Hanoi has been our least favourite place in Vietnam, but that's because I'm not too keen on cities and everywhere else has been so good. The overnight bus journey was very comfortable, except that they put an extra person on in the night and he set up camp in the aisle next to me! Also Graham had to tie himself in as his seatbelt did not work and the drive was very bumpy!
Yesterday we walked around the Hoam Kiem Lake, after finding a hotel, and saw some monuments. We went a bit crazy spending money, as we booked a couple of trips to Sapa and Halong Bay, and we bought a new camera. So, spent the rest of the day relaxing and getting our bearings. The traffic is crazy here - just as everywhere else. We are getting better at crossing the roads. No one stops for zebra crossings here or even at pedestrian crossings, but the motorbikes drive around you, whereas the cars just head straight for you. What is really annoying is the pavements. They fill them with motorbikes, tables and chairs, stalls, etc, so you have to walk on the road. And when you do get to walk on the pavement, motorbikes drive on there too and pull up in front of you as if you are in the wrong!
Today Graham went to find the B52 bomber which crashed into a lake. We then both went to a temple on the lake and then to the Hoa Lo prison, nicknamed the Hanoi Nilton during the Vietnam War. It was only about 30p to get in, quite small but interesting though. Mostly about how badly the French treat the Vietnamese, rather than about the holding of US soldiers.
So, we're taking the night train to Sapa with some friends, and have booked for a 3 day trek up there. $99 per person, so not bad for 1st class sleeper train there and back, one night in a hotel, one night homestay, our own guide and all meals. Will let you know if it really was value for money in the next blog!
Maggie x