NORTH VIETNAM IMPRESSION - Part 2: Hanoi in my eye December 8, 2008

Hanoi, capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, has emerged in the 21st century as a sophisticated, prosperous city, fueled by foreign investment and resurgence in tourism. But despite the overwhelming abundance of stylish coffee shops and designer jewelry, gift and clothing boutiques, the heart and soul of Hanoi is still the Old Quarter, with its lively alleyways selling everything from spices to gravestones.

My general impression is Hanoi is a physically easy city to encounter. The air is breathable, the noise bearable, the pollution minimal. The smell of baking bread, burning incense and fresh market produce permeates delightful alleyways, characterized by exotic Asian touches against a backdrop of French colonial splendors. Colorful shops, resplendent with silk, lanterns and lacquer ware are a dangerous temptation, while culinary delights beckon in every direction.

For an overall perspective of the Old Quarter, it’s advisable to start your shopping expedition on a cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) – the drivers will take you on a loop of the main sights, allowing you to get your bearings and plan your attack. This leisurely view of the city also allows fantastic photo opportunities, as well as being a fun introduction to Vietnamese culture.

Dominating the streetscape of Hanoi are charming French colonial facades, the legacy of a 100 years of French rule. Above the ground-level shops soar three or four storey apartments with elegant balconies decorated with iron lace, distressed paintwork, plantation shutters and overflowing greenery; while on a grander scale, there is the magnificent Opera House and the classical white exterior of the Metropole Hotel, the smartest historic hotel in the city.

However, it is a building of a very different architecture style that has become the symbol of this northern city. Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum is a severe and imposing monument in true Soviet tradition, bleak and grey, surrounded by a vast, empty square. This building, which houses the body of Vietnam’s most beloved leader, has become a symbol of the national struggle for freedom. Locals consider it a place of pilgrimage, and often line up for hours to view the embalmed body of the great ‘Uncle Ho’, lying under lights with his peaceful, patrician expression on display for all eternity.

Foreigners keen to pay their respects are privileged with a separate (and faster) entry line to the locals. There is a strict code of conduct for anyone entering the mausoleum – no shorts, mini-skirts, hats or singlet tops, no photography, no hands in pockets and definitely no talking. Guards in crisp white uniforms are quick to chastise anyone breaking these rules, and the continuous line of visitors is ushered quickly past the embalmed body, with no opportunity to linger over the rather macabre sight.

Ironically, it was Ho’s request that he be cremated on his death, in keeping with his simple lifestyle. Proof of this is just a short walk from the mausoleum, where his charming wooden stilt house is located in parklands overlooking a peaceful lake. Ho lived here during the 10 years preceding his death, and it has been preserved exactly how he left it – with books, typewriter and traditional Vietnamese artifacts scattered around, the austerity and tastefulness standing in marked contrast to his final resting place.

Another peaceful enclave in bustling city surrounds is the Temple of Literature, a Confucian temple dating back to 1070 AD. This was the country’s first university, a place of education for an elite minority lucky enough to be accepted into its hallowed halls. Students who achieved doctorates had their names displayed on 82 slabs set on the back of stone tortoises, which today are considered the most precious artifacts in the temple.

After a busy day shopping and sightseeing, there is no better way to recharge your batteries than in one of Hanoi’s fantastic restaurants and cafes. The culinary scene is varied, affordable and delectable, including traditional Vietnamese, French and international offerings. First-time visitors must try the Vietnamese staple, Pho (pronounced ‘fur’) – spicy, herby noodle soup, served freshly mixed with chilli and lemon – simply delicious!

If the exquisite gastronomy of Vietnam tantalizes your taste-buds, you may like to take the experience one step further at the Metropole Hotel’s Cooking School. A half-day course includes a visit to a local market to select fresh ingredients, followed by a cooking demonstration and lunch. Recipes include Vietnamese Spring Rolls, delicately wrapped in rice paper and served with fish sauce, chili and papaya; grilled chicken skewers wrapped in lemon leaves; and marinated pork grilled in bamboo. Satisfaction, a full stomach and a new zest for experimentation in the kitchen are guaranteed!

My overall impression on Hanoi is everything seems to be small and lovely. All programs offered by tour operators to Hanoi often last for half or one day, in my case was Vietnamholidaynow. This was easy and pleasant. I recommended that you should always spend some times for free – as so-called activity in ordinary tours - to get your own unique experience

(By Liz Mai – Yahoo ID: haiyen7585 / Skype: yen-mai/web: http://vietnamholidaynow.com)

Official Website: http://vietnamholidaynow.com