This isn't the finale, if you are wondering.
But we are close. The next part of the journey is all about the night.
I can't really say I found exciting nightlife in Hanoi but it was rather colorful to see what everyday Hanoi-an do at night.
This is part one my two part special of Hanoi after dark.
St Joseph Cathedral
St Joseph Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral located west of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Built during the French occupation and completed on the eve of Christmas 1886.
There is little more darker religious history related to the cathedral, so I will not dwell in on that.
If you are passing by take picture in front of the cathedral.
The photo here isn't really after dark but it was close as I made my way to Hoan Kiem Lake.
Hoàn Kiếm Lake
The next place will remind you of an English myth
Hoàn Kiếm Lake or Lake of the Returned Sword is located smack right in the middle of Hanoi.
Legend has it, that in 1428, an emperor met a golden turtle to return a magical sword. After fighting off Chinese invaders, the emperor returned the sword and a single tower was built on the lake to commemorate this legend.
Now, tell me this doesn't remind you of King Arthur, Lady of the Lake and Excalibur.
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| The single tower on the lake at night |
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| Single tower during the day |
I visited the lake during the day and night. So if you had to choose, just come during the night there is more to see and there is a lot more happening.
There is a bridge that connects to the tower, which is opened during the day. If you have visited the tower do tell me your experience in the comment section below.
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| Photos are taken on northeast of the Hoan Kiem Lake. It is located close to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. |
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| Google Map of Hoan Kiem Lake. There are many sights around the lake. |
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
During of my walk, I notice a water puppet theater just to the northeast of the lake. The theater I visited here was the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.
However, there is another water puppet theater called the Lotus Water Puppet Theater to west of the lake. I was only able to snap a photo the ticket signboard.
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| Ticketing to Lotus Water Puppet |
I have to say that water puppet theater was truly a delight.
Water puppets have its root back to the 11th century and I heard was also available in Ho Chin Minh city. I read up more on the background and it is traditionally Vietnamese. If you have heard of water puppet shows outside of Viet Nam, it maybe because the troupe does overseas performances.
Once you are in the hall, you get a feel of the basics of theater.
Traditional music, check!
Lights, check!
3 feet of water on stage, check!
I recall the performance was about Viet Nam folk tales but you sort of get lost in all the fun.
The tickets costs 60k to 100k dong and show lasts about 1 hour. Tickets are snapped up really fast so get your tickets early. If you want to bring a camera in, there is an additional fee for that.
Just be warned the seats don't have a lot of leg room and it is a tight fit.
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| Tight fit and no leg room |
Here are more photos of the theater hall and showcase area after the show.
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| Theater hall |
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| Showcase after the show |
Hanoi Night Market
Night markets are a common thing in South East Asia. Go anywhere from Viet Nam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia you are sure to find one.
In Hanoi, it is located north of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Take a short stroll further north from Thang Long Water Puppet Theater carefully dodging the night traffic in Hanoi and you will find the night market.
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| Crazy traffic at Hanoi |
The night market comprises of make shift stalls (hawkers) along blocked off roads. Hawkers usually sell anything from electronics, toys, clothing, food and drinks. A wonderful variety of things and great place to stop by if you are looking for souvenirs.
The night market starts off from Hang Dao street is available on Friday to Sunday. It starts from 6
PM and winds down around 11 PM.
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| Night market starts here |
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| Portrait drawing, food and souvenirs |
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| More food, clothes and even watches |
To be continued in Hanoi After Dark Part 2.
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