The Ha Noi Tourist

I arrived in Hanoi last June 15, 2017. It was summer that time. I have been in Ho Chi Minh City before that's the main reason why I chose Hanoi because maybe I should try a different city this time. I decided to go here in Vietnam for work. I was actually planning to go to Japan but given the fact that I do not have experience in teaching I might as well practice it in Vietnam then maybe someday I'll teach in Japan or just go back in the Philippines to teach. And because I was a seasoned traveler, it was easy for me to plan going here little did I know that finding the job was a struggle. Anyway, looking for work is not really the main topic here but for you to know how to survive here in Hanoi and of course how to enjoy your stay here.

Vietnam is known for motorbikes. It is the main transportation here. Riding Grab bike became my easy way to get around the city. It was a little bit scary but I am loving it. It's like my little adventure from time to time when I go to Hanoi. Of course, if I have a friend with me, we may use Grab car or Grab share instead. Oh for your information, there is also Uber. There are also buses that goes around Hanoi but you need to master the art of communicating with Vietnamese (because you'll know the main reason why I am here) or at least, know the bus number and where to drop off. 

Madhel, my friend, and I stayed in this area called Old Quarter. It was 3 weeks when I stayed in this place. You will see a lot of old houses. I just could not stop myself taking pictures of each house as I love the beauty of ancestral houses. The architectures are amazing. I could not compare it to Jonker Street's houses in Melacca, Vigan's Calle Crisologo's, not even Petain Road Terraces Houses in Singapore (and a lot more) as they do have their own exuding beauty. Old houses became a trademark of one place or country that you will not find in another place. The fading yellowish colour plus the stores/ restaurants/ businesses on the first floor it can only be found in Vietnam. 

 
While Madhel and I were looking for a job and since we stayed in a backpacker's hostel. We could not help but to be friends with a lot of people not to mention different nationalities. So when we met Hui, who is a backpacker from Nah Trang (south of Vietnam) and Keo, an American, who's ancestors are from Laos, we got along real quick that we decided to walk around and have Hui guide us in Hanoi's famous sites. He did good during the entire trip regardless if he is from the south. 

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum 

Address:  25 Hùng Vương, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

As I have mentioned, Grab is famous here in Viet Nam. So Keo, Hui, Madhs and I went to the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh by Grabcar. 

Ho Chi Minh became the most powerful President of Vietnam that Saigon was named after him. He served the country a long time. This place is where his remains were buried. 

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Address : 9 Hoang Dieu, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

We passed by different gates and we found this gigantic fortress around the busy streets of  Ba Dinh area. I found it old which made me feel giddy because I love old walls and heritage places. We do not know what it was until I searched in the net. Oh well, if you are a traveler who just let anything comes on your way and you appreciate what is presented then you just google it afterwards. Much to my amazement I am already ticking one of the UNESCOs from my list. 

I haven't been inside this citadel yet but when I have time to go back in Hanoi I promise to explore this place more. 

St. Joseph Cathedral 

Address : 40 Nhà Chung, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

I remember when I went in HCMC with my good friends, Irish and Joyce, one of the highlight of our walkathon tour was the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon. It became a trademark to me because of it's red brick color. In comparison to this church in Hoan Kiem, St Joseph's appeal is very ancient that it captured the hearts of a lot of tourists too. 

Remember that this country's main religion is Buddhism so, it's good thing for Catholics or Christians to visit this cathedral as there are only few churches in Viet Nam. It's a good way to give thanks to your wonderful travel. 

St. Joseph Cathedral

One Pillar Pagoda

Address : Chùa Một Cột, Đội Cấn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

So, while Keo, Hui, Madhel and I were walking we passed by this pagoda that is considered as one of the important Buddhist pagoda in Ha Noi. Be aware that when you go to this place, and would like to climb up the stairs to pray or ask for blessing you need to wear a long skirt or pants or at least bring something that could cover your legs. 

One Pillar Pagoda

Flag Tower of Ha Noi

Address : Lê Hồng Phong, Điện Bàn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

This hexagon tower is an important symbol of Ha Noi. It part of the citadel. 

Flag Tower

Lenin Park Flower Garden 

Address : 28A Điện Biên Phủ, Điện Bàn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

Facing the tower is Lenin Park. This is where you can sit and relax after a long walk. 

Lenin Park

Hoan Kiem Lake

The first time that we, Madhel and I arrived in Ha Noi we conquered Hoan Kiem lake. This lake is also called Sword Lake ( in English ) which is popularize by Turtle Pagoda, a tower at the middle of the lake. 

The Huc Bridge can also be seen in this area. It is the red colored bridge which I think is more beautiful at night. 

Turtle or Tortoise Tower

Huc Bridge

This area in Hanoi has been my comfort place. This is where diverse culture are mixed simply because this is where a lot of tourist go. There is more to Ha Noi that I will post next time do not worry because I've been here in Viet Nam for quite sometime and I've already made fun discoveries not just around Old Quarters but outside Ha Noi too that soon I will post here as soon as I find time to write again. So for anything that you would like to ask me, I am just a ping away.