Hanoi's Unique Charm

happened on Nov. 23-26, 2016

The least that I expected for this trip is to fall in love with Hanoi but I did and I think it will be a long lasting feeling.

the Huc Bridge at night

When I visited Ho Chi Mhin (Saigon) last March, I was disappointed with it.  I found it to be dirty, cramped and with rude people.  Even our tour guide is so rude and disrespectful to the clients.  Added to it, the scorching hot weather.  We were also ripped off by a taxi driver.  So I thought to myself that once is enough for that place no matter how I love their Notre Dame Church.

motorcycles are their main means of transportation

a food truck

Hanoi is different.  It is not clean and organized compared to Singapore, nor as beautiful as other parts of the world, but it has its own unique charm.  

cyclo for a different ride

Paper Street selling all paper products

How do I love thee?

First - what I love most are its people.  Most are nice people; always ready with a smile. They are always willing to help despite the language barrier.  You're in luck if you will easily meet someone who knows how to speak English.  More often, the sign language is your best option.

common here, peddlers selling all kinds of commodoties

Second - the cool weather during November to February.  We arrived just in time for beginning of cold season so a light jacket is enough to keep us warm.  It was so comfortable walking and biking around without the unwanted sweat and awful smell.  It is also a time for us for a winter fashion of sort. We only seldom do this since we are from a very tropical country.

a light jacket is a must during the winter season (Nov-Feb)

Third - the inexpensive, healthy but delicious food.  I'm now craving for Pho, spring rolls and Banh Mi.  The Vietnamese food that is being offered here in the PI is not even close with what they have there.  On our first day, we had Bahn Mi for only Php100.00 and that's already for the two of us.  A satisfying Pho is typically Php60.00 on the streets.  Everything is inexpensive.

siopao for 25 pesos only

banh mi for VND50,000.00

spring roll prepared in different ways

I never looked at Pho the same way again

Our gracious host took us to Ngu Xa for the authentic Pho Chien Phong.  It is only being sold in this place.  It was so good.  Just don't mind the ambiance.  You will go here for the great food anyway.

the authentic dish only in Ngu Xa

Fourth - the Old Quarters.  A walking tour can be done in this area for the famous attractions and shopping.  You won't be lost here.  Just always ask for the famous landmark - the Sword Lake.

the famous icon - the Sword Lake

The attractions (there are a lot of attractions within the Old Quarters but most of our time was spent on shopping):

1. Ho Chi Min Museum - it houses the body of the late Uncle of Vietnam and a museum about him. The Vietnamese have high respect for this leader.  Unfortunately, the museum is closed when we arrived so we didn't see it.  We just came in time for the changing of guards.

2. St. Joseph's Cathedral - the Gothic design makes this more interesting.  Too bad, we were not able to see its interiors.

3. Hoan Kiem Lake or The Sword Lake.  Based on the legend, this is where the Golden Turtle God (Kim Qui) surfaced to reclaim the magic sword, Heaven's Will, given by the local God, the Dragon Will to Emperor Loi during his revolt against Ming China.

4. The Huc Bridge - the famous red bridge going to the turtle display and temple.

5. The preserved big turtle - they value turtles in Vietnam like gods.  But this turtle is really huge.. the biggest I saw in my entire life actually.

Fifth - the inexpensive commodities and apparels.  More than half of my baggage were the grocery items that I bought.  They have super cheap but delicious candies, soft and not too sweet cakes and really crispy and healthy chips.  I also bought some flavored salts and fish sauces.

from original to fake ones, they all have it here

Sixth - the quaint but tastefully designed cafes.  Hanoi is know for best quality coffee so it's not unusual to see many cafes in town; with different interiors and kind of coffee to offer.  You just have to choose what your mood prefers.

Seventh - French designed buildings and houses.  Since they were colonized by France, it's expected that there will be some influences on their culture as well as arts and architecture.

Some important tips if you'll visit Hanoi:
1. Save some photos of the places and attractions you wanted to visit.  Most of the taxi drivers here are not speaking English so just show them the picture for easier transaction.
2.  If you will ride a taxi, just hail the small Mai Lin green cars or any gray taxis.  We learned the hard way when we were ripped off by a taxi on our first day (just like what happened to us in Saigon).  You can also use Grab for a safe transportation.
3.  Wi-Fi signal is strong and the cafe and restaurants offer free internet connection.  Take this opportunity in updating in social media while dining.  Even small souvenir shops have free Wi-Fi.
4. Never leave without trying their famous local delicacies like Pho, Banh Mi and spring rolls.  Also try their delicious coffee concoctions.  Just eat like the locals.  There are a lot of eateries in Old Quarters so just go where there is a lot of people eating.  Just don't be so critical on the set up and you'll be fine.
5.  When buying in any souvenir shop, start haggling at half the price being offered.  Most of them will give your asking price  Just make it reasonable though.
6. It is better to visit this place during fall to winter for a cooler weather.
7.  Visit the country side, too.  There are lots of interesting places outside of Hanoi.
8.  Don't forget to give tips for a nice service given especially during tours.

I'm thinking now on when I can return. ^_^