Readme before you journey
Hello everyone, this is my first review post on Pantip. Please bear with me as my language may not be perfect. I apologize for any mistakes in advance.
Let's get straight to the point. This is my first time traveling abroad. "Vietnam is not as harsh as I thought." "I'll survive with some Thai and English."
"Vietnam," a country overflowing with charm.
Hanoi and Halong Bay, the captivating charm of northern Vietnam.
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When people talk about Vietnam, they often think of Ho Chi Minh City, the southern capital. But as a northerner, I prefer to travel to northern Vietnam. What's so great about the north? It's pure white.
Hanoi and Halong Bay: A 3-Day, 2-Night Getaway
This 3-day, 2-night trip to Hanoi and Halong Bay offers a relaxing escape with affordable costs. With a flight arriving in the morning and departing in the evening, you can enjoy a leisurely pace while experiencing the unique charm of Vietnam.
The low cost of living in Vietnam makes this trip even more appealing. The exchange rate is approximately 15 Thai Baht (THB) to 10,000 Vietnamese Dong (VND), making it comparable to prices in Thailand.
Hanoi's rich culture and distinctive architecture, featuring colonial-style houses, will captivate you. The city's vibrant atmosphere and historical landmarks offer a glimpse into Vietnam's fascinating past.
Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts stunning natural beauty with its emerald waters and towering limestone islands. A cruise through the bay allows you to explore hidden caves, secluded beaches, and picturesque fishing villages.
This trip provides a perfect blend of cultural immersion, natural wonders, and affordability, making it an ideal choice for a short getaway.
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Facebook, a long time, frequent travel.
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This trip, I flew with VietJet Air from Don Mueang International Airport to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. The flight time was approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. While the flight itself was short, the waiting time before boarding was quite long. On the plane, I tried to catch some sleep to conserve energy, but just as we were about to land, it started to rain. As you know, Vietnam is a country that experiences rain throughout the year.
We arrived at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam. The airport was large and quiet, perhaps because we arrived early. This trip was a leisurely one, so we decided to start at Ha Long Bay. The distance from the airport to Ha Long Bay is not far, only 170 kilometers, but the journey takes about 4-5 hours due to the strict speed limit of 80 km/h. The bus we were on drove slowly, allowing us to observe the culture through the windows. We saw houses, rice fields, industries, and more. I forgot to mention that this trip was a private group of 10 people, so we used a tour bus. The average cost for the entire trip was about 1,000 baht per person, which was worth it considering we used the service for 3 full days. However, if you want to travel on your own, there are public buses available, which take about 6 hours.
The picture does not show the exact car we were in, but it looks very similar.
As soon as we got on the bus, we fell asleep. We arrived at the Tuan Chau ferry terminal, which is located on a small island in Ha Long Bay. We quickly bought tickets to board the dragon-headed boat (I don't know its actual name, but it has a dragon head, so I'll call it that) to sail to the various islands. We had lunch on the boat, which consisted of fresh seafood. However, the seafood dipping sauce here wasn't as delicious as the one we have in Thailand. If you can, bring your own dipping sauce. I did my research and brought my own homemade seafood dipping sauce.
The boat driver will then stop for us to take pictures from various angles. There is also a photo service available here, where they will print the photos onto postcards. You are not obligated to buy them, but it's a good way to support them as the price is reasonable at 20 baht per card. You can keep them as souvenirs, as I usually take pictures but rarely print them onto postcards.
Hang Sung Sot: A Cave of Contrasts
The boat then docked at Hang Sung Sot, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cave requires a short, but invigorating, climb to reach its entrance. Inside, the cave is adorned with stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by various lights, creating a fantastical atmosphere. However, for those accustomed to the raw beauty of unadulterated caves, the artificial lighting might feel jarring. Personally, I prefer the unadorned splendor of nature, but the cave's illuminated beauty undeniably possesses a unique charm. After 30 minutes of exploration, we returned to the boat. Remember, folks, to keep your boat or the boat boy in sight, lest you board the wrong vessel upon departure.
We concluded our first day at Ha Long Bay and checked into a hotel near the market. Regrettably, I did not capture any photos. The hotel was a 3-star establishment, and there were a considerable number of similar hotels in the vicinity.
Day 2: Hanoi Bound
On the second day of our trip, we fueled up with a hearty breakfast, knowing we had a long 4-5 hour drive ahead of us to reach Hanoi. We dozed off in the car, only to wake up to lunchtime. Opting for familiar flavors, we decided to have Thai food in the city center. After all, Vietnamese cuisine had left our stomachs feeling a bit unsettled that morning. Interestingly, just as Thailand offers Vietnamese food, Vietnam also boasts a selection of Thai restaurants.
The first landmark we visited in Hanoi was the iconic Tran Quoc Pagoda. This revered site is said to be frequented by dignitaries and leaders. While I don't have the details readily available (still feeling a bit sleepy!), you can easily find its history through a quick Google search.
Point 2: Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake)
The highlight of this lake is the red wooden bridge (The Huc Bridge) that connects the road to a small island in the middle of the lake. On the island, there is a temple called Ngoc Son Temple. This temple and lake have a long and rich history. You can find more details by searching on Google.
Adjacent to Hoan Kiem Lake is the Hanoi 36 Old Streets, a historic shopping district in Hanoi. Visitors can stroll and shop at their leisure. The surrounding area of the lake is a public park where couples and tourists enjoy leisurely walks and activities.
When visiting Hanoi, don't miss the opportunity to witness the captivating water puppet show. This traditional art form offers a glimpse into the rich culture, unique identity, and historical tapestry of Hanoi's people.
The location is right next to Hoan Kiem Lake. Walk from 36th Street, keeping the lake on your left side. If you keep the lake on your right side, it's a huge detour.
In the evenings, you can find light snacks to fill your stomach. There is always food available in every alley and corner, especially Tom Yum Kung Shabu. It seems that people in Hanoi like to eat Thai food.
We decided to sit by the roadside, which offered a pleasant atmosphere. As we sat there, we were occasionally entertained by wandering artists who would showcase their talents, creating a lively ambiance and preventing us from feeling lonely as a group of two or three.
Good night. Day two was a good walk.
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On our last day before returning, we visited Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and Museum. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to enter, so we could only walk past. Please be aware that even taking photos in front of the mausoleum requires decorum. Otherwise, the guards in white uniforms will blow their whistles as a warning. It is also not allowed to stand in front of the mausoleum for too long. Please be respectful.
Translation:
Looking into the distance, we see Uncle Ho's stilt house, built of wood and resembling traditional Thai houses. Interestingly, records indicate that pomelos from Phetchabun were also planted here during Uncle Ho's stay in Phetchabun Province.
Surrounding Uncle Ho's house, there are displays of household items and souvenirs for sale in a bright yellow building. Take a leisurely stroll and rest when you're tired.
We then continued walking to the One Pillar Pagoda.
Single pillar pagoda. I took a picture from the front. If you want to see the single pillar, try walking to the back.
After leaving the One Pillar Pagoda, we walked back to the Ho Chi Minh Museum.
This museum showcases artifacts from the Ho Chi Minh era and the Vietnam War. There are so many exhibits that it would be impossible to photograph them all. You must experience history for yourself.
We could spend all day exploring here, but unfortunately, we have to return to Thailand this evening, so we'll have to hurry. Our final stop will be...
The Temple of Literature, also known as Van Mieu, is an ancient temple with a history spanning nearly a millennium. Built during the reign of King Ly Thai To, it was dedicated to the philosopher Confucius. In the past, it served as the first university in Vietnam. This information is accurate and not copied from Wikipedia.
Before heading back, we stopped by for another round of shopping after having a quick look around yesterday. On 36th Street, I must say that bargain hunters and hagglers must come here. The atmosphere may not be different from home, but for any brand-name goods made in Vietnam, buying them here would be a better deal than back home. They may not be authentic, but they are very similar.
"Vietnam," a country overflowing with charm.
Translation:
I apologize if the content and images are not to the liking of some readers. This is my first attempt, and I will continue to improve my skills.
I wish you all the best.
https://www.facebook.com/nanteawtee Facebook frequently visited, traveled often
Translation:
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See you on the next trip!
นาน เที่ยว ถี่
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 5:15 PM
