The White Canvas: Hanoi, Vietnam in a nutshell

Hanoi, Vietnam has been an eye opening experience in many ways.

Initially the plan was to go to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City); a more modern city compared to Hanoi but Dad didn't manage to confirm seats for us even at the eleventh hour so Hanoi was the next best option. Because of the change in plans, we had to look for accommodation only at the very last minute. It was a heart wrenching experience because many of the affordable, convenient-within city hotels were all fully booked. But after much research, sis managed to find one- a really neat one too.

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Everything that i imagined Vietnam would be, was, or maybe better.

Although it has only been 31 years since being officially integrated with South Vietnam as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, this country has come a long way in rebuilding its nation, its people. The majority of people are still in kais-pagi-makan-pagi-kais-petang-makan-petang-like poverty. Western culture is still slow in making its mark in Hanoi as compared to Saigon & i was told that were no fast food outlets or huge malls in the city.

Hanoi, North Vietnam as it is now:-

Streets of Hanoi: According to a local, Hanoi is known for its two S - slim ladies and small (narrow) roads. And it's really true. The highways consist of only two lanes; whereby one lane is perpetually taken up by motorbikes/bicycles/carts while the other lane for other bigger vehicles. Crossing the streets in Hanoi was an experience in itself; cars,motobikes (a LOT of them), bicycles, trishaws, etc were all over the place. No rules, no traffic lights.

Streets of Hanoi, Vietnam

Trades: One of the things that would not go unnoticed while walking thru the streets of Hanoi is women with baskets selling anything, from fresh meat to fish, fruits to hand-made goods, accessories and trinkets.

Taking this pic almost got me into trouble. Thankfully only got scoffed at from afar. The French baguettes (seen in the pic) are one of the must-try-s in Vietnam apart from their Pho` Ga and Pho` Bo ( similiar to chicken/beef kuey teow soup). I remembered the last time i had really good Vietnamese food was in Melbourne (ironic i know but it's true). Having authentic Vietnamese in Vietnam itself was nice. Surprisingly, authentic Vietnamese were more bland as compared to Vietnamese back home or Melbourne.

Scenery: To me Hanoi has some of the most beautiful places on earth and Halong Bay was one of them. We decided to check out Halong Bay after hearing many many good reviews about it. Conclusion: it was no regret.

Boarded one of these

With Dad

Halong Bay and some of my fav pics taken.

World Heritage Site granted by UNESCO

with Anh (local), whom we've met en route to Halong Bay.

Hoan Kiem Lake

at 7.30 am

Water Puppet Show, Hanoi City

It was no regret we visited Hanoi instead of Saigon. Seeing for myself how people in that country lived reminded me of how blessed we are, how blessed our nation is.