Ha Noi

I was on a short holiday to Ha Noi from 16th - 19th January 2009. Some escape from work, I guess. I missed the incident where my boss got scolded by the Director of one big hospital in KL. wow... but I felt a bit guilty, so after the holiday, I prepared all information needed for him to counter attack... haha let’s seranggggg!!!!

I've planned for this trip since last May. Well you know you have to book in advance for a cheap air tickets. Departure time was so early, makes me woke up at 3:00am and leave home by 3:45am... I drove to airport coz don’t want to bother my father or sister... but my father was a bit upset, he said, he can send me to airport at any time, just tell him... oohhh ok Abah, next time.

The flight was full of Vietnamese going back home for New Year. And they still using hand phone even though flight steward & stewardess already informing them so many times to switch it off. (Degil nak mampus). That was 3 hours flight. Reached Hanoi and driver (from the hotel) already waiting outside. Journey from Noi Bai International Airport to Ha Noi Old Quarters is about 30 minutes.

I’m staying at Democracy Hotel (http://www.democracyhotel.com/) located at the heart of Ha Noi's Old Quarter, it is a few steps walk to the famous Hoan Kiem lake, a beautiful architect and fascinating slice of centuries-old life in the Old Quarter of Ha Noi. Room rates only USD24 per night and inclusive of breakfast, but I suggest either you bring your cereal or had it outside.

Hoan Kiem Lake meaning "Lake of the Returned Sword" or "Lake of the Restored Sword", also known as Hồ Gươm - Sword Lake is a lake in the historical center of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. The lake is one of the major scenic spots in the city and serves as a focal point for its public life.

The Tortoise Tower (Thap Rua) standing on a small island near the center of lake is linked to the legend of emperor Le Loi whom handed a magic sword called Heaven's Will which brought him victory in his revolt against the Chinese Ming Dynasty back to the Golden Turtle God (Kim Qui) in the lake and hence gave it its present name (the lake was formerly known as "Luc Thuy" meaning "Green Water").

Another monument nearby, but I don't know what is it, coz I'm scared to climb up there.

Near the northern shore of the lake lies Jade Island on which the Ngoc Son Temple (Jade Mountain Temple) stands. The temple was erected in the 18th century. It honors the 13-century military leader Tran Hung Dao who distinguished himself in the fight against the Yuan Dynasty, Van Xuong, a scholar, and Nguyen Van Sieu, a Confucion master and famous writer in charge of repairs made to the temple in 1864.

Jade Island is connected to the shore by the wooden red-painted Huc Bridge (The Huc, meaning Morning Sunlight Bridge).

There, you can see one beautiful lady posed with the wooden red-painted Huc Bridge as the background.

Lý Thái Tổ ruled Vietnam as emperor for 19 years from 1009 to 1028 under the Ly Dynasty of which he was the founder.

Multiple restaurant in one building, the top one called The City View.

This is Ha long jetty, where all the boats parked and waiting for passengers. The tickets can be bought here or with the hotel. I bought it with the hotel and cost me USD 45 for one night at Ha long.

This is the Captain of Yen Ngoc boat and his assistant. Hopefully Captain would not get himself drunk and let the assistant handle the boat. We might entering China.

What a breathtaking, magnificent view of Ha long Bay.

It's mesmerizing!!!

We stop at one of the caves in Ha long called Dong Thien Cung.

Beautiful isn't it!

Sunset at Ha long...

Early morning at Ha Long bay...

My last night at Ha Noi, watching the trafic (the busiest & noisiest road I ever seen) from the balcony. You must have guts to cross the road, just walk, if you waited, you might get hit by the motorbikes.

I depart to Noi Bai Airport at about 4:45pm but because of the heavy traffic, I got caught in the jammed for more than an hour. I was so damn pissed with the taxi driver, he is a bit crazy, I tell him that I'm late, and are there any other roads to go out of the jammed, to go to the airport. He is just mumbling, takes me around and around (he don’t know the road) and fortunately he saw an airport taxi and decided to follow that taxi into another remote road to airport. My flight was 7:15pm and I reached airport at 6:15pm. And some more, the driver asks me money. I just take my luggage and make my way into the airport. I already paid USD15 with the hotel. After checked in, they announced flight will be delayed until 7:30pm.