Crab, Wantons and Fresh Herbs - Hanoi, Vietnam © www.uncorneredmarket.com
As far as we could tell, this public information campaign achieved little. The stop lights in Hanoi are a ruse. Either that, or the Vietnamese can't see them. Don't be fooled into thinking it's safe to cross when the light changes. Cars continue to move - perhaps with a few more honks - as they cross the intersection without the supposed right-of-way.
We stayed in the quarter near the Cathedral for most of our time in Hanoi. It was a great neighborhood, but the 5 AM bells did get old after a while. It was a bit odd ot see a western style church in the middle of Hanoi.