Titop Island (AKA Titov Island / Cat Nang) - Part of Route 2 @ Halong Bay in Vietnam

Our first official stop at Halong Bay was to this island said to in the heart of the bay; Titop Island which was also known as Titov Island and locally as Cat Nang. Key attraction would be the climb up the 91.6 meter hill. 

Disembarked via the island's dock.

A look back at Light Cruise; the vessel designated for our day tour. 

You may visit the post here for more information of the boat. 

View of the many karst mountains in the bay! Want to guess how many islands at Halong Bay? It was said to have 1,969 islands over an area of 1,553 km²; yes, bigger than Singapore which stands at just half (710 km²).

Entering the island via the bridge. 

Those who didn't intend to climb up the hill can consider chilling at this eatery that had fruits, snacks, ice cream and drinks. Both Kon and Alex decided to give it a miss whereas I am the kind who prefers to make the most out of a tour that I paid money for! 

Or you can station yourself here if you don't intend to buy anything. 

This statue, built in 2015 and of a non-Asian man, is Mr Gherman Titov. A cosmonaut from Russia, and the second man in the world to orbit the world; he visited the island together with Mr Ho Chi Minh in 1962 and this island was renamed in his honor. 

A beach for those who prefer to sun themselves! While it wasn't very cold, I would say the water temperature is not at the summer level. I actually brought along a pair of swimming pants and a towel but truth be told, I am just afraid I would come out freezing! 

Picturesque backdrop! 

A lot of visitors would spend a night or two at Halong Bay and I just heard from a friend who returned that those ships with accommodation are usually too big for the docks so visitors would have to transfer using smaller boats. Not exactly convenient in my opinion.

Regulations for use of the beach. 

Just noticed that my visit fell within winter season! 

Pet dogs were allowed. Is anyone able to identify the dog breed? 

It has a flat face like a pug but I don't think it's a pug.

Let's climb up the stairs!

Onwards to the mountain top! 

Loving the contrast this tree had with the beach and cliffs behind. I don't think it's dead as I can see some new sprouts, which would give rise to new leaves when the temperature increases in the next few weeks.

Mountain climbers beware.

Total steps to conquer - 424.

It wasn't too hard a climb although I did find the width narrow which could be dangerous when you have a large group coming down, and another large group going up! And having ropes on the side was better than having none at all.

Shall come back to this hut later.

Getting crowded although still manageable. 

Nevertheless, still a breeze compared to Mua Cave! 

First viewing platform!

Final push to the mountaintop! You can still get some great views of Halong Bay but the narrow passage meant it's best to quickly go up so that you don't jam up the human traffic. 

Mountaintop with its octagonal pavilion! I think most people didn't expect the climb to be so quick. A check on the timing of the photographs taken reflected that I took less than eight minutes and I did spend a bit of time taking photographs instead of focusing just on the climb. 

Panoramic view of Halong Bay! Halong Bay is famous and even my dad is aware. When probed by him, my answer is that I prefer Ninh Binh oer Halong Bay. The bay is obviously beautiful but there were similarity with other places like Phang Nga Bay.

After a short rest, time to go down! 

Enjoying the view at the mid level viewing platform. As seen from the photographs, the gloom at Hanoi had spread to as far as Halong Bay, which was more than 100 kilometers away! 

Ambassador Cruise - one of the about 100 such overnight cruise ships at Halong Bay. It did look high class from the photo and doesn't come cheap; costing from USD 180 per person for a 2 days, 1 night cruise. 

Literally no one coming up! 

Arriving at the hut that I climbed past earlier. Aside from serving as a shelter and rest area, there's also a commercial entity selling souvenirs that included pearls.

Thought this was a tombstone and it turned out to be a stone altar for offerings. p.s. I am unsure what it honored and I am guessing it would be similar to the earth deity that Singaporean Chinese would pay homage to. 

Back to the beach again.

 

This platform would actually be quite nice to just sit and check out the view ahead, without the risk of getting sand into your clothes and shoes. However, I didn't have time as we were given only 45 minutes! 

First thing after the descent; I needed to pee! 

Check out the regulations for using the toilet! Singapore needs to copy the content for our local coffee shops! The conditions are appalling even for the male washrooms; so I can't imagine how bad it is for the ladies. 

It's like picture perfect every time this view appeared in front of me. Maybe that's the reason for the popularity of Titop Island, where you can get a breathtaking panorama of numerous nearby limestone hills jutting out from the water.

Toilet was free entry. Shower room required 10,000 dong per person. Thankfully I didn't swim although on second thought, I remember there was a shower room within Light Cruise.

Now I am confused; 30,000 dong each for a lifejacket, a locker, a float? Or was it a package whereby you pay 30,000 dong for all three?

Random photographs as we made our way back to the boat.

As a dog lover, the above sight delighted me! However, I hate to step on dog poo and seeing them made me apprehensive even to remove my shoes and walk on the beach.

Where would be Alex and the Greatest Kon!? 

More random photographs. Compared to Light Cruise, I noticed that many boats were quite rundown, and reminded me of junk boats in the past. Not exactly a bad thing as it can bring back nostalgia, and conditions might not be as bad too.  

Spotted the two dogs again! 

Guess they were island dogs upkept by the store owners.

Back to the cruise! 

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Part of Halong Bay Day Tour

Island Map

As above.

Click here for my Week-Long Itinerary to Hanoi - City of Lakes @ Vietnam

Taking the Time-Lapsed Video of Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square from Cong Caphe in Hanoi [Vietnam]

Cong Caphe was no stranger as I visited one of its branches on my first trip to Vietnam back in 2022. While I had an intent to get one of its signature beverages, my objective was this visit was non-food/drink related.

After ordering a drink, I proceeded up the stairs to secure a space. This time round, I was solo and by right, it shouldn't be that difficult to find one chair in the green themed coffee house.

However, I need a space that overlooked the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square! This would enable me to take a time-lapsed video but demand for such outdoor seats can be quite high. 

Going up another floor; luckier this time as the sun had hit the "balcony" space and only crazy people like me would want to be shined upon and 'cooked'. Oh well, I figured half an hour wouldn't be that bad.

And as it was cloudy in Hanoi, the sun remained pretty hidden most of the times I was there. Remember the building in the picture above? That's the Shark Jaw building, where we had our first dinner in one of the eateries; Vua Chả Cá.

Delivery of my drink; the coconut green rice at 65,000 dong. As mentioned in my post here, this was delicious and I am glad to highlight that the ice was much better blended as compared to the one I had in HCMC. 

Time-lapsed video for your viewing pleasure! 

Always finds it challenging to go down such narrow staircase and it's actually common in Vietnam. It's just a matter of time for me to have an accident if I were to visit Vietnam more often in the future! 

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Address 

116 P. Cầu Gỗ, Hàng Trống, 

Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Map

As above.

Menu

As above.

Click here for my Week-Long Itinerary to Hanoi - City of Lakes @ Vietnam

Pela Thai Massage near Siam BTS Station in Bangkok [Thailand]

Alex and I decided to go back to Lek Authentic Massage near Siam BTS station for our last Thai massage in Bangkok but I can't help noticing that there were quite a number of massage parlors along the stretch! Hence, we decided to try something new! 

Relaxing expression for the lady on the billboard caught our attention and a check on Google Maps revealed a high 4.9 rating from over 1,000 reviewers! The deal was sealed.

The lack of customers could be a warning sign but we had to note it was 3pm on a Monday afternoon. Nonetheless, we opted for the 60 minutes Pela Signature Thai Massage. While waiting for our masseurs, let's save some mobile data by using the free Wi-Fi.

Going past the foot massage space with its comfortably plush chairs! Unlike Alex, I always prefer body massage over foot massage; my argument is that it's slightly higher pricing for a more holistic experience. 

Of course, we had already changed to this pair of straw slippers! 

And also went through the routine feet washing. This, to me, should be the norm as the masseurs would massage your feet with their bare hands but I have encountered instances where this step was eliminated with the cheaper massage parlors.  

Upper floors with a Japanese Zen feel that's also brightly lighted up. Some parlors prefer a darker theme said to be more relaxing for the soul. Which one would you prefer? 

I am alright with both although it was more refreshing at Pela Thai Massage. To me, it can be quite frustrating when you were all relaxed after a massage, only to be hit with the bright sunlight when you step out. 

My bed for the next one hour. 

Alex was next door, but I wonder the need for this half segment wall. Anyway, the room had a physical clock where I can be sure that my hour wouldn't be shortchanged.

The masseur was good; steady yet strong fingers rubs and totally on point. I was on the verge of falling into dreamland when I heard what appeared to be the croaking from toads.

Please watch with volume; turn it up. Please be assured that Alex prefers massages that are hard and such sounds coming from him signify satisfaction! 

Since it's hard for me to go into dreamland, I took the opportunity to take a few pictures. It's quite amazing how far back can someone bends, and Alex isn't known for his flexibility.

Ending the massage session with a cup of hot tea! In all honesty, I enjoyed the massage, loved the ambience and absolutely recommend Pela Thai Massage! 

A good massage equates happiness. 

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Address

412 5-6 Siam Square Soi 6, 

Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan, 

Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Map

As above.

Menu

As above. 

Bánh Mì Vui @ Hanoi Old Quarter in Vietnam

You know the feeling when you are looking forward to a meal; only to find out it had closed for good when you arrive at the eatery? Well, it happened to us in Hanoi and that left us in a spot as we didn't factor in a backup plan! 

It was disappointing although I felt more frustration than disappointment! A search on Google Map and a long walk later; we reached Bánh Mì Vui, which had a rating of 4.8 from over 200 reviewers! 

What caught us by surprise was how small the shop was! There were limited seating behind the preparation counter; however, despite the high review score, it wasn't crowded and we secured a table with stool immediately. 

Menu for your reference; banh mi was their main meals, and it was segregated into traditional and special. Given our experience with highly reviewed eateries in Hanoi, and the lack of customers, we were a bit hesitant to order one banh mi for each person.

Hence, we just went with two servings of banh mi.

In the meantime, we continued to source for alternatives. 

Pate Thit Nuong Banh Mi - while featuring the crisp, the bread tasted hollow. When it comes to banh mi, I love the way the different ingredients came together and created an amazing amalgamated flavor. 

This sadly didn't happen here with the majority of the taste came from the grilled meat, and I didn't even feel like there was mayonnaise or pate. Overall, incomparable to Banh Mi Saigon @ Singapore but pricing wise, this was less than S$1.50!  

Bo Pho Mai Banh Mi - beef with mozarella cheese; priced slightly higher yet still below S$2.00, I wasn't expecting much from this as I guess such ingredients were commonly found in sandwiches. 

Again, this didn't impress even though it was still acceptable as a banh mi to fill the stomach, if I am a local. As a tourist, my limited time in the country means I always pray every meal would be memorable. Whatever the case, we all know life isn't perfect. 

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Address

7 P. Hàng Da, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, 

Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Map

As above.

Pricing

Pate Thit Nuong Banh Mi - 25,000 Dong

Bo Pho Mai Banh Mi - 35,000 Dong

Click here for my Week-Long Itinerary to Hanoi - City of Lakes @ Vietnam

Kem Hồ Tây - Ice Cream from the West Lake @ Hanoi [Vietnam]

I spent quite a bit of time exploring Tran Quoc Pagoda and it's a given that our dear Alex, who isn't into temples, to be somewhere else. A call to him after I stepped out revealed that he was across the road.

In the above one-storey building that I assumed to be a little cafe.

Wrong assumption as there was a pretty huge sitting area! What kind of amazed me was how empty the place was since the temple right across was very famous and it was blessed with a location right next to Hanoi's largest lake! 

Vanilla Cone - it was a hot day and I can't resist getting ice cream! Strangely, I was quoted two for 25,000 dong instead of just one. Taste wise, it was creamy although I didn't quite like the cone. Nonetheless, still a cool respite! 

Cream Cup - it's like three mini scoops of ice cream ordered by another friend. I think the taste was okay although I was puzzled as this order was from another counter and I wondered the reasons for having a few counters within the same establishment.

Weirdest thing was that there's another counter on the other end, that focused more on takeaways, and had a design that seemed to have been maintained for a few decades. p.s. it didn't escape my end that cream cone cost only between 8,000 and 10,000 dong. Was I deceived in paying two for 25,000 dong!? 

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Address

801 Đ. Thanh Niên, Trúc Bạch, 

Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Map

As above. 

Pricing

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Vanilla Cone - 25,000 Dong for two cones

Cream Cup - 25,000 Dong

Click here for my Week-Long Itinerary to Hanoi - City of Lakes @ Vietnam