~ Journey of Mine ~: November 2009

27 Oct - 30 Oct 2009

USD 1 ~ 18,000 VND (Vietnam Dong)

Last week, i went to Northen part of Vietnam with my loved ones - dearly Mum & lovely Him.. (Picture : One Pillar Pagoda).

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam does offers some nice sceneries for us to capture photo and to relax ... yet the attitude & manner of most Vietnameses made me ... :S

I was having a hard time talking to them since 99% of them know nothing about English or Mandarin. Mum was the heroin to save us - by using sign language.. he he.. Luckily, the hotel staff provided us a local map printed in Vietnamese.

I missed our food back in Malaysia as i really blurred on what to be taken as meal. Besides the local Vietnamese food in restaurant, Western Cruisine, Thai Express & KFC, i hardly know any selections left for me.. I did not have the heart to eat those local street food, somehow i know my mum would really really wanted to try them out. Unfortunately, she did not have the chance to do so.

Traffic in Hanoi was "awesome", seeing the motorcyclists moving around, yet nothing happened. I mean, no accidents at all. It was kind of fun to cross the road with lots of them (motorcycles).

Vietnameses are deeply influenced by the Chinese, most of them are Buddhists in Hanoi while Christians in Ho Chi Minh (Southern Vietnam). They do celebrate New Year (Tet) and mooncake festival too. :)

Ho Chi Minh Museum (Ba Dihn Area): 15,000VND/pax. The exhibition halls are located in the first and the second floor while the ground floor is allocated for ticket counter, souvenir shops and a cafe. You can only bring in small bag to enter the museum, the bigger ones will be kept in the lockers.

One Pillar Pagoda (Ba Dihn Area): A place for you to take photo and pray, it is near to the Ho Chi Minh Complex (consists of Museum, Palace & Stilt House & Masouleum). Masouleum is closed for public from October till November (to "rejuvenate" Uncle Ho). No camera or bag is allowed when enter the Masouleum.

Temple of Literature (Dong Da Area): 10,000VND/pax. Being the first University of the Country, it is really spacious and divided into few sections. Interesting place to know about the history and the architecture of a University back in ancient time.

Ngoc Soon Temple (Hoan Kiem Lake): 10,000VND/pax. The temple was built to pay respect to the Giant Turtle that lend a magic sword to the Lye Thai To (who later won the war and became the first Emperor). The temple housed a 250kg of well- preserved specimen of turtle for public view. Opposite of the temple is a Tortoise Tower, however, we can only see it by afar as there is no connection from the Hoan Kiem Lake or Ngoc Soon Temple to reach the Tower.

Dong Xuan Market (Old Quarter Area): A 3-storey building of traditional market geared towards the local shoppers. Nevertheless, it was amazing to be surrounded by so many shoes,clothes, textile, begs, toys etc. Of course, as a tourist, they will charge you with an exorbitant price, therefore, must bargain and bargain till you satisfy with the offer! They "speak" with you with Calculator. Just key in the desired number (price) to negotiate. And the Old Quarter Area is quite happening for almost everyone. We bought our souvenirs from there the most. Do enjoy and mix with the locals and have a taste of their life and culture.

St Joseph's Cathedral (Nha Tho Area): Twin Towers and Gothic Arches. Donation accepted for entry. Magnificient interior design.

Halong Bay: USD 25/pax (booked through our hotel, include entrance ticket, lunch, van & boat ride). Being one of the World Heritage Sites rewarded by UNESCO, it was such a long long day for us. From the pick-up at hotel, to the van ride and boat ride, finally to the Cave exploration, wow... tiring journey. Well, nevertheless, it was a good experience for us... Surprisingly, The Cave was only discovered in the 1998. Initially it was the monkey that discovered this place and later by fishermen that followed the monkey. Colourful lights are allocated inside the Cave, the formation of stalagmites and stalactites left the visitors with imaginations...