My Very First Blog

There are many cafes in Hanoi, and one of the cafes I've been to is the Hanoi Soul Cafe.

Right after leaving Kim Ngan Temple in the Old Quarter, the sky had darkened considerably. Son, my tour guide from Hanoikids, quickly went in search for a cafe to escape from the impending rain.

He finally brought me to Hanoi Soul Cafe located at a ship-like building opposite the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake.






Crossing the road from Hang Gai Street to the building was quite a nightmare as there were far too many cars and motorbikes which would not stop for you to cross the road! Luckily Son was there to guide me. The trick is to just walk across the road in a steady manner and allow the cars and motorbikes to swerve around you as you walk.

I actually got the hang of it after some practice and could cross any road in Hanoi confidently during the rest of my trip. LOL!





The signboard of Hanoi Soul Cafe was displayed at the ground floor entrance of the building. By the way, I don't think the website exists. I wonder if they have a new website.





I followed Son up to the third floor and saw this signboard which leads us to the cafe.





I did not take any photo of the cafe inside. We decided to sit outside at the balcony to get a nice view of the busy streets below and also to enjoy the beautiful view of Hoan Kiem Lake.





I had a good time chit chatting with Son here and I particularly enjoyed the view while it rained outside.





I had earlier thought of ordering Vietnamese coffee but since my stomach was not feeling so good, I decided to go for coconut water instead. Son had a glass of smoothies.





We did not order any food. I guess we were still quite full after that delicious late lunch we had at New Day Restaurant at Ma May Street.





If I were to return to this cafe in the future, I would definitely order some food and Vietnamese coffee. And I would certainly go cafe hopping on my future trip to Hanoi!





By the time we left Hanoi Soul Cafe, the rain had already stopped. Son took me for some leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake before showing me around the French Quarter. You can read all about it HERE.

Coming Up Next : My Kayaking Adventure At Halong Bay

After visiting the Heritage House at Ma May Street, Son, my tour guide from Hanoikids brought me to visit Kim Ngan Temple located at Hang Bac Street.

On the way, I took a photo of this building. Notice the influence of French-style architecture? This type of building is prevalent in many parts of the Old Quarter, making the place a rather interesting sight.



Each of the 36 guild streets in the Old Quarter is associated with a traditional craft and was originally named according to the merchandise on offer. Hang Bac, for example, is also known as Silver Street, as it is where gold and silver jewellery were made and traded.



It so happened that during my trip, the Old Quarter was celebrating a Jewellery Craft Festival, so when I stepped into Kim Ngan Temple, I saw gold plated lotus flowers and gold plated deities.



The gold plated lotus flowers.



A close shot at a lotus flower.



Gold plated deities.



Built during the Le Dynasty at the end of the 15th century, the Kim Ngan Temple is now recognised as a national relic site in Hanoi.



Below is a pictorial tour of the temple so I would just let the photos do the talking.









I am not sure what does this horse signify. Anyone reading this knows?



And there was what looked like a hen on top of the horse. What does it mean?



Some pretty impressive carvings and decorations in the temple.











The images of cranes standing on tortoises are common sight in Vietnamese temples. They symbolise longevity and happiness. It was a pity I could not take a front shot of the two cranes with the altar in the middle as something was blocking the view, so this would have to do.











In conjunction with the Jewellery Craft Festival, there was also a collection of ancient coins on display at the temple.







When we stepped out of the temple, the sky had darkened considerably. Son and I quickly searched for a cafe to escape the rain and we ended up at Hanoi Soul Cafe, which I shall blog about next!

After our late lunch at New Day Restaurant, Son, my tour guide from Hanoikids brought me to Heritage House located at 87, Ma May Street.



It is actually just a short walk from the New Day Restaurant - in fact, almost directly opposite the restaurant!



The Heritage House is some sort like a museum showcasing the architecture of a typical traditional house in the Old Quarter in Hanoi. These type of houses are known as "tube houses" as they have narrow facades (width) and long length.

Entrance fee to this Heritage House was 20,000 VND (US$0.95 / RM3.10).



The above photo shows the front part of the house which usually acts as a shop in the olden days. It was dimly lit.

Then we came upon a small courtyard, which let in some light and allows good ventilation in the house.



Not sure what were those green plants in the middle of the courtyard.



Walking past the courtyard, we entered a second section or building and here, there were many things on display, and also on sale. This part of the house was like a living area for the family in the olden days.












Then, we reached a second courtyard that separates the living area from the kitchen. The bathrooms were located at the far end of the house.



I think this is the kitchen area.



Taking a photo of the door entrance into the living area from the second courtyard.



I noticed several birdcages hanging. This one had a bird in it. Was the bird for sale? I did not ask.



Walked back into the living area and snapped a photo of the lanterns hanging from the wooden ceiling.



Then, we walked up the stairs to the floor above. The building by the way is a two storey building.



We entered the living room which was located in front facing the road and directly above the shop below.  Took some photos here.






This is the first floor looking down at the courtyard below.



Opposite is the bedrooms which is directly above the living area below.



Saw a Chinese chess board game. Perhaps that's what the Vietnamese do in their free time in those days.



This is the first floor area overlooking the second courtyard near the kitchen below.



Took some pictures inside one of the bedrooms.






Built in the end of the 19th century, this traditional house had since been restored and promoted as a Vietnam National Heritage.



If you are a first timer to Hanoi, a visit to this Heritage House would be quite interesting as this type of house could only be found in Hanoi and in northern parts of Vietnam.