Day 2

What a day! We had delicious breakfast at the hotel before leaving for a beautiful walk around The Old Quarter and the lake. It was a balmy 25 degrees and half of it was similar to last night with regards traffic and crowds, while the rest was a lot quieter and very relaxing. We stopped for a drink and delicious spring rolls. Back at the hotel we were met by our jeep driver, and Christina the guide. Our 4 1/2 hour tour was amazing and she was excellent. Now we were actually in the traffic! The tour started with an incredibly good lunch at a fascinating restaurant hidden down a back alley-spring rolls, noodles, bang mi and salt and egg coffees were all on the menu. We then headed off and the tour included the the French Quarter, the other Hanoi lakes, the opera house and government buildings, the Long Bien Bridge, the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and a walk around some local homes within very narrow alleyways. We also visited a local market selling pork, fish and fruit and vegetables of every variety. Live chickens. frogs, pigeons and fish were all on display. The highlight was the Train street. After being sat down with a drink and delicious donuts on tiny seats next to the tracks we awaited the arrival of the train along with many other tourists. Our strict instructions not to move were to be taken seriously as the train arrived and we continued to sit less than a metre from it. After recovering we were surrounded by locals from the street pedalling their wares. We continued on with the tour ending at 4 30 back at the hotel. After a break we headed off to Beer Street, a very busy tourist area full of bars. The atmosphere was great and we enjoyed people watching and the attentive service from the waitresses. We then sought out a taxi and after quite a long drive arrived at a restaurant recommended by Christina. The set menu was very interesting and mostly delicious ( not the pickled egg plants). It also included tofu, shrimps, crab soup, pork and steamed vegetables. After a very interesting day we were finally in bed by 10. Leaving here early in the morning for Halong Bay overnight cruise.Читать далее