ID :
269522
Mon, 12/31/2012 - 14:10
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Hanoi provides The Exhilarating Feel for Backpackers

By Soon Li Wei HANOI (Vietnam), Dec 31 (Bernama) -- Recently, this writer had the opportunity to backpack in Hanoi, Vietnam. Being the first backpacking experience is definitely challenging but it certainly provided a different perspective in visiting a new place. The backpacking approach provided a real feel of the local communities and a greater understanding of the surroundings including the local way of life and culture. THE OLD QUARTER Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, covering 355.6 square miles with a population of 30 million, is a bustling city with the combination of new and historical edifices adding charm to the landscape. We arrived at our inn May De Ville Backpacker Hostel located at the Old Quarter, littered with inns and shopping bazaars that make the place attractive to visitors. Located at the centre of the Old Quarter is the Hoan Kiem lake, the recreational convergent point for the locals who want to unwind. Contrary to most capitals of the world, motorcycles - the main transport mode of the Vietnamese people - monopolise the roads here. Being a first time visitor to Vietnam, crossing or walking along the road seemed to be daunting affair initially especially when looking at the heavy motorcycle traffic. Foreign visitors not only fear crossing the roads but are also overwhelmed by the blaring horns. Nonetheless, the owner of the inn, Dao Do, said in fluent Mandarin; "Don't worry just cross, the motorcyclists here are very considerate while on the road". True enough, after I made my first crossing I was really impressed with the attitude of the riders and their defensive driving skills in avoiding the pedestrians. Nevertheless, the non-stop blaring of horns from the vehicles on the road seemed annoying. HA LONG BAY Located 165 km from Hanoi, Ha Long Bay lures visitors with its natural geological formations. The place was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994 due to its natural heritage and beauty. The trip to Ha Long Bay started at 6.00 am (7.00 am Malaysian time) on a van. During the four hour ride, right from the fringes of Hanoi, much of the view to the left and right were dominated by the verdant paddy fields. Also visible in the paddy fields or nearby the homes of paddy planters were graves, some arranged systematically and some scattered. According to our guide, Dae, many of those living at the suburbs were paddy planters who hold steadfast to their traditional way of life. Even today they tile the land using buffaloes. "They have their own burial custom. When a family member dies, the deceased is buried within the paddy field based on the belief that the spirit of the ancestors will protect their livelihood," he said. THE CRUISE At the Ha Long Bay jetty, hundreds of vessels including tour vessels in different sizes were seen anchored waiting for visitors keen on island hopping or getting down at interesting places around Ha Long Bay. Visitors can choose their cruise package, a three day two night stay or a two day one night stay, sailing along the coastline and the islands. The prices are reasonable starting as low as US$30 per person depending on the facilities and the destinations during the voyage. As for those who want to put their endurance to test, the tour agents here also roll out cave exploration packages in the islands scattered around Ha Long Bay. Most of the tour boats here provide comfortable sleeping berths, restaurant facilities, space to unwind and facilities for scuba diving, fishing and etc. During the cruise, we enjoyed the view of the landscape created more than 500 million years ago. I was captivated by the nature's panorama. The calm waves, fresh air, and the rock formations that added to the relaxing atmosphere. A visit to Ha Long Bay is incomplete without witnessing the sun rising or going down, which I did. "I can’t wait to enjoy the sun set and sun rise here. I’m sure that this will be a wonderful moment for us here," said Moures, a tourists from France who was with us throughout the two day one night "Ha Long Wonder" cruise. HANOI WINS THE HEART Hanoi promises an exhilarating experience for backpackers. As for those keen to backpack in Hanoi, the best time to be there is between April and July where the temperatures are milder from 20 to 24 degree Celsius. -- BERNAMA

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