Hanoi 2011: July 23-26

My first post via email! My plan is to type out the text in email then add in the pictures through the dashboard later.

Day 1

We reached in the afternoon, checked into our hotel, Tirant Hotel. Here's some room pics.

Then we went for a quick walk before heading for spa. Nearby the hotel lies the lake which is like a landmark to me.

We passed by the place where we would watch the show later, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. We had the hotel staff to help secure the tickets less it were sold out.

Dinner at Green Tangerine.

Food pictures!

At the Water Puppet theater, apparently need to pay 1USD for photography. I didn't pay, so only took some shots before the show started.

After the show, we headed out to the night market, which only runs on weekend nights.

Crossing the road is scary! Tons of vehicle horning, people etc

View of hotel at night.

Day 2

Halong Bay!
We booked a tour for 30USD per pax. A van came around to pick us up.

Halong city.

At the pier.

On the boat.

View on water. Splendid.

Inside Cave @ Halong Bay

Day 3
Food day!
Thanks to Ben, We were spoilt for choices on where/what to eat.

Bun Cha

Ordered 2 persons' share and a coke for 180k VND

Bun Bo Nam Bo

Went there right after Bun Cha and just couldn't eat as much anymore! So had to share one.

Zooming to dinner time.... Quan An Ngon.

This was good. Really good. Wrap-it-yourself with pork.

After the heavy lunch, we couldn't really eat much. Was looking around on what to order. The following is Rice Cake with Pork. Didn't quite like it, so just took a nibble.

Looking for a place for drinks, especially forgoing the usual Highlands Coffee, we sought advice from the local stall keeper. She pointed to across the street, an alley with little light, only to see something bright at the end. We walked through. It first seemed like a residence, then a temple, or it could be both. Finally a lady asked whether she can help. After knowing our intentions, she used some effort to switch on the lights, and handed us the menu, waiting to take our order.

View from the other end of the alley

This does not seem like a drink place in any sense!

The part where it feels like a residence. There was someone watching tv in the room.

After having taken the order, we headed up. There's a straight stair and a windy stair just to reach the 'cafe'. Then there's another flight of stairs going to don't-know-what.

The inside view of the top. We sat outside, with 2-3 other tables of customers.

View of the lake while seating outside


The signboard at the entrance of the alley.