Ha Noi, Vietnam



Ha Noi - November 2016

 The capital of Vietnam, and also its second largest city, is a fascinating blend of East and West, with Chinese influence from centuries of dominance.  Hanoi makes a fine capital. It has held that title for more than a thousand years, through several invasions, occupations, restorations, and name changes. 

The city is divided into 2 main "quarters" - Old & French Quarters...  Also a unique area around the top of Hoan Kiem Lake

                                          The Old Quarter

 Lots of narrow streets and hundreds and hundreds of small shops - most shops only about 15' wide


Traffic is unbelievable - people, cars, and thousands of motor bikes AND none of them obey the traffic laws (if there are any). When crossing the street you just walk out into the traffic and traffic will go around you!  Sort of scary the first time you try it.  But it works.....  
When crossing the street one travel guide said to look left, right, up, and down as you do not know where the bikes are coming from!










There are over 37 million motor bikes in Vietnam...



A mix of architecture and most interesting can be seen on the upper floors





  

Halong Bay

The bay consists of a dense cluster of some 1,600 [12] limestone monolithic islands each topped with thick jungle vegetation, rising spectacularly from the ocean. Several of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves. Hang Đầu Gỗ (Wooden stakes cave) is the largest grotto in the Hạ Long area.








   








Fishing Boats




Caves of Halong Bay









                                                                       French Quarter



Beautiful walkway around the lake..

Wedding Picture



Lunch time for the office workers


  A Bentley!  Not everyone is poor in Hanoi.........

                            

University Students


Opera House




Ho Ho Ho

Cheap Hotel Room


                                                            Street Band

WALKING STREET 

  On the weekend they shut down several main streets in the city.  Thousands of people take to the streets.  An area for the kids - a night market - street food -  music - really exciting and a fun place to be. 

Wow, your own Mercedes at 6 years old!

Who needs computer games?



Lakeside Restaurant


Bridge to island temple......



Famous Hanoi Water Puppet Show -green building


Water puppet theater









Selling gum late at night.  How old - who knows??


 Great French Bakeries - the French Bread is fantastic who can pass up a Ham and Cheese on a baguette?


And of course you have to have PHO the national dish of Vietnam!!  Broth - noodles - slices of either chicken or beef. Enjoying Pho cooked by the lady in blue at her street side restaurant.  A great lunch for $1.50





Dinner at the Red Bean Restaurant 



5 course meal with 3 cocktails for 2 = $30.00.  Even came with a complimentary orchid and after dinner drink...





 Yes, that is a  lady cutting and selling beef curb side!!

 I passed on the hamburgers.......



A great lunch of spring rolls and PHO

 
Hmm another Pho lunch



Another great lunch

High End Shopping Plaza
Yes, practicing putting out fire on sidewalk - Duh!


The infamous "Hanoi Hilton" where John McCain was held during the Vietnam War, except in Vietnam, it is known as the "American War"
 

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