Hanoi

Hoen Kiam Lake. This small lake between the Old Quarter and the French Quarter is central to Hanoian folklore. A ghostly shrine (the Turtle Pagoda) standing on an islet at its center pays homage to a golden turtle. In the 15th century, this heroic reptile is said to have returned a magic sword to its home in the lake after it had been taken. The famous red-bridge at Hoen Kiam lake.


Only in Hanoi....
Tuk tuk and motorbike 'taxi' waiting for customers in front of hotel at Old Quarter.

The Flower hotel offers good value for money, clean and very friendly and helpful staff. A bit away from the really busy town centre, but walking the streets is great fun - at least for us first...

Street food....the real street food will be at the 'squatting stall's where every one's parked on low stools, sipping away on some good looking broth... :)