I didnâ€t come here to buy stuff but merely to experience a Vietnamese market. Thereâ€re lots going on in the market, plenty of activities and it was really crowded. Be prepare to sweat…a lot…thereâ€s no aircon which it can get a little uncomfortable after a while at Dong Xuan Market.

Looking at it, the market seems to operate more like a wholesale market where most of the buying was in bulk.

I spotted one interesting dried food shop near the market with very interesting stuff on display. Just look at these!!

Long Bien Bridge

Not far away from the market is Long Bien Bridge or Cau Long Bien as the locals call it. A good old-fashioned iron girder bridge which spans the Red River built during the period of French rule. And the bridge designer was none other than Gustave Eiffel. Yes, the same fellow who built the renowned Eiffel Tower.

About half of Long Bien Bridge was actually destroyed during Vietnam War but was restored to what we see today. I canâ€t really link both Eiffel Tower and the bridge together though…especially with the rugged rusty look.

A single railway track runs in the middle, other traffic on the bridge consists of motorcycles and bicycles but no cars. Thereâ€s a sidewalk for human traffic too but itâ€s not very well maintained and rather narrow.

Passengers heading to Northern parts of Vietnam will board their trains from here.

Cha Ca La Vong

Dinner was at the well-known Cha Ca La Vong which I came across during my trip research. Somehow, the eating place has a bag of mixed reviews but leaning towards the negative zone, decided to be my own judge to find out. Its external looks very unassuming and signage can be improved. Upon entering, we were given a card that reads “Only one dish in our restaurant. Grilled fish. Price: 170,000 VND/ person (not including drink)”, itâ€s really a one-dish-wonder restaurant.

So hereâ€s my take – the marinated fish is not bad but nothing to shout home about and the portion per person is really small. There were 4 of us and we requested for more fish, at additional cost. Not bad for an experience but for that portion at S$10, I ainâ€t coming back.

The rest of the evening was spent wandering around the streets near to our hotel and more beer of course! :D

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Took a taxi from May De Ville Old Quarter Hotel, Tran Quoc Pagoda is a 10-15 minutes ride away depending on the traffic. Similar to Ngoc Son Temple at Hoan Kiem Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda resides on a small island at West Lake but seems way more crowded. This is, after all, the most ancient and famous pagoda in Hanoi.

The Buddhist site was built during the 6th century on the bank of Red River before relocated here during the 17th century, which means itâ€s approximately 1,500 years old! Wow!!

And the tall Pagoda, which has 11 levels and 6 arch windows on each level. Inside every arch window sits a Buddha statue made of precious stones.

Didnâ€t stay here for long, was soon on our way to the next destination and came across many locals who were fishing along the lake. Thatâ€s when I took notice of West Lake, which is several times larger than Hoan Kiem Lake.

The rubbish bin with smiley faces.

From Tran Quoc Pagoda, we proceed to the Ho Chi Minh Museum and Vietnam Military History Museum on foot. The museum showcases the countryâ€s turmoil past during the wars, making it a good place to learn more about Vietnamese history. And itâ€s nice to see the story from the other side of the coin. Since most historical books tend to be a little bias against Communism.

The walk brought us to the imposing Presidential Palace which itâ€s a nice looking colonial building but its interior décors arenâ€t meant for the public eyes.

We also passed by Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a large memorial where the embalmed body of Uncle Ho is kept. In order to preserve his remains, the body undergoes preventive maintenance in Russia from October to November annually. And thatâ€s actually opposite from his will. The former president had wished to be cremated and his ashes scattered across this country. Why like that?

Also, the guards here meant business, do as whatâ€s written on the signs around the memorial.

Ho Chi Minh Museum

The nearby Ho Chi Minh Museum is another site dedicated to the late Vietnamese leader. It showcases his life through photographs and documents that are exhibited. I have new found respect for this man adored by the Vietnamese, who did so much for his country during his lifetime. Who knows how Vietnam might turn out today without his drive and vision?

On the second level is a welcoming statue of Uncle Ho.

Vietnam Military History Museum

The next museum highlights Vietnamâ€s military history in depth which makes it one great place for war history buff. There are different sections representing different era like French colonisation period and American War.

On displays inside Vietnam Military History Museum are plenty of weapons and military manoeuvre maps.

But the more impressive stuff is outside the buildings where Hanoi Flag Tower stands. The hexagonal stone tower is the centrepiece of Vietnam Military History Museum and a symbol of Hanoi.

I took the ‘potentially-knee-killer†spiral staircases to the viewing room at the towerâ€s top.

I get the overview of the main attractions here which are the ‘war souvenirsâ€. They consist of American planes, helicopters, tanks and wrecks at its courtyard area.

A closer look at the souvenirs…

The one which caught my attention was this ‘sculpture†made up of wrecked B-52 bomber remnants and the picture of that female soldier dragging the wreckage. I am not entirely sure about the meaning behind this propaganda. But I do know B-52 bomber was the symbol of American Air Forceâ€s might during that era.

What do you think?

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What are your thoughts about Ho Chi Minh Museum and Vietnam Military History Museum? Leave a comment and share it with me.

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