Loved Hectic Hanoi and Heavenly Halong Bay

After a quick two hour flight from Danang we landed in the capital city. Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is known for its centuries-old architecture and a rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences. At its heart is the chaotic Old Quarter, where the narrow streets are packed with tiny shops, offering all kinds of merchandise, services and food. 

Our First Meal In Hanoi - Broken Rice

We stayed in the Old Hanoi district filled with things to see and do. Our Boutique Allure Hotel was absolutely amazing. The location, services and staff made it even better than we could have imagined. Definitely recommend this lovely place which is around $80 per night including breakfast. 

Stunning Rooms

Great Boutique Hotel in Hanoi Old Town

That evening we decided to take a food tour using scouters. It was quite an adventure navigating through the busy and narrow streets. The highlight was a visit to the Train Street where we were mere inches away from the passenger train, travelling at full speed, while we were enjoying a beverage. We had the opportunity to try local street food out of small makeshift kitchens with standards we would never see in North America, but we survived and the food was outstanding. 

Eating at the same restaurant Obama and Bourdain were at together. 

Train Street a Minute before the Train Passed

Yummy Clams

Our Food Tour Group

Check out the spread!

The following morning, we scheduled a city tour and visited Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Museum of Vietnamese Culture and Temple of Literature. After all of that we enjoyed a lovely traditional lunch. (Yes we did all that in one morning!)

Hi Chi Minh’s Mausoleum 

Oldest Tree in Hanoi

Making grilled fish fresh rice paper rolls for lunch. 

Visiting the First University in Vietnam

The boys checking out common village housing at the Vietnamese Culture Museum. 

In the afternoon, we explored Hanoi in a traditional rickshaw style cycle which took us through the 36 ancient streets of the Old Quarter. We ended our afternoon by hanging out at a Sky-bar for the evening to watch the sunset. 

Our Coach Ride

Sky Bar Kind of Night

Halong Bay was our next destination and we were so excited to visit this UNESCO site. We would be travelling overnight on a beautiful cruise line, Paradise Elegance. To say it was beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe the views we saw. I felt like I was dreaming…. how did I end up here? It was truly one of the many moments I’ve felt so blessed to be travelling in Vietnam. 

Halong Bay

Stunning Views

Paradise Cruise had lots to offer, the service was above average and the accommodation beat any cruise I’ve been on before. The meals were plentiful and scrumptious, but it was just too much food we couldn’t decide what to eat. In 24 hours we did so much, it was a jam packed itinerary. We kayaked, visited a Pearl Farm on the bay, witnessed fishing for squid, enjoyed a hike and beach time on a tiny island, attended a Tai Chi Class and hiked the Sung Sot caves. I also learned some cool dancing moves from Philippine friends on the boat as we danced the night away. 

Our hike on a private island!

Happy Hour on the Boat

Princess Elegance Cruise Ship

Pearl Farm. Check out the oysters!

Carlos is done with the stairs!

Beach time on Halong Bay. 

Kayaking on the bay.

 

Into the caves we go! 

Dinning room on the 🚢 

As we left the boat with our tummies filled, and our hearts full we knew our time in Vietnam was coming to an end. We travelled back to Hanoi and decided to take in our last night, Karla style!

Road side chicken anyone?

Yes we stopped for a 30 mins foot massage 🤭 ($5)

Best Noodles at Bun Bo Nam Bo

Traditional Vietnamese Banh Mi

I designed a street food tour based on TikTok videos in search of the best Noodles, Banh Mi, one more visit to Train Street, Beer street for people watching, and dessert. Much to my groups delight 😉 we walked over 20,000 steps to hit all these spots. I can’t even begin to explain the chaos of Beer Street, pictures and videos can only capture so much. You have people, cars, scouters, venders all competing to make their way through the streets as observes sit on tiny stools enjoying dinner and/or drinks while watching this live show! Definitely my group thought I was crazy at the suggestion of stopping but it was an experience of a lifetime. 

Everyone trying to cross the street…on my!

Up close dining on Train Street

Cheers we survived sitting on beer street!

Can’t believe our 10 days have come to an end, we saw a lot, ate and drank but most importantly created memories that only dreams are made of…and that is priceless. 

Just another day of washing dishes here in Vietnam!

One of my favourite parts about Vietnam? The constant challenge of trying to cross the street without getting hit by a scooter!

I survived the traffic 😂

         Thailand is next…. First stop is Bangkok!  🇹🇭