I just came back from Vietnam after a great 24 day stay completely immersed in the culture and history of this wonderful country!
Hanoi, VietnamPhoto ©Suzanne Bélair
For this post, I thought of sharing one photo that would summarize each place we visited, but finally, it is impossible for me to choose only one so I will share some photos and impressions through several posts. Needless to say I had no time to paint or sketch whatsoever during this hectic time.
Our trip took us across the country from North to South and each place had its own special flavor.
We started with Hanoi, which is the oldest and one of the most beautiful capitals of Southeast Asia. Our hotel was in the heart of the 600-year-old historic Old Town, on Hang Dao Street and close to Hoan Kiem Lake, where people gather at any time of the day to practice Tai Chi. What impressed me most about this city is the street food from 7am in the morning until 8pm, the constant activity, the absolutely chaotic traffic , the scooters that go in all directions, the hundreds of electrical wires connected any which way, the colors and odors typical, strong, haunting. Must see: the Ho Chi Minh Museum, the Old City, the Temple of Literature and the many pagodas.
Bouffe de rue sur Hang Dao DuongStreet food on Hang Dao Duong
photo ©Suzanne Békair
Photo ©Suzanne Bélair
Les TemplesOffrandes / Offerings
Photo ©Suzanne Bélair
La circulation à HanoiTraffic in Hanoi
Photo ©Suzanne Bélair
Next was cruising in Halong Bay, a Unesco heritage site, spectacular with its more than 2000 peaks or outcrops of limestone and dolomite that rise above the sea. Halong Bay is 1500 square kilometers and well worth seeing.
Baie d’Halong, VietnamHalong Bay, Vietnam
Photo ©Suzanne Bélair
To be continued…
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Enviroart by Suzanne Bélair, IAF, AFC 
Fascinating read 😊
Thank you Elaine you are very kind. I will be posting more on the trip in the days to come. It was fascinating, cultural and historical. I absolutely loved Vietnam 😊
I’m enjoying seeing it through your eyes, thank you.
Nice photos – I wish we had had more time in Hanoi – but at least got a flavour of it,
Thank you! I realized after I didn’t write half I wanted to say… I loved Hanoi
Welcome home Suzanne & Dan 😄thanks so much for sharing your photos and experience – what a fascinating journey!!!
Debbie, I realized today I didn’t say half of what I wanted to share. I will expand more in the next blog about Hue. Thanks for following xx
I am also posting about my experience in Hanoi and Ha Long. Your trip looks beautiful! Mine was brief so I look forward to returning and maybe seeing more. I can greatly relate to that traffic picture though!
Thanks for your comment! Yes the traffic in Hanoi!! I’ll go check out your blog. Vietnam is a beautiful country and I also plan to go back to see more especially the nature side of it which we didn’t have time to see. Best to you!
Passing by! Its nice to see the photos! It feels very real! 🙂 This April Im visiting Hanoi and Sapa with my friends! Hope theft isn’t too big an issue in Hanoi now? 🙂
It is not at all. We had a great time and felt very safe. Like any big town, you just have to be careful when it is very crowded. Enjoy your trip, we absolutely loved Hanoi and I will be adding details on this wonderful city soon.
Thanks for the tips! Looking forward!