Showing posts with label vietnam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vietnam. Show all posts
Sunday 5 August 2018

Hanoi


The main reason for our visit to Vietnam's capital - Hanoi - was to embark on the Ha Long Bay tour. Subsequently, we didn't have much time for the city itself; it was effectively a day combined.

Sunday 29 July 2018

Ha Long Bay


Ha Long Bay is one of the most iconic places in Vietnam. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and is also one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It is an enormous bay with dark turquoise water and thousands of limestone karsts covered with thick vegetation.

The name means 'descending dragon' and according to legend, the karsts were formed from the dragons who came to protect the Vietnamese people from enemies. They scattered emeralds and jade - which formed the karsts- into the ocean to form a natural barrier and prevent any future invasions.

Monday 23 July 2018

Hội An


Hội An - the place that everyone seems to know and talk about. A historic port town active from 15th to 19th century, the town was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. It has retained the original and traditional wooden architecture and street plan.

Warning: image heavy because I love all the photos of the yellow buildings.
Tuesday 10 July 2018

Da Nang


Remember how I mentioned that we preferred to explore a city on foot? Continuing on with that idea, we decided to walk back to our hotel from Marble Mountains.

The good: It was one straight and - thankfully - flat road. Also, as it was approaching sunset, it was slightly cooler. Marginally.
The bad: It was 8 kilometres.

Sunday 1 July 2018

Marble Mountains


The coastal city of Da Nang has played an important role in Vietnam's history. During the 16th century, it was a key port for European and Asian merchants. It was where the French landed in the 19th century; the start of French colonisation and rule. Further, it was where US troops landed in 1965 to join the Republic of Vietnam's war efforts.

Fast forward to present day, the city is a bit of a strange place. But more on that later.

Wednesday 27 June 2018

Ho Chi Minh City iii


After arriving back in Ho Chi Minh City from Củ Chi, we headed out for food.


Wednesday 20 June 2018

Củ Chi Tunnels


During the Vietnam War, the Viet Cong built an extensive network of underground tunnels which were used to transport supplies, house combatants and allow combatants to discretely move around during attacks.

Saturday 9 June 2018

Ho Chi Minh City ii



Cà phê sữa nóng. Vietnamese coffee. Strong black filtered coffee with the glorious elixir that is also referred to as condensed milk.

This was one of the top food items that we wanted to try in Vietnam. Enter Ca Phe Ba Lu (193 Phung Hung, District 5) located in Cholon. Cholon is the largest Chinatown in Vietnam, dating back to 1788.

But first, we had to get there.
Saturday 2 June 2018

Ho Chi Minh City i


Formerly known as Saigon and the capital of South Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam with over 8 million inhabitants. It is a city full of history, culture and motorbikes / scooters. They also have a Stark Tower!

But first, let's rewind.