An early start for our final full day in Hanoi. I was awake and outside before sunrise, taking a short walk down to the lake to see how the locals started their day.
The park was already busy, with people jogging, cycling and even roller skating. There were also several Tai Chi, dance and Zumba classes taking place. All a little too energetic for me at that hour! Nevertheless, I managed to capture a few nice photographs before the sun came up.
Afterwards, I wandered back through the streets to the hotel for a well-earned breakfast.
The Red bridge leading to the temple on the lake.
After breakfast, we spent some time wandering through the old streets of Hanoi. There was plenty to see, from traditional shops selling baskets and household goods to the constant flow of motorbikes and people going about their daily business. Everywhere seemed to have something interesting to photograph.
By lunchtime, we were ready for a break from our wanderings. We found somewhere to sit down and enjoy a light lunch before heading back towards the lake. It was good to take the weight off our feet for a while and watch the busy streets go by.
Gateway to the temple on the island.
“A refreshing stop by the fountain, with the Colonel keeping watch!”
After a little more exploring, we decided it was time to take a break and enjoy a coffee. Hanoi has no shortage of cafés, each with its own character, and it was rather pleasant to sit back for a while and watch the world go by. There was still plenty happening on the streets, but for now, we were happy to slow the pace and enjoy a little downtime.
“Hanoi takes on a different charm after dark, as the lights shimmer across the waters of Hoan Kiem Lake.”
Fried Rice Vietnamese Style
After dinner, we made our way back along Ma May Street, where Hanoi was still very much alive. The streets were busy with evening activity, and there was music drifting from the pavement as we wandered along. We stopped for a while to enjoy the street performers before finding a nearby bar for a couple of beers. Thankfully, our hotel was only a few hundred metres away!
“An evening performance by the blind street musicians on Ma May Street, Hanoi.”
And so our final full day in Hanoi came to an end. From the early morning streets and the peaceful lake to the bustling markets, evening lights and street musicians of Ma May, it had been a wonderful day of sights, sounds and photographic opportunities.
Tomorrow, we would say goodbye to Hanoi and begin the journey home, taking with us some wonderful memories of Vietnam and the people we had met along the way.