Visiting Uncle Ho

Almost three years ago, we went to Saigon but didn't go all the way up north to visit its capital. Ha Noi. Last week, we finally got the chance to enjoy its cool winter climate, at 16-18C, but honestly, I preferred the hustle and bustle at HCMC. But in terms of attractions, Ha Noi is more appealing because of its old structures that boasts of its history.

The Temple of Literature, for one,  was built in 11th century.

 

It hosts Vietnam's first national university. 

  

A few steps from the temple,

 

there is a museum and a souvenir shop tucked somewhere.

  

There is Pho 24 nearby where we had our lunch  of grilled pork  on vermicelli (mine), and

grilled pork over rice (for the hubby's big tummy).

One cannot leave Hanoi without visiting Uncle Ho. His embalmed body lies at his mausoleum at Ba Dinh Square.  Please note that bags are checked before reaching the premises and the building is closed in the afternoon.

Before reaching the square, we also passed by Lenin's monument,

and the Hanoi Flag Tower, built in 1805. This is located at the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (11th C) which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is nice to rest and relax near Hoan Kiem Lake after some hours of walking,

and stare at the Turtle Tower in an island located in the middle of the lake while sipping the famous Vietnamese coffee.

Just a reminder, you cannot content yourself with just eating pho at fastfood restos around Vietnam, although compared to similar ones outside the country, the taste of fast food there is simply delicious.  But I admit, this is a pretentious remark from someone who has not tried the authentic flavors along the busy roadside.  We really wanted to but there were no photos in the menu and we do not speak and write Vietnamese... I need not say more.   But we found Pho10 Ly Quoc Sur tucked in the middle of the Old Quarter,

 

 

                                                              and pho was YUMMY!!!

And just like the end of any palatable and heavy meal, let me finish this blog off with mouthwatering photos of not so authentic Vietnamese dessert (more from  its colonizers) which you can have at Fanny!

 

See: The Heat is On in Saigon