Hanoi - Sapa - Lao Cai - Halong Bay - Hue - Hoi An - Da Nang
河内 - 沙坝 / 萨帕 - 老街 - 下龙湾 - 顺化 - 会安 - 岘港
14 October 2012 (Day One - Hanoi)
Cheap budget airline flight also means inappropriate timing. Due to the early flight to Hanoi, we had to spend one night in Kuala Lumpur. And of course, for convenience, we booked the hostel nearest to the airport, which is also owned by the airline. Great!
Upon arrival at Hanoi NoiBai International Airport around 9 in the morning, I was denied entry by the Immigration! I could barely understand their questions but I could guess it was because of my slightly damaged passport, which they claimed was fake. Luckily, I was allowed passage after some explanation with their higher officer. Phew!
Four of us were greeted by our tour guide Mr. Hyng and driver. We then proceeded to take a Hanoi city tour in a private van. We first reached Ba Dinh Square, which Mr. Hyng said closes at 11am? The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is located right in the square next to a museum. Unfortunately, it was closed from October to November every year for restoration works by Vietnamese and Russian.
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| The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum closed from October to November |
Next, we walked to President Ho's residence just left of the mausoleum. We also passed by the government office painted in gold colour. Ho Chi Minh was a simple man living a simple life. His three luxurious cars were actually gifts from China, Russia and France.
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| An officer on guard outside of the government office |
Besides the residence is the One Pillar Pagoda. Situated in Doi Can ward, Ba Dinh, the One Pillar Pagoda is a cultural and historic relics build in 1049 under the Ly Dynasty on the west of ancient Thang Long capital. Its original name was Dien Huu, which expressed the wish of the Second Ly King for longevity. The pagoda has the shape of a lotus blooming on its stem, as dreamed by King Ly Thai Tong (1028-1054).
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| The pagoda standing on one pillar |
The driver then took us to the Temple of Literature, the First University of Vietnam. It was built to host the three levels of public examinations, which were symbolised by three layers of doors. Entry into the temple (passing three doors) was only for scholars successful in all tests. Their names could then be carved on stones resting on turtles sculptures. It is now a popular spot for students shooting their graduation photos.
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| Students photoshooting in traditional dress |
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| Graduation photoshoot at Temple of Literature |
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| The Temple of Literature in miniature model |
After a heavy lunch (spring roll!) at a restaurant above a bakery near to the Anh Hoa Flower Market, we were free to walk around Hanoi 36 Streets (Old Quarter). We started from the Water Puppet Theatre besides the Hoam Kiem Lake. We walked all the way to Dong Xuan Market along Hang Dao Street. The street branches into smaller alleys selling particular goods. We took a turn at Hang Can Street back to meet up with Mr. Hyng. We asked for a two-hour room nearby ('Mini' Victory Hotel) to freshen up and get ready for our overnight train trip.
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| Business centre besides Hoam Kiem Lake |
We had another heavy dinner (spring roll!) at a local restaurant before transferring to Le Duan Train Station for the overnight train to Lao Cai (Sapa). Although we booked an air-conditioned 4-person soft sleeper cabin, the trip was not comfortable. We only hoped it reach as fast as possible!
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