Vietnam Day 12: Hanoi

05/07/07

It was our last day in Vietnam and we will be doing last minute shopping. We proceeded to Dong Xuan Market which is cheaper than the usual shops outside.

Interior of the market

Bustling with people

Shoes Galore

Household items galore

Dong Xuan Market

Soft Toys galore

We bought a number of stuff like polo t-shirts, caps, coffee powder, etc. We were heading back towards our hostel when we heard some shouting outside a convenience store. An old woman was threatening to jump down the building while another woman was persuading not to do so. (Although we don't understand Vietnamese, we could roughly see what was happening) There was a lot of shouting and many people gathered to see the commotion.

Drama Unfolding

Luckily, the old woman was persuaded by her family member not to jump and was brought back inside the house.

Leaving the hostel (the hostel assistants were very helpful towards guests)

Back in Singapore, wearing a communist t-shirt

End of Vietnam trip

To conclude the Vietnam trip, it was definitely more physically challenging than any other trips (i'm sure Terence would concur) and i kind of like the physical aspect of it. I would rather trek out the mountain trails (if they are not too high of course) than sit on a cable car. What i didn't really enjoy was the cultural aspect of the trip. It is just my personal preference but i felt that the culture in Vietnam (other than Sapa) is quite similar to China with all the temples and their traditional designs which i have so often seen. The scenery in Vietnam was the highlight of the trip from the vast mountainous views in Sapa to the limestone grottoes and formations in the peaceful and scenic Ha Long Bay.