A Beautiful Place Called Hanoi

Located by the Red River bank, Hanoi is the capital and the second largest city of Vietnam. Ever wonder what can you expect from this city? Well, if you want to know more, read on. And don’t forget to explore PYO Travel.com for exciting tour packages details, which can bring you to explore the beautiful Hanoi.

People have been wondering why I like Hanoi so much. Well, I find that the lifestyle there is very relaxing, peaceful and calm. When I was there, I could really keep my mind at ease and not thinking about all the hustle and bustle of my life in KL City... (at least for awhile!)

Here’s a list of what I liked about Hanoi :

1. One Pillar Pagoda

Being one of the most iconic temples in Vietnam, One Pillar Pagoda stands proudly on its pillar (as suggested by its name) in the heart of a lotus pond. The interesting part of this Buddhist temple is the story behind it. Once upon a time, the Emperor dreamt of receiving a son from bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara while seated on a lotus flower. Not long later, he married a peasant girl and was gifted a son. The Emperor then constructed this temple to be built. I would not know if this story (or legend) is real or not but it was really beautiful and the meaning behind it is so touching.

2. Temple of Literature Think Temple of Literature, think Confucius! Don’t be surprised if someone tells you that this Confucian temple is the first university in Vietnam. You can find names of scholars being crafted on the stone walls on top of big stone turtles being displayed there. I guess the turtles represent longevity.

3. Old Quarters

Haven for motorcyclists...

This is one of my favourite spots in Hanoi. Do include this in your "must-visit" list. This is where you can find various exciting things here; food, drinks, clothes, art pieces, handicrafts, souvenirs, traditional medicine, toys, bags, watches and the list goes on… You would be surprised with all sorts of things here every minute! And also don't leave your calculators at home... the best tool for bargaining!!!

4. Halong Bay & Sung Sot Cave

Cock Fighting Islet...

You will see a lot of this "floating convenient stores" around...

This is my favourite place of all! Halong Bay is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Frankly speaking, I have never been surrounded by so many beautiful rocks and isles in the middle of the sea before. Staying overnight in the middle of the sea gave me a new experience which I would never want to forget. Imagine lying down on the top deck of the junk, looking up to the sky with the bright moon glowing in the dark, sipping a glass of chilled red wine… Oh, what a great way to enjoy life!

When we were in Halong Bay, we also explored Sung Sot Cave and managed to see so many stalactites and stalagmites naturally formed into various shapes and sizes. By the end of our journey in the cave, upon reaching the exit of the cave, we saw the best view of Halong Bay ever!

5. Super Sweet Pineapples
There were so many mobile stalls moving about along every roads of Hanoi. If you happen to see one selling pineapples, wait no more! Stop them and buy some from them. The mini pineapples are super sweet that you would never regret munching the whole fruit in the public!

Couldn’t wait longer for my next trip there. Have you been to Hanoi before? Don’t hesitate to share your experience there with me. For those who have never been to Hanoi, click PYO Travel.com to start your wonderful journey to a beautiful place called Hanoi.