A Week in Vietnam: Part Three

Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer. – Unknown

HANOI & HA LONG BAY, VIETNAM

July 25 – 31, 2013

A few years ago I came across a friend’s photograph on Facebook. I typically take a quick look at photos in the news feed, sometimes I comment, but mostly I just move on down the feed. This particular photo entranced me. It awakened my desire to see and explore more than any other photo that I can remember. It was magical. It was breathtaking. It simply blew my mind. The photo was a scenic view of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. I knew from that moment I would have to travel there one day.

A majestic view from above Sung Sôt (Surprise Grotto)

Day Four

Leave Hanoi by van to Ha Long Bay
Over night Paradise Luxury Cruise with stops at Sung Sôt and Đảo Ti Tốp

From Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

By staying at the Hanoi Elegance Ruby, we were able to easily book our trip to Ha Long Bay. The hotel arranged our pick-up, held our bags overnight, discounted our stay since we were not staying one night out of our planned stay with them, and booked us a new (and even nicer) room for the evening when we returned. Amazing service.

After looking at several options, we choose to book our overnight cruise to Ha Long Bay through Paradise Cruises. This company was one of the few that had spacious rooms with balconies as an option. We booked and were very happy with our room. The energy on the boat was quite low from most passengers. This did put a bit of a damper on our stay since we like to eat, drink and be merry. We still did…just by ourselves! Towards midnight, we heard a boat that appeared to be having way more fun – great music, cheering and excitement echoed from their boat. Ours was quiet and dim by that time. So warning – if you are looking for a party boat or want to socialize and meet new people, then you should try a different boat.

Enjoying everything there is to offer... — Enjoying everything there is to offer…

FYI, there's no shop for miscellaneous items on the boat... We were hanging out on our balcony when we heard voices down below. We looked down and saw a small raft approaching with goods for purchase. These ladies had everything from chips, candy bars, water, fresh coconuts and more. We turned them away as we didn't expect we would need anything. A few minutes later another lady came by and it occurred to me that we might need a bottle of wine for the room. What are my chances? Sure enough, she had a bottle of Vietnamese wine for sale. Then I thought, is she going to throw it up to us? Then, how I am going to pay her? My thinking didn't last long...she had a net to make exchanges. Awesome! What's not so awesome...hot wine that has spoiled. Oh well! It was a fun purchase. — FYI, there’s no shop for miscellaneous items on the boat… We were hanging out on our balcony when we heard voices down below. We looked down and saw a small raft approaching with goods for purchase. These ladies had everything from chips, candy bars, water, fresh coconuts and more. We turned them away as we didn’t expect we would need anything. A few minutes later another lady came by and it occurred to me that we might need a bottle of wine for the room. What are my chances? Sure enough, she had a bottle of Vietnamese wine for sale. Then I thought, is she going to throw it up to us? Then, how I am going to pay her? My thinking didn’t last long…she had a net to make exchanges. Awesome! What’s not so awesome…hot wine that has spoiled. Oh well! It was a fun purchase.

As part of the cruise, the ship stops at several places to give you an option of hiking, kayaking, swimming or visiting a cave. Here we are at Dao Ti Top. We were able to climb to the highest for a scenic overlook and then hang out on the beach to relax. It rained when we were climbing but cleared up just as we were heading to the beach. — As part of the cruise, the ship stops at several places to give you an option of hiking, kayaking, swimming or visiting a cave. Here we are at Dao Ti Top. We were able to climb to the highest point for a scenic overlook and then hang out on the beach to relax. It rained when we were climbing but cleared up just as we were heading to the beach.

Ha Long Bay - Bay of the Descending Dragon; a UNESCO-declared World Heritage area — Ha Long Bay – Bay of the Descending Dragon; a UNESCO-declared World Heritage area

Day Five

Return to Hanoi from Ha Long Bay
Dong Xuan Market
Dinner at Pho 10

After a wonderful night of dining, gazing at the stars, playing games on our balcony, we slept like babies. The next morning our boat headed back to the port where our van was waiting to take us back to Hanoi. My last thoughts on Ha Long Bay…simply majestic!

Our return trip took a few hours. Along the way we planned out how we wanted to spend our last night in Vietnam. There was one restaurant we had yet to try…but we had one very important stop to make before dinner. After learning how to make traditional northern-style pho, we knew we would want to recreate it at home. That meant we needed the secret ingredient since we were told it would be quite difficult to find it in the states…back to the market we went!

Sa sung; dried sea worms for pho from Dong Xuan market. They add a wonderful savory sweetness to the broth...all natural umami! — Sa sung; dried sea worms for pho from Dong Xuan market. They add a wonderful savory sweetness to the broth…all natural umami!

Dinner at Pho 10

A wonderful friend bought me the book, Where Chef’s Eat – A Guide to Chefs’ Favorite Restaurants. I made a point to look up if there were any chef recommendations before heading to Hanoi. Sure enough, I found one! Pho 10 was recommended by Chef Neal Fraser as being a restaurant worthy of traveling out of your way to enjoy. He was right on point!

A must try in Hanoi! Delicious, inexpensive, packed with locals, and great service. Don't expect to hang out...this is an in and out stop. The servers are quick so that everyone can eat without a long wait. — A must try in Hanoi! Delicious, inexpensive, packed with locals, and great service. Don’t expect to hang out…this is an in and out stop. The servers are quick so that everyone can eat without a long wait.

Day six (really day seven but the first day was cut short) was spent eating a quick breakfast and heading to the airport. We were sad to leave as we could have used a little extra time to travel to other cities in Vietnam but we had other plans… off to Taiwan for a road trip with friends!

Verdict ~ Visit Vietnam! If you are in Hanoi, stay in the Old Quarter, be careful crossing the road, drink Vietnamese coffee like an addict, and take in the all the pleasures the city has to offer…great people, even better food, history, markets, street food, and more. Whether you are in Hanoi or another city in Vietnam – make it a point to travel to Ha Long Bay and be prepared to revel in the beauty our planet has to offer.

For more on this journey – check out Part One and Part Two

Traveling on an Empty Stomach

Infinite Possibilites of Adventure & Cuisine