Didn't realize Vietnam celebrates CNY as well, so most of shops are closed in Hanoi. Luckily at least most tourist sites stayed open. Anyway Hanoi looked very communist, more like 70s in China with Ho's statue everywhere, red banners flying, and "people's army" patrolling streets
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - Ba Dinh Sq in the front, many colonial time building around that area
- Ho Hoan Kiem (Returned Sword Lake) area - which is walking distance from the Hotel
- Water puppet show - memorable, one of kind
- Old Town - most shops are closed
- Temple of Literature & National University - the whole examination process was introduced by during Tang dynasty
- Dong Hua market - closed but doesn't look too different than some of the Chinese market
We took a pre-arranged shuttle to Halong Bay area and board out Junk boat cruise which was new and certainly very interesting. The boat only has ~8 rooms, very small ones too. We took the 3D/2N cruise with Huong Hai. There were few excursions, most of the time was relaxing. Wished weather was better and warmer though.