Halong Bay tour and exploring Hanoi and Saigon

This was our first and hopefully not our last trip to Vietnam. We visited the fascinating cities of Hanoi and Saigon. Went on a Halong Bay cruise and did a Mekong Delta Tour from Saigon.

Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. It’s a bustling city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and lively street life. Tourist attractions are the historic Old Quarter with narrow streets of shops, markets and exciting food stalls.

When we were picked up at the airport, we fell in love with Vietnam and Hanoi. Hanoi has a population of 6 million people and 5 million scooters. The streets were chaotic. People were selling, buying, cooking, and eating there.

When we were picked up at the airport, we fell in love with Vietnam and Hanoi. Hanoi has a population of 6 million people and 5 million scooters. The streets were chaotic. People were selling, buying, cooking, and eating there. But it was never dull. We stayed in a small hotel in the Old Quarter during our time in Hanoi. Not far from Hoàn Kim Lake, we could walk to lakeside restaurants. Most importantly, we could buy Australian wine in a shopping area.

 The first thing to learn in Vietnam is how to cross a street. But there are no traffic lights or pedestrian crossings. There is only one rule: keep going and don’t stop as scooters and cars pass you. 

 The first thing to learn in Vietnam is how to cross a street. But there are no traffic lights or pedestrian crossings. There is only one rule: keep going and don’t stop as scooters and cars pass you. 

The Old Quarter, near Hoan Kiem Lake, is the oldest and busiest commercial district. We had a great time exploring the old streets and taking in the vibrant atmosphere.

The Old Quarter, near Hoan Kiem Lake, is the oldest and busiest commercial district. We had a great time exploring the old streets and taking in the vibrant atmosphere.

The Old Quarter, near Hoan Kiem Lake, is the oldest and busiest commercial district. We had a great time exploring the old streets and taking in the vibrant atmosphere.

 Vietnam’s women are clever and hard-working. Once, a friendly woman approached us. She handed my wife her hat and put her basket over her shoulder for a photo. Then, we bought fruit from her and gave her a good tip. As a result, she had her best day’s sales. Smart!!

The walkways are made for walking. However, not in Hanoi. People use them for cooking, eating, selling, getting haircuts, and parking scooters. Cars, scooters, and pedestrians share the road, which is fascinating.

The walkways are made for walking. However, not in Hanoi. People use them for cooking, eating, selling, getting haircuts, and parking scooters. Cars, scooters, and pedestrians share the road, which is fascinating.

The walkways are made for walking. However, not in Hanoi. People use them for cooking, eating, selling, getting haircuts, and parking scooters. Cars, scooters, and pedestrians share the road, which is fascinating.

You can find street food everywhere in the Old Quarter. Just order your food, sit on the little chair, and enjoy socializing with friendly people. Still, there is one problem: if you are old like us, you can’t get up anymore.

Upmarket restaurant in the CBD of Hanoi during lunchtime.

Upmarket restaurant in the CBD of Hanoi during lunchtime.

The Temple of Literature, which was established in 1070 to honour the Chinese philosopher Confucius, is a great place to visit. This is the first university in Vietnam, and in addition, it is a place where many students come for their graduation ceremony. There are five wonderful courtyards in different styles.

The Temple of Literature was set up in 1070 in honour of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. It’s a great place to visit. This is Vietnam’s first university, and many students come for graduation. There are five wonderful courtyards in different styles. This is a view of the third courtyard, which is also known as the Well of Heavenly Clarity.

Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is a province in the Red River Delta of northern Vietnam. It is known for its stunning natural scenery, including limestone karsts, rivers, and caves. Ninh Binh is also home to several historical and cultural sites. It is also popular for boat tours and hiking.

We went on a private tour of Ninh Binh province, which included a car, driver, and guide. The tour also took us to Hoa Lu, Vietnam's Ancient Royal Capital, and included a rowing tour as well as a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

We went on a private tour of Ninh Binh province, which included a car, driver, and guide. The tour also took us to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s Ancient Royal Capital, and included a rowing tour as well as a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

Most tourists choose the overcrowded Tam COC rowing excursion, but we choose the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve tour

Most tourists choose the overcrowded Tam COC rowing excursion, but we choose the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve tour. Our nice rowing guide: Women do all the heavy rowing.

"It was fantastic gliding through the wetlands. It's such a tranquil experience."

It was fantastic gliding through the wetlands. It’s such a tranquil experience.

During the tour, we passed by a boat with a newlywed couple.

During the tour, we passed by a boat with a newlywed couple.

We rowed through some beautiful caves.

We rowed through some beautiful caves.

Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a place of breathtaking natural beauty. It is a 3-4 hour drive from Hanoi. It is famous for its emerald waters and dozens of beautiful limestone inlets. In addition, there are stunning caves and traditional floating fishing communities.

Our next excursion was a three-day cruise on Halong Bay with Signature Cruise. There were only 20 passengers, although the same number of crew members were on board. The accommodations and food were both superb.

Our next excursion was a three-day cruise on Halong Bay with Signature Cruise. There were only 20 passengers, although the same number of crew members were on board. The accommodations and food were both superb. In addition, there are Thai Chi and Vietnamese food cooking classes on board. Excursions to a pearl farm and a floating fishing village. A fantastic kayak tour and a trip to a beautiful cave. All were included.

The peak tourist season at Halong Bay is from October to April. We cruised in early November. There were several cruise ships in the bay, but it was not overcrowded. Which did not detract from the natural beauty and tranquillity of the bay.

The peak tourist season at Halong Bay is from October to April. We cruised in early November. There were several cruise ships in the bay, but it was not overcrowded. Which did not detract from the natural beauty and tranquillity of the bay.

During our Halong Bay cruise, we stopped on a tiny, beautiful island for a swim. After that, a hike up a small hill with a view of Halong Bay.

During our Halong Bay cruise, we stopped on a tiny, beautiful island for a swim. After that, a hike up a small hill with a view of Halong Bay.

Later, we went on a kayak tour. After a short instruction on how to handle the kayak, we went off. Our excellent guide took us along the limestone cliffs to Vung Vieng Fishing Village.  Kayaking on the blue sea in the most beautiful landscapes was a great experience.

Later, we went on a kayak tour. After a short instruction on how to handle the kayak, we went off. Our excellent guide took us along the limestone cliffs to Vung Vieng Fishing Village.  Kayaking on the blue sea in the most beautiful landscapes was a great experience.

We went on another excursion from our Halong Bay cruise ship. Little boats picked us up and rowed us to a floating fishing village and a pearl farm. Guess who did the rowing? Vietnam's women!!

We went on another excursion from our cruise ship. Little boats picked us up and rowed us to a floating fishing village and a pearl farm. Guess who did the rowing? Vietnam’s women!!

The dining room was beautiful, but we preferred to sit outside and enjoy the view of the bay and the balmy night.

The dining room was beautiful, but we preferred to sit outside and enjoy the view of the bay and the balmy night.

Enjoying a spectacular sunset at Halong Bay cruise.

Enjoying a spectacular sunset at Halong Bay cruise.

During the Halong Bay cruise, we passed many small fishing boats with people fishing and living on board.

During the Halong Bay cruise, we passed many small fishing boats with people fishing and living on board. The bay is not only for tourists but also for working local fishermen. Many fishing families live in floating villages. It was fascinating to watch village life, especially families with children and dogs.

We watched A woman is selling her catch while caring for her small children from our Halong Bay cruise ship

A woman is selling her catch while caring for her small children.

Saigon

Saigon, now officially known as Ho Chi Minh City, is the largest city in Vietnam. It’s a busy city with a rich culture. It has influences from its French colonial past. It is the economic powerhouse of Vietnam. Popular tourist attractions include the War Remnants Museum and French colonial buildings. Also, there are Ben Thanh Market and the Cu Chi Tunnels.

We had planned to visit Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An, but we had to change our itinerary due to a typhoon warning for the East Sea, and we took a direct flight to Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon.

We had planned to visit Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An, but we had to change our itinerary due to a typhoon warning for the East Sea, and we took a direct flight to Ho Chi Minh City – Saigon.

There are many lovely buildings from the French colonial period in Saigon. This is the main post office.

There are many lovely buildings from the French colonial period. We found many of them closed for restoration while we were in Saigon. This is the main post office.

While in Saigon, we went to the Opera to see the famous Show, a Vietnamese Bamboo Circus with unique live music. They used bamboo to perform incredible acrobatics. The show was presented around the world, including at the Sydney Opera.

While in Saigon, we went to the Opera to see the famous Show, a Vietnamese Bamboo Circus with unique live music. They used bamboo to perform incredible acrobatics. The show was presented around the world, including at the Sydney Opera.

There are a lot of very luxurious shops in Ho Chi Minh City District 1, as well as the large Diamond Plaza department store.

There are a lot of very luxurious shops in Ho Chi Minh City District 1, as well as the large Diamond Plaza department store.

Shopping at a market like Ben Thanh however, is much more fun and cheaper, as there are hundreds of stalls, and all of them are trying to sell something. Haggling is a lot of fun.

Shopping at a market like Ben Thanh however, is much more fun and cheaper, as there are hundreds of stalls, and all of them are trying to sell something. Haggling is a lot of fun.

Mekong Delta Tour

The Mekong Delta is a sprawling network of rivers, swamps, and islands. Agriculture is the economic backbone. The region produces rice, fruits, vegetables, and fish. It is a popular tourist destination. It offers activities like boat tours through the canals. You can also visit the floating markets. And you can explore traditional villages and handicrafts.

From Saigon, we took a private tour to the Mekong Delta. The first stop was the colourful Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh. To explain, the Caodaism is a Vietnamese religion that combines teachings from Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.

From Saigon, we took a private tour to explore the Mekong Delta. The first stop was the colourful Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh. Caodaism is a Vietnamese religion that combines teachings from Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.

In Di Ba, we visited a local market where you could buy everything from vegetables to fruit, poultry, frogs, and fish.

In Di Ba, we visited a local market where you could buy everything from vegetables to fruit, poultry, frogs, and fish.

We took a one-hour motorbike ride through Vietnam's fertile Mekong Delta region, which produces 60% of the country's rice. We came across some unusual concrete towers constructed for swallows to build their nests, which are later sold as a delicacy for $1200/kg.

We took a one-hour motorbike ride through Vietnam’s fertile Mekong Delta region, which produces 60% of the country’s rice. We came across some unusual concrete towers constructed for swallows to build their nests, which are later sold as a delicacy for $1200/kg.

During our Mekong Delta tour, we enjoyed a nice meal with our lovely guide, at the Tan Thanh Beach.

During our Mekong Delta tour, we enjoyed a nice meal with our lovely guide, at the Tan Thanh Beach.

hile having lunch, we enjoyed a nice view of the sea, fishing huts, and boats.

While having lunch, we enjoyed a nice view of the sea, fishing huts, and boats.

Later, after lunch, our guide took us on an hour-long cruise down the big Mekong Delta. This was very different from our Halong Bay cruis

Later, after lunch, our guide took us on an hour-long cruise down the big Mekong Delta.

Fish Farm in the Mekong Delta

During the Mekong Delta cruise, we passed several floating fish farms and houses along the river.

Later, we switched to a smaller boat and went along a small canal to a small settlement.

Later, we switched to a smaller boat and went along a small canal to a small settlement.

That was the final stop on our fantastic Mekong Delta tour before we returned to Saigon. This was the end of our vietnam trip, we still rember our Halong Bay Cruise

That was the final stop on our fantastic Mekong Delta tour before we returned to Saigon. With our excellent guide, we celebrated it with a glass of delicious snake wine. Snake wine recipe: Soak snakes, cobras, and other venomous snakes in rice wine for months. It tastes better than whisky and is much healthier. It is also an aphrodisiac and a medicine for everything from rheumatism to hair loss.

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