Hubby and I were in the vicinity of Truc Bach Lake after having bun cha for lunch. We planned to explore the lake on foot and at the same time, check out the Tran Quoc Pagoda which is the oldest Buddhist Temple in Hanoi.
From Chau Long Street, we started walking around the lake in an anti-clockwise direction and then we came to Truc Bach Street.
Spotted this beautiful copper husky by the roadside which was also the BIGGEST husky we had ever seen. You probably couldn’t tell from this angle but this fellow was really enormous.
Do you know why the husky and his owner were both looking towards the right hand side? Well, on the opposite side of this road was a row of restaurants and local eateries. The guy was basically trying to lure customers to his restaurant. He only targeted at the locals who were out looking for a lunch spot and those riding on motorcycles/scooters. The smart husky would then bark at oncoming motorcyclists to catch their attention. The man gestured to me to pet his husky. I was initially afraid because the husky didn’t seem super friendly but it was completely alright with me stroking its fur though it still looked a little proud, lol.
We walked off and almost thought we stepped right into a chicken farm, lol. Somebody from one of the restaurants must be rearing these chickens right by the roadside.
Hmm, for eggs or for meat, I wonder.
Not bad selection of bars and cafes on Truc Bach.
There was also a CBTL as we turned left into Thanh Nien Street.
Scenic view of West Lake a.k.a. Ho Tay Lake though it looked a little foggy in the far distance.
The Hanoi Club Hotel & Lake Palais Residences on the shore of West Lake.
Approaching the Tran Quoc Pagoda.
Too bad it was closed when we were there so couldn’t go in and have a look.
But I managed to catch a good shot of the Pagoda.
Not far away from the Pagoda, a street vendor was selling terrapins. I suppose people would buy them to release into the lake (放生).
As you walk along Thanh Nien Street (the road in between West Lake and Truc Bach Lake where the Pagoda sits), you will see a number of Bo Bia Keo Nha stalls on both sides of the road – at least 6 of them all spaced out evenly.
Place your order and your Bo Bia will be made on the spot.
The Bo Bia (10,000 VND) sounded and looked similar to our local popiah because they both had the same popiah skin but this Vietnamese version was actually a sweet roll.
It contained crunchy sugarcane, shredded coconut and black sesame seeds. I loved the crunch and it wasn’t overly sweet. Very nice snack which you must try if you’re here. You can also sometimes see these vendors around the Old Quarter – some may just be stationed by the roadside whereas others are cycling around the area.