Hangin' in Hanoi

Hanoi is a wonderful city and a real assault on the senses.  In contrast to Phnom Penh, it seemed very developed and relatively wealthy.  The notorious traffic is confronting but really a lot safer than in Cambodia - although the volume of moto's is higher, there are less people running red lights and driving on the wrong side of the road which is what can make crossing the road in Phnom Penh so dangerous.  At this time of year, the weather is cool and it was mostly cloudy but after Phnom Penh's incessant heat it was a dream for Em & I.  Hanoi is only 1000km North or Phnom Penh and still in the tropics (just) and yet the climate seems to be so different, i'm sure this must have something to do with geography and not just latitude.  As well as checking out some of the cultural highlights (art gallery, museum etc) we paid a visit to Uncle Ho's mausoleum which is a very odd experience.  Ho Chi Minh was embalmed after his death, against his wishes and thousands of Vietnamese and tourists traipse past his corpse every day to pay their respects.  We also enjoyed plenty of first world living, a visit to the cinema, shopping mall and lots of nice restaurants (and Bia Hoi establishments ;-)  Anyway, here are a few random photo's from around town.