Established in 1889, Dong Xuan Market is Hanoi’s largest indoor market and is crammed to the rafters with a bewildering array of goods from fresh produce, plastic hair accessories and makeup to electronics and household appliances. Let’s explore just a small section of it below – the fabric floor! Being the daughter of an immenselyContinue reading “Fantastic fabrics”
Category Archives: Vietnam
Street scenes
You could spend years just roaming the back streets of the old quarter in Hanoi and never get bored of the amazing sights. From gorgeous bouquets to a caffine addict’s dream, fresh street food to all manner of dried meats, herbs and other delights. My love of markets has gone into overdrive and I amContinue reading “Street scenes”
Hoan Kiem Lake
One of the key features of Hanoi is Hoan Kiem Lake. A large body of water in the centre of the city with a small temple in the middle. Meaning Lake of the Returned Sword or Lake of the Restored Sword, it’s a fresh water lake in the historic centre of Hanoi. Near the northernContinue reading “Hoan Kiem Lake”
Hanoi hustle
Our last few hours of tranquillity in Nihn Bihn are spent exploring Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Behind us below is the temple dedicated to Đinh Tiên Hoàng that was constructed by local residents in order to honour Dinh Bo Linh, the first emperor of Vietnam. Then our last moments of calm areContinue reading “Hanoi hustle”
Back on two wheels
Having ridden more in a week than I have in the past 20 years it’s back in the saddle to enjoy some of the stunning scenery that Nihn Bihn has to offer. The incredible scenery starts literally outside our little hotel with towering green hills and placid ponds. So many shades of green to enjoyContinue reading “Back on two wheels”
Sampan rowing at Tam Coc
We’re up early and out in order to take a sampan trip along the meandering canals throughout the three tunnel grottoes that give the area its name -Tam Coc. We’re all set to enjoy the stunning landscape of mountains, canals, rice paddies and rural villages that makes up the National Natural Reserve zone known asContinue reading “Sampan rowing at Tam Coc”
Bich Dong pagoda
During our enforced no travel due to coronavirus period 🙁 I’m continuing to document last year’s amazing trip to Vietnam. Having ticked off Ha Long Bay we’ve headed to Nihn Bihn. It’s another early morning and we’re off to explore more of Nihn Bihn including Bich Dong pagoda. This beautiful pagoda was built by twoContinue reading “Bich Dong pagoda”
Lying Dragon mountain
Following our amazing trip to Ha Long Bay we’re heading straight into another trip, this time a private tour to Tam Coc – known as Ha Long on land. Check out this incredibly laden moped – complete with very breakable vases! An everyday sight in hectic Vietnam. Our first stop is to Lying Dragon mountain.Continue reading “Lying Dragon mountain”
Cat Ba and floating villages
We’re spending an evening in the Hung Long Harbour Hotel on Cat Ba Island which has a perfect view out over the bay. For thousands of years, Halong Bay has been populated by small local communities living on floating villages tucked away in between the dramatic karst landscapes. The bay is home to a severalContinue reading “Cat Ba and floating villages”
Kayaking again
We’re back in the tiny plastic boats again! The hubby is happy, I am having flashbacks to having to roll back into the kayak like a drunk walrus . . This time we’re exploring a few of the hidden little coves in the bay, like this one below. All in all it’s been an activeContinue reading “Kayaking again”