My tour of Northern Vietnam started from a train stop in Ho Chi Minh City, eventually making its’ way up to Hanoi after many brief stops at the different provinces. It took 2 days and 2 nights to reach a distance of 710 miles (that is the approx. distance from San Diego to Vegas). The train was introduced by the French colonists a century ago, and since then it has only been refurbished several times. And in an age where technology is advancing and traveling is becoming more prominent, Vietnam’s transit system can sure use a good fix up. But truly all one needs is a good book, an Ipod full of your favorite tracks, and the beautiful scenic route of the countryside to balance the disadvantages.
When I reached Hanoi, it was gloomy and raining, that was great because I like to relish in such particular weather. I was greeted by my distant aunt. She took me to a hotel that is central to the city. I booked with them through out my whole trip, and became acquainted with a few workers, and travelers who stayed there.
Some interesting opinions that I gathered about the citizens of Hanoi from the Southern Vietnamese perspectives are, they are vicious and controlling, and behind their acts of kindness there is always some sort of incentive. I found that hard to believe because the locals I met were very helpful and hospitable, but only time can really justify these kinds of rumors. My tour guide from Halong Bay mentioned that Southern Vietnamese are more laid back and generous, compare to Northern Vietnamese and other regions where they are more strict and traditional in their views. That sort of explains the cultural differences, right? He, along with many others from that part of the country, also found the south-eastern dialect (Saigon) to be more alluring and soft to the ear, while the other regions are more harsh and sometimes difficult to comprehend.
Halong Bay was definitely the highlight of the trip. It was one of nature’s finest works. There are roughly 2,000 mountainous rocks that scatter miles across the ocean. The water was a continuum of aqua green, definitely the attention grabber, and with the right amount of coolness, I couldn’t resist the dive. The abnormally high quantity of saline in the water assures the improbability of drowning; one can lay stretched out on the surface of the water and float for however long one wishes. I’d done so for 15 relaxing minutes that felt like forever.
(Source: youtube.com)
