Chilling in Hanoi

Like I said in my previous post, Hanoi can be a little bit overwhelming for us travellers. Which is why the many lakes and little peace oasis one can find all over the city.

The most famous of those might just be Hoan Kiem Lake, located right in the middle of the old quarter of Hanoi. On top of a nice little temple, your bound to see students working on their drawing skills or stopping at Ngoc Son Temple for a prayer. Surrounded by beautiful mature trees, the place can offer a beautiful shaded spot to rest.




Right next to the Ho Chi Ming mausoleum sits the Literature Temple. Founded in 1070 to honour scholars and man of literature, the temple and small garden all around it is another nice and quiet place to escape the city’s turmoil.


It is really worth it to stop by at least one of these places, even if you have very little time in the town. These are great places to just watch the world go by.

Another fun thing to do in Hanoi is to rent a motorcycle – or hire a local student for the day – and ask them to take you to some temple and pagodas outside of Hanoi city. On top of experiencing the thrill of driving in chaotic traffic, you’ll have the rare opportunity to really meet the locals. Most of the monk will indeed be more then happy to show you around in exchange of a small donation. Money definitely well spent!

Have a good Monday everyone!
H.

City Life : Hanoi

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 stretch.

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 original 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.