Day 01 @ Hanoi – Hoan Kiem Lake

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There is a very large number of small hotels located in the Old Quarter. The one we’re staying at – San Grand Hotel – also just so happens to be very near Hoan Kiem Lake, a freshwater lake that is a very popular spot for both locals and visitors.

But dinner, firstly, was at Banh Mi LongHoi, an eatery that occupies the corner building of a busy intersection. This little eatery has three floors, but its inside seating capacity I estimate is perhaps just 25 patrons, since each floor is really small. Their sandwiches have fun names, like Banh Mi Lucky, Happiness, etc., and are affordably priced at around SGD2.5 to SGD3 each. We bought four, and exchanged bites of each of them LOL.

A quick 2 minute walk from our hotel.

Tummies filled, it was time to continue on to Hoan Kiem Lake. Lots of people were about around the lake, including many joggers, kids on roller-blades, romantic couples showing PDAs, the elderly just chilling, street hawkers, and a couple of social groups with middle-aged ladies either exercising or practicing line dancing. It took just about 90 minutes to complete a leisurely walk where we did a complete loop around the lake, stopping at various points to take pictures, take closer looks at flora, and also for ice cream and bubble tea. The whole experience was very pleasant, and would have been even better had the weather not been so humid.

Pictures!

Banh mi Long Hoi – well-regarded for its local Banh mi sandwiches.
The kids at their growing age are at a point where they can be fussy eaters. But they both really enjoyed the food here.
Family wefie at Hoan Kiem Lake.
The wife with her eagle eyes and wearing her science teacher hat finds all sorts of interesting flora everywhere we go.
Low angle shot of a big tree.
McDonald’s. Must see if we can find an opportunity to test if their French fries taste the same here!
Early evening, and the light illuminations making for pretty pictures.
Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square.
Singapore ice-cream sandwiches!
Where the locals eat.