A very long days walk through Hanoi. October 2015

[firth1974 2,656]

Today was my last full day in Hanoi before i left for Dien Bien Phu, so i decided to take a full days walk around this great city.

Started walking through the Old Quarter, to the Citadel, then to Uncle Ho's Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, through the Government buildings and Presidential Palace, through and around the West lake taking in Tran Quoc Pagoda, stopping for (a late lunch at 3pm) on the "island" of Tran Bach before walking back through the Old Quarter, to the lake and then back to the hotel. I covered a fair few miles today, but it was a great walk, and a walk to be done again the next time im in Hanoi.

I can only imagine how heavy these baskets must be for the old girls that carry them around all day and night............................

Anyone for bamboo?? There is a whole street in the old quarter that sells nothing but bamboo........................

Anyone want to guess when this cinema last opened its door to the public???.............................

Coffee culture is rife in Vietnam. Everywhere you go, they are coffee shops. Just one of the many things i love about Vietnam.......................

Anyone fancy a bag of crisps with their coffee?..........................................

Anyone want to stay here? Even though this open is actually open to the paying public, i must of seen around 30-40 very high ranking officers in the lobby of this hotel, and i would guess that around 75% of guests are Army men.....................................

It seems in Hanoi, that ever man and his dog is either taking photos or are part of some kind of photoshoot, they are everywhere......................................

These boys sure know how to do the goose step........................................

The one pillar pagoda..........................................

This would be the entrance way to Uncle Ho's house, but it was closed today...............................

[firth1974 2,656]

Now onto The West lake in Hanoi. This is one very large fresh water lake just to the north of the Old Quarter. Its very nice around here, and its also home to the Tran Quoc Pagoda, from the 6th Century.......................................

The West Lake is also the site of where (the current senator) John McCain was shot down and apprehended. There is currently a stature on the site of his shoot down...............................

Tran Quoc Island and Pagoda.......................................................

This is the "island" of Truc Bach/Nga Xa, anda absolute hidden gem filled with some of the best Pho restaurants you will find anywhere in Vietnam. I was told to come here by the owner of my hotel, as she said it does great food, and she certainly wasn't wrong about that. Highly reccomend you take time out of your visit and find this island, you wont be disappointed with the food.......................................

Quality food and beer here...........................................

This is the particular restaurant i was told to check out...................................

[firth1974 2,656]

Not entirely sure what they are doing here. Grounding down rice i believe. Maybe someone else knows what is going on here...................................

Great coffee and fantastic cake in the coffee shop........................................

Has anyone tried this yet??......................................................

Everything has a use, even if its second hand scrap metal, im sure something good will come out of it..........................................

[Bob Belzy 150]

The rice grinding is to produce rice flour (as opposed to wheat flour) and used in cooking like any other flour. As its gluten free, its also a good alternative for westerners with gluten tolerance problems.

[gus in cebu 37]

Fantasic pics mate, thanks for sharing ..

 

Sent from my GT-P5210 using Tapatalk

[ozboy 31]

Great pics as usual Chris, i have to admit i love wandering the streets of the old quarter in hanoi.

[firth1974 2,656]

Great pics as usual Chris, i have to admit i love wandering the streets of the old quarter in hanoi.

 

Cheers Ted.

 

Hanoi is just such a fantastic place to visit. Spent more time exploring the Old Quarter on this trip, and i'm glad i did. Really loved the chilled out and relaxed night scene of just sitting there and watching the world go by.

[BigusDicus 9,434]

Excellent pics as usual.

 

Any feel for the availability of local female companionship?

[Cinali 8]

Great effort. Thanks