Top of Hanoi Sky Bar - very cold and windy

 Hanoi -The bustling city of Hanoi is known for its rich culture, history, and vibrant nightlife. It is home to some of the most breathtaking views of the cityscape, especially from the Top of Hanoi, the tallest sky bar in the city. At 65 storeys, the stunning view from the top and the live music that fills the air make it the perfect place for a night out with friends.

As we reach the top of Lotte Hotel sky bar, we felt the chilly winds of Hanoi cut through our clothes.  We knew that it was going to be a cold and windy night, but the stunning 360 view of Hanoi was worth the visit.   It was probably the shivering look of us that the waiter brought us blankets.

Willy covered in a blanket

As we settled in and ordered our drinks, we felt the cold winds picking up.  The kind lady waiter asked us whether we needed blankets and it was a resounding yes. 

Signature cocktail

The live band continued to play in the cold wind and as the night progressed, the city lights became more enchanting. The view of the city from the top of Hanoi was mesmerizing, we couldn't get enough of it. 

View from the Top of Hanoi skybar

Cha Ca Thang Long restaurant - Tumeric Fish

 Hanoi - Hanoi is known for its rich culinary scene, and one restaurant that stands out for its delicious food and stunning decor is Cha Ca Thong Long. Located in the heart of the city, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Cha Ca Thang Long

The restaurant is named after its signature dish, Cha Ca, which is a Vietnamese-style fish dish that is cooked with turmeric and dill, and served with vermicelli noodles, peanuts, and herbs. Cha Ca Thong Long has been serving this dish for over 100 years, and it is widely regarded as the best in the city.

Cha Ca dish cooking over a hot stove

The secret to the deliciousness of Cha Ca Thong Long's Cha Ca lies in the freshness of the ingredients. The fish used in the dish is sourced daily from local markets, and the turmeric and dill are hand-picked from nearby farms. The result is a dish that is bursting with flavor and aroma, and is unlike anything you've ever tasted before.

Rice noodles for the Cha Ca

The waiter showed us how to eat Cha Ca - after the dill and vegetables have been mixed with the Cha Ca and cooked.  Take a chopstick full of rice noodle and put into your bowl, put some cooked fish and Dill into my bowl, add spring onion and peanuts, then lastly the smelly fermented shrimp sauce (Nam Tom).

But Cha Ca Thong Long isn't just about the food - the decor of the restaurant is also a major draw for diners. The interior is designed to evoke the atmosphere of a traditional Vietnamese home, with wooden furniture, ceramic tiles, and colorful lanterns. The walls are adorned with old photographs and artwork that tell the story of the restaurant's history and heritage.

It was a great time with good friends, delicious food and beautiful decor.

Lesley, Willy and Edmund

In addition to its famous Cha Ca, Cha Ca Thong Long also offers a range of other dishes that showcase the best of Vietnamese cuisine. From crispy spring rolls to savory stir-fried beef with lemongrass, there is something for everyone on the menu.

Deep fried spring roll

The last dish was the Fish head cooked in Tumeric and pineapple soup and lots of Leeks.

Cha Ca soup

All in all, a meal at Cha Ca Thong Long is not just a culinary experience, but also an aesthetic one. The combination of delicious food and stunning decor makes this restaurant a must-visit for anyone traveling to Hanoi. So, whether you're a foodie, a history buff, or just looking for a unique dining experience, be sure to add Cha Ca Thong Long to your itinerary.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - UNESCO Heritage

Hanoi - After our 'Obama Bun Cha' and with some time on our hands, we went to visit the Hanoi Imperial Citadel. 

As I walked through the gates of the Hanoi Imperial Citadel, I was transported back in time to the 11th century, when the citadel was first constructed. The citadel, also known as the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, served as the political center of Vietnam for over 1,000 years. It was the seat of power for the Ly, Tran, Le, and Nguyen dynasties, and is considered one of the most important historical sites in Vietnam.

A citadel is a type of fortress that is typically used to protect a city or important site from attack. The Hanoi Imperial Citadel was built in 1010 by Emperor Ly Thai To, and was the political and cultural center of Vietnam for centuries. The citadel was strategically located near the Red River and was surrounded by a moat and massive walls that were up to 12 meters high and 3 meters thick.

In 2010, the Hanoi Imperial Citadel was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition was based on the citadel's cultural significance, as it was the center of political power in Vietnam for over 1,000 years.

Excavation site

The archaeological site is where archaeologists have uncovered the remains of ancient structures and artifacts. This site is especially important because it provides a glimpse into the early history of the citadel, and how it evolved over time.

The most impressive was this bowl with the dragon motif illuminated. 

The Hanoi Imperial Citadel is not only an impressive architectural site, but it also has a fascinating history that includes the use of underground bunkers.

During the Vietnam War, the North Vietnamese Army used the citadel as a military base, and built an extensive network of underground tunnels and bunkers to protect themselves from American bombing raids.

deep underground bunkers

These underground bunkers were a vital component of the North Vietnamese Army's defense strategy, and allowed them to move freely around the citadel without being detected by enemy planes. The bunkers were also used for storage and as a command center for military operations.

A photo shot with Uncle Ho

Vietnam war meeting place

Air filtration system

communist era car

Bun Cha Huong Lien - Anthony Bourdain & Obama dine at

Hanoi - Bun Cha Huong Lien is a small restaurant located in the heart of Hanoi, Vietnam. It gained worldwide recognition when it was featured in an episode of Anthony Bourdain's hit travel show, "Parts Unknown," in 2016. The episode featured a meal shared between Bourdain and former US President Barack Obama, and the restaurant has since become a must-visit destination for foodies and travelers alike.

"Vietnam, it grabs you and doesn't let you go. Once you love it, you love it forever" - Anthony Bourdain

Obama was here!

The restaurant's signature dish is bun cha, a Vietnamese dish that consists of grilled pork served with rice noodles, herbs, and a fish sauce-based dipping sauce. The pork is marinated in a special blend of herbs and spices, giving it a unique and delicious flavor.

Bun Cha

Bun Cha Huong Lien is a small, unassuming restaurant that seats only a handful of customers at a time. It is located on a quiet street in Hanoi's Old Quarter, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The restaurant's interior is simple and no-frills, with wooden tables and chairs, and a few pictures on the walls.

Despite its humble appearance, the restaurant has a loyal following of locals and tourists alike, drawn in by the delicious food and the restaurant's claim to fame. In fact, the restaurant has even been renamed "Bun Cha Obama" by locals, in honor of the former president's visit.

Bourdain and Obama's visit to Bun Cha Huong Lien was a highlight of their trip to Vietnam. The two sat on plastic stools and enjoyed a meal of bun cha, chatting and laughing over the delicious food. The moment was captured on camera and quickly went viral, leading to a surge of interest in the restaurant and the dish.

Crowded enterance

Since the episode aired, Bun Cha Huong Lien has become a popular tourist destination, with visitors from all over the world coming to try the famous dish. Despite the increased attention, the restaurant has remained true to its roots, continuing to serve up the same delicious bun cha that made it famous in the first place.

In conclusion, Bun Cha Huong Lien is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Hanoi, Vietnam. The restaurant's signature dish, bun cha, is a delicious and unique take on grilled pork, and the restaurant's humble setting only adds to its charm. Whether you're a fan of Anthony Bourdain or simply looking to try some authentic Vietnamese cuisine, Bun Cha Huong Lien is definitely worth a visit.

37 Hong Phuc restaurant - 'disgusting coughing lady'

Hanoi - Around dinner we were hankering for Vietnamese food and went to Dong Xuan Market but the famous Night market is only happening on the weekends.   On Monday, it has quieten down with few shops opened - not interesting so we went searching for food.   Came to this restaurant packed on the ground floor with Vietnamese so it most be good; the waiters guided us up to the 2nd floor.   

We ordered our food from the menu and next came the shock! This auntie was coughing into our vegetables and served that bowl of vegetables to us - we looked at each other and laughed in disbelief.   As we were thirsty we order drinks.  Edmund look at her coughing and she covered her mouth but managed to scoop up the ice into the cups for us - Edmund was the brave pathfinder who drank the ice tea.  

Bun Ca

Bun ca is a classic and healthy Hanoi-style Vietnamese noodle soup. The broth is savory, flavorful, and slightly sour, and is stuffed full of vegetables and herbs. The most significant ingredient, of course, is the fish, which came in the form of fried fish to add a filling heartiness to the soup.  The noodles in this restaurant was brown.

Fried fritters 

Similar our Yu Tiao, I dipped this into the bowl of noodle soup.

Ice tea drink that I did not drink

Bowl of vegetables 

Back to Nihonkai Sushi

 Hanoi - We went to have our lunch.  Lesley and Edmund has not arrived yet to Hanoi.

Nice chill sushi lunch with Willy

Salmon belly sashimi 

Sushi set 

Fried seafood udon

Old Airport Road Hawker Centre - a rare jewel of delicious hawker food

Singapore - After our Lawn Bowling competition, I drove to Old Airport Road Hawker Centre with Edmund and my youngest son, Paxton to have some delicious lunch.

Chaw Kwa Teow - a perennial Singapore favourite - a long queue for this stall with yearly awarded Michelin stars. 

Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow

Light Fried Kway Teow

Dark Fried Kway Teow

A delicious amount of flavour with Chinese sausages, cockles and dark sauce to make this dish a darker look.  

Tou Fu with Ginko nuts

Tou Fu with Grass Jelly 

Famous Soursop juice

A good lunch with sensory overload of delicious Singapore food .

Lawn Bowl in Singapore

Singapore - I was introduced to this game by Edmund, and we practice a couple of times together.  On Saturday, we competed in the National Singles 21 Shots up and it was fun.   My son, Paxton participated too.

Pax playing in the rain

Me on the lawn bowl