Here’s another summary from this year’s major travels, Backpacking Northern Vietnam. Northern Vietnam offers variety of scenic areas from the UNESCO heritage site of Ha Long Bay to the Old Charm of Hanoi’s Old Quarters and the wondrous treks in the highlands of Sapa Valley. Here’s our basic summary and some tips from this backpack travel.
Northern Vietnam Trail
The Northern Vietnam trip was last June 13-17, 2008. It was for 5 days with the last day, being an early morning flight to Manila. On the Google Map was our trail numbered chronologically from the places we visited. (1) Hanoi (2) Ha Long Bay (3) Lao Cai (4) Sapa Valley
Budget: I find Northern Vietnam a bit expensive a place to visit, more than Cambodia or even more than my recent China. Probably because it’s gaining a lot of popularity as an Asian destination that prices are being exploited. Our Total expense reached Php 25000++ per pax inclusive of airfares from Manila to Hanoi, Transportation, Park Fees, Food and Accommodations.
Just some important points on the expenses:
Airfare: Round trip Manila to Hanoi via Cebu Pacific = 7,911.00 PHP
Park Fees: Ha Long Bay Tour via Handspan – Aloha Junk overnight Tour 117 USD (although I checked recently that their tour went up to 139 USD. Still I highly recommend their service if you plan to visit Ha Long Bay)
Accommodations:
Backpacker’s Inn Hanoi – USD 8 / dorm bed per night (a bit expensive for backpacker’s Inn in my opinion)
Hotel Pinnochio in Sapa – USD 8/ night for a twin bed room (not recommended though. I would recommend BAn Mai hotel just across the Bus Station with rooms ranging 8-15 USD)
Wild Lotus Hanoi – USD 8/ night Double/twin bed
Transportation: Train to Lao Cai from Hanoi and back is 32 USD, for a soft berth in an air conditioned cabin good for four.
Tips:
Be careful of Taxis. Choose the ones on the move, more on the white ones instead of those on stand by like the green and blue ones. There are unscrupulous taxis whose meters are tampered.
Haggle when you buy on stalls or street vendors. Preferably half the price of what they claim their items to be.
If you can book in advance, do so. Trains don’t allow reservations, better ask a reputable travel agent to book for you in advance if you need to.
My next set of travels would be set by the end of next month and end of the year so I may not be able to write new chronicles by then, unless there are unplanned personal trips in between. For the meantime, I’ll be digging through my archives on what to write.
2008 has been blessed with so many travels. I actually had a very very hard time deciding the best-of-the best on all the destinations visited on 2008. While each destination offers something unique on its own, each decision is based on my deep experience which characteristics resonates most on the place. So this ‘best-of’ is based on my personal opinion but feel free to share what you think. So here goes….
Ati-atihan Festival in Boracay Island
Best Fun/Party Destination – Boracay Island, Aklan
While I may not fully agree with the overblown development happening on the island of Boracay I can’t deny that Boracay is an ideal place if you are looking more into parties or fun with barkada (friends) on a beautiful white beach setting. There’s a bunch of activities here to keep you occupied and the wide array of food choices for the voracious eater. While you can visit Boracay anytime of the year It’s best to go during the first quarter of the year where there’s a lof of happening on the island.
Camiguin’s White island
Best Beach – White Island, Camiguin
If you want an unadulterated beach, pure white beach, free of vegetation and annoying establishments, this is the perfect place. An island sandbar, wide and desolate. One of a kind island in the Philippines.
A place to take a rest at Nagarao Island
Best Beach Island Resort – Nagarao Island, Guimaras
This island really placed an enchantment on me. It’s a wonderful little island off the south coast of Guimaras. What charmed me most here is the vegetation, landscaping and the quaint accommodations they have. The beach have a variety of ruggedness and fine ones too. This windswept island is perfect place if you want to just have a quiet getaway closer to nature and away from the crowd.
Camiguin’s Tuasan Falls
Best Waterfalls – Tuasan Falls, Camiguin
I realized I have visited only a few waterfalls this year but the best one I have seen is deep inside the Volcano Island of Camiguin which is the Tuasan Falls. It’s almost an hour hike through the forest, boulders and some river crossings but seeing this layered falls sure is worth it. It doesn’t have the height of the nearby Katibawasan but its layers of pools is much more majestic.
Arching clouds at the peak of Bud Bongao
Best Mountain Climbs – Bud Bongao, Tawi-Tawi and Emeishan, China
I only had very little climbs in 2008 but the ones I like locally and internationally are both sacred mountains. in China I was able to climb one of the Four Sacred Buddhist mountains – Emeishan. This 3,099m mountain boast stunning above the cloud views, temples and of course a bit of snow. In the Philippines the petite mountain of Bud Bongao in Tawi-tawi was another uniquely fond experience. Bud Bongao stands only about 390m and is a very sacred Muslim Mountain. The experience of climbing with numerous Macaque monkey companions along the trail and leaving knots of wishes was really memorable. Muslims in Tawi-tawi said that you haven’t been to Tawi-tawi if you haven’t climbed Bud Bongao.
Halong Bay Karsts and Junks
Best Natural Wonders – Coron, Palawan and Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Two countries and two destinations that have a big similarity came into this one. The thousands of karst wonders of Ha Long bay Vietnam is a truly wondrous sight. But not left behind despite its smaller numbers, the Karst wonders of Coron Palawan and its crystal clear lakes is more scenic than the former.
Leshan Giant Buddha Profile
Best Architectural Wonder – Leshan Giant Buddha and Miagao Church
Two religious structures from two countries were my favorite architectural wonders. The Giant Buddha of Lehsan which is the tallest Buddha structure in the world shows how belief and fate can change the currents of flow of a river. While the beautiful fortress church of Miagao displays how religious inspiration produced the elegant base reliefs on its church facade.
On the road to Chavayan, Batanes
Best Scenic Destination – Batanes
This northern province never sieze to amaze. No doubt one of the most scenic places in our country. Landscape photographers will find this as heaven. Romantics and poets will find this a paradise. Not to mention the honest and kind people of Batanes makes this place almost a utopia. I was fortunate to visit this place last 2008 but am planning to get back here for a longer stay to re-visit and explore the distant island of Itbayat.
Heaven’s gate at Tianmenshan
Best Adventure Travel – China South West and Central
With more than 2000 miles within China, 5 provinces, 4 UNESCO sites, 11 days and a budget of less than Php 30,000 which includes all airfares from Manila, transfers within China, park fees, food and accommodations this was my most ambitious trip last year. It was quite an experience that I’m hoping to top this year.
Panda Fun Snack in Chengdu, Sichuan
Best International Destination – Sichuan, China
Going deep into Mainland China in Sichuan province is another unforgettable travel in 2008. Climbing the sacred mountain of Emei, looking up from the foot of a Giant Buddha, getting up close to the gentle Pandas, tasting the fiery dishes and experiencing its culture will surely make its mark in memory for quite some time. While the province suffered a major earthquake, it is fast in picking up the pieces.
Bongao Tawi-tawi Morning Mist
Best Philippines Travel Destination – Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
Of all the travels within the Philippines, Tawi-tawi is the destination that suprised me most. So many myths and misconception (mostly brought about by Bad Media Coverage) about this place has been broken when I visited here. It’s a melting pot of culture and the most ideal co-existence of religions I’ve seen in a place. More that I really miss is the warm and kind people we met, and the cultural experience here that go along with the place. It’s a destination I’m definitely sure to come back to.
A Glimpse of 2009
In terms of the blog post, expect to see entries more on Camiguin and Tawi-Tawi. For travel I already have another 2 weeks major travel this first quarter and am just finalizing logistics and more local destinations. If you have any ideas in mind or suggested destinations drop a comment here. You might get yourself some goodies.
Thank you very much for the great 2008. It’s YOU readers who keep me inspired sharing more travel adventures and photography in this blog. More blessings and travels this 2009!
“A clever man can see the world from a cave much better than a stupid man can from the top of a mountain!”
I thought this shot has nothing spectacular in terms of composition, nor am I a fan of the multi-colored lights this Heavenly Palace Cave or locally known as Thien Cung Cave of Halong Bay has. The cave itself though, a huge chamber, with winding pathways really has impressive stalactites and stalagmites. What made me choose this photo of the Heavenly Palace Cave has more to do with Nikon D7100’s high ISO capabilities. I wasn’t able to bring my tripod inside the cave and had to rely on the camera’s high ISO to get steady shots. This photo I took hand-held is already at ISO 8063 (and extended ISO mode) and it still has very impressive detail.
EXIF Info
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For more info about the Nikon D7100 and its availability in the Philippines. Visit Nikon.ph
Halong Bay is 3-4 hours away from Hanoi. Cebu Pacific Air flies to Hanoi from Manila every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 10:20pm.
I can’t help but feel nostalgic. Six years is quite a long time to return to a place. Hanoi was such a favorite destination of mine back then. Yes I’ve treaded the streets of the Old Quarter before, went to an overnight cruise at Ha Long Bay and even enjoyed the misty coolness of Sapa Valley during my first visit in Northern Vietnam. But I don’t mind going back to see what has changed that’s why I didn’t think twice when an invite for a familiarization tour of Hanoi, organized by Cebu Pacific Air and Stratworks came in the email. There’s the certain comfort of stepping back into the familiar and also a certain anxiety to see how things have transitioned from now to then.
A girl among Hanoi theatre mask
Familiar Hanoi
“Xin Chao! Welcome to Hanoi” greeted our English speaking guide, Duc, who has a distinct British-twang in his accent. Red-eye flights means we land in Hanoi in the dark so I had to keep my excitement until the morning to see the city in good light. But I did notice the numerous sky scrapers, probably condo developments near the vicinity of the airport which I didn’t notice before.
At the One Pillar Pagoda
More than the One Pillar Pagoda
As with any familiarization tours, I just go with the flow, relax and let the organizers guide us through. Our first stop was to pay homage to the most famous man in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh. At Ba Dinh Square, crowd of fellow tourist flock to get a sight of his granite mausoleum housing Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed remains. Just at the back of the mausoleum is one of the most iconic temples in Vietnam – the One Pillar Pagoda. This petite Buddhist temple was constructed by Emperor Ly Thai Tong as a form of gratitude to the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara after he dreamt of being handed a baby. Shortly afterwards, he got married to a peasant girl who bore him a son. The place is enclosed in a small garden currently being manicured at that time. I did love the detail of the gate doors to the temple. The small shrine also is also interesting as there’s a panel where small thumb portraits of the dead can be seen.
Crowded entrance to the Temple of Literature
Temple of Literature
I never knew until this visit that November is the graduation season in Vietnam. A visit to the Temple of Literature found us going with the flow of newly graduate students taking posterity shot of this momentous moment within the 5 gated courtyard of Vietnam’s first national university built in 1070. It was hard to really appreciate the place but still it was amusing to see these young Vietnamese serious about getting their portraits right. From balloon props, to ornate dresses, to wacky poses up to what may seem like a pre-nuptial shoot already. I still got to see the Turtle Steles, the pavillions and the altars of Confucius and his disciples.
Two way. Cyclo in the Old Quarter
Cyclo Into the Old Quarter
An hour in the afternoon was spent riding a cyclo around the Old Quarter of Hanoi. The pace was too slow for me I almost dozed off but got excited when I saw familiar streets, coffee shops I had drank before, or that souvenir shop I brought from last time. Aside from the numerous wedding and pre-nuptial photo sessions in almost every corner of Hanoi and the Old Quarter, I’m glad that the old world charm that I used to know and experienced is still there. Yes there are more shops with outdoor brands too but hey it’s a way people earn for a living. And I can’t blame those couples doing their photoshoot here as the colors, the architecture and the busy streets is somewhat admirable and photogenic. I know a lot of street photographers would revel here (hence the black and white photos). At first I was afraid those commercial developments like the high rise condos I saw coming here would have invaded the Old Quarter. It’s a good sign I didn’t notice them here. I guess those high rise were deliberately only allowed outside of this heritage city. If I had my time, I would walk these streets again at my own pace and try to discover more charming hidden cafes, shops or what ever’s there.
Flow of people at the Temple of LiteratureA guard and a devotee burning incense at the Temple of LiteratureAt the gates of the One Pillar PagodaRemembering the dead at the One Pillar Pagoda ShrineNew graduates having their photo session at the templeMore scene at the Temple of LiteratureA shoe shop at the Old QuarterStreetside eats in HanoiThe Pinay Solo Backpacker on a tourist cycloHanoi is so laid back people like to hang out at the streetsOn the Huc bridge at Hoan Kiem LakeTaking time to sit down at Hoan Kiem LakeThe constellation of literature pavillionThrough the temple doorsDiscover charming cafe through narrow alleys in the Old Quarter
Our familiarization trip to Hanoi was sponsored by Cebu Pacific Air. Cebu Pacific Air flies from Manila to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam thrice weekly every Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturday, leaving Manila at 10:20PM and arriving in Hanoi at 12:30am. Return flights will leave Hanoi for Manila at 1am every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, and arrive in Manila at 5:15am.
For bookings and inquiries, guests can go to www.cebupacificair.com, or call the reservation hotlines (02) 7020–888 or (032) 230–8888. The latest seat sales and promos can also be found on CEB’s official Twitter and Facebook pages.
All photos from this post were taken with a Nikon D7100. Visit Nikon.ph.
How about a panoramic view of one of Vietnam’s top attraction, the Ha Long Bay, either from the room window or a few steps away from its lobby doors? Halong Plaza Hotel, our home in Halong, Vietnam during our Cebu Pacific Air familiarization tour, has just that. This 4-star hotel is located at Bai Chay, Ha Long City near the Bai Chay bridge and fronting it is a small promenade where guest can have an unobstructed view of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The hotel lobby
The Superior Twin Room
We arrived in the Halong Plaza Hotel after a 3–4 hour coaster ride from Hanoi. We had a welcome drink of cold ice tea. A live local music playing filled the spacious and elegant lobby of the hotel. We looked around only to find a lone female playing a traditional musical instrument. I thought that was a nice welcome. We were given our room keys (I was hoping for two) for our Superior Twin Room.
Our room was on the 22nd floor. The whole floor was carpeted as well as our room. The design is a bit old-fashioned but looking good still. Well-spaced, extra cushioned chairs and really comfy beds. I like that there’s a bedside panel that controls most of the room lights, aircondition temperature and even some good instrumental music all the way to the bathroom. Water pressure is strong and the bathroom is well-lit. It’s also a plus that most of the hotel area has WiFi access for free. From our room, to the corridors and the lobby.
Gym and pool area
Facilities
I woke up early to try to catch the sunrise but only caught a gloomy sky that morning with barely a shadow of the Ha Long Bay karst formations in the horizon. I did catch a few locals doing calisthenics by the small park in front of the hotel until the drizzle became stronger.
I opted to use the gym instead that morning. The gym is located in the 4th floor right beside the pool. I thought the equipment were in very good condition. From the weights, machines and treadmills. No one was manning the gym but I had no problems with that.
The Four Seasons Restaurant have a good selection of food for their breakfast buffet. Their breads were quite tasty too and coffee as strong as I want from a Vietnamese kind. I was also amused with their chafing dish as it was automated. First time I’ve seen something like that.
Comfy beds and handy bedside control panel for lights, temperature and music
Halong Plaza Hotel
The location in terms of views is good but quite a distance from eateries outside the hotel. The hotel though is a 15-minute drive to the port jump off for the Ha Long Bay cruises. We only had a short stay in Ha Long Plaza Hotel but it was a real pleasant one.
Stairway leading to the hotel entrance
Halong Plaza Hotel
8 Halong Road, Bai Chay, Ha Long City
Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
Contact: +8433.3.845810
Breakfast buffet at the Four Seasons RestaurantThe bathroom with tubAnother view of our Superior Twin roomView of Bai Chay Bridge and locals doing early morning calisthenics in front of the hotel
Our familiarization trip to Hanoi was sponsored by Cebu Pacific Air. Cebu Pacific Air flies from Manila to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam thrice weekly every Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturday, leaving Manila at 10:20PM and arriving in Hanoi at 12:30am. Return flights will leave Hanoi for Manila at 1am every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, and arrive in Manila at 5:15am.
For bookings and inquiries, guests can go to www.cebupacificair.com, or call the reservation hotlines (02) 7020–888 or (032) 230–8888. The latest seat sales and promos can also be found on CEB’s official Twitter and Facebook pages.
“Please don’t call it a junk! It doesn’t sound good. We call it a cruise ship!” our Vietnamese guide with a British accent, Duc, politely corrected me as I got accustomed to call those large wooden ships cruising Ha Long Bay as “junks” similar to what they call it in Hong Kong. From Halong Plaza Hotel, we were headed to the port for a Ha Long Bay day in this UNESCO Heritage site in the province of Quang Ninh, Vietnam. It is popularly known for its thousands limestone karst picturesquely dispersed on a bay off Ha Long City.
A boat vendor selling fruits
A Ha Long Bay Day Cruise
It is actually my second time in Ha Long Bay. While I would recommend an overnight cruise of Ha Long Bay to get the most of the experience of sleeping on a modern cruise ship and seeing the sunset in the midst of these multitude rock formations, it is still possible to do a Ha Long Bay day cruise for those who have limited time. For this familiarization tour with Cebu Pacific Air and Red Tours, we were only doing a Ha Long Bay day cruise, whichI thought was good so I would know the difference with an overnight tour. By 9am we were already boarded on our cruise ship and headed to Ha Long Bay. Our cruise ship is designed for a day cruise only but has dining facilities and sun deck.
More ships and karst formations at the bayDocking on Driftwood Island for Thien Cung Cave
While I enjoy Hanoi’s old world architecture and bustling city streets. Sometimes the crowd and constant noise of speeding cyclos can get tiring especially when one has to deal with the daily routines of urban life and work. A change of pace and a new environment is a welcome change to recharge and find solace in a hectic environment. Just an hour away from Hanoi is the province Vinh Phuc where the Flamingo Dai Lai Resort is located. I may not live in Hanoi, but as a tourist, I found this immense resort with well-maintained gardens, established pathways, scenic lakes, elegant villas and top-notch staff and ideal peaceful getaway near the city.
Bar by the beach
Flamingo Dai Lai Resort
Only 40km away from Hanoi and 16km near the airport, Flamingo Dai Lai Resort is accessible from the city or upon flying in. With a surcharge, the resort can arrange pick-up guest at the airport. As for our group, we drove in from Hanoi which took only an hour following road signs leading to the resort. When we got out our coaster, cool gust of air under gloomy skies welcomed us along with the staff. We were led to the reception to meet the key people of the resort and soon we rode the golf carts to our cottages.
The cart ride to our rooms and and a short tour of the resort showed us how impressive the place is. A huge 1.2 million square meter land, 4 peninsulas, 2 lakes, 10 forest and 5 hills with cottages. There are also residential areas being developed. I like how the place is so verdant yet fitted with stylish modern facilities.
Our Hill Top Villa tucked in a forest
Hill Top Villa
I love being surrounded by trees and to find our villa amidst the forest got me excited. Our Hill Top Villa has beautiful log walls. There’s a couple of mountain bikes outside guest can freely use. Once I opened the villa, I was filled awe. It’s the kind of elegance I was leaning into, very much country in feel. Almost half of area is occupied by the huge bed where the sliding doors open to our private villa pool. Despite being out in the open, the place feels private. It was a bummer we had limited time of stay here. I made sure I enjoy as much as I can.
The bathroom is also huge and I made sure that I try that marble bath tub. I would have used the outdoor shower but it was already cold outside. I did try our pool for a few minutes and ran back in the hot shower to get ready for our massage. It was also worth to note despite the proximity between villas and the vastness of the place, the whole area is well connected to the internet.
The bedroom at the villaThe bathroom with a marble tub and outdoor showerView from the bedView of the poolMountain bikes free to use by guestEnjoying a little pool time
