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Melody is right. Halong Bay is nice. Must find the right weather to visit. When we were there, it was raining and slightly misty. If you do decide to go to Halong bay, better to stay one night on the boat like what Melody did. It is a 4 hours journey there and 4 hours back. Total of 8 hours. We were there for a day trip and the traveling time was not the best.
They bay was calm throughout the journey and along the way we were able to stop by a floating seafood farm to pick out life seafood for lunch. This got everyone excited.
Another place to visit in Hanoi is Sapa. It is an overnight train trip from Hanoi to Lao Cai and another 1 hour to the mountainous region of Sapa. The train departs at 9pm and arrives in Lao Cai at 5am. it is quite a site to see hundreds of people half awake pulling their luggage off the train, walking in dense darkness across the train tracks. Sort of reminds you of a scene in a movie in Schindler's list or other WWII movie.
If you do take a train, make sure it is the tourist class train in cabin 2-4 (Livitrans Express). Anything other than that (except the Victorian Express, which is 1st class) is not recommended. Unless you want to experience the WWII feeling. Surprisingly, the train ride was smooth and not as we expected...it was even quieter than the MRT :) That makes it easy to doze off.
Anyway, the sights in Sapa just makes the train ride worthwhile. The weather was cool (3-10 degrees celcius) and the fresh mountain air was refreshing. If you do visit Sapa, perhaps you should spend at least 3-4 days there to explore the hilly ethnic tribes and visit their homes. Most of the guides bring you to the popular destinations. But if you are the off the beaten track type, you can rent a bike and go exploring.
The people are generally friendly. Most of the ethnic tribes from Sapa are from the Black Hmong and the Red Hmong. The younger ones speak clear and fluent English, some French and of course Vietnamese. Many European styled houses and food in Sapa, keeping in mind that this town was founded by the French in the 1800s. The Sapa market was bustling with activity with many items imported from China. Yes the Chinese border is just about 30-40km away from Sapa, making it a transit point to Yunnan. Perhaps we will take that road the next time to Dali. But the road trip will be something to contend with.
Another Market in Sapa is in Bac Ha. Here a different ethnic tribe is dominant, the Flower Hmong. On Sunday mornings, they will dress their best to visit the market where they will buy clothes, household items and food for the week. One word to describe it all - colorful. haha.
Sapa gave us a different view of Vietnam and Hanoi. The city is one thing but to see the ethnic tribes live in sheer simplicity (with rice as their main source of income) makes you feel that life can be simple and enjoyable. With the influx of many foreigners to the area, the simplicity might be lost one day...and it might come sooner...same with the many other places in China. The tourist dollar is a strong influence.
The trip was great and the next time who knows, we might be back on our own with a backpack and a map.
Login to add your comment. Or, Register for an account now. It's free!WAHHHH I really want to go...
25 Jan 2008 at 8:17 am
3
Hub & I went on a 6-day trip to Hanoi & Halong Bay on 5 Dec with another couple. Boy! It was such an eye-opening trip or should I say culture shock? Hmmm ... anyway, here's some stuffs to fill everyone in.
Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It lives up to its name. We went on a overnight junk cruise with Handspan tour (highly recommended by Lonely Planet and a Romanian friend of mine). The journey starts at Handspan office @ 80 Ma May Street in Hanoi and it takes almost 4hrs to reach Halong.
Being a typically motion sickness 'patient', the 2 ladies in the group decided to pop some pills for that 'just-in-case-I-throw-up' syndrome. Well, we're pleasantly surpised by the calmness of the bay and how beautiful it is. There were some 1000 thousand grottoes in the bay, each with shape of anything your imagination can bring. The kiasu-ism in me pushed my fingers to snap away some 500 pics by the end of the 2 day trip.
If you're into total relaxation (I mean do nothing but eat & sleep), this overnight cruise is for you. The cabin is nice & cozy, done up in traditional Vietnamese deco. Fresh seafood and local dishes awaits us at every meal. Yummy! Highlight of the cruise: - dip into the icy cold waters in Titop Island. - laze on the deck chairs at the upper deck under the dark night sky. Mine! That was really romantic!
Hanoi - capital of Vietnam - but doesn't look any bit like one cos it doesn't have tall buildings like those in HCM city. Anyway, it's definitely a nice place to check out great buys along the streets Old Quarters. Lotsa great foods around the area too! Check out Fanny Ice Cream, Bobby Chinn Restaurant, 69 Restaurant (for its 'Cha Ca Hanoi' noodle) & Tamarind Cafe (for wholesome great vegetarian dishes). Yummy!
When in Vietnam, bring US$. Forget about VND cos almost all restaurants prefer US$ and invoices will be presented in 2 currencies. If you must use VND, be prepared to lose out on the exchange rate.
Lastly, when in Hanoi, check out the local beer which they call it "Bia Hoi" (fresh beer). A big mug costs about S$0.90 but it's not for those who are into fresh brew like those of Brewerkz cos "Bia Hoi" is a weak beer, very light & smooth. Most interestingly, the local 'coffee shops' serves this in tiny plastic stools and tables alongside the street walkways. Cool experience!
And did I first mentioned 'culture shock'? Yes, you bet there's another one which I still couldn't stomach. It's dog meat (locals call it 'thit cho')! Considered to be a national dish and delicacy, it's available throughout Vietnam (except for the 1st 5 days of each lunar calendar month, for some reasons) in both restaurants and market. Dog lovers, don't venture into their local markets as you'll see roasted dogs (without head) piled up on the tables for sale.
Anyway, it's a great trip Hanoi & Halong Bay. You bet I'll be back again!
Login to add your comment. Or, Register for an account now. It's free!Sounds like a cool trip. When I went to HCMC, I brought all USD. Ended up having to exchange for VND there. Guess diff part prefers diff currency.
26 Dec 2007 at 5:17 pm