Siem Reap is a resort town, A kind of exotic Blackpool, in NW Cambodia. Its just four miles from the Angkor Archaeological park.
Places
Ho Chi Minh City
The city was named Ho Chi Minh in 1976 after reunification to honour their leader but is still often called Saigon. Its big, busy, full of motor bikes and chaotic. Learning to cross the road here is an art. Basically you have to keep your nerve and just go for it. They are quite good at missing you. Continue reading
Hoi An, Peaceful Meeting Place
On the coast, Hoi An is a former trading post and a perfect tourist destination.
On to Hue
The flight from Hanoi to Hue takes less than an hour. This city has some of the most interesting places in the country and some very good hotels.
Another capital, Hanoi
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. Its a French colonial city. The food is amazing and the city is full of handicraft shops with beautiful silk items. The cushions and handbags are an especially good buy (and easy to pack)!
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
mausoleum
Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh
You have to join a long queue to visit Ho Chi Minh and it must be taken seriously. No photographs and a serious expression are the rule. The guards make sure all the restrictions are obeyed. His embalmed body is in a glass case and dimly lit. You can’t take photos. Ho Chi Minh was Vietnam’s most popular leader and when he died in 1969 he was embalmed in secret using Russian experts. Every October he goes to Russia to be “renovated”.
Temple of Literature
This was built in 1070 as a university and dedicated to Confucius. At first only aristocrats were admitted. There are five courtyards, two are beautifully landscaped. One contains the huge Well of Heavenly Clarity. Then there’s the Sage courtyard containing a house of ceremonies and a statue of Confucius. The last courtyard has a huge bell and a drum.
Confucius
well of heavenly clarity
temple of literature
temple of literature
Before important exams students still visit to pray for good results. Then they go back for graduation photos.
The War Museum
hoa Lo
hoa Lo
hoa Lo
The Hoa Lo Prison museum was originally built by the French for political prisoners. During the Vietnam war it was called the Hanoi Hilton by the captured US soldiers.
Dong Xuan Market
The old quarter is the best place to wander round and where the markets are. The Dong Xuan Market is a four storey communist style building. It contains everything you could ever want to buy. Downstairs there is food, flowers and a pet market. Then upstairs T shirts, handbags, clothes, and anything else you can think of all at very cheap prices.
market
market
Or more fun, the streets outside.
street market
street market
On To The Capital, Vientiane
A short flight takes you from Luang Prabang to the capital, Vientiane.
Luang Prabang, City of the Golden Buddha
Buddha smiled and rested for a day in Luang Prabang. He prophesised it would become a rich and powerful city.
Old Bangkok, Ayutthaya
From the centre of Bangkok a cruise down the Chao Phraya river takes you to the old capital of Ayutthaya.
Bangkok in the Heat
Thailand was the first step on our tour of Asia, Good flights and and easy place to start.
More of Turkey, Towns and History
Turkey has a European side, Thrace but most of its land is in Asia and known as Anatolia. The further you get from the European side the more interesting and exotic the towns seem. Ankara and Konya are both Anatolian.