Our new guides from Hanoikids were 2 cheerful and jovial young ladies called Trang and Hien. Our first stop was to the museum of ethnology, a museum with information about the culture and architecture of Vietnamese in the past.
A traditional balancing game which the Vietnamese used to play in their Kampong
Us with Trang and Hien!
A couple with their wedding shots taken inside the museum!
It consists of the types of tools they used for rice planting, procedures for funerals and the structure of the wooden houses etc. The whole tour came to life under the guidance of Trang and Hien and we visited a few wooden houses, each of different architecture, and style.
And Song thinks he is cute. OMG!!
The tallest wooden house in the village, a landmark for lost villagers to get back in times of war
In the wooden house
Relaxing inside before..
A game of poker!
The Vietnamese introduced to us their way of playing, a game format similar to our 'Big 2'. One major difference is that the biggest card is hearts while the smallest is clubs. In a return gesture, we taught them how to play 'Big 2', or more affectionately known as "Dai Di" in our lingo. It was an enjoyable time playing cards with them. (though it may sound really stupid to play cards in a musuem!)
Song and Trang choosing the dishes for lunch
Went to have lunch at a local shop and it is basically mixed vegetables rice and a few dishes of meat. Not the best of meals but most importantly, its cheap! Shopped around for WeiYang's handbags before stopping at the juice street for some desserts.
Cheers!
Tried the black glutinous rice with yoghurt and milk and it tasted like Burbur Hitam, but this time round with a pinch of sour taste to it due to the yoghurt. The other dessert available was a cup full of a variety of fruits, topped with milk and ice. Both are good refreshing desserts, a local favourite amongst the Vietnamese.
We couldnt remember why we started teaching "Baka" to Trang and Hien but it was really hilarious as it became the focal point of our conversations from then on. (By the way 'Baka' means stupid in Japanese). Rested at the Hoan Kiem Lake since there were still some time before our Water Puppet show at 1600Hrs.
Singaporeans with Hanoikids..!
And a token of appreciation for your efforts!
Coincidentally, we chanced upon Duc, our guide from the previous day. Together with him are 2 other Singaporeans who are also of the same age as us and entering NUS next month! What a coincidence. Bidded farewell to Trang and Hien reluctantly as we really had an enjoyable time with them throughout the trip! A really magnificent and value-adding experience with both the Saigon Hotpot and HanoiKids.
Waterpuppet show
The waterpuppet show is interesting but the drawback is that the entire show is in Vietnamese. Puppets that are performing on water, are controlled by Vietnamese behind the curtains. It aint no easy feat to be honest. The dragon puppets could spit fire whilst the child-puppets could perform stunts like freestyle or backstroke swimming.
Hunted for almost an hour for a really good restaurant as we were prepared to splurge for this last dinner of the trip. The cafe we went to didnt disappoint us as the Vietnamese food, basically meat, vege with steam rice, coupled with calamari rings and milkshakes, it was a perfect farewell for Hanoi, and Vietnam.
Adios Vietnam!
TR309 back to Singapore
Currently onboard flight TR309 back to Singapore and we are rather reluctant to return back home. A few days ago when we were in Halong Bay, Ang was longing for home after being 2 weeks away. A few days on, the desire to return home vanished and how we wished the trip could be longer.
Ang jotting down his thoughts and recollecting the wonderful memories of Cambodia and Vietnam
Lots of ups and downs in this trip as we think back, an enriching and fulfiling 17 days spent abroad. Images of Sun Same, Angkor Wat and Cambodia seemed so long ago. The tower of skulls at Killing Fields in Phnomn Penh and Saigon Hotpot in HCMC were all valuable memories deeply etched into our minds. Nha Trang's fantastic dive spots and once in a lifetime Miss Universe's experience is invaluable. A long and arduous 20hour train ride brought us to Hue, ancient Capital of Vietnam. The adventure of eating 4 consecutive ice cream cones each just to reveal local scams was stupid yet fun. The peacefulness at Hoi An is the best atmosphere for a perfect getaway. The nature of Halong Bay and hospitality of the Hanoikids sums up a wonder trip to this part of Southeast Asia.
Countless amount of scams we avoided, a budget continually being slashed as the journey proceeds, it was yet another well-planned and thoughtout trip. Another success clocked in a totally self-planned, backpack trip.
And the next stop? Thoughts of South Korea or whole of Taiwan are still under serious considerations..
Keen to join us in the next trip?
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