I'll always remember our arrival in Hanoi: it was late, dark, and as we were entering the city in a cab we notices that regardless of the late hour, people were still everywhere on the street, selling, eating, just going about their business.
As we slowly made our way to our hotel and settle in our room, it became obvious that noise would be an issue - at least for the first days...
It's as if the city never falls asleep. Or perhaps for just a few hours, somewhere between 3h00 Am and 5h00 Am, right before the loud speakers encourage us to get out of bed and stretc
h.
Pollution is another big issue in Hanoi. Usage of fuel with lead and the obsolescence of most of the vehicles on the road - not to mention their extremely high number - are the main source of air pollution. While authorities are aiming at a maximum level of 0,02 mg of suspended air particles by cubic meter, the reality in urban zone has been closer to the 0,04 or 0,05 for the last five years.
I guess that would explain why breathing mask are being sold as fashion accessories...
Than being said, Hanoi is fun to wander around. One of the best thing to do is to just get lost in the city's old quarter, the Hoan Kiem District. In this mazelike neighbourhood you'll find everything from century old houses to temple and a variety of stores, the best and the worst...
Originally, the neighbourhood was home to the 36 guilds of Vietnam who, in the 13th century, established themselves in this part of town. Each guild had there own designated street : one for candles, one for lanterns, tailors had there spot and so one. In time, more and more merchants added to the or
iginal 36 streets but you'll still find a definite tendency for the merchant to regroup.
What I call the ''Embassies'' Neighbourhood - is another fun place to wander around. Located far west of the Hoan Kiem District, this area is home of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex. Unfortunately, the Mausoleum was close during our visit but we still were able to visit the park where you'll be able to visit Ho Chi Minh museum, HCM Stilt House and the One Pillar Pagoda.
This area of town is also home to many foreign embassies. Most of them establish themselves in old colonial houses. A stroll along one of those large boulevard, surrounded with century old trees and colourful colonial houses
make for a refreshing afternoon.
Well, that's it for now. Next post: A few nice relaxing spot of Hanoi and more pictures. Have a good day every one!!
H.
As we slowly made our way to our hotel and settle in our room, it became obvious that noise would be an issue - at least for the first days...
It's as if the city never falls asleep. Or perhaps for just a few hours, somewhere between 3h00 Am and 5h00 Am, right before the loud speakers encourage us to get out of bed and stretc
h.Pollution is another big issue in Hanoi. Usage of fuel with lead and the obsolescence of most of the vehicles on the road - not to mention their extremely high number - are the main source of air pollution. While authorities are aiming at a maximum level of 0,02 mg of suspended air particles by cubic meter, the reality in urban zone has been closer to the 0,04 or 0,05 for the last five years.
I guess that would explain why breathing mask are being sold as fashion accessories...
Than being said, Hanoi is fun to wander around. One of the best thing to do is to just get lost in the city's old quarter, the Hoan Kiem District. In this mazelike neighbourhood you'll find everything from century old houses to temple and a variety of stores, the best and the worst...
Originally, the neighbourhood was home to the 36 guilds of Vietnam who, in the 13th century, established themselves in this part of town. Each guild had there own designated street : one for candles, one for lanterns, tailors had there spot and so one. In time, more and more merchants added to the or
iginal 36 streets but you'll still find a definite tendency for the merchant to regroup.What I call the ''Embassies'' Neighbourhood - is another fun place to wander around. Located far west of the Hoan Kiem District, this area is home of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex. Unfortunately, the Mausoleum was close during our visit but we still were able to visit the park where you'll be able to visit Ho Chi Minh museum, HCM Stilt House and the One Pillar Pagoda.
This area of town is also home to many foreign embassies. Most of them establish themselves in old colonial houses. A stroll along one of those large boulevard, surrounded with century old trees and colourful colonial houses
make for a refreshing afternoon.Well, that's it for now. Next post: A few nice relaxing spot of Hanoi and more pictures. Have a good day every one!!
H.
