled pork satisfy carnivorous cravings while seasonal fruit caps the meal. Tried the rice ice-cream which Jo and Lisan recommended at the restaurant too.



Live Music




Mr Tan & Mr Neo enjoying themselves



Crab spring rolls.



Le Tonkin, a restaurant set in a 100-year old beautifully restored french villa. They serve good Vietnamese fare in a picturesque french colonial villa.Home for a French family for years, the villa is adorned with century-old artifacts, such as oil lamps and faded sepia photographs of times past. Food is great

Add: 14 Ngo Van So St. Hoan Kiem Dist.





It was during lunch when we realised that it was Padmini's birthday. My colleague ordered a cake and we celebrated it for her.



We had buffet dinner at Sen (Lotus) resturant on the last nite. The place is amazingly packed with locals and tourists. The restaurant is nestled by a lotus pond near West Lake and there's a wide variety of favourites to choose from – 60 traditional foods from three regions.

Add: No 10, Lane 431, Au Co Road, Tay Ho District, Hanoi

Well, i guess i am one of the fortunate few who has been to all the ASEAN countries except Brunei & Myanmar. Of course i like Thailand particularly Bangkok for obvious reasons. But having been to the indo-china countries (Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam), i really do enjoy Vietnam. It's such a charming place. It has the most potential and interest among tourist and europeans. The place is fast developing as it is seeking lots of foreign investment which is good. But somehow, i wish it would not be 'modernized' so fast for fear of lossing its unique charm.

Personally, i enjoyed myself in Hanoi even though my days and time is packed with work. I love the french colonial archietcture and the many nice restaurants and cafes that they have. But too bad, didn't get the chance to chill out in any of the cafes.

The only thing which i don't quite like is the traffic and large number of bikes which they have on the roads. But i think having experienced the 'road-conditions' in Ho Chi Minh & Dalat, it has helped me to learnt how to drift across the road as the on-coming traffic weaves around you. Good thing is that even though the number of bikes they have in the roads can be really scary, they don't travel fast. So that really helps. But one thing which i've learnt from a friend who's working in Vietnam is that the Vietnamese people are oblivious to the danger of racing, weaving, bell-ringing, horn honking vehicles. But accidents do occur and are usually complicated by large crowds arguing, taking sides, until money changes hands and peace is restored by the police. Well .. this is Vietnam and that's their culture.