Back in Hanoi

From Sapa, we took an overnight sleeper bus to Hanoi - quite a mixed experience. There was really good space to lie down in the compartments with curtains, but one would think it was punctured on all four wheels and all suspension removed 😳 There wasn't much sleep, so it was four rather tired retirees who checked back into the Silk Hotel in Hanoi.

We needed to pass some time until the rooms were ready, so spending an hour in the wellness chairs at the hotel was a good start.

But we had to get moving again and find some breakfast. This time it was from a street kitchen. Bread, cheese, and coffee are always good.

After some planning, we took a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visited the Ngoe Son Temple - a nice little place located in the lake at the end of the Sunshine Bridge.

Apparently, on Sundays, everyone from Hanoi and the surrounding area decides to gather in the same place. In addition, there were various runs, cycling races, and a lot of motorcycles/cars with flags around the lake. Addition: Later found out that there are three festival days which are national holidays - hence so many people and closed roads in Hanoi. It was nice to experience that too.

After a much-needed rest in the hotel room and having some coffee/egg coffee, we were fresh enough to experience Hanoi by Night 😊 We walked along the railway bridge out to the Red River, upon which Hanoi was established for trade reasons.

It turned out to be a somewhat longer trip than expected, so after a quick dinner, we were in need of beds.