Stunning Vietnam and Cambodia!

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city of fascinating contrasts where the ancient meets the modern. It’s a vibrant, cultural hub and one of the most historic cities in Southeast Asia.

I met my guide and driver early in the morning and head for Hoan Kiem Lake to join groups of local people practicing tai chi and aerobics – a regular morning routine! After visiting Ngoc Son temple in the middle of the lake, we headed to a traditional café where we tried Vietnam’s local iced coffee, ca phe sua da, and the ‘egg coffee’. We continued to a street food stall for a delicious banh mi – a typical baguette sandwich filled in with a variety of ingredients. Afterwards we headed to Hanoi’s Old Quarter I saw some of the French colonial architecture of former times, including St. Joseph’s Cathedral – a French gothic building constructed in 1886. Next, we walked to the Hoa Lo Prison, where Vietnamese as well as American and French prisoners of war were once held. Then it’s on to the Huu Tiep Lake, better known as ‘B-52 lake’, where the wreckage of a US B-5 bomber can still be seen. At noon, we stopped to enjoy Hanoi’s traditional bun cha noodle dish, made with grilled pork and rice noodles. In the afternoon, we went to the Temple of Literature built in 1076, where Vietnam’s first university was established to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite – a fascinating glimpse into the country’s past. Last but not least, we headed to a street where the tracks of Hanoi’s railway pass only meters from the entrance to homes. Together with my guide, we walked along the tracks and took some beautiful photos of the city. We finished the day with a refreshing glass of draught beer at a local bia hoi spot – a chance to mingle with the locals. During the tour, I tried different street foods, so it is recommend to forget breakfast at your hotel.