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Hanoi – I bid you farewell for this time

Hanoi, Vietnam, February 19th 2024

I’m leaving Hanoi way too early this first time. The initial impression of Vietnam has been entirely different than in Laos, but the transition from a sleepy tourist town like Luang Prabang to a bustling metropolis is, of course, significant.

Besides the obligatory tourist spots, I’ve also enjoyed some lovely morning walks around Hoan Kiem Lake, where I witnessed dancing, badminton games, and tai chi sessions to stay fit.

Soundtrack: «Nocturne» by Rolf Løvland
Fluorescent shuttlecock – smart before sunrise
Happy happy songs might mift your mood!
All joggers and bicyclists went around the lake in the same direction – «go with the flow»
Although this is the Turtle Tower, this is not the Turtle Lake
Monumental statues showcasing national heroes are abundant

However, there’s so much left to explore, so it will have to wait until next time.

St. Josephs cathedral – a «mini Notre Dame» – cast in concrete for quick build.
Hanoi Opera House

Yesterday, we had our first authentic Vietnamese meal, devoid of fillets and tourist-level spice on the chili. But it tasted excellent.

«1946» restaurant – with a Bib Gourmand from Michelin
Banana flower salad with beef – savoury stuff!
Chicken with ginger – tasty and gnarly…
Grilled fish – somewhat unapproachable with chopstick – and with a chili sauce not meant for Europeans!
Eel steamed in bamboo with a soy sauce dip

Now, the journey takes us to Ha Long Bay, where we’ll embark on a short cruise.

This blog post is part of the Indochina trip 2024 – see other blogs from the same trip

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