I decided that aside from Manila,
I shall visit another new place this 2016, and Hanoi it is.
Since I only have limited time
for my vacation, my Hanoi trip was also done in a very limited time.
It will be a first solo travel
for me. That solo travel was even accidental. The Hanoi trip was originally
with another TB, however due to unforeseen circumstances, my travel dates had
to change.
Fastforward to Hanoi trip. It was
a rainy day so I left the house extra early to be sure that I will not have
trouble meeting my flight.
My flight was at 10pm and I will
arrive in Hanoi by 1am. I arranged for an airport pick up from the hotel so my
mind was relaxed.
Anyways, I encountered a bit
difficulty from our immigration check. I was asked why I will be in Hanoi for 3
days only. I told the officer that I am on vacation so my times to visit other
place are limited too. He asked for my company ID. I gave him my residence
permit because I did not bring my company ID with me. Upon seeing my residence
permit, he told me, so you are not working in Philippines. I said yes sir. He
now asked me, when will I go back to my work place, I told him the date, and
then he asked me, where’s your ticket? In an incredulous tone I ask him, my
ticket to Lagos??? Yes he replied. I told him I do not have it since I am going
to Hanoi, Vietnam, but will the office email sending my e-ticket be sufficient?
It sufficed. Finally!
FIRST DAY
Immigration check with Hanoi was
a breeze, and I sailed through it. I immediately saw the driver from the hotel
because he was holding a placard bearing my name.
It took about 35 minutes from the
airport to the Old Quarter where the hotel was.
The hotel was brightly lit, and
the bellboy was ready to assist me. I arranged my tour with the reception
before I went up to my room.
I was on the 6th
floor, the elevator is until 5th floor only so I had to reach my
floor through the stairs.
My room was very elegant. Very
compact but perfect for me. I lodge at Golden Moon Hotel Hanoi. The room was
immaculately cleaned every day. I really had a good deal with that hotel plus
breakfast was already included at the price of 23usd
I’ve decided the top attractions
I need to see in Hanoi would be Halong Bay, Hoan Kiem Lake and Temple of
Literature.
Since I didn’t have time to shop
around for a better deal, I just made the arrangement to go to Halong Bay via
the hotel. I know I can get Halong Bay deals outside from 20usd, but I went
ahead with the 45usd offer from the hotel.
At 8.30 am, I was picked from the
hotel by the tour guide. I boarded a very new coaster. I later learned it was
just a week old. That is why it was very clean and very cool. My guide’s
English name is Tony. He told his local name but I forgot. It was about 4
hour’s trip from Old Quarter to Halong Bay. I was able to make some new
friends. They were also Filipinos. The hours passed quickly enough. We also stop for bathroom breaks as well as
get some souvenirs. It was very pricey there. If you will have the chance to go
to the market, better buy there.
I was worried about the weather though.
However, it must have been my lucky day because as soon as we stepped off from
the coaster, the sky cleared!
We were directed to our boat
which will eventually lead us to Halong Bay. As we cruise along the gentle
waters, Tony was pointing out some of the rock formations. He also helped take
some pictures.
I had to force myself to not take pictures of all the angles of
Halong Bay so I can enjoy it more. Soak the atmosphere fully. I could not
believe it that I was seeing it in the flesh….or in the rocks…..hahaha!
We also went a bit of spelunking,
climbing and going down about 400 plus steps. I enjoyed seeing the rock
formations inside.
It was indeed a full day tour, so
we were back at the Old Quarter by around 8.30 in the evening.
After that Halong Bay tour, I
went out and explored a bit of the Old Quarter. I was hungry already so I had
dinner first before I walked around.
I also bought cakes for dessert.
I wanted to take some street scenes of people chillaxing around but wasn’t able
to.
I walked for about an hour only
because I didn’t want to stray far from the hotel plus I was tired already.
SECOND DAY
A colleague in Lagos, Nigeria
connected me with some of his friends in Hanoi. I met the first one, Trang Lee
just after breakfast. Trang is a very gentle young lady with a baby blue
motorbike which we used to navigate around Hanoi city center.
We went to Hoen
Kiem Lake first then the Temple of Literature then on to St. Joseph’s
Cathedral. We also went to Dong Xuan Market.
We ate lunch at Huong Lien
Restaurant. It was filled up with
people. We had to go up as no vacant table downstairs. We ordered bun cha at
this famous restaurant where US President Obama dined when he visited Hanoi. Pictures of Obama were plastered around the
resto. The bun cha was indeed sumptuous. It was even sold out that day.
I bought some souvenirs again
from the market. I bought wallets,
shirts, and bags.
We also had our chill break since
it was a very humid day. We ate these beans with ice and milk. I forgot what it
is called.
I was with Trang from 8am until
3pm. After that, I went back to the hotel to rest and get ready for dinner. For
dinner, I met Ming. Ming came with her friend Ha. We met about 6pm and we walk
around Old Quarter a bit. The night market was also opening, so we also checked
it out. I was able to sample their street foods as well as the Pho. I enjoyed
going to the small shops and souvenir hunting again.
Time indeed flies fast when you
are having fun. Before I knew it, it was time for me to go to the airport for
my flight back to Manila.
 |
| nearing Halong Bay |
