Embedded Files
Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam - Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Phu Quoc, and Ho Chi Minh
Đà Nẵng
Đà Nẵng
23 December 2022
24°
We flew from Bangkok back to DaNang, Vietnam to meet up with the kids for Christmas.
We thought we would be living on our new sailboat and spending Christmas sailing but alas it is not to be. We have come to terms with it. Vietnam is a very cool spot to be for Christmas and New Years.
Đà Nẵng
Đà Nẵng
23 December 2022
24°
Amongst the craziest travel chaos because of a huge winter storm all across Canada, they all succesfully arrive! Yay!
Hội An
Hội An
24 December 2022
26°
We all rented scooters and head to Marble Mountain and Hoi An.
Marble Mountain
The funny thing is when we were in Vietnam in 2012 we took the kids to Marble Mountain, so this is our second time going as a family! lol
Marble Mountains is a group of five limestone peaks situated seven kilometres from downtown Da Nang. The five karsts (called Ngu Hanh Son in Vietnamese) are named after the five elements: Kim (metal), Thuỷ (water), Mộc (wood), Hoả (fire) and Thổ (earth). Over centuries, Marble Mountains has held special significance for the people of Central Vietnam. The ancient Cham revered the karsts as a spiritual site, and Vietnamese emperors from Hue and legendary generals passing through paid visits to the peaks, adding to their store of legends.
Marble Mountains is home to a network of caves, tunnels, towers, and pagodas built by Mahayana Buddhists and the Nguyen Dynasty Kings. The structures and shrines blend harmoniously with nature: Vine tendrils drip from above, frangipani and poinciana trees drop their blossoms on the stone paths, and the pagodas’ ornate roofs sparkle in the tropical sun. It’s a setting that easily captures the imagination.
Hoi An
Next we scooted to Hoi An.
Emblematic of Hoi An, this beautiful bridge was first constructed in the 1590s by the Japanese community to link it with the Chinese quarters. Over the centuries the ornamentation has remained relatively faithful to the original Japanese design. When you cross using your Old Town ticket, one of the stubs will be snipped away, so if you cross the bridge again, just say your ticket stub for the bridge has been taken already, otherwise the ticket checker will remove another stub.
The structure is solidly constructed because of the threat of earthquakes. The entrances to the bridge are guarded by weathered statues: a pair of monkeys on one side, a pair of dogs on the other. According to one story, many of Japan’s emperors were born in the years of the dog and monkey. Another tale says that construction of the bridge started in the year of the monkey and was finished in the year of the dog. The stelae, listing all Vietnamese and Chinese contributors to a subsequent restoration of the bridge, are written in chu nho (Chinese characters) – the nom script had not yet become popular.
The French flattened out the roadway for cars, but the original arched shape was restored in 1986.
Cua Dai Beach
Stopped of at the beach on the way back to the hotel.
Cua Dai Beach is situated on Cam An Ward, roughly 4km away from the centre of Hoi An Town - Quang Nam Province. It is always listed as one of top beaches of Vietnam owing to its pristine soft white sand, crystal-clear yet deep blue water, crispy sunshine, cool salty breeze, slightly sloped sea floor and the gentle waves.
Merry Christmas! We still had to scooters, it was an easy ride to the Lady Buddah, so off we went.
Sitting on a hilltop by the sea, Lady Buddha is a 67-meters-tall statue in Linh Ung Pagoda Son Tra Peninsula. It’s known as Tuong Phat Ba Quan Am in Vietnamese or Statue of the Goddess of Mercy. Thanks to its height, this work became the tallest of its kind in the country. Not only being a statue, Lady Buddha is a temple also, because each of its 17 floors houses twenty-seven Buddha statues for worship. A 2-meter Great Buddha statue is placed in the head. Local people call “Buddha in Buddha” to describe the characteristic. On the first and 15th days of every lunar month, locals come here to pray and seek peace of mind.
Lady Buddha Da Nang Meaning
Lady Buddha is the Goddess of Mercy who is believed to see, hear and sympathize cries of people in the world. Her right hand holds a water vase, containing nectar of life and a willow branch in her left hand, used to sprinkle the nectar on the prayers. For fishers, she also is a patron saint who follows, gives fortune and saves them on the sea. That’s why they come to pray before setting sail. Standing on a blooming lotus, this perfect depiction faces the city, aiming to shelter its citizens from disasters. Locals have been believing that since her presence, typhoons don’t hit their hometown. In a wider view, as a part of the third Linh Ung Pagoda, itself and two other temples in Ba Na Hills and Marble Mountains, create a triangle. Once again, that “fences” bad things to locals.
On the way back to parking lot we were delighted to see all these monkeys there, they were on all the scooters, there were babies and mothers. The monks advise not to bring fruits, snacks or other things for them, to encourage their forest return (their home).
We spent the afternoon at the beach, rented some surfboards and relaxed.
In the evening, we went to the Dragon Bridge and Night Market.
All in all I think it was a successful Christmas.
Flight from Da Nang to Hue
Flight from Da Nang to Hue
26 December 2022
Da Nang to Hue
The Citadel in the Imperial City of Hue
The thick stone walls of Hue’s Citadel are certainly solid, towering above a moat fed by the Perfume River. For nearly a century and a half, from 1802 to 1945, those walls protected the royal capital of Vietnam’s Nguyen dynasty. Within the Citadel, the Purple Forbidden City was an inner sanctum reserved exclusively for the royal family. It provided multiple layers of defenses for a supposedly impregnable fortress protecting the royal family from potential invaders from out beyond the walls.
Inside the Citadel walls was once lavish and opulent, with ornate gardens and intricate pagodas. But the Vietnam War was not kind to the Imperial City. Large parts of it are now nothing more than rubble.
Hue’s position was strategic. Just to the north was the DMZ, the demilitarized zone that served as the dividing line between North and South Vietnam. Half a dozen miles to the northeast is the South China Sea. American warplanes and helicopters launched strikes against North Vietnam from Hue’s airbase. And the U.S. Navy controlled the waters of the South China Sea, maintaining the supply lines so crucial to an army at war.
For most of the war, Hue was held by the South and their American allies. But it was also one of the few strongholds in South Vietnam held for any length of time by the North. In 1968, as a major part of the Tet Offensive, the impressive stone walls were breached as a force of about 10,000 North Vietnamese soldiers descended on Hue to capture much of the city. Their occupation didn’t last long–they were pushed out by U.S. Marines and South Vietnamese forces in about a month. But they didn’t go quietly. The intense house-to-house fighting and escalating shelling and bombing destroyed much of the city.
About 160 buildings once stood inside the Citadel’s walls. Less than a dozen survived the Battle of Hue.
The flag of modern, united, communist Vietnam is visible for miles around up and down the Perfume River as it now flies on the massive tower on the royal Citadel, a building standing like a drab, stone wedding cake.
To its credit–albeit in part chasing tourist dollars–the Vietnamese government is willing to look beyond the Imperial City’s imperial past and is funding some restoration. Some sections that are beyond repair are getting shiny new structures. Other sections are getting repair work done. But unfortunately, there’s only so much that can be done with rubble.
What’s left of the Citadel is impressive, but it’s clearly but a shadow of what it once was.
Boat ride to Thien Mu Pagoda and Tu Ducs Tomb
Boat ride to Thien Mu Pagoda and Tu Ducs Tomb
28 December 2022
23°
Chris organized a boat to take us to the two attractions.
Thien Mu Pagoda
Built on a small hill overlooking the Song Huong (Perfume River), 4km southwest of the Citadel, this seven-storey pagoda is an icon of Vietnam and as potent a symbol of Hue as the Citadel. The 21m-high octagonal tower, Thap Phuoc Duyen, was constructed under the reign of Emperor Thieu Tri in 1844. Each of its storeys is dedicated to a manushi-buddha (a Buddha that appeared in human form).
Thien Mu Pagoda was originally founded in 1601 by Nguyen Hoang, governor of Thuan Hoa province. Over the centuries its buildings have been destroyed and rebuilt several times. Since the 1960s it has been a flashpoint of political demonstrations, with a notable moment coming in 1993, when a man arrived at the pagoda and, after leaving offerings, set himself alight chanting the word ‘Buddha’.
To the right of the brick pagoda tower is a pavilion containing a stele (a stone tablet) dating from 1715. It’s set on the back of a massive marble turtle, a symbol of longevity. To the left of the tower is another six-sided pavilion, this one sheltering an enormous bell (1710), weighing 2052kg and audible from 10km away.
Beyond the pagoda tower is a gateway, on the upper floor of which sits an effigy of the Celestial Lady (Thien Mu) that the pagoda is named after. Above the central portal is a board with the Chinese characters 靈姥寺 (literally 'Divine Old Woman Temple'), in honour of the presiding deity of this plot of land.
The temple itself is a humble building in the inner courtyard, past the triple-gated entrance where three statues of Buddhist guardians stand at the alert. In the main sanctuary behind the bronze laughing Buddha are three statues: A Di Da, the Buddha of the Past; Thich Ca, the historical Buddha (Sakyamuni); and Di Lac Buddha, the Buddha of the Future.
Tomb of Tu Duc
This tomb (completed in 1867) is the most popular, imposing and impressive of the royal mausoleums, designed by Emperor Tu Duc himself before his death. The enormous expense of the tomb and the forced labour used in its construction spawned a coup plot that was discovered and suppressed. Tu Duc lived a life of imperial luxury and carnal excess, with 104 wives and countless concubines (though no offspring). The tomb is 5km south of Hue on Van Nien Hill in Duong Xuan Thuong village.
From the entrance, a path leads to Luu Khiem Lake. The tiny island to the right, Tinh Khiem, is where Tu Duc used to hunt small game. Across the water to the left is Xung Khiem Pavilion, where he would sit with his concubines, composing or reciting poetry.
Hoa Khiem Temple is where Tu Duc and his wife, Empress Hoang Le Thien Anh, were worshipped; today it houses royal artefacts. The larger throne was for the empress; Tu Duc was only 153cm tall. Minh Khiem Chamber, to the right behind Hoa Khiem Temple, was originally meant to be a theatre. Dress-up photo opportunities and cultural performances are available here. Directly behind Hoa Khiem Temple is the quieter Luong Khiem Temple, dedicated to Tu Duc’s mother, Tu Du.
Around the lake shore is the Honour Courtyard. You pass between a guard of elephants, horses and diminutive mandarins (even shorter than the emperor) before reaching the Stele Pavilion, which shelters a vast 20-tonne stele. Tu Duc drafted the inscriptions himself. He freely admitted he'd made mistakes and named his tomb Khiem (Modest). The tomb, enclosed by a wall, is on the far side of a tiny lagoon. It’s a drab monument and the emperor was never interred here; where his remains were buried (along with great treasures) is not known. To keep it secret from grave robbers, all 200 servants who buried Tu Duc were beheaded.
Taxi from Hue to Hanoi
Taxi from Hue to Hanoi
28 December 2022
19°
Cari left her wallet in the restaurant and the owner found it, got on her scooter and rode around the streets of Hanoi to find us to give it back to her. Unbelievable!
Unfortunatley, it was very cold, rainy and damp in Hanoi, and none of us really had the proper clothes.
Hanoi
Hanoi
29 December 2022
16°
Hanoi Walking Tour today
King Le Thai To's Temple
Le Loi (1384 - 1433), also known by his temple name of King Le Thai To and his pre-imperial title of Binh Dinh Vuong, is one of the most prominent figures and greatest heroes in Vietnamese history.
In 1418, Le Loi and his men rose up against Chinese Ming invaders. Nine years later, his resistance movement successfully drove the Ming armies out of Vietnam and restored Vietnamese independence.
The victory was closely linked to the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake or Sword Lake. Le Loi was said to have been lent a magic sword of miraculous power by the Dragon King to fight the enemy. After defeating the foreign invaders, he returned the precious sword to God Kim Quy (Golden Turtle) right at the symbolic lake of Hanoi and then changed its name from Ta Vong Lake to Sword Lake.
Less known than the famous statue of King Ly Thai To, the statue of King Le Thai To is located in the west of Sword Lake, in front of the 100-year-old Nam Huong Communal House.
Built in the late 19th century, this tiny statue is considered one of the oldest preserved monuments in Hanoi.
Hang Bac Temple
Within the crowded scooter lined streets of Old Quarter Hanoi is a beautiful small temple! Hang Bac is an oasis of calm amongst backpacker shops, cheap street eats and French style colonial cafes.
This is an old temple on Hang Bac Street in the Old Quarter. The modest exterior did not prepare us for the colourful and elaborate altar and interior.
Ô Quan Chưởng
Old East Gate (Ô Quan Chưởng), Hanoi: The Last Remaining Gate of Thang Long
The ancient Thang Long Citadel was a bustling city, which used to be the capital of Vietnam through many different dynasties. As a center of culture, a system of rampants, temples and mausoleums was founded, spreading in a large area.
According to some historical documents, through the medieval period, Thang Long Citadel had 21 gates in total to protect the royal family and people living inside the city, and five most famous gates were Cau Giay, Cau Den, Dong Mac, Cho Dua and Quan Chuong Gate. Due to the destruction of time and war, the vestiges of these constructions almost disappeared. There are only a few works left, one of which is Old East Gate.
Old East Gate, also known as O Quan Chuong, was built in the reign of King Le Hien Tong (1749). The gate was located in the east of Thang Long Citadel, only 80 meters from the wharf of the old Red River, which was quite convenient for traveling and trading between Thang Long Citadel and other regions. However, the appearance of Old East Gate that we can see nowadays is the result of the restoration in 1817.
The former name of Old East Gate was Dong Ha Gate – the gate to the east of a river. In November, 1873, the French army attacked Hanoi from Dong Ha Gate. A military leader of the Nguyen Dynasty and 100 soldiers fought to the last person and laid down their life to save Hanoi at this gate. Since this event, the gate has been named after the military leader to commemorate their heroic sacrifice. (Quan Chuong means military leader).
After conquering Hanoi the French colonialism destroyed almost all the gates and dykes to expand the city. However, thanks to the intense struggle of people there, Old East Gate escaped from the same fate as other construction and has remained intact up to present.
As the only remaining gate in Hanoi, O Quan Chuong still preserves almost all its architecture and structure. The typical architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty was applied in this construction with a two-floor gate built with wooden-hammer brick and stone. The main material to build up the gate is brick, which is the same type as the one used in walls of Quoc Tu Giam.
The first floor of Old East Gate has three doors, one bigger main door and two smaller side doors. The main door in the center is 3 meters high and 3 meter wide, while the two side doors are 1.65 meters in width and 2.5 meters height. All the doors have a design of vault style, which is quite special because most previous constructions were designed in flat style.
The second floor of Old East Gate is a pavilion with a curved rooftop. This floor was used as an observation place for the guards, and now it is the place to fly the flag on special occasions.
Above the main entrance of Old East Gate is its former name “Dong Ha Mon” written in Chinese characters. In addition, on the left of the main door is a stone stele inscribing a ban by the Governor Hoang Dieu in 1881, which prohibited the guards from harassing the funeral of the local people.
Old East Gate leads the way to crowded streets of Hanoi Old Quarter, and maintains traditional values in the heart of a modern city.
Ngoc Son Temple
If you are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is the ideal destination. Right in the centre of the serene lake is Ngoc Son Temple, a prominent temple sitting on a small island. The sacred temple, along with other architectures, create a historical complex that has been the pride of Hanoian for hundreds of years.
Ngoc Son Temple (Jade Mountain Temple) was erected in the 19th century in commemoration of Tran Hung Dao, the greatest military commander of the Tran Dynasty. With his military brilliance, Tran Hung Dao led the Vietnamese Army to several victories over the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century. The temple also pays homage to Van Xuong De Quan, the God of prosperity in ancient Chinese culture and Taoist philosophy.
Initially, the tourist attraction was named ‘Ngoc Son Pagoda’. However, in Vietnamese culture, pagodas serve as the place for Buddhism practices, while temples are dedicated to the worship of historical figures. Therefore, soon after construction, its name was changed into ‘Ngoc Son Temple’.
The temple underwent inclusive repair in 1865 under the direction of Nguyen Van Sieu, an eminent scholar of the Nguyen Dynasty. Other structures constructed during that time are The Huc Bridge (Light of Dawn Bridge), Tran Ba Dinh (Tidal Wave Defense Pavilion), But Thap (Pen Tower) and Dai Nghien (Ink Slab). Altogether, they form a remarkable complex of relics which reflect the spiritual life of the 1000 year old capital.
It is not an overstatement to call Ngoc Son Temple and its surrounding artifacts the architectural phenomenon of Hanoi. Each part of the complex possesses a unique charm and meaning. And when united, they turn into a harmonious architectural structure. To fully admire the exceptional beauty of the site, begin your journey by crossing The Huc Bridge, then go through a collection of structures before reaching the final destination, Ngoc Son Temple.
Hanoi
Hanoi
30 December 2022
16°
Hoa Lo Prison Relic
This thought-provoking site is all that remains of the former Hoa Lo Prison, ironically nicknamed the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ by US prisoners of war (POWs) during the American War. Most exhibits relate to the prison’s use up to the mid-1950s, focusing on the Vietnamese struggle for independence from France. A gruesome relic is the ominous French guillotine, used to behead Vietnamese revolutionaries. There are also displays focusing on the American pilots who were incarcerated at Hoa Lo during the American War.
These pilots include Pete Peterson (the first US ambassador to a unified Vietnam in 1995) and Senator John McCain (the Republican nominee for the US presidency in 2008). McCain’s flight suit is displayed, along with a photograph of Hanoi locals rescuing him from Truc Bach Lake after being shot down in 1967.
The vast prison complex was built by the French in 1896. Originally intended to house around 450 inmates, records indicate that by the 1930s there were close to 2000 prisoners. Hoa Lo was never a very successful prison, and hundreds escaped its walls over the years – many squeezing out through sewer grates.
Polyglots might notice that the French signs are watered down compared with the English equivalents.
The name 'Hoa Lo' means' 'stove' or 'furnace'. Most of the prison was demolished in the 1990s and high-rises (including the Somerset Grand Hanoi) and other developments were built upon its land, though the section in a corner of the plot containing the museum survives.
Hanoi Train Street
The railway system extends throughout Hanoi, but there are two streets in the Old Quarter notably renowned for their train tracks. Hanoi Train Street is also called as Railway Street. The street is lined with houses on either side, leaving just enough space for a train to pass through.
The railway tracks were built by the French during their occupation of Vietnam in the late 19th century. The tracks were originally used to transport goods and people between Hanoi and other provinces in Vietnam. Over time, the city grew and expanded, and the tracks remained in the same location, surrounded by new buildings and houses.
Today, the train still runs carrying goods and passengers to and from the city.
We sat at one of the railway restaurants but we did not see the train go by as we were there at the wrong time and the restaurant owner lied to us so we would go in.
Temple of Literature
Set amidst landscaped grounds near the centre of Hanoi, the Temple of Literature honours Vietnam's finest scholars, and also offers visitors a chance to see a rare example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture.
Founded in 1070 by Emperor Le Thanh Tong, the attractive complex is dedicated to the Qufu-born philosopher Confucius (Khong Tu) and was the site of Vietnam’s first university, Quoc Tu Giam (1076). The altars are popular with students praying for good grades, while the halls, ponds and gardens of the five courtyards make picturesque backdrops for student graduation photos. The temple is depicted on the 100,000d note.
Originally university admission was exclusively for those born of noble families, but after 1442 it became more egalitarian. Gifted students from all over the nation headed to Hanoi to study the principles of Confucianism, literature and poetry. In 1484 Emperor Ly Thanh Tong ordered that stelae (large slabs) be erected to record the names, places of birth and achievements of exceptional scholars: 82 of 116 stelae remain standing, mostly atop turtle statues. Paths lead from the imposing tiered gateway on P Quoc Tu Giam through formal gardens to the Khue Van pavilion, constructed in 1802.
Ninh Bình
Ninh Bình
1 January 2023
22°
Did an organized tour to Ninh Binh, unfortuantley, Cari got food poisoning yesterday morning by eating a egg that was sunny side up. So she could not join us in the tour. Very disappointing.
It was about a 95 km bus ride to get there.
Ngoa Long Mountain, also known as Hang Múa Peak or Lying Dragon Mountain, Trek 500 steps, and against all odds, at the top there you will find the dragon.
Bich Dong Pagoda
Nestled in the jungle in front of a sea of lily pads, Bich Dong is incredibly scenic. This arch is the first thing you see on arriving, but walk over the bridge and you’ll find a series of stunning cave pagodas.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
The First Capital Hoa Lu of The Feudal States of Vietnam.
oa Lu Ancient Capital is the capital of an ancient Vietnamese Kingdom called Dai Co Viet in the 10th century. This small Kingdom covered an area of only 300 hectares, and reigned from the 10th century, during the Dinh and Le dynasties, to the 11th century, during the Ly Dynasty. The Kingdom was enclosed by a citadel. The citadel and the Yen Ngua limestone hills provided a good defence for this kingdom against the Chinese.
Lunch and a very fun bike ride
Tam Coc Boat Tour
Tam Coc is part of the Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The trip is 1.5 hrs long and goes through the gorgeous valley, passing under some caves and past some rice fields.
The distinctive cliffs that jut up out of the countryside are often called ‘Ha Long Bay on land’ and are synonymous with the region.
The boat trip was quite slow, by the end we asked if we could help row to speed things up and by the end we were all pretty happy to get off!
Happy New Year
Went into Hanoi to celebrate. Very busy, tons of people.
Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Island
1 January 2023
30°
Flight from Hanoi to Phu Quoc Island.
Back to the sun and warmth! Yay!
Phu Quoc's gleaming white sand beaches have earned it the nickname "Pearl Island", but the island's environmental conservation efforts and cultural heritage deserve as much attention as its picturesque sand and surf. Fishing and agriculture remain primary industries, and more than half the laid-back island has been protected by a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2006.
Home to fish sauce, pepper, and pearls, Phu Quoc offers both luxury and local life, with clean water by day and clear skies at night.
Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Island
3 January 2023
32°
Snorkeling trip
The van picked us up at our hotel and drove us to the boat. We stopped at 3 different places to snorkel. Unfortunaltey we had to wait about 45 minutes for this one couple to show up.
Bãi xếp
Thom island
Mây Rút Trong Beach Bar- for lunch
Cảng An Thới
Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Island
3 January 2023
32°
Sun World Hon Thom Phu Quoc
Ryan wanted to go to Sun World so we spent the day there, however it was a big disappointment. In the morning , all rides except the river were closed (actually it was only half open because they made us get out at the beach entrance instead of going all the way around ). We had to wait around for hours for the rides to open. They said they we're having an electrical issue, which actually the manager said was not true. Finally at around 1:30pm they opened a few of the rides except we couldn't go on half of them because Cari had a clip on her bathing suit top and Ryan and Chris had a zipper on their swimming shorts so they wouldn't let them on the rides including the surfing ride after waiting in line. I was so livid!
However, the cable car was spectacular. The trip to Pineapple Island (Hon Thom in Vietnamese) takes about 15 minutes to cover the nearly 8km distance via the world’s longest non-stop three-rope cable car.
However, never will I go to another SunWorld, ever!
Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Island
5 January 2023
30°
Today is our last day in Phu Quoc Island.
Chris and I took a long walk along the beach.
Then we met the kids at the No Roof Beach Bar across the street from our hotel to watch the sunset. However, the girls were more interested in the 6 puppies! that were living under the deck at the beach bar. So cute!
From there we went into check out the town and the Phu Quoc Night Market.
Dinh Cau temple
Located in the center of Ngoc Island in Duong Dong town, Dinh Cau is rated as one of the most intriguing destinations in Phu Quoc by its special location and the thrilling legends of this temple.
During more than 300 years of existence, Dinh Cau contains many interesting and mysterious stories that fishermen have handed down. Dinh Cau is also the symbol of Phu Quoc where the Sea – Sand – Sun – Stone mixed together into a charming landscape.
Protestant gossip gradually formed the custom of worshipping at this cliff and named it Dinh Cau. The islanders consider the sacred mountain to build a shrine to pray for divine protection in the sea disaster. They began to come here to worship to meet the calm waves.
Phu Quoc night market has a total of more than 100 stalls, divided into 2 zones:
Zone 1 is located at the beginning of the market. consisting of courteous food stalls and local carts that sell seafood and dried specialties as gifts (fish sauce, sim wine, dried seafood, etc.)
Zone 2 is situated at the end of the market. there are souvenir stalls with handicrafts, Phu Quoc pearls, etc. at reasonable prices.
Tomorrow its back to the big city!
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City
5 January 2023
28°
Flight from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh.
Said a sad good-bye to the really cute dogs and puppies at the hotel. These dogs are revered on the island of Pho Quoc in fact, you can only find this breed on the island.
The Phu Quoc Ridgeback, also known as the Vietnamese Phu Quoc dog, is a unique breed of dog famous for its striking appearance and intelligent nature. Native to Phu Quoc Island, these dogs can be easily seen anywhere on the island.
Many hypotheses have been put forward about the origin of the Phu Quoc dog breed. Some people believe that they are the result of a cross between a wild dog and a French or Dutch curly-haired dog, when slave ships of the past passed by the island.
Others believe that it originated in Thailand when Thai merchants brought Thai curly-haired dogs to Phu Quoc Island to exchange or give to the locals.
Then it was on to the airport for our very last time in Ho Chi Minh!
After getting settled at our condo on the 32nd floor, we headed out for coffee then to the War Remnants Museum.
To understand the US invasion of Vietnam, and contextualize its devastating impact on the country's civilians, this remarkable and deeply moving museum is an essential visit. Many of the atrocities documented here are already well publicized, but it's rare to visit a museum such as this, where the victims of US military action are given the space to tell their side of the story.
While most of the displays are written from a Vietnamese perspective, much of the disturbing photography of war atrocities come from US sources, including the images of the My Lai massacre, where more than 500 unarmed South Vietnamese civilians were brutally killed by US soldiers.
Even travellers with little interest in the war should not leave the city without visiting. Its absorbing exhibits give visitors an invaluable insight into a defining chapter in the country’s history – and a deeper understanding of present-day Vietnam as a result. Allow at least a couple of hours for your visit.
The museum, which was formerly known as the Museum of Chinese and American War Crimes, primarily deals with the American War, but the French-colonial period and conflicts with China are also documented. US armoured vehicles, artillery pieces, bombs and infantry weapons are on display outside. One corner of the grounds is devoted to the notorious French and South Vietnamese prisons on Phu Quoc and Con Son islands. Artefacts include that most iconic of French appliances, the guillotine, and the notoriously inhumane ‘tiger cages’ used to house war prisoners.
The ground floor of the museum is devoted to a collection of posters and photographs showing support for the antiwar movement internationally. This somewhat upbeat display provides a counterbalance to the horrors upstairs.
Some of the images on show are very upsetting, in particular photos of widespread destruction from US napalm bombs and the horrific toxic effects of Agent Orange on Vietnamese citizens. Many visitors may need to take a break between exhibits. The museum also offers the rare chance to see some of the experimental weapons used in the war, which were at one time military secrets, such as the flechette, an artillery shell filled with thousands of tiny darts.
Upstairs, look out for the Requiem Exhibition. Compiled by legendary war photographer Tim Page, this striking collection documents the work of photographers killed during the course of the conflict, on both sides, and includes works by Larry Burrows and Robert Capa.
Saigon Central Post Office
The city's landmark French-era post office is a period classic, designed by Marie-Alfred Foulhoux (though often credited to Gustave Eiffel) and built between 1886 and 1891. Painted on the walls of its grand concourse are fascinating historical maps of South Vietnam, Saigon and Cholon, while a mosaic of Ho Chi Minh takes pride of place at the end of its barrel-vaulted hall.
It has a magnificent tiled floor of the interior and the copious green-painted wrought iron.
In the evening, we crossed the bridge to Rogue Saigon, for Mexican food.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City
6 January 2023
29°
Spent the afternoon at the hair salon with the girls.
No trip to Saigon is complete without visiting the Vinh Khanh, District 4 Seafood Street and Bui Vien Street (the Backpacker Street).
Vinh Khanh, District 4
That steady flow of seafood and activity pretty much sums up the atmosphere of Vinh Khanh Street in District 4, known for serving the best street seafood in Saigon. It really is an experience not to be missed. There are several blocks of sidewalk restaurants on either side serving seafood of every kind.
That evening we fit in Bui Vien walking street as it was almost time to leave Vietnam for good!
Bui Vien walking street is the heartbeat of Ho Chi Minh’s nightlife It is located in District 1, and is often referred to as ‘Western Street’ or ‘Backpacker street’ due to the large number of western travellers arriving, usually looking to party.
The location of the Walking Street is on Pham Ngu Lao Street. It is approximately one mile long and is packed out with bars, restaurants and street food vendors. It can be quiet through the day but as soon as the sun sets, it is one of the liveliest streets in Asia for sure.
It is paradise for people watching at street level.
You will also find live DJ’s, live sport and pool tables to keep you entertained as your action packed night progresses long into the night.
Even though it is called walking street, don't be fooled, the Vietnamese will try to drive through the massive crowds on their scooter, we saw one motorist who was sightseeing with his whole family aboard. I felt the hot exhaust fumes on my calf.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City
8 January 2023
29°
Our last day in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam. We took a walk on the other walking street, Nguyen Hue Boulevard. Nguyen Hue walking street offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. What truly sets the pedestrian street apart from other nightlife destinations in Ho Chi Minh City is its unique ambience. The street is kept alive with many different types of street performers, from pop-art to B-boy, acoustic bands or magicians.
Many restaurants and cafes lie along Nguyen Hue walking street. Coffee, as known, is not just another drink for Vietnamese people, but has become the country’s culture. Thus, it’s not difficult to find hundreds of coffee shops on both sides of the streets, from the very high ended to the street vendors, each would offer cafe sữa đá by their very own style.
Nguyen Hue walking street is also the destination for each and every public event of the city and the country. Come to the street during any soccer competition where the Vietnam national team plays, or during the public holidays like Independence Day, National Day, New Year… you can really feel and amaze by the locals’ vibrance.
We had a great time with the kids and are leaving on a positve note even though it is not how we thought it would turn out.
However, Chris has his eye on a boat in Montenegro and has already booked flights to go there. So we are leaving before the kids leave for their flights back to Canada!
They know how to use Grab so I am having faith by leaving them in bed at the AirBnb that they will make it to the airport and their flights! This is another thing I did not envision doing !!
“A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” – John A. Shed
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