Weekend in Hanoi

Serene Hoan Kiem Lake near the Old Quarter

Hanoi, described in the Lonely Planet as the "grand old dame of the Orient" is an ancient city for sure. But you get the sense of a place on the move; a city with a graceful colonial past and a dynamic, industrious future.

A city of 7 million people on 6 millions motorbikes

The old quarter of Hanoi, where we are staying, is a maze of narrow streets crowded with small shops, food vendors and far too many motorbikes. There are so many mopeds parked on the sidewalks that everyone walks on the road, mingling seamlessly with the traffic. It's a little unnerving at first but you get used to it soon enough!

We arrived on a weekend when the road that rings Hoan Kiem Lake is closed to traffic, allowing families and couples to stroll and play. I took the opportunity to snap a few shots of the people of Hanoi relaxing and enjoying their day off work. It was such a contrast to the hustle and bustle of the Old Quarter.

Children play a traditional game of rhythmic jumping over bamboo poles

Lovely young ladies pose for photos

Toddlers chase bubbles blown by their parents

A fruit vendor makes her sales by bicycle

Statue of Ly Thai To who founded Hanoi in 1010

A bride and groom pose for photos by the lake

Peach blossoms are used to decorate the home during Tet (New Year)

Having dinner on the sidewalk between the motorbikes

Eating on the sidewalk with "Sam" our guide to the culinary delights of the Old Quarter

Chuck goes "native" with the encouragement of a street vendor