Mother's Day Treat in Vietnam

Yes, she truly is my God's Greatest Gift!

I decided to bring Mama to Vietnam this year for Mother's day. I must say I never expected our trip to be this fun! What's even more amazing is that the people were very nice and hospitable. They are the nicest hosts I have ever met! 

Red Dragon Villa Hotel

With the friendliest hotel staff

 

Enjoyed the best black coffee so far in Hanoi!

We stayed at Red Dragon Villa, which is within the vicinity of the main city.  The market and the recommended food stalls are within the area so on the evening when we arrived there we went to the famous resto for Vietnam’s known Pho. True enough the soup was really tasteful! In fact we went to eat there twice! Haha. Just don’t mind the place – doesn’t look clean but yeah that’s the adventure!

Pho

Mama's ride for 50,000 baht or 20 dollars?

On the second day, we went to do relaxing via cruising along Ha Long Bay. While Hanoi is about cheap buys (and with this, I mean value for money) and tasteful dishes that will truly excite your tastebuds, Ha Long Bay on the other hand, will surely take your stress away with its scenic beauty match it with a cool fresh fruit juice as you sit back and relax at the roof deck. The experience was really fun, especially with equally wacky guests from different counties. I even gained two new friends who inspired me to really travel a lot to enjoy sights, culture, food and new friends like I did with them.

Inside the Marguerite Cruise ship

So we did Island hopping and enjoyed the sceneries. I was so proud of Mama when she was able to climb up the 200 steps up the hill to enjoy the breathtaking view of the island. Mama said “thank You Lord for my eyes to see your creations!” Despite her short breathing in between she’s made it! I also climbed up 200 steps up another hill to take a beautiful view of the other part of the island. Really worth the climb! I love it!

the breath-taking view from the 200 steps high

beautiful!

Mama after the 200 steps climb. Whoa!

Back to the Marguerite ship that night we had a sumptuous dinner and guess what?! I enjoyed the spotlight at the karaoke session especially when there’s a handsome guy cheering for me! Haha. But yeah I guess one of the downside (sorry Ma for the term!) of travelling with a mom is that boys can’t go near you. Well, not all perhaps. Nothing will stop the one who really wants to know me even if it means getting through my mom! Haha!

The next morning we visited an underground river site. That was fun too. After a big lunch that noon we headed back to Hanoi.

We are united nations from Slovenia, Russia, Australia, Burma, Philippines and Singapore

The underground river

The following morning we had our food trip of the local dishes! I was so delighted with the different tastes especially with the fresh veggies and the crispy rice paper to go with it then dip it altogether into a vinaigrette. I also love their version of siopao but theirs is the fried one. Love love the food! Nothing much to see in Hanoi really. Just enjoy the cheap buys, the food and the hospitality of the people!

Fried Siopao

Roll the veggies into this Fried Rice Paper and dip them into the vinaigrette

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At night because Mama and I were so tired I treated her to a facial mask – I did it myself! Mama was so happy to try it the first time. So when she’s done with it. She looked at me silently then I asked her what’s on her mind. She said “Thank you Love. Thank you for making my dreams come true.” Further on she recalls that she used to just hear of different beautiful places from her friends who travel abroad frequently. And now she is enjoying the same privilege. Then we both shed tears of Joy and hugged each other. Thank You dear Lord for all our blessings! 

All these and more, truly made our stay in Vietnam a memorable one. Cám ơn! and thank You po!