tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119897882024-03-09T06:01:30.612+08:00Northern VietNam TravelogueAll about my backpacking tour to Northern VietNam around Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa in May 2005, in shoestring style.LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1122528123284543612005-12-25T00:46:00.000+08:002006-01-25T20:14:28.306+08:00My Vietnam Travel ItineraryThis travelogue has been integrated with <a href="http://www.traveldiary.info/">Travel Diary</a> that contains all existing and future travelogues.<br /><br />The full itinerary and the activities on the trip to Northern Vietnam, in descending order:<br /><br />Monday, June 13, 2005<br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/06/my-postcard-arrived.html">My Postcard Arrived</a><br /><br />Thursday, May 12, 2005<br /><strong><em>Around Vietnam Hanoi Old Quarter</em></strong><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/arriving-in-singapore.html">Arriving in Singapore</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/good-bye-hanoi-vietnam.html">Good Bye Hanoi, Vietnam</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/checked-in-tiger-airways-on-return-leg.html">Checked in Tiger Airways on Return Leg</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/vietnam-airlines-mini-bus.html">Vietnam Airlines Mini Bus</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/taxi-in-hanoi.html">Taxi in Hanoi</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/peek-into-wing-hotel-room.html">A Peek Into Wing Hotel Room</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/bought-t-shirt-again.html">Bought T-Shirt Again</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/street-vegetable-seller.html">Street Vegetable Seller</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/old-quarter.html">Old Quarter</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/ben-ngoc-son-and-huc-bridge.html">Ben Ngoc Son and Huc Bridge</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/ly-thai-to-statue.html">Ly Thai To Statue</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/mail-postcard-at-post-office.html">Mail a Postcard at Post Office</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/tortoise-tower-at-noon.html">The Tortoise Tower at Noon</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/st-joseph-cathedral.html">St. Joseph Cathedral</a><br /><br />Wednesday, May 11, 2005<br /><strong><em>Hanoi Ba Dinh (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum), West Lake, Temple of Literature and OldQuarter</em></strong><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/thap-rua-tortoise-tower-at-night.html">Thap Rua (The Tortoise Tower) at Night</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/sinh-to-hoa-qua-tuoi.html">Sinh To Hoa Qua Tuoi</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/shopping-at-old-quarter-hanoi.html">Shopping at Old Quarter Hanoi</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/different-dinners-cha-ca-and-bun-bo.html">Different Dinners - Cha Ca and Bun Bo</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/xich-lo-cyclo.html">Xich Lo (Cyclo)</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/temple-of-literature-and-royal-college.html">Temple of Literature and Royal College</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/summer-weather-in-hanoi.html">Summer Weather in Hanoi</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/quan-thanh-pagoda.html">Quan Thanh Pagoda</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/pretty-girl-in-park.html">Pretty Girl in the Park</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/west-lake-ho-tay.html">West Lake (Ho Tay)</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/chao-and-coconut-drink.html">Chao and Coconut Drink</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/ho-chi-minh-museum-bao-tang-ho-chi.html">Ho Chi Minh Museum (Bao Tang Ho Chi Minh)</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/dien-huu-pagoda.html">Dien Huu Pagoda</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/one-pillar-pagoda-chua-mot-cot.html">One Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot)</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/ho-chi-minhs-stilted-house.html">Ho Chi Minh's Stilted House</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/vietnamese-long-dress-traditional.html">Vietnamese Long Dress Traditional Costume</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/vietnamese-children.html">Vietnamese Children</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/presidential-palace.html">Presidential Palace</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/ho-chi-minh-mausoleum.html">Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/ha-noi-citadel.html">Ha Noi Citadel</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/statue-of-lenin.html">Statue of Lenin</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/on-way-to-ba-dinh-district.html">On the way to Ba Dinh District</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/early-check-in.html">Early Check In</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/nice-breakfast.html">Nice Breakfast</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/good-morning-hanoi.html">Good Morning Hanoi</a><br /><br />Tuesday, May 10, 2005<br /><strong><em>Sapa and Beyond with Vietnam Minorities</em></strong><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/train-from-lao-cai-to-hanoi.html">Train from Lao Cai to Hanoi</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/painful-sunburnt.html">Painful Sunburnt</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/beautiful-vietnamese-girl.html">Beautiful Vietnamese Girl</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/cute-hmong-girls-and-small-tout.html">Cute Hmong Girls and Small Tout</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/bus-to-lao-cai.html">Bus to Lao Cai</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/sapa-town.html">Sapa Town</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/dinner-at-royal-hotels-friendly-cafe.html">Dinner at Royal Hotel's Friendly Cafe</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/experience-with-mountain-view-hotel.html">Experience with Mountain View Hotel</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/sapa-markets.html">Sapa Markets</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/where-is-ma-cha-village.html">Where is Ma Cha Village?</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/hang-ta-phin-cave.html">Hang Ta Phin Cave</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/ta-phin-village.html">Ta Phin Village</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/native-agriculture-cultivation.html">Native Agriculture Cultivation</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/way-to-ta-phin-village.html">The Way to Ta Phin Village</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/sapa-church.html">Sapa Church</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/hoang-lian-hotel-and-modern-girls.html">Hoang Lian Hotel and Modern Girls</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/thac-bac-silver-waterfall.html">Thac Bac (Silver Waterfall)</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/protection-fee-for-bike.html">"Protection Fee" for the bike</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/tram-ton-pass.html">Tram Ton Pass</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/on-way-to-thac-bac-silver-waterfall.html">On the way to Thac Bac (Silver Waterfall)</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/bike-rental.html">Bike Rental</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/hmong-girls-or-child-exploitation.html">Hmong Girls (or Child Exploitation)</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/bus-from-lao-cai-to-sapa.html">Bus from Lao Cai to Sapa</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/soft-sleeper-berth.html">Soft Sleeper Berth</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/safety-on-train.html">Safety on Train</a><br /><br />Monday, May 09, 2005<br /><strong><em>Halong Bay, Ngoc SonTemple and Vietnam Water Puppet</em></strong><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/vietnam-railways-train-to-lao-cai-sapa.html">Vietnam Railways Train to Lao Cai (Sapa)</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/bag-keeping-in-hanoi.html">Bag Keeping in Hanoi</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/sugar-cane-juice.html">Sugar Cane Juice</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/mien-luon.html">Mien Luon</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/thang-long-water-puppet-theater.html">Thang Long Water Puppet Theater</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/monument-in-vietnam.html">Monument in Vietnam</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/ngoc-son-temple.html">Ngoc Son Temple</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/vietnamese-hospitality.html">Vietnamese Hospitality</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/traffic-in-hanoi-vietnam.html">Traffic in Hanoi Vietnam</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/mid-way-stop.html">Mid Way Stop</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/halong-bay-tour-package-selection.html">Halong Bay Tour Package Selection Guides and Tips</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/on-way-to-hanoi.html">On the Way to Hanoi</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/lunch-at-thang-long-restaurant.html">Lunch at Thang Long Restaurant</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/bien-mo-junk.html">Bien Mo Junk</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/chat-on-junk.html">Chat on the Junk</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/fishing-in-halong-bay.html">Fishing in Halong Bay</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/more-of-other-part-of-majestic-halong.html">More of 'Other Part' of Majestic Halong Bay</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/our-low-cost-bien-mo-junk.html">Our 'low cost' Bien Mo Junk</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/more-of-cat-ba-island.html">More of Cat Ba Island</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/cat-ba-island.html">Cat Ba Island</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/back-to-cat-ba-island-again.html">Back to Cat Ba Island, Again</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/bien-mo-junk-cabin.html">Bien Mo Junk Cabin</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/good-morning-halong-bay.html">Good Morning Halong Bay</a><br /><br />Sunday, May 08, 2005<br /><strong><em>Vietnam Halong Bay</em></strong><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/sleep-on-halong-bay.html">Sleep ON Halong Bay</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/dinner-on-halong-bay.html">Dinner ON Halong Bay</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/route-to-cat-ba-island.html">Route to Cat Ba Island</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/kayaking-in-halong-bay-but-no-life.html">Kayaking in Halong Bay, but no life jacket!</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/hang-sung-sot-grotto-cave-of-surprises.html">Hang Sung Sot Grotto (Cave of Surprises)</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/shrine-in-halong-bay-grotto.html">Shrine in Halong Bay Grotto</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/halong-bay-floating-fishing-village.html">Halong Bay Floating Fishing Village</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/halong-bay-limestone-rock-islets.html">Halong Bay Limestone Rock Islets</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/dao-ti-top-island-beach.html">Dao Ti Top Island & Beach</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/vinh-ha-long-halong-bay.html">Vinh Ha Long (Halong Bay)</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/lunch-on-boat.html">Lunch on Boat</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/pretty-down-mood.html">Pretty Down Mood</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/vietnamese-women-as-workforce.html">Vietnamese Women as Workforce</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/refill-water-for-junk.html">Refill Water.... For the Junk</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/boat-hawker.html">Boat Hawker</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/halong-city-bai-chay-tourist-junk-pier.html">Halong City Bai Chay Tourist Junk Pier</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/thang-long-restaurant.html">Thang Long Restaurant</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/its-raining-all-days.html">It's Raining All Days</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/dai-nghia-humanitarian-center.html">Dai Nghia Humanitarian Center</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/bus-to-halong-city-with-guide.html">Bus to Halong City with the Guide</a><br /><br />Saturday, May 07, 2005<br /><strong><em>Vietnam Hanoi</em></strong><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/banh-bao.html">Banh Bao</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/hanoi-at-night.html">Hanoi at Night</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/booked-train-ticket-to-sapa.html">Booked Train Ticket to Sapa</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/booked-halong-bay-tour.html">Booked Halong Bay Tour</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/sinh-to-trai-cay-fruit-shake.html">Sinh To Trai Cay Fruit Shake</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/first-taste-of-vietnamese-food-bun.html">First Taste of Vietnamese Food - Bun Thang</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/thanh-vinh-tourist-hotel.html">Thanh Vinh Tourist Hotel</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/minibus-to-hanoi.html">Minibus to Hanoi</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/hanoi-noibai-airport.html">Hanoi NoiBai Airport</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/some-arguments-with-adeline.html">Some Arguments with Adeline</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/tiger-airways-check-in-and-boarding.html">Tiger Airways Check-In and Boarding</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/heavy-backpack-caused-delay.html">Heavy Backpack Caused Delay</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/finally-depature-time.html">Finally, depature time!</a><br /><br />Friday, May 06, 2005<br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/last-minute-shopping.html">Last Minute Shopping</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/weather-in-hanoi-vietnam-big-concern.html">Weather in Hanoi Vietnam a Big Concern</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/travel-insurance.html">Travel Insurance</a><br /><br />Thursday, May 05, 2005<br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/huong-hai-junk.html">Huong Hai Junk</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/bai-tho-junk.html">Bai Tho Junk</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/lets-go-vietnam-travel-guide.html">Let's Go Vietnam Travel Guide</a><br /><br />Tuesday, May 03, 2005<br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/final-travel-plan.html">Final Travel Plan</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/final-countdown.html">Final Countdown</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/things-to-pack.html">Things to Pack</a><br /><br />Monday, May 02, 2005<br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/response-to-email-enquiry.html">Response to Email Enquiry</a><br /><br />Thursday, April 28, 2005<br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/04/virtual-tourist.html">Virtual Tourist</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/04/change-in-travel-plan-again.html">Change in Travel Plan again</a><br /><br />Wednesday, April 27, 2005<br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/04/vietnam-railways-tickets.html">Vietnam Railways Tickets</a><br /><br />Saturday, April 23, 2005<br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/04/temporary-travel-plan.html">Temporary Travel Plan</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/04/some-arguments.html">Some Arguments</a><br /><br />Friday, April 22, 2005<br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/04/tiger-airways-reduces-fare-again-and-i.html">Tiger Airways reduces fare again, and I am furious</a><br /><br />Thursday, April 21, 2005<br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/04/travel-guide-in-singapore-national.html">Travel Guide in Singapore National Library</a><br /><br />Monday, April 18, 2005<br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/04/still-undecided.html">Still Undecided</a><br /><br />Thursday, April 14, 2005<br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/04/no-update.html">No Update?</a><br /><br />Saturday, April 09, 2005<br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/04/air-tickets-booked.html">Air Tickets Booked</a><br /><br />Thursday, April 07, 2005<br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/04/tiger-airways.html">Tiger Airways</a><br />- <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/04/destination-vietnam.html">Destination Vietnam</a>LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1119373012131848182005-06-13T19:53:00.000+08:002005-06-22T00:56:52.130+08:00My Postcard ArrivedI <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/mail-postcard-at-post-office.html">mailed a postcard to myself</a> from Hanoi at 12th May 2004. I would have thought it was lost after such a long time. But finally the postcard reached me today, 1 month after I posted it. Late is always better than none.LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1119372667145289672005-05-12T23:30:00.000+08:002005-06-22T00:51:58.603+08:00Arriving in SingaporeTiger Airways flight was punctual. We arrived in Singapore at around 11 pm. Adeline went back by bus, while I tried to catch the MRT train to the city, but there was no more connecting train to the city at Tanah Merah interchange. So I had to rush to take the bus at the basement area of the airport to the city. The bus runs well until 12 midnight.LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1119283465833678072005-05-12T18:00:00.000+08:002005-06-22T00:43:37.510+08:00Good Bye Hanoi, Vietnam<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/DSCN08791.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/DSCN08791.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We arrived at Noi Bai airport at around 4.30 pm, pretty early as our departure time was on 6.45 pm. This enabled me to walk around the small Noi Bai airport.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/DSCN0887.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/DSCN0887.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Inside the Noi Bai airport departure / arrival waiting area, it was pretty empty without much passengers. And, amazingly, the chairs are all hard steel seat. Inside this area, which was after checked-in and immigration checked, there didn't seem to have any restaurant available. However, there are 2 restaurant at the highest floor of the public area in the airport, albeit the price is expensive.LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1119371995168561152005-05-12T17:00:00.000+08:002005-06-22T00:39:55.166+08:00Checked in Tiger Airways on Return LegChecked in to Tiger Airways was handled by Vietnam Airlines staff. The print out of the confirmation email of the reservation was needed here. The process was fast and smooth, and the Vietnam Airlines staffs were very friendly.<br /><br />However, international departure from Noi Bai airport will be levied USD $14 Ve Thu Phuc Vu Hanh Khach, or in English Passenger Service Charge. It was in essence departure tax, which I thought was very expensive.LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1119282863888730422005-05-12T16:00:00.000+08:002006-01-17T13:59:43.053+08:00Vietnam Airlines Mini Bus<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/IMG_0624.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/IMG_0624.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Vietnam Airlines operates minibuses that run between Noi Bai airport and Hanoi for USD $2 each. The buses and ticket office are located opposite the Vietnam Airlines office at Quang Trung. We pre-bought the bus tickets, although it's not necessary. Prepare small change of US Dollars, if not they will give you the change in Vietnam Dong instead, of course, also in unfavorable rate (typically VND 15,000 to USD $1).LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1119282693280508542005-05-12T15:30:00.000+08:002005-06-22T00:07:48.813+08:00Taxi in Hanoi<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/IMG_0623.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/IMG_0623.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />After a short rest at Wing Hotel lobby, it was time to go back. We took a taxi, although the Vietnam Airlines office is just a kilometer away. The taxi used meter, and it was air-conditioning, the main reason why we took a taxi. The fare from Hang Non, the street beside Wing Hotel, to the Vietnam Airlines office costs VND 11,000. Basically it was the flag down fare, with the meter not moved at all for such a short distance travel.LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1119282612605200162005-05-12T14:00:00.000+08:002005-06-22T00:20:14.220+08:00A Peek Into Wing Hotel Room<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/IMG_0608.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/IMG_0608.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Our room at Wing Hotel (or Wing Cafe, as cafe is more common term in Vietnam). Room was comfortable, with air-conditioning, satellite TV and hot shower. It costs us USD $11, due to $3 extra for early checked in.LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1119370988824609582005-05-12T13:30:00.000+08:002005-06-22T00:23:08.826+08:00Bought T-Shirt AgainI almost immediately sweated when stepped out of the air-conditioned hotel room. So the t-shirt got wet so easily that I had to bought new cloth to change everytime I went out. Luckily the clothes in cheap in Hanoi. The t-shirts I bought costs around VND 20,000 to VND 25,000.LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1119281825251827452005-05-12T13:00:00.000+08:002005-06-21T23:24:12.580+08:00Street Vegetable Seller<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/IMG_0606.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/IMG_0606.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />There was a common sight in Hanoi, where the vendors, typically women, carrying whatever that can be carried, from vegetables to fruits, to sell on the streets.LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1119281632768779162005-05-12T12:30:00.000+08:002005-06-21T23:06:48.793+08:00Old Quarter<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/IMG_0605.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/IMG_0605.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />'Old' in Old Quarter is a bit confusing, as only small proportion of the buildings here are more than a hundreds years old. So the 'old' in Old Quarter more reflected the activities that are carried on it since ancient times. However, the buildings in Old Quarter have interesting architecture too.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/IMG_0607.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/IMG_0607.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Because shops were taxed by the width of frontage on the market, storage and living space moved to the rear. They developed into the long and narrow houses, called tube houses, where small frontage hides very long rooms. Typical measurement for such a tube house is 3 m x 60 m.LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1119281138891490562005-05-12T12:00:00.000+08:002005-06-21T08:00:21.100+08:00Ben Ngoc Son and Huc Bridge<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/IMG_0597.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/IMG_0597.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Ben Ngoc Son (Ngoc Son Temple) with the beautiful Huc Bridge (Sunbeam Bridge) stands majestically on Hoan Kiem Lake.LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1119281053588226372005-05-12T11:30:00.000+08:002005-06-21T00:47:28.813+08:00Ly Thai To Statue<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/IMG_0594.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/IMG_0594.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Statue of Emperor Ly Thai To, founder of the Ly dynasty (1010-1225) is around Hoan Kiem Lake towards French Quarter.LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1119285423270649132005-05-12T11:00:00.000+08:002005-06-21T00:37:03.270+08:00Mail a Postcard at Post OfficeWe walked through International Post Center at 6 Dinh Tien Hoang, just beside Hoan Kiem Lake. I decided to mail a postcard back to Singapore to myself. There were postcards on sold in post office, however, only when I was about to leave only got people to man the counter. So I bought a stack of 10 postcards for VND 25,000 (Expensive!) from street sellers that roamed around looking for 'prey'.<br /><br />The postage to Singapore was cheap, only VND 7,000. I was not sure it's air mailed or surface mailed though, as the postcard only reached me 1 month later.LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1119280988661809482005-05-12T10:30:00.000+08:002005-06-21T00:25:18.256+08:00The Tortoise Tower at Noon<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/IMG_0592.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/IMG_0592.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We walked around Hoan Kiem Lake to passed through the French Quarter. However we didn't venture afar as the weather was very hot and humid. Anyway, again The Tortoise Tower (Thap Rua) wouldn't be missed at Hoan Kiem Lake.LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1119195700646868592005-05-12T10:00:00.000+08:002005-06-20T23:17:36.263+08:00St. Joseph Cathedral<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/IMG_0582.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/IMG_0582.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />It was our last day in Hanoi and Vietnam, so we went to some places that we hadn't been to yet and did some last minute shopping. Our first stop was French-built St. Joseph Cathedral, which is located two blocks west from Hoam Kiem Lake, where Ly Quoc Su becomes Nha Chung.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/IMG_0584.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/IMG_0584.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Interior of the St. Joseph Cathedral. The statue is dedicated to "Queen of Peace".LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1119121414521722972005-05-11T22:30:00.000+08:002005-06-20T22:18:40.526+08:00Thap Rua (The Tortoise Tower) at Night<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/IMG_0569.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/IMG_0569.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We saw <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/good-morning-hanoi.html">The Tortoise Tower (Thap Rua) in the early morning</a>, how could we missed it at night?LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1119196202452390122005-05-11T22:00:00.000+08:002005-06-20T21:55:22.310+08:00Sinh To Hoa Qua TuoiWe went back to the Pho To Tich street to <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/sinh-to-trai-cay-fruit-shake.html">eat fruit shake again</a>. This time we chose a stall that sell Sinh To Hoa Qua Tuoi for slightly cheaper price, VND 6,000. There was a slight different in ingredients for the fruit shake, but it was as delicious!LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1119120847682759302005-05-11T21:30:00.000+08:002005-06-20T22:02:31.090+08:00Shopping at Old Quarter HanoiOld Quarter is located at Hoan Kiem district, and known as Pho Co in Vietnamese. Enclosed by Ha Noi Citadel, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Red River, the Old quarter is also famously known as the 36 Pho Puong (36 streets), and its history spans 2000 years. In the 13th century, 36 guilds established themselves here with each taking a different street. Street names reflect the type of merchandise being made/sold. Nowadays, some of the streets have taken up new commodities, but still cluster together along a single street - Hang Can (once scales, now stationary), Hang Dau (once oil, now shoes), Hang Buom (once sailcloth, nowconfectioneryy and wine) and Thuoc Bac (once medicine, now tools), for example. While some still retain the names as of the original trades – Hang Ma (Votive Paper Decorations Street), Hang Gai (Silk Street), Hang Thiec (Tin Street), and Hang Dong (Bronze Street).<br /><br />Actually there is now more than 70 streets in Old Quarter. Some researchers believe that the number 36 came from the 15th century when there might have been 36 guild locations, which were workshop areas, not streets. When streets were later developed, the guild names were applied to the streets. Others attribute the 36 to a more abstract concept. The number nine in Asia represents the concept of "plenty". Nine times the four directions makes 36, which simply means "many". Most street name starts with "Hang", which means merchandise or shop.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/DSCN0874.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/DSCN0874.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Hang Ngang (Transversal Street) is lively at night, has a lot of shops selling clothes.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/IMG_0557.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/IMG_0557.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Cau Go Street, which means "Wooden Bridge", is located one block north of the Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake), and was in fact the location of a wooden bridge. About 150 years ago, the bridge crossed a thin stream of water connecting the Thai Cuc Lake with the Lake of the Restored Sword. Dyers from the neighboring Silk Street (Hang Dao / Hang Gai) set out their silk to dry or bleached their fabric beside the bridge. Under the French occupation, the lake and stream were filled as health measures and to increase buildable land. The little wooden bridge became a regular street.<br /><br />Cau Go today is a commercial street specializing in womenÂs accessories.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/IMG_0563.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/IMG_0563.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Immediately assembled the shoe for the customers.<br /><br />For Old Quarter street name description, refer <a href="http://www.thingsasian.com/article/old_quarter/old_quarter_hanoi02.htm">here</a>.LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1118966374842736602005-05-11T19:00:00.000+08:002005-06-19T23:32:45.153+08:00Different Dinners - Cha Ca and Bun Bo<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/IMG_0548.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/IMG_0548.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I initially agreed with Adeline to have dinner at Cha Ca La Vong, at Pho Cha Ca, which is very famous. But after saw the price of VND 70,000, I felt it's too much expensive and decided to give it a miss, and located other cha ca shop instead.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/IMG_0549.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/IMG_0549.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Adeline prefered to dine at Cha Ca La Vong, and here the dishes of cha ca.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/DSCN0871.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/DSCN0871.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I tried to locate a cha ca shop at Duong Thanh. However, the shop no longer existed. So I settled my dinner with Bun Bo Nam Bo at 65 Hand Dieu, which made of wheat noodles tangled up with citrus-scented herbs, beefs, peanuts and lime juice for around VND 15,000.LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1118966118349393052005-05-11T18:30:00.000+08:002005-06-19T23:10:07.050+08:00Xich Lo (Cyclo)<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/DSCN08641.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/DSCN08641.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Due to the very hot weather, we decided not to walk back to our hotel. So we decided to take either a taxi, motorcycle (xe may or xe om) or xich lo (3-wheeled pedicab or trishaw) to go back. After leaving Four Pillars of Temple of Literature, a xich lo driver was approaching us. We bargained from VND 50,000 to VND 20,000. It was very interesting and exciting to see how xich lo managed to find a winding route among so many traffic on the road.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/DSCN08691.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/DSCN08691.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The Xich Lo and the driver. At the end, we paid him VND 10,000 more. The whole fare of VND 30,000 was excessive, while normally VND 5,000 is enough. But I was appreciative as I was getting unbearable with the heat.LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1118853796256706922005-05-11T18:00:00.000+08:002005-06-20T23:31:05.963+08:00Temple of Literature and Royal College<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/DSCN0843.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/DSCN0843.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) was built in 1070 during Emperor Ly Thanh Tong to honor scholars and literary men, and was dedicated to Khong Tu (Confucius). In 1070, the Royal College (Quoc Tu Giam), Vietnam's first university, was founded here to educate the children of court mandarins, which remained until 1802 when the national university was moved to the new capital, Hue. Here is the entrance gate to temple complex, which reserved for the royalties.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/IMG_0536.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/IMG_0536.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Khuc Van Cac open pavilion which provides space for study and leisure.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/IMG_0537.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/IMG_0537.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Dai Trung Gate or Gates of Talent and Virtue, as view from the inside temple.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/DSCN0846.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/DSCN0846.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Thien Quang Tinh pond and after it, Dai Thanh (Great Success or Synthesis) Gate, which leads into the temple precinct. The flag with 5 colours which each represents an element of the nature: metal, wood, water, fire and earth.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/DSCN0848.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/DSCN0848.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />One of the 82 Tortoise Stelae which recorded names, birth places and achievements of the 1306 successful triennial examination candidates. All of them was erected between 1442 and 1778. The Tortoise Stelae pavilions are on both sides of the pond.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/DSCN0850.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/DSCN0850.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Courtyard of the temple and the Bai Duong (House of Ceremonies).<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/DSCN0852.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/DSCN0852.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Large bonsai in front of the building to the right of sanctuary.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/DSCN0853.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/DSCN0853.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />A statue at the courtyard of the Temple of Literature.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/IMG_0543.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/IMG_0543.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Rafters in the main temple sanctuary were constructed without nails or screws. It's interesting to note also how the building overhanging eaves help to keep these buildings cool; large doorways are also important in cooling the buildings. In the winter, when it is cold in Hanoi, the sun is lower and heats the inside.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/DSCN0855.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/DSCN0855.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The main temple sanctuary of Temple of Literature with stork statues, symbolizing longevity.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/DSCN0856.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/DSCN0856.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Inside Temple of Literature sanctuary, housing statue of Confucius and his four greatest disciples.<br /><br />Entrance fee to the Temple of Literature: VND 5,000.LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1119111867251216582005-05-11T17:30:00.000+08:002005-06-19T00:25:35.440+08:00Summer Weather in HanoiMy <a href="http://northernvietnam.blogspot.com/2005/05/weather-in-hanoi-vietnam-big-concern.html">feared nightmare</a> became true. The hot and humid weather in Hanoi was always a big consent to me. Worse, the weather today was even hotter than I imagined, reaching 39 ºC. I was sweating non stop just by doing nothing and stood under shade! It's very tiring and uncomfortable to roam around Hanoi at this steamy weather. Thus we skipped a lot of attractions in Hanoi and even cut short the time spent outside just to get back to hotel room for the comfort of air-conditioning.LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1118794442049532502005-05-11T17:00:00.000+08:002005-06-19T00:14:14.786+08:00Quan Thanh Pagoda<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/DSCN0837.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/DSCN0837.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />There are a few pagodas around West Lake. We passed thru Quan Thanh Pagoda (Den Quan Thanh) without went in... the hot steamy summer weather in Hanoi was taxing a heavy toll on our energy, and hence the mood to visit the sights. Anyway, Quan Thanh Pagoda was built by Emperor Lo Thai To during the 11th century. Of course, entrance fee required to go in, as almost any other non Ho Chi Minh related sights in Vietnam. About 150 meters towards West Lake from here, along Duong Thanh Nien, there is also Tran Quoc Pagoda (Chua Tran Quoc).LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11989788.post-1118794350892929632005-05-11T16:30:00.000+08:002005-06-18T23:54:15.160+08:00Pretty Girl in the Park<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/1024/DSCN0836.jpg"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 1px solid; MARGIN: 2px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1px solid" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/img/175/2346/320/DSCN0836.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Before coming to Vietnam, I was thinking Vietnam should be a relatively underdeveloped country. In most sense, it is, but not the girls. Vietnamese youths wear very fashionable, and looks very attractive. Here, a pretty girl walked in the park around West Lake.LKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12284259108465985027noreply@blogger.com0