12 Oct 2019 - 4 Days Short Trip to Hanoi, Capital of Vietnam

In the coming week, there will be four days of school holiday (PSLE marking day).  As such,we decided to go on a short trip to Hanoi.  Though Jerlene's PSLE was over, Javier's year end exam will start in a week's time.  As such, he was a bit reluctant to go on this trip initially.  He agreed eventually but he insisted to bring his assessment papers along.  Well, I'm glad that he knows his priority.

Before checking in to our flight, we collected our Internet Wifi Router which we had rented via Changi Recommend website.  There was a promotion which gave us first 2 days free and so for our 4 days in Hanoi, we only paid $9 for internet access.  Furthermore, the router allows 5 devices to be connected to it.

We then proceeded to check in to our flight and clear the custom.  The next thing we did was to go and collect our Apple Watch from iShopChangi counter in the transit area.  Yes, I bought two Apple Watches here without the 7% GST.  One is for Tracy whose birthday is in 2 days time.  :-)

Finally we were ready to board our flight to Hanoi.

This is a 3.5hr flight and we were served with breakfast shortly after take off.

The Dim Sum breakfast was pretty good.

We touched down at Hanoi International Airport at about 11:40am.  We had booked a limousine transfer arranged by the hotel.  And our adventure in Hanoi began.....

Following is our 4 days Hanoi itinerary:
Day 1: Traffic and Lunch in Hanoi, Check in to Hanoi HM Boutique Hotel, Visit Ngoc Son Temple via Huc Bridge, Explore Hoan Kiem Lake, Thang Long Water Puppet Show
Day 2:  Hotel Breakfast, Halong Pearl Farm, Lunch on Cruise, Beautiful Ha Long Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave by Bamboo Boat, Sunset Cruise, Night market and dinner by the lake
Day 3:  Hoa Lo Prison, Temple of Literature, Lunch at Hanoi Cafe and Van Lake, Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ho Chi Minh Museum, One Pillar Pagoda, Lotte Center, Lotte Observatory Deck
Day 4:  Flying home