A Wonderful Return to Hanoi - Anna & Bello's Global Treasures

Anna and Bello are back in Hanoi, and what a joy it’s been! Our trip kicked off with a mesmerizing "Water Puppet Show" (Múa rối nước), a traditional Vietnamese art form where colorful puppets dance on water to live music. We captured tons of videos and photos, watch the puppets bring folklore to life! Held in historic theaters like the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, it’s best to book tickets early and arrive 15 minutes ahead for the best seats.

Next, we savored a bowl of "Phở Thìn" near Hoan Kiem Lake, oh, so delicious as always! We went for pho with rare beef, flank, and brisket (phở tái, nạm, gầu), paired with crispy Hanoi-style fried dough sticks (giò cháo quẩy). This iconic spot is a must-try; get there early to beat the lunch rush and enjoy the rich broth.

Afterward, we strolled to Ngoc Son Temple via The Huc Bridge, a stunning red arch over the lake. The temple, dedicated to Tran Hung Dao, offers a peaceful vibe, visit in the morning for fewer crowds. The bridge’s beauty is a perfect photo op!

Inside the temple, we were fascinated by the "Turtle of Hoan Kiem Lake" specimens. The outer glass cabinet holds the first, a massive turtle that died in 1967, weighing 250kg, 2.1m long, and 1.2m wide, a true legend! The inner cabinet displays the second, which passed in January 2016, at 169kg with a shell 1.85m long and 1.08m wide. These preserved giants, tied to the lake’s mythical sword-returning tale, were a highlight, don’t miss the photos!