Trip to Hanoi, Vietnam

I planned for 4 day Trip to Hanoi, Vietnam. It is the capital city of Vietnam. Old Quarter Is is very famous place in Hanoi where you can do shopping, pubs and some historic places are also around the place. Most of the place is in walking distance if you are from a place like Japan.I stayed in Center of the city which is in old quarter - Hanoi Old Town Hotel . People are friendly and helpful. Like other tourist places this place is also fully packed with Tourists everywhere.

Day 1:
The Hoa Lo Prison , Cathedral , Hoan Kiem Lake and Water puppet show
The Hoa Lo Prison:
This is also called as "Hanoi Hilton". The prison displays focus on the sufferings of Vietnamese , sometimes people where executed here. It was built by French people.one of the must see places in Hanoi.

Below items are used by prisoners , It was not like modern day prison. they gone through lot of troubles and gory. Separate cell for some people and these were really horrible like hell. They have never seen sun for years and theirs eyes were always felt like cloudy

 

St.Joseph`s Cathedral, Hanoi  

Hoan Kiem Lake - Ngoc Son Temple

Lake of Returned sword, its a story about Turtle came and asked for Emperor`s sword.

In front of Turtle Tower  

Thang Long Water Puppet show:
Puppet show depicts stories of olden days,  famous characters including Dragon, Unicorn, Tortoise, and Phoenix.The artists played nice music with different kinds of instrument

Day 2 :
Hoa Lu Temple and Tam Coc Bich Dong
I joined a day group tour starting from Hanoi. The tour includes a visit to handicraft factory, Hoa Lu temple, buffet lunch and Tam Coc boat house

The historic capital of Vietnam and the famous ancient temples of Le and the Dinh Dynasties.

Boat ride to the caves and bicycle ride in the villages. The highlight of the tour is definitely the leisure boat ride to the caves, with great mountain view as background.

They have rice field on both sides of the river and the view is really Spectacular

Really have to salute the lady who peddle the boat for 7 KM with such a friendly way, we had nice chat with her in English . Highlight here is most of them in Hanoi is big fan of Bollywood drama.

Day 3:
Tran Quac Pagoda,One pillar pagoda, Temple of Literature,Ho chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature
Tran Quac Pagoda :
One of the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi.It is the place where late Indian President Dr Rajendra Prasad visited here and planted Bodhi Tree , Actual plant was taken from Buddha Gaya. This temple is located on west lake , In the shores of Red River

Ho chi Minh Mausoleum:
Ho chi Minh`s Body is kept here and people can see his body from morning 7 am - 11 am. The great and respectable person in the history of Hanoi. Who really struggled lot for freedom. Dress code should be maintained here. if not you can buy there for around 300 JPY.

One Pillar Pagoda :
Emperor Ly Thai Thong built this on Gratitude to Buddha , on the occasion of his Son`s Birth . this is just near to the Ho chi Minh Mausoleum.

Ho Chi Minh Museum is around 5 mins walk from this place.
Temple of Literature:
It is dedicated to Confucius. people those who are Graduated on Literature will visit this temple.

Graduated students ready for their Photo shoot in Temple of Literature

Popular Food of Hanoi:
Chicken cooked with Lemon Grass 

Che- Kind of desert , but they are having it as breakfast

Cha ca - It is a form of Raw spring role with fish and vegetables wrapped with a sheet made of rice

Vietnam is also famous for its coffee

Day 4:
Walking tour around the hotel and returned to Airport
Other Must Try Places:

SAPA Trekking

Ha long Bay (1 night stay)

Hope you enjoyed my blog! Thanks for your Time and Support.
Cheers!!!

Ashikaga Flower Park (Wisteria Blossom) - Tochigi Pref

Ashikaga Flower Park is located in Ashikaga city – Tochigi prefecture, it is 80 km towards North from Tokyo.  This is the best spot to see Wisteria flowers.Wisteria is also called as Fuji Flower. The trees in Ashikaga Flower Park are more than 150 years old

It took around 2 hours by car to reach here in peak season, I planned for a day trip.

Different colors of wisteria flowers you can see here like Purple, White, Light Pink and Yellow.
along with Wisteria flowers you can enjoy other flower blossoms as well.

 

 

Other places you can enjoy nearby:

1.       Strawberry Picking

2.       Coco & Winery

3.       Sano Premium outlet (if travel by Car)

Trip to Minakami - Guma Pref

Minakami is situated in river bank of Tone. It is very famous for Natural Onsens (Hot Spring) and lot of outdoor activities. People who really like Adventures sports should visit here.

I planned here for 2 days trip. It took us around 3 hours to reach Minakami from Kanagawa. We stayed at place called "Alpine Lodge", it is located in foothills of the mountain and river by its side. Minakami is the place where you can enjoy Rafting, canyoning, Paragliding,kayaking, Bungee,Apple Picking and lot more activities.

Day 1: Rafting

Rafting was arranged by Canyons, they will provide you all the gears which are required for rafting, the only thing you must bring is your swim suit and should not use cotton clothing when you wear wet suit. From Canyons  it took us around 15 minutes to reach starting point of Rafting (shuttle service is provided by them).

Our rafting was quite short by distance, we spent 1 hour but it was really interesting climbing rocks, jumping 5 feet or 10 feet height into water, crossing the stream along with flow of water.

Peak season for rafting is Spring (April to June), water current will be very high at this time. Summer rafting starts from (June to October) water current and flow will not be very high when compared to spring. It costs around 8000 yen.Alpine lodge also provide BBQ dinner, but we have to book when we book for our outdoor activities or stay.

We had a very nice dinner at one of the famous shop near to Minakami station, Tempura(Type of  deep fried food) is full of different variety of Mushrooms.

Day 2: Bungee,Apple picking and Takaragawa Onsen

Apple Picking – Suzuki Apple Farm:

This really awesome experience, since it was first time personally I enjoyed. Entrance Fee cost around 350Yen.

They also sell Apples but only thing you can do inside farm is Eat.

Bungee:
This is really Challenging yourself and coming out of  your comfort zone. Free fall from the height of 42m from the bridge. For people who are doing it is Fun and Joy. Those who see, it will feel scary. It was my day. I totally enjoyed the fun of jumping.

 

You will get offers for your next Jump. It costs 8500Yen per jump since it was adventure Sports day, they charged us 6000Yen Insurance is included.

 

That moment when you feel that you achieved something 

Takaragawa Onsen:

Minakami is very famous for its Onsens as well. Takaragawa Onsen is not only famous among Japanese it famous at international level.You can also get chance to drink Bear soup. Entrance fee is 1000 yen for accessing Onsen.

Hope you enjoyed my blog! Thanks for your Time and Support.
Cheers!!!