Central Viet Nam Near Da Nang

What An Experience!

It is cooler here in Central Viet Nam. The humidity mixed with 90° temperatures can be tough. We are off to Hue, the ancient capital, and the scene of furious fighting during the Tet offensive in 1968. Jim saw it unfold from the air; and now is excited to return to see it from the ground

We traveled one and a half hours to Hue with a terrific guide. The Imperial Palace, the Perfume River, temples and pagodas were our objectives. The Palace was built on the model of Forbidden City. The Chinese have had a tremendous influence on Viet Nam for thousands of years. 

Beautiful Architecture

Dragon Boats on the Perfume River

Beautiful People

A Bullet Hole from the Battle of Tet and Signs of Communism

The Streets of Saigon

For 300 years, the city was known as Saigon. Since the fall of South Viet Nam in 1975, it was renamed Ho Chi Minh city.  But Saigon it remains to its natives and to visitors. It’s a great city. It is clean, alive with activity and offers the best of east and west.

Motorbikes are the primary transportation. There are more motorbikes than population. It is amazing what one can carry on these bikes; from steel beams to five bicycles.

The French left their mark with some classical buildings that are still very well maintained; Notre Dame Church and the Post Office.

Note the Apple distributor. We always make a point of capturing the Apple signage around the world; and this one was a double score. The Apple store is right next door to a karaoke bar called California.

GOOD MORNING VIET NAM!

It was surreal to wake up and look out onto the banks of the Mekong River and know that we have arrived in Viet Nam. During my entire teenage and young adult life, I saw the war played out each evening on the news. I never thought I would come here. Imagine Jim’s feelings to be back in country after 45 years, a place he thought he would never revisit.

Today we travelled to the Mekong Delta. We were in a six-passenger van with a guide. The country is vibrant, colorful and hard working.  It’s a 21^st century country with very nice people. Our boat took us upriver to a floating market, then on to a workshop where they made coconut candy, popped rice, and rice paper. We also visited a colonial house with fruit orchards and had a very interesting lunch at a lovely resort. We both agreed it was a fantastic day and we are glad we are here.

LUNCH: Before

Lunch: After

Temples in Thailand

We are docked at Laem Chabang, a large port three hours from Bangkok. Yesterday was a long 10-hour day, driving to the ancient capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya. The Royal Summer Palace is here and quite beautiful , as well as ruins of the original Thai capital. The hit of the day was the elephant ride. Our elephant became a bit temperamental during the ride which led the mahoot to a few minutes of disciplinary time. Quite exciting.