Perks on Earth

Ever since arriving to Vietnam after a long (but very comfortable) 30 hour journey, the country has welcomed us with open arms. In the past 5 days, I have experienced the authentic Vietnamese chaos which the capital boasts, and somehow been whisked to Halong Bay on the most luxurious boat I have ever seen. Not a bad start to the Vietnamese leg of the adventure, that’s for sure.

Welcome to the Beautiful Chaos of Hanoi

Arriving into the capital in the evening, we were immediately immersed in the rush that is Hanoi. The beeping hustling streets carried us to our hostel and injected our tired bodies with excited adrenaline – no time for rest in this city. After a quick dinner with Beckett and Angus (and me falling into a drain – typical unfortunate Ella) the time finally arrived to greet the beautiful India, straight off the plane from Sydney. The final piece to our puzzle, all loved ones had been reunited over the last two months, and it was time to explore.

Hanoi is home to over 5 million residents, and it’s not hard to tell. The streets are a gushing river of walkers, bicycles, motet bikes and buses, a constant serenade of horns beeping. As a country bumpkin, I am often overwhelmed in big city’s, but Hanoi has me hooked in one evening. The chaos was not scary, it was exhilarating and exciting. In every doorway, window, and alley, lives are being lived. Preparing food, moving furniture, tending to their children, the Vietnamese people of Hanoi reflect the business of their city, smiling and waving when you catch their eye.

We started our day off at Hidden Gem Cafe, led by India and keen to try the Coffee Vietnam is so well known for. It did not disappoint. Even the egg coffee (made from whipped egg yolk and condensed milk over a strong coffee shot) was absolutely delicious, despite my reservations of pairing egg and coffee. It tasted almost like a dessert, warm meringue with coffee. Yes, I did go back for another after! Exploring the bustling streets of Hanoi we made our way to the famous Train Street, which has been closed down due to accidents, but hasn’t stopped the cafe owners smuggling tourists down the tracks into their cafes in between police visits. Enjoying more coffee, it was hilarious to see the street venders hurriedly removing outdoor chairs and tables, only to replace them quickly once the police passed. This was an event we also experienced on the busy beer street. As soon as police sirens approached, we were rushed and hustled in different directions by stressed bar staff to clear their furniture. Once the police had passed, we were kindly invited to return to the bars and resume our evenings. I would be lying if the interruptions were hugely entertaining, an added element of excitement to the evenings.

I have never been to Vietnam before, but Vietnamese food is one of my favorite at home – namely their rice noodle soup (pho) and their fresh spring rolls. In saying this, it will come as no surprise that there hasn’t been a day go by where I haven’t consumed a bubbling bowl of noodle soup, and I’m glad to say India shares the obsession! Eating mainly on the streets, where a bowl of veggie Pho is only €1, we have been squatting on tiny plastic chairs on the curb side, watching the busy life of Hanoi zip past. Eating on the streets has been a highlight for me, but MET Vietnamese and Vegetarian restaurant also deserves a mention, and a recommendation if you ever find yourself in this fabulous city. We spent our days wandering, eating, and drinking on the notorious ‘beer street’, where the name says it all. We also tracked down some Bia Hoi, or hose beer, which was a common tradition here in Hanoi till recent regulations. The beer, poured from a hose and sold at a cheap price, differs in taste and alcoholic percentage based on the day, and I think we got lucky, because it was delicious!

After three days in the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, five of us headed to Halong Bay, a highlight of many peoples trips here.

Halong Bay, the luxury begins

India somehow managed to get us onto an upgraded boat on Halong Bay, and before we knew it we were whisked away onto a cruise ship and sat down to a six course meal. I personally was a bit shocked by it all, a stark difference to the backpacker lifestyle I’ve been living for the past two months. Saying that, I didn’t for a minute let it pass me by, making the most of the amazing food, beautiful surroundings, organized activities and amazing staff. The company wasn’t too bad either. It was 24 hours to remember that’s for sure.

Halong Bay itself comprises of 1,969 limestone islands in the Bay. Meaning ‘place of the descending dragon’, legend tells of the bay being created as a great dragon plunged into the sea, thrashing its tail and churning up the rocks from beneath the waves. Sailing through the bay, it doesn’t take too much to imagine the scene, the islands jutting out of the waves in a beautiful abstract manner, no pattern to their unity. The Islands reminded me of Phang Nga bay, where Dara and I visited two months ago at the start of our trioip, but Halong had a vastness to it I have never seen before.

While on our little luxury getaway, we got to Kayak in the caves, make some spring rolls, wake up for morning jujitsu, do a little hike through the caves in the national park, and enjoy copious amounts of delicious food. The food was amazing. We enjoyed two 6 course meals, a buffet breakfast, and a brunch. When I look back on it, we probably spent half our time on board enjoying the food, and I have no regrets! Heading back to the port after such a relaxing and pampered 24 hours, I think we were all wishing we could stay on board longer, to really soak up the five star experience before jumping back in to hostel life, but the next adventure awaits!

Heading back to Hanoi we will begin our journey to another place I have long been dreaming of -Sa Pa, to experience the rural Northern Vietnamese culture and trek through the rice terraces. As we approach the last 4 weeks on the Asian part of our adventure, I am eager to drink in every moment, every detail of our days, these are all pinch-me experiences I will not be forgetting anytime soon! For now, goodbye to one of the most atmospheric and welcoming cities I have been lucky enough to visit. I dare not say I have favorites, but if I did, Hanoi might just steal the top spot.

Hanoi on my Canon