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Vietnam mainland tour

Robbie 7 Comments

We left Chaing Mai, Thailand on March 5th on a direct flight to Hanoi in Northern Vietnam.  We had wanted to come a bit earlier but this was the only direct flight between these cities that week.

Overlooking one of the many lakes in the centre of Hanoi.

Hanoi is an experience of traffic craziness.  There are over 7 million motorbikes and 800,000 cars whizzing around, honking horns, dashing to their next destination.  Crossing the street is an act of courage as there seems to be little regard for traffic lights.

Beautiful tree lined streets and parks fill the city centre of Hanoi.

Despite all of this there are many areas of peace and tranquility in temples and parks.

Local women attending festivals.
We counted 14 dogs on this street cart – Ken says there were closer to 20.
We enjoyed a ride home on this rickshaw after we’d wandered far from our hotel looking at the sites.
Surprisingly there were streets filled with flower shops and gorgeous bouquets of flowers everywhere.
Guards at Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum.
We stood in line outside with thousands of school children waiting to enter the mausoleum site. The children were captivated with us and practiced their English skills.
On our second day in Hanoi we took an overnight trip to see the wonders of Halong Bay.

Halong Bay is a UNESCO world heritage site and is captivating to experience.  The waters are filled with over 3000 limestone islands and visitors access these natural wonders on Chinese Junk Boats.

Our junk boat with Garden Bay Tours.
The dining room in our junk boat. We shared this experience with 15 other people and got to know them quite well.
We did some kayaking as a group and stopped at an island to take in the scenery.
Enjoying sunset on the calm waters of Halong Bay.
We were up at sunrise to take in the off shore fishing village.
Our rowboat driver took good care of us.
The waters were calm and serene as we passed by floating structures where families lived.
Almost all the floating homes had at least one or two dogs living on them.
The government offered to resettle these people but they refused to leave. The peace in these settings was indescribable.
The food in Vietnam is amazing. Many times for our group lunch we were served 8 to 10 courses. It is all very healthy and fresh and delicious.
The Vietnamese dong money all features Ho Chi Minh on every note.

After another short tour of Hanoi, we flew to Da Nang and then on to Hoi An.  This is a beautiful seaside town with a quiet ambience known for it’s tailors who make garments overnight.

On the bridge crossing the canal in Hoi An.
We took a boat tour to see how farming and boat building families live on the island a short distance away.
Beautiful architecture along the waterfronts in Hoi An.
Hoi An is known for it’s gorgeous silk lanterns that are sold everywhere and adorn restaurants and hotels.
This sweet old lady was being featured in a photo shoot in an old temple.
Amazing statues on some of the temple grounds.
Another lovely younger lady posing at some of the older temples.
Sites as the day ends and the streets in downtown Hoi An set up for the night markets.

The next day we travelled from Hoi An to Da Nang and flew to Ho Chi Minh City (which used to be called Saigon.)

We toured the Cu Chi tunnels which consisted of over 250 km of underground tunnels built by the Vietcong during the war.

Some of the booby traps that were designed to capture and torture the enemy.

Both Ken and I went underground into the narrow tunnels to experience what it would have been like to be underground in them during the war.  Ken had to emerge after 20 metres.  I was able to go 40 metres but it was definitely not a comfortable experience.  It is astounding how these were built and used.

After the tunnels we spent a sobering 2 hours at the War Remnants Museum which featured photos of the atrocities of the Vietnam War.

Some of the US military tanks and aircraft on display at the War Remnants Museum.
The post office in Saigon which was designed by Eiffel.
Enjoying some of the French architecture in downtown Saigon.
Trying egg coffee at the end of one of our group lunches.
A sweet lady making lunch on the street in Saigon.
We visited the laughing Buddha which is gigantic.
The majority of Vietnamese are Buddhists. This is the sleeping Buddha.
Setting out on the Mekong river in a rowboat.
Ken conquering his fears by holding a python.
Enjoying a great lunch with this Lion fish served to us in rice paper.
Saying farewell as we leave her village.
Local ladies of the evening in Saigon.

We left Saigon on March 15th and flew to Phu Quoc island which is halfway between Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok.  We will be leaving here on March 29th and flying to Ko Sumai, Thailand for our last stop on this leg of the trip.  We look forward to updating you about beautiful Phu Quoc in our next blog!

 

 

7 Comments

  4. Laurie Myres
    Reply

    More absolutely amazing shots of you both in these interesting and busy surroundings. You continue to impress me with your ongoing energy for learning and investigating on your travels!!!

  5. Rosemaryw Sayles
    Reply

    What wonderful pictures a destination I have always wanted to visit you both look so well!
    And especially you Robbie you look stunning in all your photos love all your different “frocks” hugs rosemary

  6. Corinne Eastham
    Reply

    Hi,

    I don’t know how you two do it all? I would be totally exhausted. When do you return back home? Love looking at you photos… such good memories you will have.

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