Day #1 in Hanoi

Hello guys, I am back from my trip! I can’t wait to share about my trip but first I need rest. I arrived back in Singapore at 2am on Monday and had to work at 9am. I still need more sleep to recover! :/

Anyway, here’s a little entry about my short day #1 in Hanoi.

I hate Tiger Airways. Their prices change everyday, their seats suck, their air stewardesses suck, the additional charges on baggage check in are quite misleading as well. Why don’t they just show me nett price?! Not as if without the baggage charges, their fare is much lower than competitors also!

I checked in at Budget Terminal (the warehouse) with little fuss. There was this tour group checking in as well. Surprised that the plane might be full.

Ah stupid me. I left USD 900 (!!!!) in my luggage unlocked!! It will be okay, I reassure myself hesitantly.

Boarding time! Omg cute guy alert! He looks like this Shawn Chen actor from Singapore. Short but cute. How coincidental that he’s on the same flight and Vietnamese! Nah, I didn’t talk to him lah. Ok maybe a tiny part of me hoped I might be allocated a seat next to him. But no, that didn’t happen as well.

3 long hours. It really felt like 3 eternities. I know 1 eternity is not supposed to end but, figure of speech, you understand.

Since I checked in after the tour group, I was subjected to ear bruisingly loud, incessant spews of non-stop hokkien. I tried sleeping. I tried reading. And then, I tried to see if I can aim some dirty looks over to the source of my frustration, but I saw an old (but very energetic) guy wearing the Vietnam flag on his cap laughing, flirting and talking at the top of his voice – I knew I was doomed.

There has to be a reason why I didn’t become a tour guide. Today I see why.

We arrive in Hanoi in one piece. This trip, I am with Derek (aka Ah Long San), Kerk and Roman. ALS sat beside a Viet and talked about everything (including finding a wife for himself) except reccomendations on where to eat. -_- ALS………… *shakes head*

We were looking forward to the hotel rep holding up a signboard with “Mr Ah Long San from Singapore” on it but were sorely disappointed to see my name instead.

Changed SGD to Dong at the airport. IMPT! Change your local currency to USD first before using that USD to change to Dong in the airport. Why you ask? The money changers there will take your SGD or MYR and change it to USD at a shitty rate (local rates are WAY better) and then change the USD amt into Dong. Their rates from USD to Dong is much better than in Singapore.

And we, we were instant millionaires! *grins*

The ride to Hanoi Lucky Hotel II at the Old Quarter took us 45 mins. It was freaking cold. 15 degrees. Weather reports in SG said that Hanoi wil be 22 to 27 degrees ok. Shit. Underdressed.

I got this taxi ride free because I booked everything (tours, hotel stays, etc) with the hotel. Negotiation’s in my blood I think! The other licensed taxis were at USD 15 for 5 persons.

I kept waiting for the driver to scam me. Like ask me for toll money and so on but he didn’t.

We arrived at the hotel and for USD 25 a night, it was great!

Hot water (limited), in-room PC & internet, good clean blanket, cable TV, what more can I ask for? :) I was pleased.

Our flight stretched over dinner and by the time we checked in and all, it was 930pm. We were STARVING!

We then walked too much. Most shops were closed. Dong Xuan weekend night market was still opened though most were closing up.

Between the 4 of us, we have 4 bowls of Wan Ton Mee (30,000 Dong), a Bia Hoi (25,000 Dong), a Lamb Kebab (15,000 Dong) and 4 bowls of Pho (20,000 Dong each).

I hate to disappoint but I think I was overly hungry and so the Wan Tan Mee was delicious. But the Phos were no good. MSG-laced soup that had a overtly strong taste of pig. The noodle was nice though! :) The first stall we stopped at to order Pork Pho was no good. The second stall we stopped at, we had Chicken Pho which was much better!

I guess it’s a matter of luck – which you choose to dine at!

It was 12 mn by the time we got back. Sleep we did.

Day 2…. Halong Bay! :) Stay tuned!