24 Hours in Hanoi

Hanoi was last stop of our Vietnam travel and we had only 24 hours to explore this beautiful city before wrapping up .

Below are few of our experience and tips on what to do in Hanoi, if one has 24 hours

One of the choice is to stay in Old Quarter area which is the most busiest, oldest and vibrant locality situated in heart of Hanoi. There are plenty of affordable and yet clean accommodations available in old quarter.

If its Friday or Saturday you can visit night market. Nothing to worry if its not a weekend, as this place has got all you need. Local food , international cafes , clothing , bags and its all a walk away

If you are staying in Old Quarter locality then you won’t miss Hoan Kiem Lake , an iconic lake situated in the middle of Hanoi and minutes away from Old Quarter.

Do not miss the Vietnam coffee , trademark is it comes with personnel filter in each cup.  

Vietnam Coffee in Old Quarter

Eateries are not a problem in old quarter , From local delicacy to multinational cuisine are available. If you want to savor Indian food, suggestion is not to miss Namaste ( translates to welcome ) Vietnam

Our day started with early visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum , where Vietnam’s great freedom fighter Ho Chi Minh body is preserved till date. Amazing discipline and respect is maintained throughout the site

Next stop was “Temple of Literature” the first university of Vietnam , which will exhibit the importance of literature and studies shown in old age and introduction of Confucius the Chinese scholar.

Better to hire a guide who can help you to go around the museum and understand the history

 

Entrance to "Temple of Literature"

Confucius the Chinese scholar

Once students are graduated , as a symbol of respect they might celebrate
their graduation in Temple of Literature.
Initially we misunderstood for marriage celebrations :P

Vietnam traditional music played at the end of "Temple of Literature"

It was almost time to head back to the Hanoi Airport , wish we had more time to explore the city visit various war museums and lot of surprises city had to offer.

Even it was just 24 hours Hanoi left a lasting impression on us.

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Halong Bay - Photo Journey

Halong was one of the most awaited journey in Vietnam.

After enjoying the breathtaking caves and rifts at Ninh Binh province, we embarked on a four hour on road journey to reach an island called Tuan Chau in Halong city. Where all the cruise are docked and ready to sail.

Paradise Cruises lined up to start the journey

One can find enormous options to select a cruise for Halong Bay . We opted for Paradise Cruise hoping for the best. Later turned out to be one of the best and had an unforgettable awesome experience

So we are set to sail Halong ( translating to descending dragon ) bay , which is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Voyage started  - View from the front deck of the balcony 

Cruise Terrace 

There was not a moment where we wanted to stay inside , just standing in the balcony of the cruise and was always greeted by the picture perfect view of naturally formed limestone over the years.

Cruise docked for Cave visits

Visited a cave called “Sung Sot’ and then headed to a pearl factory hosted in between the bay , where you can see live demo of how pearls are extracted from Oysters

View from top of the Sung Sot Cave

Floating village - Life on waters

Its almost evening and time to anchor the cruise and experience the Solace in the midst of sea !!

Spectacular evening view , Memories still very fresh !!!!

Experiencing the tranquility 

Such views made the evening as best ever of the Vietnam stay 

Almost Dinner time :)

No words are enough to describe the early morning delight. Covered with mist, felt we were in a different world altogether.

Early Morning - Pure Bliss

Never wanted morning to end

Slowly mist gave way to mountains and neighboring cruise to be spotted

Had a relaxing Tai Chi session on terrace of the slow moving cruise before heading to our next pit stop.

Docked near tiny island called “TI TOP” . Named after a Russian pilot who was shot down here at the time of War.One needs to climb around 300 steps to get the helicopter view of Halong Bay

Ti Top Island 

cruises parked around the bay - View from the top of "Ti Top" island

"Not All those who WANDER are LOST" - T.R.R.Tolkien

Thanks for travelling virtually with me , hope you have enjoyed the photo journey.

Comments are feed backs are always welcome and do share the blog.

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Planning To Singapore?

Many times i get queries on what are the must see attractions in Singapore , days required etc.So thought of jotting down a comprehensive guide to visit Singapore based on days and priority of places to visit.

However one might have different view of order to visit the places based on their selections and preferences :)

Day 1 :

Visit nearby Metro Railway Station , check out the map and buy train tickets/pass ( As for each location going by taxi might not prove economic )

Get dressed as its time to visit the newest iconic place Marina Bay Sands ( MBS ). Start with Merlion then check out the mall & museum at MBS

Evening sunset view not to be missed from roof top of MBS

Almost 8:00 PM , time to enjoy some free laser show outside the mall.

Wanna enjoy the fragrance of money “Enter the Casino“ ( open 24*7 ) , yeah earn some extra before you spend as you are in one of the costliest city in Asia :). Did i mention its free entry for visitors

Marina Bay Sands Hotel

City view from Marina Bay Sands

Day 2 :

Start the day by an early visit to Sentosa , about 10 mins monorail journey from Singapore mainland. Another small Island hosted with lot of activities, beach and Aquarium will surely keep you busy till evening.

Next pit stop is China town to relax your muscles with foot reflexology.

Clarke Quay & Boat Quay just about 10 mins from China Town. Build exquisitely  for nightlife.

SEA Aquarium - Sentosa 

Day 3 :

Enjoy full throttle at Universal Studios - not to miss attraction.

Walk to length of Orchard Road , view some of the most famous brands and accessories  throughout  the walk. Never know you might find something interesting what you are looking for :)

Universal Studios

Universal Studios - Transformers Ride

 Universal Studios - Simulation of Old New York City

Day 4 :

Mall hopping and street shopping @ Bugis followed by a visit to Garden by the Bay , one of the latest attraction. Not to be missed for flower lovers and yes there is a waterfall inside !!

Give it a try for spicy yet delicious varities of Indian Cusine at Little India

Evening could be spent on Singapore Flyer to get an aerial view of the city in colorful lights.

Flower Show at the Gardens By the Bay

View of Gardens By the Bay from Marina Bay Sands

Singapore Flyer

Few days left , here you go :

Day 5 :

Time for theme parks. Zoo , Night Safari , Bird Park and River Safari. As per your preference

African Jungle Theme in Bird Park

Panda in River Safari

Day 6 :

Day trip to Pulau ubin - Ride bicycle through steep and slippery road between the woods

Check out below link for all you need to know about Pulau Ubin

http://ramblers-way.blogspot.sg/2013/09/riding-through-pulauubin-bicycle-is.html

Now its time for you to tell me if there are any places which needs to be in the must visit list and your experiences of visiting Singapore ?

Suggestions and feedback are welcome.

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