We really needed a break, it was best time of the year to
visit Halong Bay and it was my birthday.
So off we went to the north of Vietnam for 6 days.
So off we went to the north of Vietnam for 6 days.
6 days is definitely too short for this amazing country, but
we managed to get a flavour of this beautiful crazy place.
Hanoi is the busiest city we have seen so far.
By far.
The number of motorbikes around is mind blowing. And even more so is what it’s carried on each motorbike: people (from 1 to 4-5 including babies), animals (we have seen a cage full of hens), stuff (from massive number of balloons , Up-style, to wall mirrors).
They don’t necessarily stop at traffic lights, and definitely do not stop at zebra crossings.
Therefore, walking in Hanoi is an adventure. With pavements occupied by motorbikes for rent and street food ‘restaurants’, streets full of cars, bikes, motorbikes, pedestrians and sometimes animals, you pretty much walk in the middle of the street where motorbikes zig-zag around you.
Plus the constant honking, in a non-aggressive way though, just to let you know they are there and they are not stopping to let you pass.
Pure madness.
But a safe and organised madness, in a way.
Then another reason why this is one of the craziest places we have visited so far, is the street.
Life happens on the street. The cooking, the eating, the selling, the hair-cutting, the nail varnishing, the grooming, the dish washing, and even some personal washing.
It all happens on the street. Fascinating is an understatement.
We have to try it, so birthday dinner is cooked (by us) on a tiny table, sitting on a tiny chair on a pavement. Tom Yam soup, or something similar. Nice, cheap and heart-warming. No-one speaks English, so no-one offers us any drink, one more reason to hit the pub later.
Hanoi is the busiest city we have seen so far.
By far.
The number of motorbikes around is mind blowing. And even more so is what it’s carried on each motorbike: people (from 1 to 4-5 including babies), animals (we have seen a cage full of hens), stuff (from massive number of balloons , Up-style, to wall mirrors).
They don’t necessarily stop at traffic lights, and definitely do not stop at zebra crossings.
Therefore, walking in Hanoi is an adventure. With pavements occupied by motorbikes for rent and street food ‘restaurants’, streets full of cars, bikes, motorbikes, pedestrians and sometimes animals, you pretty much walk in the middle of the street where motorbikes zig-zag around you.
Plus the constant honking, in a non-aggressive way though, just to let you know they are there and they are not stopping to let you pass.
Pure madness.
But a safe and organised madness, in a way.
Then another reason why this is one of the craziest places we have visited so far, is the street.
Life happens on the street. The cooking, the eating, the selling, the hair-cutting, the nail varnishing, the grooming, the dish washing, and even some personal washing.
It all happens on the street. Fascinating is an understatement.
We have to try it, so birthday dinner is cooked (by us) on a tiny table, sitting on a tiny chair on a pavement. Tom Yam soup, or something similar. Nice, cheap and heart-warming. No-one speaks English, so no-one offers us any drink, one more reason to hit the pub later.
And it’s festive. Every night. And not in a touristy way,
but in a very local way, with music playing around the lake and LOADS of people
dancing, strolling around, kids driving tiny motored cars and teenagers buying
stuff at the night market.
A happy mess.
After not even two days in Hanoi, we went on a day trip to
Nihn Bihn region, Tam Coc to be precise.A happy mess.
Where the limestones are on land and
the rice fields surround them.
A blissfully green landscape we enjoyed on a bike, followed
by a boat ride on the river (locals row with their feet!).
It’s finally time to relax and we leave the busy city to go
on the bay. After hours on the road (single line and questionable safety) we
arrive at Halong City (via a water puppet show and a visit to a massive
souvenirs shop).
We took a boat to Ba Tu Long Bay, only to return after two nights.
The scenery is breath-taking, the noise is forgotten, phones don't connect, wifi is not available, we are isolated, and fully immersed in the most peaceful nature.
Kayaking, swimming, bbq on tiny beach and drinks on the boat are the activities for the day.
We took a boat to Ba Tu Long Bay, only to return after two nights.
The scenery is breath-taking, the noise is forgotten, phones don't connect, wifi is not available, we are isolated, and fully immersed in the most peaceful nature.
Kayaking, swimming, bbq on tiny beach and drinks on the boat are the activities for the day.
By the time I get used to being spoiled, it’s time to come back.
Sweet, sweet Vietnam! I am not done with you. I will see you very soon.
