gdata.io.handleScriptLoaded({"version":"1.0","encoding":"UTF-8","feed":{"xmlns":"http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom","xmlns$openSearch":"http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/","xmlns$gd":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005","xmlns$georss":"http://www.georss.org/georss","xmlns$thr":"http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0","xmlns$blogger":"http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008","id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760548448812987226"},"updated":{"$t":"2023-11-27T06:18:23.189+08:00"},"category":[{"term":"credit card"},{"term":"Shifen"},{"term":"Kuala Lumpur"},{"term":"Clean Beach"},{"term":"ililikha artist village"},{"term":"Pinto Art Museum"},{"term":"Savings"},{"term":"Tiong Bahru"},{"term":"Mt. Pamitinan"},{"term":"Panay"},{"term":"La Union"},{"term":"Osaka Castle"},{"term":"gola"},{"term":"review"},{"term":"middle eastern"},{"term":"white water rafting"},{"term":"Brunch"},{"term":"Utopia"},{"term":"Camiguin"},{"term":"Patuxai"},{"term":"Supertree Grove"},{"term":"Mountain Province"},{"term":"hotel review"},{"term":"matcha"},{"term":"facebook"},{"term":"guest post"},{"term":"Punggol Waterway"},{"term":"The Face Suites"},{"term":"finn"},{"term":"The round table"},{"term":"Ananda Temple"},{"term":"Vins Santiago"},{"term":"Quezon City"},{"term":"life lately"},{"term":"overnight bus"},{"term":"The Peak Tram"},{"term":"Inle Lake"},{"term":"City of Smiles"},{"term":"Dreamland Arts \u0026 Crafts Cafe"},{"term":"Victoria Peak"},{"term":"anonas extension"},{"term":"Mekong Delta"},{"term":"Universal Studios"},{"term":"East Asia"},{"term":"Ngong Ping 360"},{"term":"Iloilo"},{"term":"Lego"},{"term":"Southeast Asia"},{"term":"1 dollar buffet"},{"term":"ilocos norte"},{"term":"traditional arts and ethnology centre"},{"term":"Rodriguez Rizal"},{"term":"white beach"},{"term":"Mae Sot"},{"term":"Capitol Park and Lagoon"},{"term":"Guimaras"},{"term":"finance"},{"term":"Maquinit Hot Spring"},{"term":"Laguna"},{"term":"Marina Bay Sands"},{"term":"The Venetian"},{"term":"Punggol"},{"term":"Taiwan"},{"term":"San Juan La Union"},{"term":"Sierra Madre"},{"term":"shabu shabu"},{"term":"Weekend getaway"},{"term":"SLR"},{"term":"THA Hotel"},{"term":"Xavierville"},{"term":"rustic box"},{"term":"Osaka"},{"term":"USJ"},{"term":"Lao"},{"term":"events"},{"term":"Yangon"},{"term":"The Porch"},{"term":"marikina"},{"term":"beach"},{"term":"alone time"},{"term":"Isla de Gigantes"},{"term":"Japan"},{"term":"baguio"},{"term":"around the metro"},{"term":"Haji Lane"},{"term":"Mt. Balagbag"},{"term":"Tea cupping"},{"term":"LASIK Surgery"},{"term":"eyeglasses"},{"term":"Gardens by the Bay"},{"term":"Island Hopping"},{"term":"sorsogon"},{"term":"Le Coq Bleu"},{"term":"Light Network"},{"term":"Coldplay"},{"term":"cagayan de oro"},{"term":"day trip"},{"term":"libis"},{"term":"discovery country suites"},{"term":"Roxas City"},{"term":"Luang Prabang"},{"term":"Nara Park"},{"term":"Singapore"},{"term":"Seminyak"},{"term":"Philippines"},{"term":"Cloud Forest"},{"term":"Gigantes Island"},{"term":"solo travel"},{"term":"Tomas Morato"},{"term":"hiking"},{"term":"Laos"},{"term":"Chiang Mai"},{"term":"four seasons hotpot city"},{"term":"Sagada"},{"term":"Aranyaprathet"},{"term":"Breakfast"},{"term":"Mt. Manalmon"},{"term":"Old Quarter"},{"term":"blogging"},{"term":"BGC"},{"term":"travel"},{"term":"Malaysia"},{"term":"takami"},{"term":"Flower Dome"},{"term":"hot air balloon fiesta"},{"term":"Giant Ibis"},{"term":"travel journal"},{"term":"Baler"},{"term":"Stuff I'm liking lately"},{"term":"packing tips and tricks"},{"term":"Mandalay"},{"term":"Arashiyama Bamboo Forest"},{"term":"The ruins"},{"term":"mystery manila"},{"term":"serviced apartment"},{"term":"Cold Weather"},{"term":"maginhawa"},{"term":"concert"},{"term":"highlights"},{"term":"border crossing"},{"term":"Balagbag"},{"term":"Angkor Wat"},{"term":"lifestyle"},{"term":"Canon EOS M3"},{"term":"cash"},{"term":"bicol"},{"term":"Temple of the Emerald Buddha"},{"term":"The Yard Review"},{"term":"Tierra de Lago"},{"term":"Brick Burger"},{"term":"bencab museum"},{"term":"dream catcher"},{"term":"manila eats"},{"term":"Crosswinds"},{"term":"Quezon Memorial Circle"},{"term":"climb"},{"term":"Cafe Isabel"},{"term":"Upside Down Museum"},{"term":"Hong Kong Disneyland"},{"term":"Alms Giving Ceremony"},{"term":"Marlboro Hill"},{"term":"Thailand"},{"term":"Platinum Suites"},{"term":"Long neck women"},{"term":"Universal Studios Singapore"},{"term":"Capiz"},{"term":"37th Manila International Book Fair"},{"term":"Rokko Snow Park"},{"term":"Dizon Ramos Museum"},{"term":"covid-19"},{"term":"mt"},{"term":"South East Asia"},{"term":"Batangas"},{"term":"Mandalay Royal Palace"},{"term":"Mandalay Hill"},{"term":"Indochina"},{"term":"Visayas"},{"term":"Backpacking"},{"term":"Passport"},{"term":"Vietnam"},{"term":"Shinagawa"},{"term":"burnham park"},{"term":"Fushimi Inari Taisha"},{"term":"Senado Square"},{"term":"home stay"},{"term":"Vientiane"},{"term":"Barefoot"},{"term":"Mango Pizza"},{"term":"Hong Kong"},{"term":"Amusement Park"},{"term":"Northern Mindanao"},{"term":"Rustic Mornings by Isabelo"},{"term":"Todai-Ji Temple"},{"term":"Kampong Glam"},{"term":"book launching"},{"term":"bonding"},{"term":"Cambodia"},{"term":"Bayon Temple"},{"term":"Holy week 2019"},{"term":"mt. binicayan"},{"term":"Dinagyang Festival"},{"term":"Negros Museum"},{"term":"pampanga"},{"term":"The Grand Palace"},{"term":"Siam Niramit"},{"term":"2016"},{"term":"Mangoes"},{"term":"Jiufen"},{"term":"Land tour"},{"term":"foodventure"},{"term":"Thai Food"},{"term":"staycation"},{"term":"board game cafe"},{"term":"random"},{"term":"smx convention"},{"term":"kapitolyo"},{"term":"introvert"},{"term":"Pha That Luang"},{"term":"The Yard"},{"term":"Umeda Sky Building"},{"term":"Bali"},{"term":"Batu caves"},{"term":"ayala museum"},{"term":"pasig"},{"term":"2015"},{"term":"Hillstation"},{"term":"Sule Pagoda"},{"term":"cafe by the ruins"},{"term":"travel diaries"},{"term":"Cara Cara Inn"},{"term":"Sompong Thai Cooking Class"},{"term":"Talisay City"},{"term":"Coron"},{"term":"Transformed: Mula sa Pagiging Transwoman"},{"term":"Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum"},{"term":"Indonesia"},{"term":"Art of Tea with CBTL"},{"term":"ilocos sur"},{"term":"Ho Chi Minh City"},{"term":"Manila International Book Fair"},{"term":"Ulun Danu Temple"},{"term":"Sta. Monica church"},{"term":"packing tips"},{"term":"Coffee bean and tea leaf"},{"term":"Zambales"},{"term":"Cooking Class"},{"term":"Kobe"},{"term":"Macau"},{"term":"san mateo hot and cold spring"},{"term":"Nara"},{"term":"Nankinmachi"},{"term":"Nasugbu"},{"term":"featured"},{"term":"Agoda"},{"term":"Museum"},{"term":"Pub Street"},{"term":"Marian Orchard"},{"term":"Deers"},{"term":"national parks in india"},{"term":"summer"},{"term":"anonas"},{"term":"hotpot"},{"term":"Shwezigon Pagoda"},{"term":"twitter"},{"term":"Crosswinds Resort Suites"},{"term":"Buddha Park"},{"term":"Manila Concert"},{"term":"Taipei"},{"term":"Tenryu-ji Temple"},{"term":"secret garden"},{"term":"travel misadventure"},{"term":"Sea Life Bangkok"},{"term":"Scam"},{"term":"shawarma"},{"term":"singlish cafe"},{"term":"Kyoto"},{"term":"dip n dough"},{"term":"personal"},{"term":"buried bodies"},{"term":"Coldplay Manila"},{"term":"Mt. Tapyas"},{"term":"it's more fun in the philippines"},{"term":"Pasay"},{"term":"Yehliu GeoPark"},{"term":"vigan"},{"term":"Eighteen Bistro"},{"term":"Tea Appreciation"},{"term":"Hanoi"},{"term":"tagaytay"},{"term":"Surf Shack"},{"term":"Yodobashi"},{"term":"Airbnb"},{"term":"2019"},{"term":"cafe"},{"term":"Siem Reap"},{"term":"Flotsam \u0026 Jetsam"},{"term":"Poipet"},{"term":"Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise"},{"term":"south"},{"term":"Old Bagan"},{"term":"camera"},{"term":"Wanagiri Gate"},{"term":"artsy"},{"term":"niku-q"},{"term":"Long weekend"},{"term":"Sunway Lagoon"},{"term":"Temple of Literature"},{"term":"Bagan"},{"term":"lilac"},{"term":"Kuthodaw Pagoda"},{"term":"snacks \u0026 ladders"},{"term":"Khao San Road"},{"term":"USS"},{"term":"Universal Studios Japan"},{"term":"awkward"},{"term":"instagram"},{"term":"adventure"},{"term":"epicure"},{"term":"bukidnon"},{"term":"St. Paul Ruins"},{"term":"game room"},{"term":"Lipa"},{"term":"Mercato Centrale"},{"term":"vacation"},{"term":"Twin day hike"},{"term":"Dinagyang 2017"},{"term":"Arab Lane"},{"term":"food"},{"term":"Travel 2019"},{"term":"Calea"},{"term":"White Island"},{"term":"sunnies specs"},{"term":"thoughts"},{"term":"Chinatown"},{"term":"Shwenandaw Monastery"},{"term":"food park"},{"term":"Palawan"},{"term":"2017"},{"term":"garden"},{"term":"Bangkok"},{"term":"OMF Literature"},{"term":"Bacolod"},{"term":"Places to go"},{"term":"Sky Terraces 428"},{"term":"photo"},{"term":"travel 2017"},{"term":"Myanmar"},{"term":"Negros Occidental"},{"term":"21 Restaurant"},{"term":"Marina Square"},{"term":"Kuang Si Falls"},{"term":"photo walk"},{"term":"burgers"},{"term":"Karaoke"},{"term":"88 hotspring resort"},{"term":"Baguio City"},{"term":"City tour"},{"term":"Ayutthaya"},{"term":"Ilocos"},{"term":"Namba"},{"term":"Travel 2018"},{"term":"Asia"},{"term":"Atumashi Temple"},{"term":"Talisayen cove"},{"term":"happy new year"},{"term":"Damnoen Saduak Floating Market"},{"term":"Kobe Chinatown"},{"term":"25th Birthday"},{"term":"Beach Trip"},{"term":"Vietnamese"},{"term":"Capones island"},{"term":"La Plancha"},{"term":"Shwedagon Pagoda"},{"term":"india"},{"term":"social media"},{"term":"squad"},{"term":"travel 2016"},{"term":"buffet"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Living in the Moment"},"subtitle":{"type":"html","$t":""},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https://www.blogger.com/feeds/3760548448812987226/posts/default/-/Vietnamese?alt\u003djson-in-script\u0026max-results\u003d6"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https://www.blogger.com/feeds/3760548448812987226/posts/default/-/Vietnamese?alt\u003djson-in-script\u0026max-results\u003d6"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http://www.maayalegaspi.com/search/label/Vietnamese"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Maaya Legaspi"},"uri":{"$t":"https://www.blogger.com/profile/10175924963575211047"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BjOMHg0AVmLcjpZy8qmbyHpgkPV4x4Q0ibrw3T2WG035M3C-LPhQaxlHgzbpRR2yKGPoJvWQ2gQNBv9HYgnKtPki7fFwSbKW7zU8zCn2kYWN8CUhjWNo9iCX6IHMgQ/s220/IMG_5916.JPG"}}],"generator":{"version":"7.00","uri":"https://www.blogger.com","$t":"Blogger"},"openSearch$totalResults":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"6"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3760548448812987226.post-5622828310300726424"},"published":{"$t":"2017-04-01T15:23:00.000+08:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-05-12T00:53:23.889+08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Backpacking"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Vietnamese"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Vietnam"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"featured"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Hanoi"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"South East Asia"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Old Quarter"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"travel"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"travel 2017"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Hanoi, Vietnam: Exploring the Old Quarter"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003cdiv dir\u003d\"ltr\" style\u003d\"text-align: left;\" trbidi\u003d\"on\"\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n \u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBfl0KiaYFM/WN89MOSRNiI/AAAAAAAAIUY/DKYsUUtjAXIA0ZuvWIU0t6AWtTPFkX-BQCLcB/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B27.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Living in the Moment - Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"426\" src\u003d\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBfl0KiaYFM/WN89MOSRNiI/AAAAAAAAIUY/DKYsUUtjAXIA0ZuvWIU0t6AWtTPFkX-BQCLcB/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B27.jpg\" title\u003d\"Living in the Moment - Hanoi, Vietnam\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003ci\u003e11:58AM local time of Hanoi, plane going back to Manila.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003ci\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n This trip was superb! In a sense that I experienced a lot of mishaps but at the same time had a lot of fun. I got to learn a lot. Like, really a L O T. And as much as it bores me to death going to museums and different history specific establishments, it pays to know where the nation has come from as it says a lot about where the country is today. I personally believe Vietnam is a great country and with great food too! (no brainer) And I don't mind eating lots of Pho for the rest my life if it means getting also to eat other Vietnamese food and a good Ca Phe Sua Da (Vietnamese coffee: black roasted coffee with condensed milk)\u003ca name\u003d'more'\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n Booked this trip last year and I'm doing backpacking again with my father! Yup, the last time we did this was when we visited different cities and towns in Thailand. (\u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.maayalegaspi.com/2016/01/thailand-2015-bangkok.html\" target\u003d\"_blank\"\u003eBangkok\u003c/a\u003e, \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.maayalegaspi.com/2016/02/thailand-2015-mae-sot.html\" target\u003d\"_blank\"\u003eMae Sot,\u003c/a\u003e \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.maayalegaspi.com/2016/03/thailand-2015-chiang-mai.html\" target\u003d\"_blank\"\u003eChiang Mai\u003c/a\u003e, \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.maayalegaspi.com/2016/04/thailand-2015-ayutthaya.html\" target\u003d\"_blank\"\u003eAyutthaya\u003c/a\u003e) And backpacking is no joke especially if you're a \u003ci\u003emaarte \u003c/i\u003eperson like me. Public toilets, guest houses where you don't even know if the toilet is working properly, and to top it all off? The limited money we have (budget travelling saves us wanderers as we are always broke. Lol!). To say the least, people only see what is in the picture, they think it is fancy. What they don't know is the story behind the picture, on what it took to get that amazing shot.\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n I usually travel on a budget. I mean, sometimes I am willing to pay for a good accommodation but for this trip, we just really have to budget as we already booked a ticket to Luang Prabang from Hanoi, which in my case is my first time to book a flight without promos or seat sale.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wVk02C92cEQ/WN893mRVSFI/AAAAAAAAIU8/lvam3m3vyRQ1gQKAGrDyJjwo2GZ3hdnqQCLcB/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B5.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"426\" src\u003d\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wVk02C92cEQ/WN893mRVSFI/AAAAAAAAIU8/lvam3m3vyRQ1gQKAGrDyJjwo2GZ3hdnqQCLcB/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B5.jpg\" title\u003d\"The streets of Hanoi\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eVendors selling different fruits\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ci\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n It wasn't part of the plan at first as I was considering the bus. It was obviously cheaper and well, it seems like it would be easy given that I had a lot of experiences on an overnight train and bus when we were in \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.maayalegaspi.com/search?q\u003dthailand\" target\u003d\"_blank\"\u003eThailand\u003c/a\u003e. But! Upon thorough research, it seems that it is not possible for us to take the bus as the land travel time is around 25-30 hours! Like hello?!!! That would mean a lot of wasted time inside a rectangular moving box with strangers all around you! Not mentioning that the bus doesn't have a toilet so for girls like me, it would be really a hassle to pee just anywhere the bus stops. I would probably dehydrate myself to death so just not to piss.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n So there. It isn't hard to budget travel around South East Asia as it is relatively cheaper compared to other countries. And Vietnam? One of the best yet cheapest cost of living you can encounter.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n We arrived in Hanoi at midnight of March 22. Noi Bai International Airport is quite far from the old quarter wherein if you will visit Hanoi, this is the center of everything. Attractions, cheap to high-end hotels, travel agencies, shopping area, bars, cafes, restos, everything. This is where you will most probably see Anthony Bourdain if he happens to be in Vietnam the same time as you are in Vietnam.\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n It has narrow streets but with bustling city life that comes from the different streets which have its own specialty. The street names even say something on what was offered on that particular street.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1M5sDV4P_LY/WN898k4TRHI/AAAAAAAAIVU/I7s-qtlClWE3hOR-Ju2ymlEtd1fraMdoQCEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B7.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"426\" src\u003d\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1M5sDV4P_LY/WN898k4TRHI/AAAAAAAAIVU/I7s-qtlClWE3hOR-Ju2ymlEtd1fraMdoQCEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B7.jpg\" title\u003d\"The fountain near Hoan Kiem Lake\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n Our airport offers airport transfer but I just learned it before we depart Manila. I still tried to email them but I didn't receive a reply upon landing Hanoi. So we took the cab going to our hotel. Thank God it didn't rip us off or pulled off any scam. I read that there a lot of taxi scams in Hanoi and it is best to always be vigilant! If you're traveling to Hanoi, it costs roughly around 300000 to 350000VND to travel from the airport to the old quarter. If it is more than that, ask the driver why is the meter going too fast.\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n As for the hotel, we booked a\u0026nbsp;2 night stay at\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href\u003d\"https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?cid\u003d1762335\u0026amp;pcs\u003d1\u0026amp;hid\u003d1414661\" target\u003d\"_blank\"\u003eHelios Legend Hotel\u003c/a\u003e. Thanks to my points also from my employer I got to use an Agoda voucher worth P3000. Hihi. The service was nice. Upon arrival, the lights are off and the hotel seems like closed from the outside. \u0026nbsp;But I think it is pretty normal to hotels in Vietnam as when we travel to Ho Chi Minh city last 2015, the hotel we stayed at also had its lights off when we arrived. Our arrival was also midnight so maybe they're just conserving energy? I don't mind though but they could just probably put an indicator outside or anywhere in the lobby that there's a staff inside.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_KaI6KrtyTI/WN88hyPTHaI/AAAAAAAAIVU/BxQDnO9F0zwWPj2UMO9BKQt6PAOfhM3TACEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B19.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"426\" src\u003d\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_KaI6KrtyTI/WN88hyPTHaI/AAAAAAAAIVU/BxQDnO9F0zwWPj2UMO9BKQt6PAOfhM3TACEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B19.jpg\" title\u003d\"Busy Crowd beside Hoan Kiem Lake\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n The one I booked was only a single twin bedroom but I think we just got upgraded as the room given to us was huge! It's not the one I booked. It even has its own living room. But the downside was it was reallyyyyyy~ noisy outside! Probably from a nearby bar or club. It went out after 3 AM though. But can you imagine? We're already tired from the flight and we still have to endure the noisiness coming outside.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n Come breakfast though, the staff asked us if our room was okay. Well, the room itself was nice but my father mentioned that it was really noisy and ta-daa! They gave us another room which was also nice! It was smaller but I liked the new room. The booking also comes with a free breakfast buffet so we didn't have any problems regarding breakfast. 🙂\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zq3sjkZZDew/WN898H-_ZNI/AAAAAAAAIVc/kif0Ot4_d1k0xz8zfbh6Nk7t1mkzQMg5ACEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B8.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"404\" src\u003d\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zq3sjkZZDew/WN898H-_ZNI/AAAAAAAAIVc/kif0Ot4_d1k0xz8zfbh6Nk7t1mkzQMg5ACEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B8.jpg\" title\u003d\"A street vendor hoping to sell Vietnamese dolls\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eStreet vendor selling Vietnamese dolls\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n This is now the exciting part, touring the city!! Our first stop for the day was \u003cb\u003eHoan Kiem Lake\u003c/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eNgoc Son Temple.\u003c/b\u003e Hoan Kiem Lake is the center of attraction in Hanoi. Almost every blog you will see includes Hoan Kiem Lake on the list of things to see in Hanoi as it is easy to see and you can't possibly miss it. Surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake is again, different shops and restos.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\nIf you're a fan of walking, then Old quarter is for you. Almost everything you can see here is just walking distance and you won't actually get bored walking as there are a lot to see! (And probably a little shopping on the side too! Hehe)\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003ci style\u003d\"background-color: white;\"\u003e\u003cspan style\u003d\"font-family: inherit;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCool tip:\u003c/b\u003e There's a free walking tour around the city. Just look for the tourist information near the Hoan Kiem Lake. Exact address is 28 Hang Dau St., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi. For more info, you can also email them at tourcenter-hanoi@vn-tourism.com.\u0026nbsp;They also have a bicycle tour which is free but the bicycle rent should be shouldered by you, of course.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003ci\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I1iNx-Vm1jE/WN8-GtoPHgI/AAAAAAAAIVU/m_gIdMLsMvM6fu_fwLkrFySjpbJVshPvgCEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B9.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"426\" src\u003d\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I1iNx-Vm1jE/WN8-GtoPHgI/AAAAAAAAIVU/m_gIdMLsMvM6fu_fwLkrFySjpbJVshPvgCEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B9.jpg\" title\u003d\"The Huc Bridge from afar\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eHuc bridge\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVy28t349MQ/WN87yAx9vRI/AAAAAAAAIVU/c_g1JUPp1L8uYl1JjJ5eeDAZKkg__-bdgCEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B10.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"426\" src\u003d\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVy28t349MQ/WN87yAx9vRI/AAAAAAAAIVU/c_g1JUPp1L8uYl1JjJ5eeDAZKkg__-bdgCEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B10.jpg\" title\u003d\"Tourist shot at Huc Bridge\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n There are many foreigners around. Probably because this is a famous destination for backpackers and travelers. Best to go here in Hoan Kiem Lake is early morning so it wouldn't be crowded yet. The lake was very peaceful. Ngoc Son temple is found at the center of the lake and there's a 20000VND entrance fee or P45. I must say, the entrance ticket is really affordable and reasonable.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n There's a spot in the temple where you can clearly see the Turtle Tower (Thap Rùa) on top of a small island, also found at the other side of the lake. The temple also houses many buddha statues wherein if you will ask me on how many temples and pagodas we saw during the whole duration of our trip, it was definitely A LOT.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand have its own interpretation of Buddhism. That when you visit all these places, you will certainly get used to it. But I must say, every temple is unique. And no matter how many you've seen for the day, you will sure turn your head when you see one again.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_zNSthoGMw8/WN88JdcVMiI/AAAAAAAAIVU/7tanQnbvE_QaIs3-XaUXts5NhxtbDnFSgCEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B13.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"426\" src\u003d\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_zNSthoGMw8/WN88JdcVMiI/AAAAAAAAIVU/7tanQnbvE_QaIs3-XaUXts5NhxtbDnFSgCEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B13.jpg\" title\u003d\"The entrance to Ngoc Son Temple\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eEntrance to Ngoc Son Temple\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-951JVqhiCVI/WN88NZmcHbI/AAAAAAAAIVU/CU1jtpOAwYU7h7mWzINVTlq2NAtjZHHXwCEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B15.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"426\" src\u003d\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-951JVqhiCVI/WN88NZmcHbI/AAAAAAAAIVU/CU1jtpOAwYU7h7mWzINVTlq2NAtjZHHXwCEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B15.jpg\" title\u003d\"Ngoc Son Temple\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gHOlx6NBfjs/WN88MGf0WlI/AAAAAAAAIVU/AgHLqjWN5HIZUjXKlHbUbh8mTdQuaHWqACEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B16.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"640\" src\u003d\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gHOlx6NBfjs/WN88MGf0WlI/AAAAAAAAIVU/AgHLqjWN5HIZUjXKlHbUbh8mTdQuaHWqACEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B16.jpg\" title\u003d\"Interiors inside Ngoc Son Temple\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n The Huc bridge is the one connecting the temple to the main road. So if you like watching people or just want to relax, then grab a Hanoi beer and sit beside the lake.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YSYXCGhyEn8/WN88ev4ZhbI/AAAAAAAAIVU/54MOoN75JcA8XLLGvl4259CQ3tYs8wuYwCEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B17.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"426\" src\u003d\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YSYXCGhyEn8/WN88ev4ZhbI/AAAAAAAAIVU/54MOoN75JcA8XLLGvl4259CQ3tYs8wuYwCEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B17.jpg\" title\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GnIrRSC-Uk8/WN87zocEsSI/AAAAAAAAIVU/Yfbk6xduxrwtzf2NzTO1ZWXx9OQaS-vKACEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B11.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"426\" src\u003d\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GnIrRSC-Uk8/WN87zocEsSI/AAAAAAAAIVU/Yfbk6xduxrwtzf2NzTO1ZWXx9OQaS-vKACEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B11.jpg\" title\u003d\"Tourist coming in and out of Ngoc Son Temple through the Huc bridge\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o3V1IJxx0u8/WN87--8mipI/AAAAAAAAIVU/-CjSPBNAn4wDcaU3lZJejJQ30X0UJuDDgCEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B14.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"394\" src\u003d\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o3V1IJxx0u8/WN87--8mipI/AAAAAAAAIVU/-CjSPBNAn4wDcaU3lZJejJQ30X0UJuDDgCEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B14.jpg\" title\u003d\"Ngoc Son Temple\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n Our next stop was the \u003cb\u003eHanoi Opera House\u003c/b\u003e. This building was famous for its exterior wherein it is similar to the buildings in Europe. And why wouldn't it? It was made during the French's colonization in Vietnam. Funny thing was we got lost finding this building and in the end, we weren't able to go inside as only the viewers of the shows can go inside. Perfectly fine though. I don't mind getting lost because it is part of traveling. And also, while getting lost, we found \u003cb\u003eNational Museum of Vietnamese History\u003c/b\u003e. And much to my surprise, Vietnam also has a long history!\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oWYcLsNqJGQ/WN89FOuuFEI/AAAAAAAAIVU/2rCE0SGC4Mon9jB4LgrM4stU2LfkFCgxwCEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B25.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"426\" src\u003d\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oWYcLsNqJGQ/WN89FOuuFEI/AAAAAAAAIVU/2rCE0SGC4Mon9jB4LgrM4stU2LfkFCgxwCEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B25.jpg\" title\u003d\"Hanoi Opera House\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eHanoi Opera House\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ci\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n We got into the museum at around 12 noon and well, staffs have lunch breaks too so the museum was closed and will open again at 1:30 PM. And since it was lunch time, we decided to eat lunch around the vicinity. I was looking for a Vietnamese food or at least a Vietnamese restaurant but I couldn't find any. There were Japanese resto, resto that offers steaks, coffee shops in this particular street but no Vietnamese food.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n Luckily, while browsing the menu in this particular steak restaurant, we happen to stumble with a Filipino waiter. He works for the Steak restaurant. He probably heard us speaking Filipino so he greeted us and led us to a good Vietnamese restaurant.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n This particular guy I'm talking about is working in Vietnam for a long time already. He even learned how to speak Vietnamese! After some greetings, he suggested a good Vietnamese restaurant where everything that is sold - from appetizer to dessert - is Vietnamese food. We hailed a cab and the guy talked to the driver on where to drop us. It was a smooth drive. Thanks to the guy, we arrived at a nice Vietnamese restaurant.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cHB4NkSeIog/WN88shc8dbI/AAAAAAAAIVU/UpHAWpwC3YoMJhy6lOJUeZ1AiJ1psGX8ACEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B21.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"552\" src\u003d\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cHB4NkSeIog/WN88shc8dbI/AAAAAAAAIVU/UpHAWpwC3YoMJhy6lOJUeZ1AiJ1psGX8ACEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B21.jpg\" title\u003d\"Post cards from Hanoi\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rICuLLxS7ps/WN883FgEo3I/AAAAAAAAIVU/2RsS8466OesBYcsfO6TmDcwaozGfer3igCEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B23.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"426\" src\u003d\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rICuLLxS7ps/WN883FgEo3I/AAAAAAAAIVU/2RsS8466OesBYcsfO6TmDcwaozGfer3igCEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B23.jpg\" title\u003d\"Lunch at Quan An Ngon\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n The driver dropped us at \u003cb\u003eQuán Ān Ngon\u003c/b\u003e restaurant. It was a busy one and has a lot of patronizers. Cabs come and go outside as people were going in and out of the restaurant. There was even a waiting list and lucky for us, since we're just 2, we were escorted to our table right away. The inside was like a mini food court with many stalls. The difference is, these stalls operate for one. The staff will give you the menu, you take your pick and tell it to the staff.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n The stall who is designated to make your food will then be notified of your order. So yeah, one stall is designated to probably cook pho, then one to make banh mi, and so on. I like the concept because while waiting for your food, you can watch these locals make your food. Cool, right? I recommend this place when you're in Hanoi. If you want to eat all your Vietnamese food cravings all in one place, then this place is where you will get it all. As for us, since we're a fan of soups, we ordered seafood hotpot.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n It comes with lots of vegetables, vermicelli noodles, different kinds of seafood, and the signature Vietnamese fish sauce with chilis. It was filling. Though we weren't able to finish the noodles as my father doesn't eat any type of carbs. Also, try their Hanoi beer. I think almost all South East Asian countries has a thing for beers.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0XbpRRFtBZk/WN89C4JgSvI/AAAAAAAAIVU/syDb7HDZ_Xov7MZ1XEN0MdXgOJ5PSWQwwCEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B24.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"426\" src\u003d\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0XbpRRFtBZk/WN89C4JgSvI/AAAAAAAAIVU/syDb7HDZ_Xov7MZ1XEN0MdXgOJ5PSWQwwCEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B24.jpg\" title\u003d\"National Museum of Vietnamese History\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xggWPcpxT4/WN88qyasqPI/AAAAAAAAIVU/mpu5fsQcgHclA90hJmEGA4VdytOXujbogCEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B2.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"480\" src\u003d\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xggWPcpxT4/WN88qyasqPI/AAAAAAAAIVU/mpu5fsQcgHclA90hJmEGA4VdytOXujbogCEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B2.jpg\" title\u003d\"The garden of National Museum of Vietnamese History\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n So after we stuffed ourselves. We went back to National Museum of Vietnamese History. As I was saying, I didn't know Vietnamese has a long history. I mean the only one I know is the Vietnam war I learned from when we visited Ho Chi Minh city. They have a specific museum just for Vietnam war and I remember being so sad reading the articles back then. Visit War Remnants Museum if you happen to be in Ho Chi Minh city (Sometimes also called Saigon), you will sure learn a lot!\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MMF_qwHioV8/WN8-LLZtmlI/AAAAAAAAIVU/2yObncSAovo4fkomdm3CFjae6yxGFpjtQCEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"480\" src\u003d\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MMF_qwHioV8/WN8-LLZtmlI/AAAAAAAAIVU/2yObncSAovo4fkomdm3CFjae6yxGFpjtQCEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam.jpg\" title\u003d\"Artifacts inside the museum\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eArtifacts inside the museum\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ci\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n National Museum of Vietnamese History mainly focuses on the different dynasties. It also showcases artifacts and well, just like any museum, it showcases how the Vietnamese lived back then. The museum has 2 floors so be prepared to be taken back in time. Entrance costs 40000VND it you want to use your professional cam, they will also charge you like 10000VND I guess? I can't remember the exact amount though.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n The museum also has a garden beside the building. You can sit there and relax for a bit if you're tired from all that walking. Took some photos and rested for awhile.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2_tou0KJEUM/WN89sY7nSjI/AAAAAAAAIVU/WeE34TG4N8geJsvuQm3oXm3xZ6-3Kt1gACEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B6.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"640\" src\u003d\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2_tou0KJEUM/WN89sY7nSjI/AAAAAAAAIVU/WeE34TG4N8geJsvuQm3oXm3xZ6-3Kt1gACEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B6.jpg\" title\u003d\"National Museum of Vietnamese History\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n Then after some time,\u0026nbsp;we walked back again to Hanoi Opera House and had coffee at Highlands coffee. Highlands coffee is a like a Starbucks here in Manila. It is almost everywhere! And did you know Highlands coffee is a Vietnamese coffee chain? Yup. It also started in Hanoi, Vietnam. This is also where my first interaction with Cà Phê Sua Dá is. The famous roasted black coffee with condensed milk.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n The place was cozy as it was outdoors. There are many types of seats to choose from in which I suppose are all comfy and cozy. What I liked in Highlands is they serve banh mi for only 19000VND!! That is like only P40 pesos. See how yummy and cheap can Vietnamese food be? That's why it's one of my favorite cuisines in the world.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BlGQH2RSYd8/WN883UIsFlI/AAAAAAAAIVU/LM4aEk7tpXwlOp8Jm_ulqCK6a7tLN4JRQCEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B22.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"426\" src\u003d\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BlGQH2RSYd8/WN883UIsFlI/AAAAAAAAIVU/LM4aEk7tpXwlOp8Jm_ulqCK6a7tLN4JRQCEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B22.jpg\" title\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n We rested there for awhile and took advantage of the free wifi. Coz you know, we need updates from the world wide web. Lol! And when it's already 4:30 or 5:00 pm, we went back to Hoan Kiem Lake to buy a Water Puppet Show ticket.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n This is actually my second time watching a water puppet show. The puppeteers make it look like the puppets are floating in the water while a band or an orchestra plays the instrument to create music. The band is also the one dubbing the puppets. It is mostly staged in Vietnamese. And I hope one day, I could see an English show too because it is a great presentation, only that we don't understand much of it because it is in Vietnamese.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upD0LF4SUaM/WN89VaApMyI/AAAAAAAAIVU/1h05jx6drGU85UvY0C2DH8pMYcx_qxtsgCEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B3.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"480\" src\u003d\"https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upD0LF4SUaM/WN89VaApMyI/AAAAAAAAIVU/1h05jx6drGU85UvY0C2DH8pMYcx_qxtsgCEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B3.jpg\" title\u003d\"Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rqm5-wTbVco/WN876JQL_TI/AAAAAAAAIVU/7ojONsKmGGIExVsk_0UjJMzqnfSSXL8TgCEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B12.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"480\" src\u003d\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rqm5-wTbVco/WN876JQL_TI/AAAAAAAAIVU/7ojONsKmGGIExVsk_0UjJMzqnfSSXL8TgCEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B12.jpg\" title\u003d\"The water puppet show\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n There are 14 acts in which it tells some Vietnamese folk tales while some showcases Vietnamese tradition. Water Puppet show is staged in different countries so it is quite exciting to see it in its root country. This one is must when you visit Vietnam.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NE0w_DwqYB8/WN89oapFX3I/AAAAAAAAIVU/icE_qywfLJQabbV5b2ZI62b8wwr23qDYACEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B4.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"480\" src\u003d\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NE0w_DwqYB8/WN89oapFX3I/AAAAAAAAIVU/icE_qywfLJQabbV5b2ZI62b8wwr23qDYACEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B4.jpg\" title\u003d\"The people behind the water puppet show\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eThe people behind the water puppet show\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ci\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n Before actually going inside the theater, since we still have an hour or so, we decided to visit St. Joseph's Cathedral. Also a walking distance and just on the other side of the lake.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n St. Joseph's Cathedral is the oldest Catholic church in Hanoi conducting mass for roughly around 4 million Catholics in the area. The church was established during the French colony so it is evident that it's exterior is somehow closely related to the churches in France. I think it is safe to say that the counterpart of this church in Ho Chi Minh city is the Notre dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon located just in front of the Saigon post office.\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HfPTuzJUB0k/WN89RDjwaCI/AAAAAAAAIVU/1luAvi-6SOY3xNw3YcOBX5G1TaG3A7XKgCEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B29.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"510\" src\u003d\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HfPTuzJUB0k/WN89RDjwaCI/AAAAAAAAIVU/1luAvi-6SOY3xNw3YcOBX5G1TaG3A7XKgCEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B29.jpg\" title\u003d\"St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rFP9gJtCImY/WN89Sq-tISI/AAAAAAAAIVU/Kt7aSCzRV4gbF7rk1tecjITfljBuXFcngCEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B28.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"426\" src\u003d\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rFP9gJtCImY/WN89Sq-tISI/AAAAAAAAIVU/Kt7aSCzRV4gbF7rk1tecjITfljBuXFcngCEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B28.jpg\" title\u003d\"St. Joseph's Cathedral Hanoi\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n There was actually a mass going on inside when we visited. There are crowds of people outside and there a lot of food stalls scattered in the area. We wanted to see the ceiling of the church but we didn't go inside as there are a lot of people attending the mass.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n When it's around almost 6PM, we went back to the Water Puppet theater and enjoyed the show. After the show, we went to see and take photos of the illuminated Hoan Kiem Lake and the Huc bridge. It's also beautiful at night time! And there are still people going in and out of Ngoc Son Temple. Just how many tourists does Hanoi cater? Hehe.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n And after a long day of walking and immersing ourselves with culture and history, off we go to have dinner then we went back to the hotel.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rYjbWONQ95I/WN8-iwDvKpI/AAAAAAAAIVU/NRWKedD02vM21YmXbliLA1k4S-OSCq2DgCEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B33.png\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"458\" src\u003d\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rYjbWONQ95I/WN8-iwDvKpI/AAAAAAAAIVU/NRWKedD02vM21YmXbliLA1k4S-OSCq2DgCEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B33.png\" title\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n You know what's fun in going to different places in a certain country? You get to compare the lifestyle of every people in each city. Most would say there are a lot to do in Saigon but food in Hanoi is yummier. As for me, I can't compare both as both gave me different experiences. From floating market in Mekong river to Cu Chi tunnels in Saigon. Then from old quarter to different temples scattered in Hanoi, there sure are a lot of things to do in Vietnam. If you're that adventurous there are also other cities and places you can visit in Vietnam that is so much worth your time such as \u003ci\u003eNha Trang, Sapa, Hue, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An\u003c/i\u003e.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n I don't think I'll be back any sooner but my love for Vietnamese food remains. Guys! I swear you should try eating authentic Vietnamese food. If you loved Thailand's pad thai and street food then you will most certainly love Vietnamese cuisine as well.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SnJcy7bCGIs/WN88tKu_3DI/AAAAAAAAIVU/mSCWBXEnz44LxkQrJDH9ctbV3fsZm-_UwCEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B20.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"348\" src\u003d\"https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SnJcy7bCGIs/WN88tKu_3DI/AAAAAAAAIVU/mSCWBXEnz44LxkQrJDH9ctbV3fsZm-_UwCEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B20.jpg\" title\u003d\"Ly Thai To statue\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n \u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003cb\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003cb\u003eSome tips before I end this post:\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003cb\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n \u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n 1. If someone told you there are a lot of cheap North Face, Kipling or other brands in Hanoi or particularly in the whole Vietnam, there is! But it is fake. If you're fine with that then go ahead splurge in bags as there are really a lot of vendors selling bags.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n 2. Which reminds me, haggle like there's no tomorrow. One time in Saigon's night market, I wanted to buy a dress wherein the vendor priced it at 400000VND. HELLO?! 1000 pesos for a maxi dress? No thanks, I'll just buy at Forever 21 or H\u0026amp;M. Again, these sellers think that travelers have loads of cash so they price you double or even triple! So what did I do? I gave her my price. 100000VND or I won't buy it. Then I was able to buy it. Lol!\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n 3. Again. The food. You can't simply leave Vietnam without having your Vietnamese food fix. Take advantage of it 'coz it's really cheap.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n 4. The coffee! Vietnam is one of the world's top coffee exporter so it only means they have good quality beans. And again, it is cheap here. Coffee lovers rejoice!\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n 5. Do not be a victim of any scams! Vietnam has all sorts of ways to rip you off. Be vigilant. I'll make a separate post about this.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n 6. If you plan to see both Ho Chi Minh city and Hanoi in one go, be reminded that land travel time is about 34 hours. If you have that much time then go. Otherwise, it is better to fly. (Source: \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.vietnam-railway.com/\"\u003ewww.vietnam-railway.com\u003c/a\u003e)\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n 7. Plan your itinerary carefully if you're crossing borders through your travels. Yes, Vietnam is close to Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos but you have to carefully plan out the travel time and mode of transportation you'll make. As I've said, backpacking ain't easy.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n 8. Ask for a map from your hotel! It would be a lot easier to roam around and go to different places if you have a map. And besides, old quarter is just a small place so you can navigate the places without having a hard time.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5XDj3UJR8C0/WN89EnS3_yI/AAAAAAAAIVU/O1UWBjtOc14JzgqAptSLy4uwQ-fZsr2qQCEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B26.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"426\" src\u003d\"https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5XDj3UJR8C0/WN89EnS3_yI/AAAAAAAAIVU/O1UWBjtOc14JzgqAptSLy4uwQ-fZsr2qQCEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B26.jpg\" title\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n Here's the \u003cb\u003eitinerary \u003c/b\u003eI created for our day 1 in Hanoi but of course it is just a guide, there are some places on the list that we didn't visit:\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n 7:00AM - 8:00AM: Wake up, get ready\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n 8:00AM - 9:00AM: Breakfast\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n 9:00AM - 12:00PM: City tour\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-tab-span\" style\u003d\"white-space: pre;\"\u003e \u003c/span\u003eHoam Kiem Lake: Entrance to temple: 30,000VND\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-tab-span\" style\u003d\"white-space: pre;\"\u003e \u003c/span\u003eHanoi Opera House: Walk or take cyclo (rate starts at 100,000VND for 1 hr)\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-tab-span\" style\u003d\"white-space: pre;\"\u003e \u003c/span\u003eSt. Joseph Cathedral\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-tab-span\" style\u003d\"white-space: pre;\"\u003e \u003c/span\u003eVietnamese Women's Museum (Entrance fee: 30,000VND)\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-tab-span\" style\u003d\"white-space: pre;\"\u003e \u003c/span\u003eOptional: National Museum of Vietnamese History\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-tab-span\" style\u003d\"white-space: pre;\"\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;Vietnam Museum of Revolution\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n 12:00PM - 1:30PM: Lunch at Old Quarter\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n 1:30PM - 5:00PM: Explore Old Quarter\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n 5:00PM - 6:00PM: Rest (cafe)\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n 6:30PM - 6:30PM: Go to Hanoi Water Puppet theatre\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n 6:30PM - 8:00PM: Hanoi Water Puppet Theatre: 100,000VND\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n 8:00PM - 9:00PM: Dinner\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n 9:00PM - 10:00PM: free time\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n \u003cspan class\u003d\"Apple-tab-span\" style\u003d\"white-space: pre;\"\u003e \u003c/span\u003eoptional: Lotte observation deck (entrance tix: 130,000VND)\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter style\u003d\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\n 10:00PM - onwards: hotel, sleep\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href\u003d\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E6IRdZb6k0o/WN89fArk1tI/AAAAAAAAIVU/-dHlpX_KG5guyRO6wrgr_YLUX4c_bx_1ACEw/s1600/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B31.jpg\" imageanchor\u003d\"1\" style\u003d\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt\u003d\"Old Quarter Hanoi, Vietnam\" border\u003d\"0\" height\u003d\"426\" src\u003d\"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E6IRdZb6k0o/WN89fArk1tI/AAAAAAAAIVU/-dHlpX_KG5guyRO6wrgr_YLUX4c_bx_1ACEw/s640/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B31.jpg\" title\u003d\"Hoan Kiem Lake at night\" width\u003d\"640\" /\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class\u003d\"separator\" style\u003d\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eThe illuminated Hoan Kiem Lake at night\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n \u003cspan style\u003d\"text-align: left;\"\u003eStay tuned for more blog posts about our Hanoi-Luang Prabang-Vientiane-Bangkok post. Until the next post, you may browse my blog for other travel inspirations. 🙂\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n \u003cspan style\u003d\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n If you liked this post, please feel free to share it with your friends! 😉\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\n\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n \u003c/center\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n \u003cimg src\u003d\"http://i65.tinypic.com/veyq90.jpg\" /\u003e\u003c/center\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https://www.maayalegaspi.com/feeds/5622828310300726424/comments/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.maayalegaspi.com/2017/04/hanoi-vietnam-exploring-old-quarter.html#comment-form","title":"23 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https://www.blogger.com/feeds/3760548448812987226/posts/default/5622828310300726424"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https://www.blogger.com/feeds/3760548448812987226/posts/default/5622828310300726424"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https://www.maayalegaspi.com/2017/04/hanoi-vietnam-exploring-old-quarter.html","title":"Hanoi, Vietnam: Exploring the Old Quarter"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Maaya Legaspi"},"uri":{"$t":"https://www.blogger.com/profile/10175924963575211047"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"32","src":"//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BjOMHg0AVmLcjpZy8qmbyHpgkPV4x4Q0ibrw3T2WG035M3C-LPhQaxlHgzbpRR2yKGPoJvWQ2gQNBv9HYgnKtPki7fFwSbKW7zU8zCn2kYWN8CUhjWNo9iCX6IHMgQ/s220/IMG_5916.JPG"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBfl0KiaYFM/WN89MOSRNiI/AAAAAAAAIUY/DKYsUUtjAXIA0ZuvWIU0t6AWtTPFkX-BQCLcB/s72-c/Living%2Bin%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B-%2BHanoi%252C%2BVietnam%2B27.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"23"},"georss$featurename":{"$t":"Hanoi, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam"},"georss$point":{"$t":"21.0277644 105.83415979999995"},"georss$box":{"$t":"20.968477399999998 105.75347879999995 21.0870514 105.91484079999995"}}]}});