So as the 3rd rolled around, I managed to sort out my Vietnam visa. However when I called the airline to change my flight finally, I was not able to get on the flight on the 3rd! Shit. After all that?! I could perhaps get another flight somewhere like Chiang Mai, or maybe even hop over to Cambodia - but that also needed a visa. I certainly didnt want to stay another 4 nights in Bangkok. So i said screw it and bought a new flight to Vietnam. I'd be spending the same amount one way or another, and I had Vietnam on my radar for this trip anyway, and I went through all the hassle of getting my visa sorted out, so that's what I did. Later that evening I flew to Hanoi.
I have one less day in Vietnam, but still wanted to hit up Halong Bay. My friend had done the 2 day boat tour that I was supposed to be on 2 days back, so I rescheduled mine for the day after I arrive.
I was able to stay with my friend at her hotel the first night - the Hilton Opera Hanoi. Quite the beautiful hotel. We had enough time for a good meal. So on some recommendations of an Aussie couple she met in Halong Bay, my friend and I head out to Wild Lotus for dinner. Wild Lotus is supposed to be one of the better "high end" restaurants in Hanoi - even the New York times had a piece on it. The space is quiet beautiful. High cielings and nicely decorated almost like some royal Vietnamese residence. We opted for the 7 course tasting menu, which was only 35$ US a piece! And it did not disappoint. Sharks fin soup to start, followed by a refreshing and flavorful Vietnamese salad with prawns and cabbage and greens with hints of cilantro and mint and peanuts. There was fantastic grilled duck with orange sauce where you could really taste the French influence in the cooking. A crispy fish dish in some spicy sauce was another highlight. And finally the beef pho (which is a classic Vietnamese noodle soup) was outstanding! All in all one of the best meals I've had in Asia this far. And though expensive for Vietnamese standards, it was a steal for what it was. If you are in Hanoi, I'd check it out!
Dinner ended late and i called it a night to get picked up early for the 4 hour journey to Halong Bay. I'd explore Hanoi when I came back. When I got home, I realized I couldn't find my iPhone. I didn't have it at the restaurant so assumed I left it at home. I have never lost that thing! Could I have left it in a cab in Vietnam?! It so I could kiss it goodbye. I started to freak a bit. I had all my info, my photos, everything on that! So I went online to iCloud to "find my iPhone". Of course wasn't working. Does it not work in Vietnam?? Or maybe cause my data was off. Great. I'm done. As a last ditch effort I call it. And lo and behold the cabby picks up! He speaks not a lock of English. So I keep saying "Hilton. Hilton!". By some miracle, I get my phone back in 10 minutes!! Now THAT is a close call people! I went to sleep elated, like I had won the lotto!
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