Hanoi: This and That

This is the last post on Hanoi. Basically, it will cover all the other stuff which is missed out earlier.

1. Dong Xuan market:

Dong Xuan market is the largest wholesale market in Hanoi that opens from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.  They sell things in bulk most of the time. Since it is the largest market, we did not want to miss it but ended up regretting coming here. If you are interested in buying local stuff and enjoy bargaining, you may get a good deal here.

Dong Xuan Market

Vendors selling their stuff

2. Ta Hien street:

If you are in Ta Hien street, you are a celebrity! I am just kidding. This street has theatre-style seating for almost all of their cafes (influenced from the French).The tables and chairs are all facing outside (the road). The stage is the road. Just unwind by people watching here.

Theatre-style seating at Ta Hien Street

3. Baguette: 

Vietnam has French influence in their food too. You will find many stalls selling baguettes. Grab one while you are exploring the Old Quarter. You can choose what goes in it.

Baguette with pork filling

4. Hong Lam shop at 11, Hang Duong, Old Quarter, Hanoi:

This shop is a traditional tube house selling o mai, preserved fruits. It is famous and packed with the locals. We tried their dracontomelum and dried apricots. Overall, the taste was not bad but the products were a bit pricey for us. 

Dracontomelum, a commonly eaten fruit in Cambodia, Vietnam and China

Dried aprikot

5. St. Joseph's Cathedral at 40 Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi:

Just drop by and take a photo of its Gothic architecture. It seems to be closed.

St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi

6. Luong Van Can street:

This street has a lot of toy shops. We had gone and checked out their soft toys but were disappointed with the quality (made from China) and price (They are not cheap! I know we have to bargain but what is the point of when we could get toys from China at a lower price without even bargaining at home.) Even the sales assistants did not seem interested to entertain us. 

7. Pre-wedding photo sessions:

I think early of the year is Vietnamese wedding season. We saw many couples taking wedding photos in Hanoi.