From
Ha Long Bay to Hanoi, our journey unfolded with anticipation (HCMH, Angkor Wat & Siem Reap), culminating in our
arrival in the bustling city by 8.00 pm. Dinner was in a local fast food joint,
known for its renowned Pho. However, as a vegetarian, I had to pass on the beef
Pho that seemed to delight my fellow travelers. Instead, I savored a different
dish, catered to meet the dietary preferences of myself and the other
vegetarians in our group. The Beef Pho received widespread praise, with many enthusiastically approving
of its flavor. For those Indians abstaining from beef, the Chicken Pho failed
to impress. After dinner, some opted for night shopping, while I chose to
unwind in my room before calling it a night.
The following morning brought an early
start as we gathered at the crack of dawn to join the snaking queue for entry
into the hallowed grounds of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Despite the biting cold
that sent shivers down my spine, the anticipation of what lay ahead kept me
warm. As we inched closer to the entrance, the stringent rules governing our
visit were laid out before us: no cameras, no phones, no bags, and absolute
silence once inside. With our belongings screened and our hands obediently at
our sides, we solemnly filed into the mausoleum, guided by the unyielding gaze
of the stone-faced guards stationed throughout the halls.
Inside, the atmosphere was hushed, with
the only sound being the soft footsteps of tourists to see Ho Chi Minh, lying
in state before them. The encounter was brief, lasting mere minutes, yet it
left an indelible mark on my memory. As I walked out of the mausoleum, I
couldn't help but ponder the significance of the experience. Was it truly the
revered leader himself lying before us, or merely a waxen effigy? The strict
protocols surrounding our visit left me with more questions than answers, yet
the opportunity to glimpse into this pivotal figure of Vietnamese history was
one I wouldn't soon forget.
Continuing our exploration, we headed to
the walking distance Ho Chi Minh Presidential Palace, a testament to the life
and legacy of the revered leader. Immersed in the artifacts and settings of Ho
Chi Minh's existence, from his humble living quarters to his iconic car, we
gained insights into his governance and the widespread admiration for his
leadership.
With the Presidential Palace behind us,
our sightseeing led us to the One-Pillar Pagoda, a marvel of Vietnamese
architecture. Amidst the bustling crowds, we ascended the narrow staircase to
the main altar, albeit amidst a chaotic atmosphere. Though the experience was
less serene than anticipated, the pagoda's symbolic significance as a beacon of
hope and health remained profound.
Our next stop, the Temple of Literature,
greeted us with a flurry of activity, as an event honoring education filled the
air with excitement. Dedicated to Confucius and honoring Vietnam's intellectual
elite, the temple offered a glimpse into the country's scholarly heritage.
Amidst the throngs of visitors, we paid our respects before swiftly moving on,
cherishing the cultural richness of our journey.
Up next was another lunch, marking our
third encounter of its kind - amidst a bustling buffet lunch scene, where buses
of tourists converged for a hearty meal. The food area was a hive of activity,
with some diners jostling impatiently in the queue while others hurried as if
afraid the dishes would disappear before their turn. Amidst the chaos of
back-to-back tables and chairs, navigating the dining area proved to be a
challenge.
Despite the frenetic atmosphere, the array
of dishes was a feast for the senses, offering limitless choices to tantalize
our taste buds. From savory delights to indulgent desserts, there was no
shortage of culinary delights to explore. Personally, I couldn't resist
sampling some of the new and unfamiliar Vietnamese desserts, indulging in these
sinful pleasures as part of my ongoing quest to savor new flavors and
experiences while traveling.
After lunch, we had four hours allocated
for shopping. While some eagerly explored the stalls on the streets, shopping
wasn't my priority. Instead, I joined two fellow travelers at a stall, where we
relaxed with coffee and lively conversation, biding our time until dinner and
our return to the hotel.
The next day marked the conclusion of our Vietnam and Cambodia tour which
started in the morning for sightseeing in Hoan Kiem Lake/Ngoc Son Temple. Like
a must-do if you are in Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake/Ngoc Son Temple is a historical
site due to the tortoise legendary story.
We crossed over to the other side of the
road to begin our rickshaw ride. Rickshaws were lined up, with two passengers
per vehicle, but I found myself alone before the ride through Hanoi's bustling
streets began. Maneuvering through the main roads, weaving between buses, cars,
motorbikes, and other vehicles, I initially felt nervous. However, my rickshaw
driver's skillful navigation quickly put me at ease. Despite the chaotic
traffic, I enjoyed the adventure, taking in the sights of roadside stalls, shops,
and bustling activity. The ride ended promptly, but to my surprise, the driver
demanded more than our agreed fare. It seemed to be an unspoken practice in
Hanoi and I found out others encountered the same as well.
After finishing our lunch, we headed to
the airport for our flight back home. When my husband asked about my trip, I
had plenty of amazing stories to share from Vietnam and Cambodia. But there
were some things on my mind - like whether we should tip our Malaysian guide,
especially since we'd already been charged a tip fee. Some travelers seemed
overly generous with tips, while others, like me, preferred to give from the
heart. Plus, our local guide wasn't very attentive, often missing when we
needed assistance. It made me think about the lessons we learn while traveling
in a tour group.
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