This holiday has been planned since early of January 2014 to take 4 days with a target destination in Vietnam, between Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi. The decision was made for us to go further north, so Hanoi it is.
First we start with flight booking for 5 pax from 14th to 17th May 2014;
The flight details; MH , KUL - Hanoi, 12h 30 - 14h 00
MH , Hanoi - KUL, 10h00 - 13h 00.
It will be a summer season and the hottest time of the year.
Arrived in Hanoi, from No Bai International Airport we took a taxi bound for Hanoi city centre for our Hotel at no. 44 Hàng Trống in the district of Hoàn Kiếm. It took us about 1 hour to reach the Hotel.
Our hotel is Hotel Morgans a 3 stars hotel with basic amenities, very clean room, not so spacious but all furniture and finishing are impeccable and seems new. But I have to say that the level of service by the staff are second to none. They will tirelessly respond to your needs and fancies with aplomb. And who is complaining at that room rates?!
Then we hit the road and head towards lake Ho Hoan Kiem. We sweated profusely and we believe the temperature is around 38 deg Celcius.
The majestic lake is just about 6 minutes walk from the hotel and what a humid place and that punishing heat wave.
Around 3 pm we head to a well known Halal northern Indian restaurant, Khazaana. We settled for Briani with chicken and Lamb and it was quite delicious. The price...well no complaint, its relatively not-so expensive and the air-conditioned really help with the heatwave and spicey sauces.
Then we took a taxi to the Museum but it was already closed coz we arrived there almost 5 pm.
So we head back to Ho Kiem lake and its almost time for the water puppet show around 7.30 pm. Seriously guy...don't ever miss this show...its packed with amazement and good traditional songs and music.
Then after the puppet show we walked back to the Hotel.
Day 2,
Morning starts very early for Hanoi folks, approx. around 5.30 am the streets come to life with street hawkers and city dwellers. The lake area seems to be abuzz with activities we'll cover that later.
We jumped into an Innova with a good-mannered chauffeur to our first destination, Silk village about 45 min drive to Ban Puc Silk Village.
See the silk worm? they are quite lively compared to the earth worm.
Next destination is the pottery village Bat Trang Ceramic village about 30 min drive.
They have preserved the pottery making craft as traditionally as possible producing skillful hand-made ceramic products.
Then we went to an iconic temple called Temple of Literature.
Then next to a museum called Vietnam Military History Museum.
We revisit the Museum of Ho Chi Minh again.
After some sightseeing we retreated to the Hotel, the kids opted for room service dinner, while the parents dine-out and check-out the night life.
Found a nice old-time french pastry cafe,
And the lake never sleeps...
Fancy a mobile weight and height meter?
Good Morning Hanoi! What an early morning activities, hundreds of old and young folks turns out to perform their jogging, line-work out, tai-chi, dancing or just strolling the lake side parks. It is a refreshing view.
The cave was phenomenal!! the view was simply breathtaking.
Another 4 hours drive and we're at the town again and checking out the sunday evening market at Dong Xuan street, a 1 km stretch bustling market. Quite an interesting array of stuffs from souvenirs to clothing.
The Dong Xuan biggest covered market in Vietnam, where you can find anything and bargain untill you drop.
Last Day,
Everything in Hanoi seems to take place on the street/ pedestrian, from open air barber-shop right at the pedestrian or vegetable-selling under a tree.
An old catholic church near the Hotel and our friendly dining hostess with impeccable english and good mannerism.
Then we took the morning ride to stop by a Mosque about 7 minutes drive from the Hotel.
Finally its time to bid farewell, thank You Hanoi and the vietnam people, your wonders and hospitality will always be remembered and cherished.
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