Hanoi: Food, Tips, Ideas, etc., from CNN

[TLCOhio]

From CNN, the cable news network, they had in the past week this headline: “More than pho: 5 dishes every Hanoi visitor needs to try”  with these highlights: “When former President Barack Obama traveled to Hanoi in 2016, he famously joined the late Anthony Bourdain for a meal of bun cha, a beloved local specialty made up of bits of marinated, charcoal-grilled pork patties and pork slices in a dipping sauce with rice noodles and herb garnishes.  And then of course there's the world-famous pho. Made with rice noodles, this beef noodle soup is a must-try on the streets of Hanoi. But there's much more to the city's diverse food scene."  

 

This profile highlights five dishes that they suggest every Hanoi visitor should try.  Here is more about Bun Ca (fish noodle soup):  "Fresh and light, bun ca combines fried fishcakes, dill, tomatoes, green onions, and perilla -- a mint-like herb.  A lunchtime staple in Hanoi, you can find bun ca (fish noodle soup) just about anywhere."  See a visual below. 

 

Full story at:

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/hanoi-food-best-dishes/index.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

SE Asia/Mekong River, Etc.!  Live/blog from early 2018, first adventure through SE Asia, stops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, before exploring all over Vietnam and Cambodia, seven days sailing on the Mekong River. Now at 47,040 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2591474

 

 

Here is a picture CNN used to illustrate this profile on Hanoi food options.  Second is Banh Tom (shrimp cake).  Pictured third is Cha Ca (fish cooked with turmeric and dill).  Look good and interesting?:

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[TLCOhio]

Last year during our first day in Hanoi, we really loved what we saw and did. Need some proof?   Or, evidence?  I ended up taking 488 pictures that day. Doing the electric cart ride around in the old-town section was super "wild and wonderful!!"  Super enjoyed the Water Puppet show, etc. Many, many pictures and details to share. 

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 220,930 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

 

Last year for Vietnam's capital city, we first visited the "Hanoi Hilton" or this historic prison that was used for U.S. prisoners during the Vietnam War. It was originally built by the French to use against those in Vietnam during their bloody colonial rule. U.S. Senator John McCain is among our military recognized with their museum displays. Interesting location and history connections.:

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Next it was riding around in the electric carts to see parts of the crowded and super busy old quarters of Hanoi, including much with French-styled architecture. Things were busy. The second picture of the Hanoi Opera House built by the French in 1901.:

 

 

 

 

From a historic temple in the central city, here are a couple of my visuals.:

 

[TLCOhio]

The previous two pictures posted were from the Temple of Literature,  a Temple of Confucius in Hanoi.  It hosts the Imperial Academy, Vietnam's first national university. The temple was built in 1070.   This temple is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese đồng banknote.  Below are more visuals from this interesting site in the central part of Hanoi. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 235,829 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

Here are a couple of more visuals from Temple of Literature we visited in central Hanoi.:

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We had lunch at this location across from the temple. Notice the great, French-style architecture? For beer, yes, I needed to sample the local brew here. Very cold and good!! Food worked well here.:

 

 

We visited the final resting place and memorial to Ho Chi Minh in Hanoi. Classy guard uniforms, etc. Nearby are the gardens that are a part of this complex.:

 

 

Near the Ho Chi Minh memorial is the original French Governor's Palace that was built for those colonial period and is now used by the head of the government in Vietnam.:

 

Here is another sampling of street "scene" activities in their busy and active central area of Hanoi.:

 

The afternoon highlight was the Water Puppet program. We fortunately had second row seat and only a small girl was sitting in front of us. That allowed great visibility for the fun program and being able to capture great images to share here. They had nine musical people to accompany this program.:

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

In northern Vietnam, our very good guide, Anh, who was with us for Hanoi and Ha Long Bay.  He shared a key point about this current capital of Vietnam.  Hanoi is an older city. Over a thousands years old with its long and interesting history. Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City is only about 300 years old. Just a young pup??!! Hanoi is Vietnam's second largest city with about 7.5 million people. Saigon is larger at about ten million in the nation with a total population of 93 million. 

 

From 1010 until 1802, Hanoi was the most important political center of Vietnam. It was eclipsed by Huế, the imperial capital of Vietnam during the Nguyễn Dynasty (1802–1945).   Hanoi served as the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1954. From 1954 to 1976, it was the capital of North Vietnam. Hanoi became the capital of a reunified Vietnam in 1976, after the North's victory in the Vietnam War.  Hanoi is on the right bank of the Red River. Hanoi is 1,090 miles north of Ho Chi Minh City and 75 miles west of Hai Phong, the major harbor city.

 

We were somewhat surprised by Hanoi's picturesque/historic aspects. This metropolis is sometimes dubbed the "Paris of the East". There are tree-fringed boulevards, more than two dozen lakes and thousands of French colonial-era buildings. During our Mekong River sailing, many of those traveling with us had visited Hanoi prior to coming to join us in Ho Chi Minh City. Most were not that impressed with Hanoi. We, however, were very pleasantly surprised and pleased with what we did and enjoyed in Hanoi.  In 2015, Hanoi ranks #4 in TripAdvisor's list of the World's Best Destinations.

 

Super WOW!! was our reaction about Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Especially as we zipped around this area in the cute electric cars that allowed observing such an amazing range of people shopping, living their lives, etc. Great architecture and character to soak up in this part of Hanoi. In this area, the merchandise in these open-fronted shops spills out onto pavements; Hanoi residents sit on plastic chairs eating, drinking and chatting. Hawkers were wearing conical hats and carrying goods on baskets dangling from yokes. So scenic, unique, special and interesting!! 

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal.  Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 26,815 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

 

 

Here are a range of the wonderful visual samples from our electric cart tour around in the older, French Quarter of Hanoi. This area is large with such an interesting range of sights and activities. The fifth picture gives an idea of how many shops were offering and selling various items as people prepared for the key and upcoming Lunar New Years celebration.:

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This picture shows an example for one of the electric carts that we used for our tour around in Hanoi's older French Quarter. Loved zipping around in Hanoi by this transportation mode. Super fun and cool!!:

[TLCOhio]

Yes, there is more.  Here are additional visuals and details from Hanoi. This includes added samples from their "Temple of Literature". This complex of courtyards and tile-roofed pavilions hosts the Imperial Academy or Quốc Tử Giám, Vietnam's first national university. The temple was built at the time of Emperor Lý Thánh Tông. It is one of several temples in Vietnam which is dedicated to Confucius. The various pavilions, halls, statues and stelae of doctors are places where offering ceremonies, study sessions and the strict exams of the Đại Việt take place. 

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Nice visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic location. Over 45,567 views.    

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

 

 

Here is an additional sampling of visuals from our visit to Hanoi's Temple of Literature. In the middle of this busy city, this complex of gardens, statues, structures, etc., makes for a pleasant and interesting stop during our tour of the hyper busy and congested Hanoi.:

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[TLCOhio]

Earlier, I posted a number of visuals from the Thang Long Water Puppet Show. It really helped having second-row seats that made it easier to get "up-close-and-personal" photos. They use century-old marionettes. No, this is not a Cirque du Soleil-style performance. The stories connect with the country's rice paddies and duck ponds. 

 

The opening music ensemble and the skill of the musicians and singers continues throughout the show. The puppeteers put together a great show with their choreography, plus the beauty of the set and the puppets. This was a unique and special experience.  These traditions originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam.  The puppets are made out of wood and then lacquered. The shows are performed in a waist-deep pool with large bamboo rods to support and control the puppet under the water. The puppeteers are hidden behind a screen, but come out at the end or the program as shown below.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Exciting visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 45,516 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

 

 

Here is more from the Hanoi Water Puppet Show. First is the theater hosting these shows. Second is an example for one of the segments in this performance. Third are some of the supporting music and singing artists working with the puppeteers. Fourth shows at the end, when the puppeteers come out from behind the screen where they control the water figures doing their action.:

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Across from this theater in Hanoi is this large park, lake and bridge as a part of Hoan Kiem.  Many of Hanoi's top tourist attractions are located near this lake.:

 

Outside of where we had lunch in Hanoi, this lady was selling these cute, paper cut-outs. They would be flat cards that opened up as three-dimensional artistic works.:

[TLCOhio]

Our timing and sights worked well in Hanoi. We could spent more time here, but this worked well for seeing the "Best of the Best" in their capital city. 

 

We would have liked to have visited the Metropole hotel. It is Hanoi’s best-known historic hotel. In a grand French building near the Opera House, one of its wings dates from 1901 and they has suites dedicated to former guests. This includes Somerset Maugham writing "The Gentleman in the Parlour" at the hotel. Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Goddard spent their honeymoon at the Metropole in 1936 after getting married in Shanghai.  Graham Greene stayed at the hotel in 1951 while writing "The Quiet American". Jane Fonda stayed there during her infamous trip to Hanoi in June 1972. More recently, Russian President Putin stayed at this Hanoi hotel. Maybe next time in Hanoi?

 

Also, we would have liked to have done more with street food in Hanoi and/or for other parts of Southeast Asia. However, we always had big breakfast buffets at our hotels included as a part of our package. Plus, in many cases, the tours had many or most of the lunches and dinners included. Also, while most street food is considered "safe", it would have helped to use a local expert guiding us to the better locations and options for such dining treats.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 71,011 views. 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

Here is a visual from Hanoi that gives a sample/example as to how French-style design is blended into and with an older structure in the main city that is used for commercial and residential purposes.:

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We had dinner in Hanoi on our Sunday night at a nice dining placed called "Wild Lotus". Very nice, multi-course dinner, wine, good company, etc., for the nine of us in our group.:

 

 

 

 

Here a night-time view from our Intercontinental Westlake hotel balcony.  We had a view out towards this scenic lake, etc. Nice hotel with a good staff. Not right in the center of Hanoi, but it worked well for our purposes during just the two nights in the Vietnam capital.: 

[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Evening Standard June 21, 2019, they had this headline: “Five star hotels, gourmet restaurants and fun things to do” with these highlights: “Positioned (unfairly by many) behind Thailand’s shadow for decades, Vietnam might finally be emerging as Southeast Asia’s headlining act.  The destination boasts all the staggering natural beauty, standout cuisine and thrumming city life one could want from the region, and a growing portfolio of world-class hotels, cocktail bars and five-star excursions offers much for the upscale traveller.”.

 

Among the Hanoi and other highlighted: "Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.  Transport yourself into French Colonial-era Vietnam inside Hanoi’s grand dame hotel. The Old Quarter-based icon has hosted dignitaries and celebrities since 1901, from Charlie Chaplin (he honeymooned here) to Angelina Jolie and Bill Clinton."

 

We super enjoyed this segment that they spotlighted: "Paradise Luxury Cruise.  The 1,600-island Halong Bay should be on every Vietnam visitor’s wish list, and Paradise Cruises’ overnight journeys is a fine way to explore its enchanting, emerald-coloured waters."

 

Here was another aspect in this story that we very much enjoyed and experienced: "Reverie Saigon Hotel.   If extravagant living is your thing, Ho Chi Minh-based The Reverie Saigon might—pardon the pun—be your ‘dream’ hotel.  The ultra-luxe city palace occupies the top floors of an iconic skyscraper, yielding commanding views of Ho Chi Minh’s skyline and Saigon River from the 286 marble-lined rooms and suites."

 

Full story at:

https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/living/vietnam-luxury-travel-guide-five-star-hotels-gourmet-restaurants-and-amazing-things-to-do-a4171361.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 64,134 views:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

 

Here is this story's visual of the exterior of the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.:

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[dabear]

Thanks Terry. We enjoyed the information and pictures. Looking forward to our Asia cruise this fall. BTW,  Ho Chi Minh's tomb looks very similar to Chairman Mao's tomb in Bejing.

[TLCOhio]

On 7/1/2019 at 12:40 PM, dabear said:

Thanks Terry. We enjoyed the information and pictures. Looking forward to our Asia cruise this fall. BTW,  Ho Chi Minh's tomb looks very similar to Chairman Mao's tomb in Bejing.

 

Appreciate this good follow-up.  Have not, yet, been to mainland China.  Definitely want to visit Beijing and see that vast and historic country.  

 

Have been traveling.  Where?  First, during our recent travels, we encountered many different, wonderful people from BOTH Australia and New Zealand.  It's always fun with those from "down under".  

 

Just completed yesterday, for our first time, flying into Calgary, seeing Jasper/Banff National Parks, doing the Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, having three days in Vancouver, then sailing up to Alaska, doing a post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  As mention earlier, next on our priority list is a first-time trip for exploring in early 2020 various South Pacific islands, including Fiji, Samoa, Bora Bora, etc.   Would commence this 18-day cruise in mid February from Auckland.  We plan to get there a week ahead in order to explore more of New Zealand's North Island and be escaping from the Midwest winter cold.  In 2014, we did Wellington, Napier/Cape Kidnappers, Tauranga/Rotorua and Auckland/Waiheke Island, etc.  Will welcome all good suggestion for other exciting opportunities and fun locations in NZ's North Island.  More good photo opportunities??

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Just completed Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Lots of visuals and details!!  That live/blog is at: 

www.boards.cruisecdritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

 

Or, you could simply do a quick Google search with these terms: 

“Live Terry/Ohio Muse Alaska”

[TLCOhio]

   36 minutes ago,  BarbinMich said: 

Terry, there's a typo in the link you posted:  a "d" in the midst of cruisecritic in the link.  I'm just now catching up with your travels.

Appreciate Barb catching of this "goof".  Have corrected and will update the other posts with this better link.

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

CORRECT LINK: 

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

[nanabilger2284]

On 7/1/2019 at 11:40 PM, dabear said:

Thanks Terry. We enjoyed the information and pictures. Looking forward to our Asia cruise this fall. BTW,  Ho Chi Minh's tomb looks very similar to Chairman Mao's tomb in Bejing.

Thanks Terry for the amazingly detail storry! Thought I was with you there all along 😂

@dabear I think the tomb looks more similar to the Lenin tomb in Moscow. I think they take inspiration from each other!

[TLCOhio]

8 hours ago, nanabilger2284 said:

Thanks Terry for the amazingly detail storry! Thought I was with you there all along 😂

@dabear I think the tomb looks more similar to the Lenin tomb in Moscow. I think they take inspiration from each other!

 

Appreciate this very nice follow-up from this CC Board poster from Miami.  Glad you liked these posts.  Have not been to China to see the tomb of Mao.  But have been to Moscow.  See below.  But, maybe "they take inspiration from each other!"??

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

From late 2018, you can see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

 

From our 2008 visit to Moscow, here is the "look" for the Tomb of Lenin.  Seems to be somewhat different from the one we saw in Hanoi.:

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[iancal]

Thanks for this

 

 So nice to see those pictures.  We enjoyed every minute of our travels in Vietnam. .  Fabulous food, friendly people.  We hope to return soon.  The country is changing so much.  Incredible internet access everywhere it seemed.

 

It was a great winter snowbird trip for those of us who live in the snow belt.

 

Edited August 21, 2019 by iancal

[nanabilger2284]

10 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

 

Appreciate this very nice follow-up from this CC Board poster from Miami.  Glad you liked these posts.  Have not been to China to see the tomb of Mao.  But have been to Moscow.  See below.  But, maybe "they take inspiration from each other!"??

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

From late 2018, you can see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

 

From our 2008 visit to Moscow, here is the "look" for the Tomb of Lenin.  Seems to be somewhat different from the one we saw in Hanoi.:

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Well my point here is that they have similar style in terms of using big blocks of granite. The entrance door is similar as well.

Anw, thanks Terry for the infomation - wish you all the best for your upcoming trips!

[iancal]

The street food was wonderful.  As were those soup stalls that seemed to pop up in the alley ways.

[TLCOhio]

On 8/21/2019 at 11:03 PM, nanabilger2284 said:

Thanks Terry for the infomation - wish you all the best for your upcoming trips!

 

Appreciate these kind wishes from our Miami friend and the follow-up from iancal on street food.  Our next scheduled "adventure" gets us back somewhat close to Asia.  It would be a first-time trip for exploring in early 2020 various South Pacific islands, including Fiji, Samoa, Bora Bora, New Caledonia, etc. We would commence this 18-day cruise in mid February from Auckland. We plan to get there a week ahead in order to explore more of New Zealand's North Island and be escaping from the Midwest winter cold.  In 2014, we did Wellington, Napier/Cape Kidnappers, Tauranga/Rotorua and Auckland/Waiheke Island, etc.

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

SE Asia/Mekong River, Etc.!  Live/blog from early 2018, first adventure through SE Asia, stops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, before exploring all over Vietnam and Cambodia, seven days sailing on the Mekong River. Now at 49,358 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2591474

[TLCOhio]

From the Food Network and MSN News Friday, they had this headline: “Trip Advisor’s Top Food Travel Destinations for 2023” with these highlights for Hanoi being in their Top Ten listing: “If you’re looking for affordable and delicious food, look no further than Hanoi, Vietnam. Known for its bustling streets and vibrant food scene, Hanoi has made a name for itself as a food capital in Asia.” 

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/lifestyle/travel/these-are-trip-advisor-s-top-food-travel-destinations-for-2023/ar-AA16zKta

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Early 2020, many visuals and details from New Zealand/South Pacific in going from Auckland to French Polynesia.  This includes Bora Bora, Fiji, NZ experiences, etc:  Live/blog;

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2735732-live-terryohio-“new”-regatta-south-pacificnz-pix’s/