Ha Noi & Ha Long Bay

Our first impression: It’s so loud!! Thousands of motorbikes try to get themselves through the narrow streets and they are not afraid of using their horn. After surviving the first trip with our backpacks wedged in a tiny local bus, the next challenge is calling: Passing the street. The first thing we learned is that in Thailand, they drive on the left, in Cambodia on the right and in Vietnam, they drive just everywhere. But there is even a rule in chaos: Just walk slowly with eye contact to the drivers and never ever stop. And yes, we made it! After a couple of days of setteling in, Ha Noi got us. Most of the daily life happens on the street and after a while we begin to love the vibrant and colorful city. Especially the coffee culture and hip artisan shops.
Ha Long Bay is not far, so we decided to take a break and relax on a boat trip. The downside: There are a lot of tourists all year around but with a bit of luck you find a boat that avoids the main routes. It’s well worth a visit and not for nothing a world heritage site.