Water Puppets of Hanoi

Everybody knows what puppets are, and how they are manipulated. But in Vietnam, their water puppets are different. All the action takes place on a stage filled completely with water.

The puppet show is held in a cinema-like hall, and is one of the must-see attractions for tourists.

When I was in Hanoi recently, I took the opportunity to have a look. The audience comprised mostly of western tourists. The show was in Vietnamese and the audience, clearly enthralled, watched as though they understood the language.

Verdict? Unique, fascinating.

Sapa, Vietnam

Busy Sapa market on a Saturday.

H'mong tribe people throng the market. Note the huge rattan shopping basket they carry on their backs

These are the beautiful mountains in northern Vietnam. Beyond them is Yunnan in China. Northern Vietnam is mountainous, ideal for trekking.

Apart from Halong Bay in North Vietnam, the cool mountain resort of Sapa north-west of Hanoi is another must-see attraction. An overnight train ride from Hanoi is all it takes to reach the area. What draw visitors to Sapa are the people from the various hill tribes in the north and the beautiful mountain ranges bordering Yunnan in China. For the hardy, a trek to the villages or mountains is a priority. In the crisp cool air of Sapa, your spirits soar and all your anxiety melts away. No kidding.

Hanoi, Vietnam

For me street life is every country is unique, and I found Vietnam fascinating as it's very much different from Singapore which is cosmopolitan and ultra modern. Here an inter-city bus had just arrived, and people were waiting patiently for the goods to be unloaded from the bus roof (note the the conical hats worn by the women).

Bottled gas sold by the roadside. No, the woman is not a masked warrior belonging to some secret sect -the mask is ward off the swirling dust and air pollution, the latter thanks to the millions of motor-bikes in Vietnam.

Don't scoff at this skinny bike - it's capable of herculean tasks.

June is the lychee season. So cheap that I had them for lunch and dinner.

I'm sure the manufacturer of this three-wheeler didn't have this in mind.

Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam

Probably the most photographed bridge in Vietnam. It leads to the temple by Hoan Kiem Lake.

Jade Mountain Lake Temple by the lake.

Panoramic view of Hoan Kiem Lake (lake of the returned sword). An interesting legend is associated with the lake. Situated in the Old Quarters of Hanoi, it's a lively area with cafes, bus stations and locals out for a stroll. But beware of scammers and pickpockets. Someone tried to open my backpack but fortunately I was vigilant. Young girls will befriend you but it's wise to simply ignore them unless you want to end up robbed (happened to a friend whose commonsense suddenly deserted him).

Seniors enjoying a game of Chinese chess.

Brew your own coffee. The coffee brewing paraphernalia makes a good souvenir or gift.

Hanoi, Vietnam

A roadside mechanic: Vietnamese life, social and business, seems to revolve largely on the streets.

Hanoi traffic: Vietnam has millions of motor-bikes. Renting one is dirt cheap but it can be a scary experience to plunge into the maelstrom of Vietnamese traffic.

A street for toys: Hanoi still retains its old world charm. Compared to bustling Saigon,where construction work on new office blocks and apartments goes on at a frenetic pace, Hanoi is leisurely. In the old city, each street is devoted to one craft or business.

A toys street

The lychee hawker: In season, lychee are incredibly cheap.

These days more and more people are venturing to Vietnam. Unlike the hordes of backpackers and tourists you inevitably bump into in Thailand, Vietnam is comparatively quiet on the tourist front. But the momentum is gradually gathering pace so go before it's too late. Go while you can still have miles of pristine, golden beach all to yourself.

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