My time in Vietnam

, , , , ,

Exploring Northern Vietnam, Hanoi and Da Nang – Travel log no. 93

At first I flew into Hanoi to explore my first real communistic country. On the airplane from Bangkok I met a couple Romain and Katie. Together we drove into town. After checking in I had enough time to explore Hanoi.

Street, Hanoi
Right away I noticed that the streets are way more busy here. There are at least 4 times more motorbikes on the streets. People are just sitting on the site walk eating food from street kitchens and smoking pipes.
Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
After having lunch I explored the city lake Hoàn Kiếm. In the center of the lake is a big gate.
Ngoc Son Temple, Hanoi
The entrance to the Ngoc Son Temple on another island of the lake.
Street, Hanoi
In addition another view of the streets on the way to the temple of literature. In some parts the traffic is so dense and uncontrolled you have to just walk over the street with closed eyes to make it to the other side. At least that’s what the locals say.
Hairstylist, Hanoi
Furthermore a street hairstylist next to the temple of literature.
Temple of literature, Hanoi
The gate of the temple of literature. This place has a beautiful park which cuts off the stressful atmosphere of the surrounding streets.
Pagoda, Hanoi
A pagoda on another big lake North to the city. The communistic system is still visible all over the city in form of red hammer and sickle flags.

After a nice dinner with my friends from the airplane at a French-Vietnamese Restaurant I went to bed. I had to be refreshed for my day at the famos Ha Long Bay the next day.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
After a 4 hour bus ride we finally made our cruise boat. The Ha Long Bay is famous for its countless small high rising islands. Therefore it was defined as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
In Hanoi you can buy these trips for a wide price range. I feel like it’s probably all the same though.
Trader Lady, Ha Long Bay
A lady with her floating market rowing over to sell some goods. Never the less we had plenty of good food included in the trip.
Viewpoint, Ha Long Bay
Last but not least the view from atop.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
The real price of tourism.

Finally back in Hanoi I had a Pho soup at a street kitchen. Unfortunately this wasn’t the best decision. In the morning I was sick with food poisoning. Never the less I made it to Ninh Binh a former city of the emperor.

Ninh Binh, Vietnam
First the old capital protected by the mountains.
Cruise, Ninh Binh
Nowadays the city is better known for it’s beautiful river cruises though.
Lady, Vietnam
Here a lady paddling her boat through her legs only. By the way it is also the home of King Kong.

Finally with a weary stomach I had to fly down to Da Nang. This should be only a one day stop before flying to Taiwan. So I rented a motorbike to explore the area.

Da Nang, Vietnam
First the bird perspective of Da Nang.
Marble Mountains, Vietnam
Secondly the view from the beautiful marble mountains.
Marble Temple, Vietnam
Around the area there is a lot to discover. Outside…
Cave Temple, Vietnam
… As well as inside the caves.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Even though the beauty of Hoi An can top it easily. The city of lanterns. 
Japanese Bridge, Hoi An
The Japanese Bridge.
Fishermen, Hoi An
Unfortunately my motorbike disappeared. Never the less I was able to find it and get it back.

People in Vietnam were nice and friendly. Even though some tried to give me a hard time. English is definitely not their strength. Never the less I can’t wait to write about my time in Taiwan. In Tapei I met up with my exchange sister Sabrina and her family.