snapshots: hanoi

1st - 3rd February 2012

Hanoi, Vietnam

Arrived in Hanoi on the evening of the 31st after a mammoth coach journey from Laos. Moving from one capital to another allowed an interesting comparison to be made as hectic Hanoi contrasted greatly with the laid back atmosphere of Vientiane. Hanoi is a hive of activity and the bustling narrow streets of the old quarter (above) felt like obstacle courses as it was necessary to jump out of the way of speeding scooters and cut-throat tourist touts.  

The location of Hanoi.

The central areas of Hanoi are heavily populated allowing little room for development resulting in narrow buildings being built so more can be squeezed in. 

Another example of a typical row of narrow houses in Hanoi. 

One of the first things that struck me about the city was the sheer volume of scooters which populate the streets. Thousands upon thousands scurry about the city like ants all going about their daily business. As a result of this, crossing the streets can be time consuming and terrifying affairs. A confident and continuous walk  is essential as sudden movements  is a sure way to get run over. A dash of blind faith is also key.

The small Hoan Kiem Lake represents the heart and soul of Hanoi and nestles at the cities centre between the Old and French Quarters. The pavilion in the photograph is called the Tortoise tower. The reason being is that Hoan Kiem means 'Lake of the Restored Sword' and the legend goes that a heroic fifteenth-century Vietnamese hero named Le Loi had his sword swallowed by a golden tortoise which lived in the lake. Seems a bit silly that this Le Loi fella could defeat the savage Chinese Ming forces but couldn't stop a hungry turtle from munching his precious sword but there you go...

The famous red-lacquered Huc bridge that leads to the Den Ngoc Son temple. The tiny temple on the lake has a big stuffed turtle in one of it's side rooms but I didn't see a big sword sticking out of it's mouth so think they caught the wrong one.

Went to check out the Military museum which chronicles the American and French wars. We climbed up this tower that gave views over the surrounding area. Unfortunately the weather in Hanoi at this time of year is pretty chilly and constantly overcast meaning the views were limited. 

A selection of helicopters and tanks from the wars.

Numerous street stalls, like Laos, sold crunchy white baguettes. French invasion and all.

A cyclo driver looking for another client to take on a tour around the centre.

Street shave. No space is wasted.

The street stalls dish up delicious plates of crispy noodles and fried rice. The novelty little stools add to the communal atmosphere as everyone is hunched down together on the freezing streets.

The neo-gothic St Joseph's Cathedral was built in the 1880's and as you can see had a very Parisian Notre Dame feel to it.

Train tracks cutting through the centre of town.

The Vietnamese flag is proudly displayed everywhere you look.