Vietnam Day 6

We arrived back in Hanoi at 4.30 am in the morning. Our guesthouse opened at 7am so we were literally stranded. No cafes were open and no one was in sight. We decided to sit by the nearby lake till 7 am.

Looks like the sun is rising behind the trees doesn't it? I thought so too. Its actually a lamp post.


By about 5.30 am, lots of old folks were walking around the lake, exercising and doing tai chi. It reminds me of China. Some men even brought weights.

Portable gym (sorry, bad pic quality)


Finally, the sun is up and we walked to the guesthouse to put down our luggage.


We then headed to the French prison. Locals who opposed the French regime were imprisoned here. I never really liked visiting prisons because I always get an eerie chill running up my spine.


This is the biggest and most modern building we have seen so far in Hanoi. Ironically, it is built on the prison grounds.


Temple of literature - dedicated to Confucius. In 1076, Vietnam's first university was established here to educate Vietnam's administrative and warriors class.


Names of scholars and their achievements are inscribed on these turtle stones.


Interestingly, Confucius is not just a teacher to these scholars but some locals believe that he is a god.


Local wet market.


We spent the afternoon doing last minute shopping before we caught our evening flight back to our respective countries.Vietnam is supposedly famous for its cheap silk. I bought two scarfs for myself. Here's a tip: a silk scarf usually cost about 8 US. Anything more and you have been ripped off.

Adios Vietnam =) Till we meet again. It was a memorable trip!


Videos

A typical taxi ride in Hanoi. Taxi drivers love their techno!


Riding a motorcycle on the dangerous roads of Hanoi


Watch the local girls play cards in Sapa. Ferocious!


Kiddies playing "lego" in Sapa. I love bullying them :P


Old folks exercising in Hanoi around the lake


Finally, I'm done with updating my Vietnam trip. Hong Kong up next =)