Exploring Old Quarter Hanoi

Had a lie in and fantastic french bread with butter and jam and a coffee (feels weird doing this in Vietnam but they sell french bread and cakes everywhere). Decide to just wander today so virtually walk through every street in Old Quarter seeing markets, shops selling everything you could ever wish for and some of the more interesting things e.g. fake paper money to burn at temples, engraved graves stones - made while you wait(!), black smiths, painters reproducing famous works of art (we have bought 3 so far - one is for my sister though!) We decided not to go for the Mona Lisa though you will be relieved to hear. Is drizzling a bit today so after fresh spring rolls from the market and a great Vietnamese lunch in a restored traditional house (Bar 69) (no I am never going to lose weight although we have stopped eating crisps and chocolate - mainly cos the Chinese chocolate tasted of dairylea). Knee is still hurting a bit so decide to go to the Vietnamese water puppet theatre for a show (neither of us really wants to do it but feel like we should and its only 80p each). Is actually quite good and very skilful plus v good music. Also do another temple on the middle of the lake so feel like we have done our culture for the day. Wander into the newer area and see there are Hilton Hotels, Cartier etc and you could almost be anywhere. Am glad we are staying in the Old Quarter. On way back to hotel Dave has a haircut (see photo) for a pound - was better than the one he had at home too.

1 - Hanoi at Night

Check out of hotel and head off to train station for our 22.00 train to Sapa - in 1st class! (was included in tour)

2 - Incense

3 - You'll see lots of these

5 - Short Back & Sides