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After an unusually long flight we arrived here in Hanoi, Vietnam
This very fascinating city has so much to see and do. After checking in to our hotel, as always we explored the city.
One of the first things we noticed is, one must have nerves of steel to drive here. There does not appear to be any road rules but if there are rules then no one is abiding by them. There are definitely many more motorcycles than cars and everyone must drive with their hand on their horns. For us, crossing the road was flirting with death. As for getting around we needed to walk on the side of the road as there was no place to walk on the sidewalks as they were crowded with parked motorcycles.
The main mode of transport is definitely motorcycles and bicycles. It is incredible what these resourceful people can fit on to a bicycle or motorbike, including a family of 4, ladders, baskets of flowers, fruits, vegetables – even move house.
Hanoi, with its population of 9 million people, is a very busy exciting city which does not appear to sleep. The architecture is unique and interesting with a combination of Vietnamese and European styles.
We walked to the end of our road to the lake, Westlake which has a variety of activities around it including large groups of men playing board games. You could tell it was a regular event.
Wandering around the city we saw so many interesting and different sights but nothing could prepare me for their power supply to the businesses and homes. I tried to capture this in my photos.
After a day of navigating the city by foot we became more confident crossing the roads and soon were walking around the local areas less stressed. And, we were able to open our eyes to cross the road.
Once you are outside the main part of Hanoi city there was very little traffic
There is so much to do and enjoy here in this vibrant city. More stories and photos to follow.
Props to you for your fortitude and sense of adventure. I certainly admire you 😊
Thanks Rae. It truly is a fascinating country. These people are so humble, gentle and polite. A really lovely experience
Wow that looks incredible. What a fascinating place. Enjoy your stay and keep safe.
Thanks for the awesome pics.xxx
Thanks Donna. It is so fabulous to be here. The program is excellent. Apart from our flights Tripadeal has done an amazing job
Hey Lyn Certainly smacks of India but ad few cows and buffalo and tuk tuks and you’ve got a replica of Delhi. nFascinating.
Hey Gail. There were tuktuks in the city. Buffalo and cows out of the city. Yes very fascinating
Thankyou for the informative blog. Would love to go there. Looks interesting and exciting. Fabulous pictures as always. 💋
It really is fabulous Leah. You must come here some day x
Lyn, how fabulous to see your photos of Hanoi. It hasn’t changed a bit since I was there. If you think Hanoi is bad you should go to Ho Chi Mihn. Double traffic and craziness. We actually liked Hanoi. There is a fabulous vegetarian restaurant, if I can remember where it is I will post it for you. Have a fabulous time. Hope you get to Halong Bay. Definitely worth an overnight stay. xxx Alana and John
Hi Alana. We are now in Hoi An. Arrived in Da Nang yesterday. Stunning. Went for overnight cruise on Halong Bay. Fabulous. Next stop Ho Chi Minh for 3 nights. All super xx
Hanoi is pretty bustling and vibrant while Hoi An is famed for quaintness and elegance. Don’t forget to try “Lẩu cá kèo” a sort of fish hot pot on Bà Huyện Thanh Quan street when you go to Ho Chi Minh city. Enjoyyyy!!! From a Vietnamese with love. :)
Thank you. We are loving Hoi An. Loved the old city and really enjoyed Da Nang
Wow Lyn, looks like you are really enjoying your stay in Vietnam. Enjoy the rest of your stay. Hopefully your flight home will not be so long. Stay safe on those busy streets!
Thanks Lyn. Vietnam just keeps getting better. We love Hoi An more than Hanoi. Da Nang is very beautiful. Flight home is also dreadful
The bikes and wiring remind me of what we saw in China. Just fascinating. Great photos!
Thanks Mary. We are loving Hoi An. It is calm and elegant and beautiful. Will write about it later
Wonderful – Know what you mean about traffic – Same in Penang. I thought – my God we’ll all be killed! Be safe and return home in one piece.
Thanks Kay. We are getting braver crossing the roads. Am now in Hoi An. Love it
Thanks for the look at Hanoi. For an American of my age, it’s still interesting to think of the city as a place for tourism. I hope to see it. Thanks for visiting Under Western Skies.
Yes Brad, I feel the same way. Parts of Vietnam were very beautiful to me. My highlight was Halong Bay and my favourite Hoi An. Thanks for your comment
Doesn’t Hanoi have the most fabulous atmosphere? Half crazy,half culture. It is my favorite Asian city with its blend of nationalities and colourful history. I can’t wait to return. Thanks for sharing. Your photos really nail the place! Mel
Yes, it is an amazing atmosphere. Definitely overwhelming for a first timer like me but it is interesting how quickly we adapt to the pace. Thanks for reading my blog and commenting. Lyn
My pleasure – thanks for sharing your insights.
Hanoi looks quite exceptional. I’m going to have to get there myself. Great photos and lovely post. Thanks Lyn xxx
Thanks Janet. It is very exceptional but much too busy and crowded for me. I really loved Hoi An and would like to return some day. I did write a small post on Hoi An, but there is more to come.
That’s great to know I will follow your advice when I get to that part of the world.
I visited Hanoi last year. What a wonderful and vibrant city!
It absolutely it. It is definitely a different world. Thanks for reading my blog and commenting. Lyn
Great Post! I’m visiting Hanoi this year and your post and photographs got me excited :D
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It is very interesting, exciting and different. Go with an open mind. Thanks for reading my blog Lyn