Hanoi - Asia's noodle capital

[astroboy]

Hanoi is a colourful city with about 4 million people and 2 million motorbikes. The city is famous for its delicious noodles. First-time visitors will be surprised by the busy streets and the lack of traffic rules. But because the vehicles (mostly motorbikes) move at a slow speed, fatal accidents are rare.

Quick intro to their noodles:
Pho (pronounced "fur") - looks like our hor fun
Bun (pronouced "boon") - looks like our thin noodles
Mee tom - equivalent of our Maggi noodles

[astroboy]

Most of the tourist hotels are centred around the Old Quarter, which consists of rows of shophouses. Most of the street names begin with Hang (meaning "trade"). So Hang Giay is Shoes Street, Hang Dao is Peach Street and so on.

Here I spotted an old shop selling antique fans and was caught by the rays of evening sunlight hitting the interior of the shop. I quickly took a snap before the owner came out.

http://www.awarna.com/test_images/antique_fans.jpg

[astroboy]

The One-Pillar Pagoda is quite an iconic tourist attraction in Hanoi. However, visitors to the place will be disappointed to see a temple structure built on a single pillar sitting on a small lake.

The real attraction for the photographer is to visit the OTHER temple located adjacent to One-Pillar. Inside this other temple, the lighting is superb and if you're lucky, u will get a good shot of the resident priests chanting their prayers.

http://www.awarna.com/test_images/temple_0350.jpg

[astroboy]

Within a one-hour radius outside of Hanoi, there are many smaller villages where time seems to stand still.

This pix was taken at one of those villages.

http://www.awarna.com/test_images/barber_0104.jpg

[qqmeng]

got photos of the pho, bun or mee tom? :tounge_smile:

[astroboy]

Didn't crossed my mind to take foodshots. Will remember to take some during my next visit. :)

got photos of the pho, bun or mee tom? :tounge_smile:

[astroboy]

The streets of Hanoi are always busy. While taking this shot around Ho Chi Minh Square, we waved at some ladies on their scooters and they slowed down and smiled at us. Just to show what friendly people they are.

http://www.awarna.com/test_images/hanoi_street.jpg

[astroboy]

The famous water puppets at a souvenir shop. But frankly speaking, the many times that I have been in Vietnam, I have never seen a water puppet show. I think the westerners might like it better.

http://www.awarna.com/test_images/water_puppets.jpg

[qqmeng]

pete...whats a water puppet?:rolleyes:

[ShaolinTiger]

Where's the noodles boss? :firing:

[astroboy]

They use water puppets to re-enact a play based on some mythical tales. The "stage-floor" is usually filled with water, hence water puppets. It's like our wayang kulit, only that we used a huge cloth and play with shadows.

pete...whats a water puppet?:rolleyes:

[qqmeng]

They use water puppets to re-enact a play based on some mythical tales. The "stage-floor" is usually filled with water, hence water puppets. It's like our wayang kulit, only that we used a huge cloth and play with shadows.

interesting .... i ll bring my digicam when i visit them one day;)

[noordin]

Very nice series. Thanks for sharing.

I think the temple will look great in B&W. :)

[HenryLow]

Can i post the food pics here???
Coz i just back from Ha Noi last month... :)
Or I should do my own thread???
Plz advise... :)

[qqmeng]

Henry .. either way is ok :)

[noordin]

Can i post the food pics here???
Coz i just back from Ha Noi last month... :)
Or I should do my own thread???
Plz advise... :)

I suggest you do your own thread. That way any comments will be on you photos alone. Sometimes when you "tumpang" the comments may be mistaken for the other photo set.

[KYspeaks]

I'm heading to HCMC tomorrow, will get you guys some noodle pictures soon. :P

[jmaguireokm]

I'm heading to HCMC tomorrow, will get you guys some noodle pictures soon. :P

pls show more foodie pictures hehehehehe
thanks first lo :D

[Alan]

Don't just bring back noodle pictures, bring some actual noodles lah! :p