For our second adventure off the peninsula for the year, we went to Vietnam with five friends we have met in Korea and had a wonderful time! For a country that, as Americans, we frequently associate it with war, I found it to be absolutely beautiful! The people are friendly and kind, prices for food, souvenirs, and transportation were inexpensive, our hotel was very nice and comfortable and close to many historic places in Hanoi.
We went as a tour group of six with one tour guide and one driver. Our tour guide, Hao (pronounced 'Wa') met us at the airport and took care of us the entire time we were there. Hao, incidentally only does tour guide trips on the side, as he is a PhD professor of tourism and economics at one of the local universities. Having him as a tour guide gave us an accurate view of the area and a small insight in the economic status of these areas. We all found his knowledge to add a background to our trip that made it feel even more worth-while. (I've included several links, highlighted in green, to give more insight to the pictures below, hope they're hopeful.)
We spent a total of 3 nights and 4 days over the long MLK jr. weekend holiday. Our tour started in Hanoi, the next night was in Ha long Bay, followed by our last night in Hanoi. While it may have been a whirl-wind trip, we used every single minute possible! There are jokes, sayings and memories we will take with us for a long time from this trip!
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| Our first views of Hanoi |
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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho_Chi_Minh
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Citizens decorating the city in preparation for the Lunar New Year |
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The Temple of Literature http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Literature,_Hanoi
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Due to the upcoming Lunar New Year, patrons bring gifts to the Temple to celebrate. See link below for more info on the Vietnamese Lunar New Year: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tết
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Our first evening's entertainment included a traditional "Water Puppet Show"...while we understand this art form dates back thousands of years, we all found it a bit creepy...sorry ancient Vietnamese artists...
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Checking out the gorgeous crops growing on our way from Hanoi to Ha long Bay |
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| Thanks, Mark, for the silly shot! |
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| Setting sail on the Bahaya...can we go back, please?? |
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The view of the sunset out our cabin window....absolutely beautiful! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hạ_Long_Bay |
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This is what our boat looked like with it's sails up. So COOL! |
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We had an excursion off the boat to tour the floating village in Ha long Bay. It is a very different way of life, but absolutely breath-taking views! Kids even get to go to school within the village! |
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Our tour guides around the floating village...talk about a work-out! |
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Our boats entering the village |
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Our last morning, we and an excursion to tour caves in Ha Long Bay. They were so pretty and had some of the most picturesque views! |
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We enjoyed relaxing our last morning on the boat. Needless to say, T.G. had to pry me off! |
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Back in Hanoi and The Silk Path Hotel (also where we stayed our first night)...it was time to see the city! |
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The artwork we bought in Hanoi with the artist...can't wait to have it stretched back out and handing in our living room! |
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| Yes, this is for real...women carry various things around the city in this way. Be careful though, if they offer you to have your picture taken with them, they will expect to be paid! |
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| T.G. got my picture at the Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoàn_Kiếm_Lake |
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| These pictures hardly do this beautiful country justice. If you ever have the opportunity to see Vietnam, DO IT!!! |
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