We’ve been away from Vietnam for more than a week now, and it’s time to summarize our experiences there. The thing that really stands out is its diversity – both geographically and people wise. Our travels took us from Saigon in the south to Mt Fansipan in the north. In between, we enjoyed sights [...]
Look closely at the cargo and you’ll see why Bacon asked that we give him a few minutes alone with his thoughts that evening.
The minority peoples of the Central Vietnamese Highlands love Ho Chi Minh. Really. In many places, people have erected signs and effigies to the former leader (he died in 1969), proclaiming their loyalty and affection. I can’t remember if this is the sign that says ‘Ho Chi Minh lives forever in our hearts’, [...]
Founded in the 1920’s, Caodaism is one of Vietnam’s most unique religious sects. Syncretist by nature, the religion blends eastern and western philosophies with secular beliefs to make a colorful mish-mash. Their ideals are based on the founder’s séance messages. He must have been a real Le Miserables fan
During the war, this hill was of highly strategic importance for the warring parties – so strategic that it changed hands numerous times. The ground around it is peppered with craters, courtesy of US B-52 bomb planes carpet bombing the area. In the end, the Communist army prevailed. After the war, they spent a [...]
During the war, the Ho Chi Minh trail was a system of roads, tunnels, paths and boats that served to support the Viet Cong with manpower and equipment.
The forest along the Ho Chi Minh trail is spectacular. It’s dense, intimidating rainforest – what were we thinking fighting in that stuff, seriously? Our Easy Riders told us that these days the forest is used
Day 4 was far less driving. We spent time at an orphanage (which led me to weep when we left), hung out with hundreds of Buddhas, made sweet music with the locals and had the most amazing venison bbq for dindin. Click the post’s title and then click here for photos
The monks at the Cong Trinh Tai Thiet pagoda in Pleiku have their sights set on becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The pagoda itself was nice but the fascinating part was
Now and then, travel experiences come along that are far removed from the usual fare of fun encounters and merry little adventures. Our visit to this orphanage was one of those. Funded by a Swiss Catholic organization, this institution seeks to provide a place for abandoned children.
In my simple understanding of how the world works I thought that rubber was manufactured in a factory. It certainly did not start out as anything organic. Rubber trees, no way! Well, it might be difficult to believe,
Day 3 with our Easy Riders was a butt-numbing 8 hours on the bike. Click here for photos.
This monument is a grave where 36 Communist soldiers have been interred. They were killed in an ambush in 1972, and their remains were so scattered that they could never be identified.
Day 2 began at Lak Lake and ended at the Virgin Waterfalls, near the Cambodian border. Click here for photos
A funny thing happens when you’re touring Vietnam. You start to notice the same tourist faces in each town you visit. They’re the same people you rode with on the Open Tour buses. They take the same organized tours with you to sand dunes or waterfalls . You’re in a tourist bubble you can’t escape.
You know the saying, “to fly by the seat of your pants?” Well, that's been our philosophy for most of our adult lives – before and after meeting, falling in love and marrying. We're now taking that idea on an extended round-the-world trip. Follow us as we share the good, the bad and the downright nasty of life on the road.
