Hanoi
My first travel destination for the year… Hanoi, Vietnam. Honestly, I’m not sure what Hanoi has to offer when buying the (cheap offer) air ticket from AirAsia about a year ago. A case of just going along with a group of friends to a new destination and explore places which neither of us had been for a short and relaxing holiday away from our work life.
The calm lake of Hanoi
Upon arrival, the airport doesn’t project any vibrant welcome. It still feels very much a 3rd world country with poor service at the airport from long queues at the immigration arrival to long waiting time for checked-in luggage (about 1 hour!!). Soon after leaving the airport for Hanoi city, the vast paddy fields along the road and some unique “only in Hanoi” moments…
The Bao Khanh hotel we stayed in was a decent 3-star hotel which is clean, comfortable, great location within the old quarters, great view of the Hanoi lake and reasonably priced – Recommended 
We met up with the Hanoi Kids which my friend contacted via email for a free guided tour of Hanoi city. Due to the name of the organization, I was expecting 6-7 years old kids but they’re actually university students. It was a good tour in English by the local students to bring us around Hanoi; it certainly adds some local flavor to our tour while fostering friendship and better understanding of the local history and cultures.
 View of Hanoi Lake from our hotel |
 "Only in Hanoi" - Piglets on a bike |
Here’s some interesting note on Hanoi (or Vietnamese in general), they eat practically anything from cats, dogs to insects, and I’ve not met a single obese Vietnamese on the streets. Probably its their healthy balanced food diet and lifestyle. Their Pho (rice noodles) are quite good with a gist of sweetness in the soup and the chicken & pork meat I had.
For coffee lovers, Hanoi’s Weasel coffee is a must try. Just don’t think too much about the process of how the Weasel coffee is made, and enjoy the rich and smooth flavor of the coffee. There’s a reason for it being the most expensive coffee in the world afterall.
 Probably they're still on analog phone? |
 Weasel coffee |
 Lime, Fruit & Chillies Hamper? |
 iPad tourist self-help booth |
The highlight of the entire Hanoi trip has to be Ha Long Bay. I reckon its a must visit for anyone going to Vietnam. The scenery was awesome, and undoubtedly recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The vast bay dotted with thousands of limestone island and islet creates a very unique landscape that just left visitors (like myself) in awe of nature’s beauty.
 The clear blue waters of Ha Long Bay |
 The breathtaking view of Ha Long Bay |
Overall, I enjoyed the trip and Hanoi is a great relaxing place to unwind and get soaked in the beautiful sceneries, local food and unique culture. Now… Where shall my next holiday destination be?
