Vietnam — My Travel Stories

Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi, Vietnam March, 2023 Hustling and Bustling Hanoi The capital of Vietnam moved around according to the preferences of the prevailing imperial dynasty. Vietnam’s first capital was briefly in Ninh Binh when the country gained independence after 1000 years of Chinese domination, but with a change in dynasty came a change in the capital.

Sa Pa, Vietnam

Sa Pa March, 2023 Sweet Sa Pa Sapa is in the northwest corner of Vietnam. It is home to 54 ethnic minorities in Vietnam, primarily the Hmong, Red Dao, Tay, Giay and Xa Pho. The different groups are identified by their traditional clothing (colours, embroidery, head scarves, etc).At the turn of the 20th century, the French colonists realized there was substantial tourism potential here and started developing the area.

Ninh Bình, Vietnam

Ninh Bình, Vietnam March, 2023 Natural Ninh Bình Ninh Binh has an amazing historical legacy as the first capital of independent Vietnam and an incredible natural landscape unlike any other I’ve seen. Jungle, caves, rivers and mountains. Stunning! Temple of the Dinh Tien Hoang King. Vietnamese independence from 1000 years of Chinese domination is all thanks to Dinh Bo Linh. He pulled together an army, defeated the Chinese warlords and declared himself King in 968.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam March, 2023 Heavenly Ha Long Bay Ha Long Bay overshadows its neighbour, Bai Tu Long Bay. And that’s probably a good thing: keeps Bai Tu Long Bay a bit off the beaten tourist path. while some 600 day and overnight tourist boats muck about and jockey for position in Ha Long Bay, a mere 35 have a license to go into Bai Tu Long Bay. Our boat company, Indochina Junk, has one of these special licenses and we were privileged to be aboard for a few nights.

Hue, Vietnam

Hue March 2023 Historic Hue Hue takes us back (Hue Hue back…) to the many Nguyen kings of Vietnam’s last dynasty. Hue was the capital city of this 150 year long dynasty that had an everlasting impact on Vietnamese culture history. A dragon boat along the Perfume River started our journey through the history of Hue. The name comes from the autumn drop of scented flowers from orchards upriver.

Hôi An, Vietnam

Hôi An, Vietnam March 2023 Hypnotic Hôi An Loved the ancient town of Hoi An! Beautiful architecture and a step back in time. Touristy? Yes. But its charm far exceeds the tourist vibe. And then there’s there’s the countryside, which is not to be missed. The Japanese covered bridge is the symbol of Hoi An. It was built by Japanese merchants to facilitate trade with the local people living in the residential part of town.

Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam March, 2023 Saigon…Ho Chi Minh City…Saigon…Ho Chi Minh City… Saigon vs. Ho Chi Minh City…what is the right name? Officially, Ho Chi Minh City but locals, the Saigonese, have never accepted the name honouring the country’s first president. Most continue to refer to their city as Saigon. When Ho Chi Minh declared himself president after defeating the French colonial rule, he wanted to unite the country north to south.

Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Mekong Delta, Vietnam March, 2023 Magical Mekong Delta The Mekong River is 5,000 km long, starting in Tibet and running through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and finally ending in Vietnam. It is said to be the world’s largest inland fishery (25% of the global freshwater catch) but it is also one of the most polluted from excessive amounts of garbage being dumped into it.

Can Tho, Vietnam

Can Tho, Vietnam March, 2023 Captivating Can Tho Our final few days in Vietnam was spent in a stunning resort on the shores of the Mekong River in Can Tho. The resort was only accessible by boat and was a perfect R&R to a busy three weeks in this beautiful country. But there’s only so much R&R we are inclined to do…markets, monks and more markets! A borrowed outfit from the lovely head monk at a Khmer temple.