magazine

Video: How crazy is Motorcycle Mayhem in Vietnam?

Filed under Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh/Saigon by Christine Ka'aloa on October 23, 2010 at 4:52 pm {2 comments}

A short video collage of motorbike driving in Vietnam.

“Just how crazy is motorcycle culture in Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)? It’s insane! In HCMC the two-wheeled chariot populates roughly 90% of the roadway (highways included). Thus, the Vietnamese are as comfortable on their motorbikes, the way L.A. drivers are in their sunglasses and cars! People hang out on their motorbikes, leisurely checking their cellphones, eating or reading their morning newspaper; lounge on them like sofa chairs and practice the art of balance by sleeping on them as nomadic beds. In addition, going to the park at night is (more…)

Hanoi: Street food, Solo Boredom and Water Puppets

Filed under Hanoi, SOLO TRAVEL by Christine Ka'aloa on September 14, 2010 at 9:44 pm {8 comments}

Day # 10

Last day in Hanoi. While I’m ready to leave Vietnam and the insufferable monsoon heat, I’m not ready to return to Korea. Noooo…

Today I need to move hotels. I emailed various hotels to check availability, last night. Vietnam being the way it is, none of them returned an answer, so this (more…)

Hanoi: Will you impress me? ( and my train to Sapa)

Filed under Hanoi, Trekking in Sapa by Christine Ka'aloa on September 2, 2010 at 5:14 am {4 comments}

Day #5:
Another day wasted in transit. My flight from Ho Chi Minh City was only 20 minutes late, but the $8 “Vietnam Airlines” airport shuttle (recommended by my Lonely Planet book) took up to two hours! With so many scam businesses using plagiarized signs of reputable companies, it was hard to trust I was boarding the correct shuttle at the airport. Anyways, all I needed was get to the Old Quarter in Hanoi, so I could board my 3 day/4 night Sapa (more…)