Why I Love Hanoi

Author : Purwani Najia Adiyanti
Source from : http://www.airasia.com/travel3sixty/digitalexclusives/why-i-love-hanoi

Images: Purwani Najia Adiyati & AirAsia





Day 1

In November 2011, I traveled to Vietnam and explored the heart of North Vietnam; Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. I stayed in a hotel on old quarter area named Indochina Queen 2 on Thuoc Bac Street, close enough to Hoan Kiem Lake.

The staff were really friendly and tried very hard to communicate as they eagerly try to keep guests happy (you’ll be surprised that north Vietnam people much more friendly than the south). I really appreciated that they remembered that I ordered vegetarian food for breakfast.One thing that we have to remember is to clearly say “No Pork” repeatedly, as repetition is key here.

Before my trip I prepared myself by researching thoroughly online to find the place that suited me the most. Best of all Nisa halal restaurant on Hang Tre Street is only around the corner and not far from that there’s the Friday and Saturday night market Dong Xuan.

     The reason I chose Hanoi’s Old Quarter as it represents the eternal soul of the city, the top special historical vestige and sight-seeing of the capital.

The Old Quarter came to be during the time Emperor Ly Thai To selected Thăng Long(Rising Dragon), now known as Hanoi, as the country’s capital in 1010 where it has been heavily populated ever since. Though this capital is flourishing with new growth, the 15th century architecture still thrives and is a prominent sight in the city.



Traditional arts and crafts of Vietnam

Shopping in Hanoi is different than any other city. Specialised craft streets like Hung Gai Street offers silk clothing ready-made and tailored, embroidery, and silver products.

Hang Quat Street formerly sold silk and feather fans, now stuns the visitor by its brilliantly coloured festival flags, religious objects and traditional clothing.

Whereas To Tich Street connects the previously mentioned streets and is still the active wood turner’s street.

Not far from here, Hang Ma Street glimmers with shiny paper products, such as gift wrappings, wedding decorations and miniature paper objects to burn for loved ones that have passed on.

Entering Lan Ong Street there are plenty of fragrances emanating from sacks of traditional medication such as leaves, barks, roots and a plethora of colourful powders.All of this wonderful sights and smells are why I love the Old Quarter.

Day 2

The next day, my journey around the city of Hanoi started with enjoying the fresh morning air at the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple located on the West Lake islet. Then I went to see Uncle Ho to learn about his great life at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and his residential place.Nearby these is the One Pillar Pagoda, not only is it a popular attraction but it’s also free for all to see.

After lunch, I headed to the Museum of Ethnology, where I saw vivid pictures of miniaturised life of the Vietnamese ethnic community. From there, I visited the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first ever University built in the 12th century that catered to teach royalty, nobles and the privileged the ways of Confucius.

Then I walked to Hanoi Cathedral (Saint Joseph’s Cathedral) on Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District. Built on Bao Thien Tower‘s previous site, this meeting place is often frequented by youngsters getting away from the bustle and noise of the city. I finished the day off by attending a Water Puppet Show in the late afternoon.



Junks on Halong Bay

Day 3

On my third day, I explored Halong Bay, a magnificent natural sea bay. Halong Bay has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I took a one day Halong Bay tour that started in the morning as I kicked off my trip to Halong City with a 3.5hour drive from Hanoi.

We were cruising around among thousands islands and stop at two of the many grottoes. The first stop on is Dong Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace Grotto), located on a remote island in the bay.

As the name suggests, the cave adorned with fantastic stalactites and stalagmites. Coloured lights transformed the scene into a fairy tale palace.

Lunch was served on the cruise that consisted of fresh seafood, it was utterly amazing! While lunch was served we were well on our way to our next stop was Titov Island where we have the option of exploring the bay by kayaking among mystical rock formations, hidden caves as well as many secluded lagoons.

After the cruise I head back to Hanoi. It was a wonderful journey, and I had so many memories to share with everyone I knew when I came back. If I have another chance, I would definitely love to come back to Vietnam.

Mari kita "Jalan - jalan"

At Karang Aji Beach

Liburan...holiday...jalan - jalan...apa pun kita menamakannya, kegiatan ini sangatlah menyenangkan. Thanks to my Dad, saya menjadi senang jalan - jalan. Dari kecil saya sudah terbiasa di ajak kemping di tepi laut, pegunungan, danau, mencari air terjun dan mengarungi lautan menemani ayah mancing. Biarpun saya tipikal yang mudah mabuk laut, tetapi tidak pernah menolak jika di ajak berlayar. Kenangan akan kata - kata "Ayo kita kemping" akan membuat darah saya ingin segera berlari mengambil tas dan pergi menjelajah. Hingga di waktu kuliah, kami sering mengadakan kegiatan bhakti sosial di wilayah sukabumi, biasanya akan berakhir dengan saya menghilang mencari tempat sepi untuk berendam di aliran sungai yang jernih. Kenapa menyepi, karena biasanya saya gak tahan berendam hanya menggunakan baju kaos dan celana dan end up dengan hanya menggunakan underwear...hehe.