Hanoi (Day 2)

Old Quarter, Hanoi

It was almost 7 a. m. of the second day of Tet (February 4, 2011) and we strolled around the empty streets of the Old Quarter. I love this...walking around in foreign places in the small hours when most of the people are still sleeping. It's tranquil and another hazy morning which gives this place an aura of mystery. No doubt, visiting Hanoi during Tet was the best decision we made by accident.

Hanoi (Day 1)

...and Tết Festival 2011. Welcome to the Year of the Rabbit!

I arrived in Hanoi on February 3, 2011 in the early morning. It was the day of Tết Nguyên Dán commonly known as "Tết" the Vietnamese Lunar New Year and means the "Feast of the First Morning". Like the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, Tết is Vietnam's most important holiday and festival. Tết traditions and rituals are related to the Chinese "Spring Festival" (more info: Rituals in Tet).

Chúc Mung Nam Moi - Happy New Year from Hanoi!

 During my AirAsia flight from BKK to HAN I met Jerry from New Zealand who is working as an English teacher in Hanoi. He said that I am lucky to visit Hanoi during Tết because it’s the only time of the year where Hanoi will be an abandoned city. Most of the residents will leave Hanoi to visit their families in the province and those who will stay will celebrate within the family circle. My first thought after hearing this information was "Vietnam's bubbly capital an abandoned city?". When I saw a documentary about Hanoi few months ago and after reading some travel blogs, my image of Hanoi wasn't less than a city with small streets stuffed with thousands of people and motorbikes. People  wore breathing protection because of the unbearable air and it's been also said that crossing Hanoi's street resembles a suicide. 

Streets in Hanoi before Tet (*Picture from Bawis*)