UTAR Alumni

JULY 2018

May 19-22 (4-day), 2018 - UTAR Alumni Overseas Trip to Hanoi, Vietnam

Day 1.

On arriving at Noi Bai International Airport, we were transferred to our hotel which was a little less than an hour away from the airport. Getting down from the bus and walking through the narrow and extremely busy streets pulling our luggage was the first terrifying experience that we had. Having to wonder how to cross in front of a car, a truck or a motorbike that just whizzed past, without a slightest glance made us wonder whether our survival for the 4-day at Vietnam may be at stake. At the time we visited, Vietnam was humid and hot, but our hotel, Maison D'Hanoi, was quite comfortable (although not luxury), with air conditioned and acceptable spacious rooms which we cannot expect with the price that we pay for our stay, making it well worthwhile. After leaving our luggage at the hotel, we visited Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple located on an islet in the lake. Its name 'Returned Sword' comes from a legend of a sacred sword being lent to an ancient Vietnamese King by a holy turtle from the lake and later returned to the turtle. Our tour guide was great. He speaks English fluently, surprisingly knowledgeable, warm and caring, extremely friendly and opening up whole-heartedly without impressing us or putting us on just a tour. He spoke very openly about his family, his country, and advises us about the limitations, the expectations, do's and don'ts. The fantastic view and the cool breeze blowing over the lake was wonderful. By the time we left the lake, we were extremely hungry so the tour guide hoisted us 'Beef Noodle Soup' for lunch at the famous 'Huong Lien' shop where President Obama was said to enjoy once, so we did too. We then returned and checked-in into our hotel. Later in the afternoon, we had another wonderful experience, enjoying the famous and special Vietnamese traditional performing arts, which displayed the Vietnamese folklore musical instruments with a compelling 'The Water Puppet Show?'at Thang Long Theatre. On returning, we rested and then had our dinner at the hotel, which looked more attractive than its true taste, but being very hungry, we still enjoyed it. Later in the evening, the strategic location of our hotel gave us the opportunity to take a look around at local markets nearby. Prices were very cheap, especially when we have to bargain and haggle ceaselessly, which we eventually get used to it and enjoy. As we went around, we can see the artistic, traditional and creative side of Vietnam with centuries-old traditions still alive, with street sellers wearing their traditional dress and Vietnamese conical hats (or 'leaf hat'). Strolling through the fascinating maze of streets, and often getting lost while looking for local handicrafts, local foods or just do a fair bit of people-watching, we soon became familiar and comfortable with the surrounding. We found that the best way to cross a road in Vietnam is to always keep a slow pace, making the path predictable and giving time to the highly-skilled drivers to spot and calculate their action in dodging us. We had, but one headache. That was trying to work out the ridiculously high conversion of the dong, which we ultimately get used to as time goes by.

Day 2.

After our morning breakfast, our tour started with the visit to the Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam built in 1070 by the Ly Dynasty to honour Confucius, sages and outstanding Vietnamese scholars. There we saw lots of scholars dressed in their graduation gowns and praying to become the learned. We continued to the Ho Chi Minh Museum but because of the huge crowd lining up to visit there, we decided to skip it. Instead we visited a park nearby and later continued to the Ho Chi Minh Molesuem and the colonial Presidential Palace. We then had a stop by one of Hanoi's icons, the One Pillar Pagoda, built in the 11th Century in dedication to Avalokiteshvaraor Buddha of Compassion and reminiscent of a lotus blossom rising from a pond. We then had lunch at the Orchid Restaurant and the menu was totally fantastic. After lunch we were taken to the Handicraft Workshop for the Disabled where we bought some souvenirs. Later in the evening, we had our dinner at the Thang Long Star Restaurant, and again, the food was just wonderful. Tired out by the end of the day walking, our bus finally headed back to our hotel where we freshened up and rested. This did not stop us from again going out to Hanoi's night market to look around and getting our remaining shopping done (because everything seems so cheap).

Day 3.

The morning started with early breakfast at hotel, followed by a 4-hour bus ride to the legendary Ha Long Bay. Before boarding the boat, we visited the morning wet market, and the Ha Long Pearl Workshop. We found Halong Bay being truly spectacular, everything well organised and the trip explicitly planned. After boarding the boat, we had our sumptuous lunch while cruising. Relaxing on the boat and being absorbed with all the scenery was just what we needed after the buzz and craziness of the honking cars and motorbikes in Hanoi. At the bay, we saw the incredible number of cruise boats navigating the seas. Despite the huge crowds of tourists, this place is truly unique. The landscape of limestone cliffs emerging from the water is magical and we found no better way to enjoy it than from the sea. During the trip, the boat stopped at Dau Go Island to visit Thien Cung Cave (Heaven Palace) and Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stakes). The rock formations inside the caves were truly a nature's wonder. Later we were shifted to smaller row-boats with which we cruised through the amazing, craggy, limestone karsts. With this, we were able to experience the mystical-looking little caves, hidden beaches and tropical plants and birds, and the turquoise water sparkling all around us. It was truly amazing. Finally, as the trip ended, we return to the dock, disembark and travel back to Hanoi, not to say that we slept soundly at the hotel, tired out from the day trip.

Day 4.

Well, this trip finally ended with us flying back to KL to resume our duties at UTAR, not to mention that we were tired but happy. All of us knew that we have so much to thank for. Many thanks goes to the Alumni, especially Naaresh, our caretaker, who cared for us and hosted this trip, making it so memorable; the guides being exceptional, tour planning being faultless and the choice of hotels, advice on where to eat, and breathtaking experiences with the hearty people, the vibrant culture and the amazing diversity of landscapes made all the difference to this wonderful trip.