HANOI
The Old Pharts are on the move again, this time to Vietnam and Cambodia. They have decided to do an organised tour with “On the Go Tours”
To reach Hanoi in Vietnam, it is Auckland to Singapore, a short layover, then a three hour flight from Singapore to Hanoi. An On the Go representative meets us at the airport, and transport us to La Casa Hotel in the city. We arrive Wednesday afternoon, tired, but happy with our accommodation. We settle in, then take a short walk around the local area. Millions of motor scooters, busy footpaths with the locals going about their daily business. We dine in the local restaurant in the hotel, which is cheap, and excellent food. An early night for the weary travellers.
As the tour doesn’t start until Saturday, we have two days to explore Hanoi on our own. We walk the half hour or so to the Old Quarter, past the Hoan Kiem Lake. We find a cafe for a Vietnamese coffee .. nice and strong .. then explore the Old Quarter. Very busy, with lots of vendors selling goods, a busy undercover market, and scooters everywhere! Walking back to the hotel at lunchtime, lots of locals sitting on small stools around tables, on the footpath. Combined with the traffic, a lively atmosphere!
After lunch at the La Casa, we wandered along to Thong Nhat Park and Bay Mau Lake. This is a large green space in central Hanoi, with lots of people exercising, playing games or generally relaxing. It certainly wasn’t relaxing for the Pharts getting there and back. Constant stream of scooters on the roads and parked on the footpaths made for quite an obstacle course. People eating and drinking on the narrow footpaths added to the congestion. You certainly have to be aware going across pedestrian crossings. The traffic just keeps coming! Then back to the hotel and dinner. We haven’t been game to try the local restaurants as yet, but plenty of time for that.
After an excellent buffet breakfast at the La Casa, the tourists decided to venture to Train Street. From the main railway station, the trains make their way through a narrow alley, packed either side with cafes. Not much room between cafe and train. We had a coffee at Cafe Hanoi 1990s, but the next train was over an hour away. However, got the idea of the tight squeeze!
Then it was a stroll back to Thong Nat Park, around Bay Mau Lake, then back to the hotel.
The remnants of a typhoon which hit the Phillipines, passed through central Vietnam. No signs of it here, although it is raining. Still a pleasant 25 degrees.
For dinner, the Pharts decide it’s time to venture out to a local eatery. About ten minutes walk is a restaurant made famous by hosting Anthony Bourdain (food writer), and President Obama. Bun Cha Huong Lien. For around $25NZ for two, you receive Spring Rolls, noodles, pork in broth, salad greens and a beer. The place is very basic, but quick service and great food.
Saturday morning, and the Pharts have opted to do an optional tour with guide Kien. They are joined by a Kiwi couple, Tony and Cathy, and Canadians Sarah and Gabby. A combination of taxi, scooter, bus and walking saw us take in the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton), plus morning tea, lunch and a couple of beers. A great day and well worth it.
