So, we left Japan a week ago and arrived in a very warm (35 degrees) and humid Hanoi.
On arrival into Hanoi, we exchanged our remaining Yen into Dong, as the Japan foreign exchange wanted to charge a massive 25% commission!! To get to our hotel (Carillion Hotel) in the old city we took the 86 bus, costing 45,000 Dong each – equivalent to NZ$3.50 each.
Our first week in Vietnam is now over and we have left Hanoi behind. This was a relatively quiet week for us, as we have previously visited this city (approx 10 years ago). The city itself is as crazy as ever with motorbikes/scooters everywhere – including on the pavements. As always crossing the road is only for the brave, as you step off and walk at a steady pace, with the belief that the traffic will avoid us.
Despite that we still went to visit the Mausoleum to see the body of Ho Chi Minh, which I still believe looked better this time around that’s last – he has been embalmed for more than 50 years. Of course, no cameras are allowed in and you are mixing with school children and local Vietnamese who all want to visit their ‘Uncle Ho’. The time spent at Ho Lao prison was also a further reminder the 21 Vietnam war which only ended in 1975 – this location was where the American airforce POWs were held.
Other things we did, included Hoan Kiem Lake, the Thang Long Water Puppets, Hanoi Military Museum and St Jospehs Cathedral.
Of course, we also did some shopping – not only did Helena get some new Nikes, she also got some prescription sunglasses made up (in less than 2 hours).
