Touching down in Hanoi brought me down to memory lane where I was being surrounded by aging buildings, erected on both sides of the road, with marks and scars left during the war period and motorcycles moving fast around the bustling city. I still remember the only things I saw before landing were big pieces of green lands. Padi fields and greeneries covered near the entire city of Hanoi. (Well, at least, the area around the airport was!)
Hanoi is a place rich with heritage and culture. Let’s explore the different angles of Hanoi!
Buildings
As an ex-French colonial, buildings here carry much French-influenced touches. For instance, you can see churches around which look quite similar to those in France. However, there are some other architectures which feature Chinese-influenced imprints and highlights on them as well. Temples are surrounded by dragons and phoenixes sculptures which highlighted the refined traditional Chinese touches! Also, you will see tall but thin houses scattered around the padi field area. These are houses of the farmers. I was told the taller they are, the richer the farmer.
As an ex-French colonial, buildings here carry much French-influenced touches. For instance, you can see churches around which look quite similar to those in France. However, there are some other architectures which feature Chinese-influenced imprints and highlights on them as well. Temples are surrounded by dragons and phoenixes sculptures which highlighted the refined traditional Chinese touches! Also, you will see tall but thin houses scattered around the padi field area. These are houses of the farmers. I was told the taller they are, the richer the farmer.
French-influenced architecture – St. Joseph Church
A lion statue in a templeFood
Food here is very much down-to-earth. It’s not hard to find fancy western food or Japanese food but the local delicacies here are very much cheaper and special. You can’t find them elsewhere. Don’t worry, it’s not hard to find fast food chain here too. I find that they are very good in preparing seafood dishes! Food here are quite similar to Chinese cooking. Maybe that’s why I find it easier to accept the food here. For dessert lovers, there are a lot of small bakery shops which sell delicious cakes and other types of bread. Small stalls which sell numerous kinds of snacks mushroom around upon sunset. Go ahead and try some tempting local savoury and delicacies. No regrets!
Food here is very much down-to-earth. It’s not hard to find fancy western food or Japanese food but the local delicacies here are very much cheaper and special. You can’t find them elsewhere. Don’t worry, it’s not hard to find fast food chain here too. I find that they are very good in preparing seafood dishes! Food here are quite similar to Chinese cooking. Maybe that’s why I find it easier to accept the food here. For dessert lovers, there are a lot of small bakery shops which sell delicious cakes and other types of bread. Small stalls which sell numerous kinds of snacks mushroom around upon sunset. Go ahead and try some tempting local savoury and delicacies. No regrets!
Vietnamese popiah – mixed vege and chicken meat wrapped in a thin slice of crepe
Sweet dessert soup with loads of mixed ingredients – louts seeds, longan, herbs and etc!
Fried crab
Artwork
It’s like a haven of artwork in Hanoi. You can simply pick one shop and you’ll be amazed by the defined and refined artistic display on the walls. I love their wood carving and my heart got captured by their paintings and fine thread art. There are even shops which feature their artists in the hall, working on their masterpieces on the spot. It’s like watching Picasso painting in real life! The ever famous water puppet dolls are also on popular demand. The cute little human-like dolls, made of wood, are very symbolic to Hanoi. Most tourists like to get one for themselves as souvenir. Why not?!
It’s like a haven of artwork in Hanoi. You can simply pick one shop and you’ll be amazed by the defined and refined artistic display on the walls. I love their wood carving and my heart got captured by their paintings and fine thread art. There are even shops which feature their artists in the hall, working on their masterpieces on the spot. It’s like watching Picasso painting in real life! The ever famous water puppet dolls are also on popular demand. The cute little human-like dolls, made of wood, are very symbolic to Hanoi. Most tourists like to get one for themselves as souvenir. Why not?!
Beautiful dolls in traditional Vietnamese costumes
Potteries
Water Puppets
Souvenirs anyone?!Hanoi, so calm and peaceful, it is definitely a place for relaxation. PYO Travel has it all for you. Enjoy the beautiful sight of Hanoi with PYO Travel’s meticulous packages.
Tuesday, 28 July 2009 1:36 am - dixonthum
