Cambodia & Vietnam Trip – Day 16
Had breakfast with Debbie & Marie, well Brendan and David did, and I sat at another table.
We hired two “Cyclos”, to take us to the Citadel. Then we hired a tour guide, to show us around and help explain the various things we see. It is definitely more Chinese, than the Hindu/ Khmer style we were seeing in Cambodia.
The Citadel composes of a city within a city, then the Forbidden City within that! It was very impressive, though it is a shame that much was destroyed during the Vietnam War. We could see bullet holes in some of the large bronze urns throughout the courtyard
Brendan, and I, had our photo’s taken, wearing imperial robes. They are very heavy, and with the heat, we were almost melting away. The pictures are not very flattering!
Imperial Citadel
<%image(20080803-image041.jpg|240|160|Courtyard of Ngo Mon, with the Thai Hoa Palace in the background)%>
Courtyard of Ngo Mon, with the Thai Hoa Palace in the background
<%image(20080803-image042.jpg|300|450| Giant Flag atop the Citadel, at night)%>
Giant Flag atop the Citadel, at night
– Ngo Mon. The main southern entrance to the city, built in 1833 by Minh Mang. The central door, and the bridge connecting to it, was reserved exclusively for the emperor. Climb up to the second floor for a nice view of the exquisite courtyard. The Ngo Mon Gate is the principle entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. The Emperor would address his officials and the people from the top of this gate.
– Thai Hoa Palace. The emperor’s coronation hall, where he would sit in state and receive foreign dignitaries.
– Forbidden Purple City. Directly behind Thai Hoa Palace, but it was almost entirely destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive and only the rather nondescript Mandarin Palaces on both sides remain.
“Cyclo’ed” back to the hotel, for a quick swim, before making our way to the airport.
Flight: Hue to Hanoi, Vietnam
2:40 PM-5:10 PM (Vietnam Airlines: VN24)
Hotel: Hoa Linh – Hanoi
35 Hang Bo Street, Hoan Kiem Dist – Hanoi – Vietnam
Tel: +84 (4) 824 3887 / 824 3886
Fax: +84 (4) 825 0034
12 June – 14 June
It’s only a 55 minute flight to Hanoi, and we arrived at 4pm (34degC). It was the first time we used a meter with a taxi, and it worker out dearer!
Arrived at the hotel, in the “Old Quarter”, and immediately wished I had booked the Army Hotel, which was a bit dearer, but had a pool. I was very disappointed with the hotel; our room is small, 2 x single beds pushed together. David has spoken with the manager, and we will get a bigger room tomorrow!
Hanoi’s Old Quarter of over a-thousand-year history, or 36 streets with each taking a different name after its product, remains one of Vietnam’s most lively and unusual places, where visitors can buy anything from precious stones to silk kimonos. Some of the specialized streets here include Hang Bac with a trip of snazzy jewellery shops or Hang Ngang with a row of clothing shops and tailors. Moreover, a stroll through this historic Old Quarter with a stop at Dong Xuan Market is highly recommended for visitors can get a good dose of Vietnamese culture and some insight into the country’s long history.
We went for a walk, to find somewhere to eat. Ended up down by the lake, and had tea at a restaurant on the waters edge. It is a bit expensive, though.
Hoan Kiem Lake, considered the most beautiful lake in Hanoi, is an enchanting body of water right in the heart of the city. Lying on a small island in this lake is Ngoc Son Temple (Jade Mountain) founded in the 18th century and dedicated to the Scholar Van Xuong, General Tran Hung Dao (who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century) and La To (patron saint of physicians). Ngoc Son Temple is reached via the red-painted, wooden bridge – The Huc (Rising Sun) constructed in 1885.
My first impression of Hanoi is that it is not as friendly, and is dirty. You just don’t want to know about the toilets at the restaurant!
Sleep in tomorrow, and then have another look around.
