Hanoi Nov07

Yong Lee Min writes - thanks to newbie Tai Keat Eam and past yongoer Wong Weng Hooi for this report.

Group in Sapa / Rice Terraces Sapa

My side of Sapa – Hanoi – Halong Bay (By Tai Keat Eam)

I don't travel all that often and I normally look for slightly different traveling experiences when I do, which is why I snapped up Master Wong's offer to join him to Vietnam on a Yongo trip. Most travel operators offer sightseeing, shopping, eating, entertainment, business or health, but with Yongo's reputation for non-commercialism, I hoped the niche for odd ball travelers like me might be satisfied.

One's memories of experiences much depends on how adventurous one's behaviour is. Unfortunately, I was not adventurous enough to risk what Thiem our Vietnamese guide called “eruption inside”, but this was my own entire fault. I talk of the myriad of tiny “benches” selling hawker food whose fare sometimes looked worrying, but often temptingly delicious. Nor did I take up the numerous offers of motorcycle taxis to tour the city of Hanoi , not even when some of them offered “bang bang” as a last resort in persuasion. But then I don't usually take up what I don't know (ahem, anyone knows what it is?)

I guess I am a little conservative stick in the mud after all. Still, the trip proved rich and rewarding in terms of experience – from the rustic dirt tracks of Sapa hills to the mad cacophony of Hanoi's traffic and on to the olive green glassy sea of Halong Bay. I hope our Vietnamese hosts got something rewarding in return too for all the trouble they take in opening their country up to demanding and self-interested foreign tourists like me and if they are still open, I think it is worthwhile to make a second and hopefully braver and more intimate repeat trip.

Cave in Halong Bay / Boat Cruise in Tan Coc

Nov 2007 – Sapa, Hanoi and Halong (Wong Weng Hooi)

I shared same behavior and feeling with Pipit Tai (that's what we use to call him) on the adventurous part. Guess it's the fear inside that prevent us from taking risk when we are in unfamiliar ground. This fear will gradually reduce when we get to travel more and also when we are with experienced traveler.

Highland Sapa has a lot to offer for those who love nature and cultural life style of ethnic minorities. A home stay in one of the many villages is highly recommended.

A river cruise on Tam Coc is another nice experience. The misty limestone islands as back drop is just simply picture perfect.

Ha Long bay is no doubt a very beautiful place. Relaxing on the deck of a Junk boat surrounded by small exotic islands, floating on calm green water, with blue sky and red orange setting sun is unforgettable. One may choose to star glazing at night with a cup of warm aromatic Vietnamese coffee or join the karaoke session at the restaurant. I'm afraid that this beautiful place is not sustainable with the current large numbers of boat operators. The pollution in the form of refuse and wastes that are dumped into this bay are quite evident. I can see plastic bags, bottles, wrappers and occasionally oil floating on the water surface.

Hanoi is a busting city and the historic Old Quarter near Hoan Kiem Lake is filled with tourist and travelers like us. One uniqueness of this narrow streets and allies of Old Quarter is that most shops on the same street sell the same merchandise. This makes your shopping so much easier. You want to buy shoes, go to shoe street, like wise you need bags look up at bag street. Crossing the streets of Hanoi requires real courage. You are advised to move at a constant pace and they will know how to weave around and avoid you. Any sudden move or stop can mean disaster. The Water Puppet show near Hoan Kiem Lake is recommended but you have to book your ticket early to avoid disappointment.

Hanoi Water Puppet Show / Halong Bay

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