We had a break over New Year in Vietnam; here are a few of our colourful memories…
Our first day – misty and moody Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi. I suppose grey is a colour too, but we had been hoping for blue skies … Hanoi, though, is chillier and wetter than the south especially in the winter.
The edge of Hanoi’s old quarter at dusk . Things brightened up as the city’s neon lights came on for the evening. The traffic, like in many Asian countries, is epically, crazily busy … and the only way to get across the road is to step out and keep walking. The locals will weave around you as you move, but if you stop then there’s trouble. It’s not easy to have faith, sometimes!
Hoan Kiem Lake again, looking much more colourful and beautiful later that evening.
Colourful, contemporary woven rug.
Sunset at Tran Quoc, one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in Hanoi.
Next stop, the central coast. Colourful dragaon boats just outside Hue,the old imperial capital of Vietnam.
Carved and painted figure.
Faded grandeur – the imposing entrance to the Imperial City, Hue.
Intricately carved details on the costumes of the stone figures at the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc.
The ‘more is more’ school of interior design, with intricate mosaic walls and painted ceilings.
Above and below: brightly coloured canopy, incense and offerings at a temple in Hue.
A 
European-style encaustic cement tiled floor in one of the Chinese Assembly Halls in Hoi An. There were many of these wonderful tiled floors throughout our trip – more of these another time!
Above and below: market style in Hoi An. Also located on the coast in central Vietnam, Hoi An is famous for its tailors shops and textiles as well as making silk lanterns. I love the print on the outfit below. I looked for the same fabric but sadly couldn’t find it.
Strings of gorgeous orange silk lanterns used to stunning effect in our hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. This is only looking down 10 of the total of 21 floors – the view right from the top gave me vertigo.
Our last evening in Vietnam. Atmosphere, seafood and street food in abundance at the night market in Ho Chi Minh City.
Images: © colourful beautiful things
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