Cambodia & Vietnam Trip – Day 18
We are up early, for the city tour, but the bus didn’t turn up until 8am. It was a, medium sized, mini-bus. We picked six others, four Aussies (2 from Newcastle and 2 from Brisbane), and two from France.
Ho Chi Min’s Mausoleum, where we had to leave behind, our bags and cameras. Form a line of two, and walk quietly around, to see his body, laying in a glass case. Brendan was “shushed” by a guard, and the couple behind us were told to remove their sun glasses and a jacket that was tired around their waist. Guards are everywhere, with very stern expressions, and guns. Then it was around to view his offices, and car, which have been kept in their original state, since his death. His summer residence, and large gardens, behind which is the One Pillar Pagoda.
Brendan, while looking at the fish in the pond, was mauled, by a group of Vietnamese tourists. They all wanted to touch him, and have a photo with him. David had to man handle them to get through to Brendan, as he was getting scared.
One Vietnamese guy smacked Brendan, to get him to move out of the way, we think he mistakenly thought he was a child from his family! David wasn’t happy, and threatened the guy, and pushed him away from Brendan.
About one hour later, while we were looking through the Ethnology Museum, the same guy found us. He had been looking for David, to apologise for smacking Brendan, and to make a present of a photo of Ho Chi Min! He even kept kissing David on the shoulder, and it was a very sweaty shoulder!
Opened at the end of 1997, the museum has attracted the attention of visitors, ethnographers and researchers from all over the world. With its astounding collection of 1,000 objects, 15,000 photos and hundreds of tapes about the 60 ethnic groups of Vietnam, it has successfully recreated the daily life together with the religious rituals and the symbolic festivals of each ethnic group
The museum inside was ok, spaced out so not crowded, but the outside was done really well. There were life size houses of the different ethnic groups. They are mostly very large as most were communal; one was really high and had bamboo slats as flooring.
Then on to Hanoi’s Temple of Literature
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The entrance to the Temple of Literature
One of the oldest sights in Hanoi is the Temple of Literature, called Van Mieu in Vietnamese. The “temple” was founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, and is dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius. Six years later, Vietnam’s first university was founded here to teach the children of royalty and aristocracy (generally called mandarins). In 1484, another Emperor Le Thanh Tong had stele erected in one of the courtyards to record the statistics and achievements of those who received doctorates from the university. The school continued until its functions were transferred by Emperor Gia Long to the new capital at Hue in 1802.
The long narrow temple complex consists of a sequence of five courtyards divided by walls. The first two courts are basically gardens with mature trees providing shady surroundings while the high temple walls help to subdue the constant noise of the streets surrounding the temple on three sides.
The third courtyard is mostly taken up by a large pond, called the “well of heavenly clarity.” On either side of the pool are the pavilions sheltering the stele honouring the school’s successful doctorate candidates. Each of the stone slabs sits on the back of a tortoise. Generally, the entire piece is carved from a single block of stone.
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Stele honouring the school’s successful doctorate candidates
Beyond the well of heavenly clarity is the courtyard of the sage sanctuary. This paved courtyard is lined with buildings on three sides. Directly facing you as you enter the courtyard from the previous one is the Great House of Ceremonies, which houses a large red lacquered statue of Confucius. The buildings that flank the Great House now house several gift and souvenir shops.
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Great House of Ceremonies
The last courtyard is the Thai Hoc, holding some of the largest structures. Flanking the large two story main hall are a drum and bell tower.
The last stop was at Ngoc Son Temple in Hoam Kiem lake.
Ho Hoan Kiem is the heart of the city, not necessarily geographically but historically and emotionally. The locals use the park that surrounds the lake as a gathering point, for Tai-Chi and jogging in the morning, for commerce and kite-flying during the day and for chess and strolling in the evening.
The name which translates as “Lake Of The Restored Sword” comes from a local variation of the Excalibur legend with a 15th century local fisherman netting a fabulous shining sword while fishing on the lake and using it to drive the Chinese out of Vietnam. When Le Loi now King Le Thai To (r. 1433-1442) returned to the lake to pay tribute, a large tortoise arose from the lake and swallowed the sword returning it to the depths. This divine restoration is commemorated by the red star topped Tortoise Pagoda on a small island in the middle of the lake which has become the emblem of Hanoi.
Giant Tortoises do still live in the lake but it is highly unlikely to see one except for the 2 meter long preserved specimen captured in 1968 that takes pride of place in the Den Ngoc Son (“Temple Of The Jade Mound”) that sits on another of the lake’s islands. The temple established in the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400) is dedicated Tran Hung Dao a general who defeated the Mongols in 1288 and a number of the leading intellectuals of his time including scholar Van Xuong, physician La To and martial artist Quan Vu. Last restored, in 1865, most of the current buildings date to this time.
The entrance to the complex, the Tam Quan (“Three Passage Gate”) is flanked by Chinese letters Phuc (“Luck”) and Loc (“Wealth”) based on the hand-writing of the 19th-century Confucian scholar Nguyen Van Sieu. Just inside the gate the gate stand the Dai Nghien (“Writing Pad”) and an ornate nine-meter-high obelisk the Thap But (“Writing Tower”) inscribed as “a pen to write on the sky”. The island itself is accessed, for a small fee, via the Huc (“Flood of Morning Sunlight”) bridge a beautiful arch of red-lacquered wood, proclaimed as the “place where the morning sun rests”.
This pleasant little temple has long been a place of inspiration for Vietnam’s poets and writers and is now a perfectly serene place to sit in the shade of one of the ancient trees and work on your own compositions in a spot still relatively undisturbed by tourism.
We then walked back to the hotel and changed rooms to a larger one which was facing the front had a shower to cool off as we were really hot and sweaty yet again. Had a phone call from TNK about the trip, to Sapa, leaving tonight!. I thought it was tomorrow so we had to pack all our stuff we needed didn’t know if it was cold so all backpacks packed! Had a quick dinner, at the Jazz Club, just down from the hotel, it wasn’t very nice.
Picked up at 8.30 and transferred to the train station, very old not like ours. Went to our 4 bed birth and got ready. Ended up sharing with an Aussie lady, Alex, from Melbourne, very arty. Brendan and David were on the top bunks, and I was underneath. Brendan went to sleep ok, after playing for a while; we turned off the lights and tried to get comfortable. The beds were not very long, so David had to scrunch up. I didn’t sleep very well, the train made lots of noises and people kept going pass the door. Was interesting though, as it was the first time I had slept over night on a train, not sure if I would like to do it do it again.
Cambodia & Vietnam Trip – Day 17
We woke up after 8am, after a, terrible, nights sleep. Brendan kept kicking, and I was up and down to the toilet.
We had yet another” fabulous” breakfast; they ran out of orange juice, so we had to have lemon. They serve it hot and terribly over sweetened!
Was advised our larger room would be tomorrow night! David sent an email to TNK Travel to complain.
Walked around, for a bit, and wound up at the markets. It is nothing like Saigon; Not friendly, or asking you into the shop, but actually ignoring you! After stopping off, for some medication, and getting some lunch from a restaurant overlooking the lake, five stories up, we headed back to the hotel.
We ventured out again, after 4pm, to see about getting tickets to the water Puppets. It is located just opposite the bridged entrance to Ngoc Son Temple. They had a show right then, with some front row tickets, still available, so we went straight in.
Brendan enjoyed it, immensely! He bought one of the puppets, a dragon that had been used previously, for US$15
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Water Puppets
It’s accompanied by live performers. Listen to how a “Dan Bau” (string instrument) is plucked for the mew of a cat or how a “Sao” (wind instrument) is blown to imitate the cries of a bird. Quite fascinating really
We walked back via a supermarket and some small shops, and had dinner at the same restaurant, as last night.
It wasn’t so crowded, tonight, so we sat outside, near the lake. I had to use the toilet; Yuk! It was so smelly.
I couldn’t fit my dinner in, and all of us were very full, we drank more than we ate. It was 7:30pm, but it was still 29degC, at the waters edge.
Back at the hotel, we booked a city tour, for tomorrow, pick up at 7:30am. So we have to be up, very early!
Cambodia & Vietnam Trip – Day 16
Had breakfast with Debbie & Marie, well Brendan and David did, and I sat at another table.
We hired two “Cyclos”, to take us to the Citadel. Then we hired a tour guide, to show us around and help explain the various things we see. It is definitely more Chinese, than the Hindu/ Khmer style we were seeing in Cambodia.
The Citadel composes of a city within a city, then the Forbidden City within that! It was very impressive, though it is a shame that much was destroyed during the Vietnam War. We could see bullet holes in some of the large bronze urns throughout the courtyard
Brendan, and I, had our photo’s taken, wearing imperial robes. They are very heavy, and with the heat, we were almost melting away. The pictures are not very flattering!
Imperial Citadel
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Courtyard of Ngo Mon, with the Thai Hoa Palace in the background
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Giant Flag atop the Citadel, at night
– Ngo Mon. The main southern entrance to the city, built in 1833 by Minh Mang. The central door, and the bridge connecting to it, was reserved exclusively for the emperor. Climb up to the second floor for a nice view of the exquisite courtyard. The Ngo Mon Gate is the principle entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. The Emperor would address his officials and the people from the top of this gate.
– Thai Hoa Palace. The emperor’s coronation hall, where he would sit in state and receive foreign dignitaries.
– Forbidden Purple City. Directly behind Thai Hoa Palace, but it was almost entirely destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive and only the rather nondescript Mandarin Palaces on both sides remain.
“Cyclo’ed” back to the hotel, for a quick swim, before making our way to the airport.
Flight: Hue to Hanoi, Vietnam
2:40 PM-5:10 PM (Vietnam Airlines: VN24)
Hotel: Hoa Linh – Hanoi
35 Hang Bo Street, Hoan Kiem Dist – Hanoi – Vietnam
Tel: +84 (4) 824 3887 / 824 3886
Fax: +84 (4) 825 0034
12 June – 14 June
It’s only a 55 minute flight to Hanoi, and we arrived at 4pm (34degC). It was the first time we used a meter with a taxi, and it worker out dearer!
Arrived at the hotel, in the “Old Quarter”, and immediately wished I had booked the Army Hotel, which was a bit dearer, but had a pool. I was very disappointed with the hotel; our room is small, 2 x single beds pushed together. David has spoken with the manager, and we will get a bigger room tomorrow!
Hanoi’s Old Quarter of over a-thousand-year history, or 36 streets with each taking a different name after its product, remains one of Vietnam’s most lively and unusual places, where visitors can buy anything from precious stones to silk kimonos. Some of the specialized streets here include Hang Bac with a trip of snazzy jewellery shops or Hang Ngang with a row of clothing shops and tailors. Moreover, a stroll through this historic Old Quarter with a stop at Dong Xuan Market is highly recommended for visitors can get a good dose of Vietnamese culture and some insight into the country’s long history.
We went for a walk, to find somewhere to eat. Ended up down by the lake, and had tea at a restaurant on the waters edge. It is a bit expensive, though.
Hoan Kiem Lake, considered the most beautiful lake in Hanoi, is an enchanting body of water right in the heart of the city. Lying on a small island in this lake is Ngoc Son Temple (Jade Mountain) founded in the 18th century and dedicated to the Scholar Van Xuong, General Tran Hung Dao (who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century) and La To (patron saint of physicians). Ngoc Son Temple is reached via the red-painted, wooden bridge – The Huc (Rising Sun) constructed in 1885.
My first impression of Hanoi is that it is not as friendly, and is dirty. You just don’t want to know about the toilets at the restaurant!
Sleep in tomorrow, and then have another look around.
Cambodia & Vietnam Trip – Day 15
Up early to have breakfast, and disappointed, yet again. Noodles and salad stuff, not even corn flakes. Had bread and butter, couldn’t eat the omelette, it was dripping in oil!
Two small motorbikes picked us up, to take us to the River. David & Brendan on one, me on the other, it was actually quite fun! But couldn’t see much!
Boarded our dragon boat, with its crew, the master and his daughter, called Anh. Brendan and Anh spent nearly all day rolling around playing on the deck!
Perfume River
A visit to Hue would not be complete without a boat excursion on the Perfume River (Song Huong). This 100km-long river owes its name to the fact that it flows through many forests of aromatic plants before reaching Hue, bringing with it fragrances of tropical flora. A boat cruise will offer visitors a general view of the daily life of Hue people. When night falls, the surface of the river glistens under the moonlight and the folk melodies of Hue make the lovely river even more poetic and musical. It is said that Hue is peaceful and tranquil mostly thanks to the Perfume River.
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Dragon boats on the perfume River, Hue
Thien Mu Pagoda (see page 211 in the Lonely Plant guide) very old, met a monk, who let Brendan belt the large gong repeatedly, so much for being respectful, and who showed us where to find the Pagoda in the guide book! It is free entry
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Thien Mu Pagoda, as viewed from the Perfume River
At the rear of the pagoda is the Austin motorcar that transported the monk, Thich Quang Duc, to the site of his self immolation in 1963. See image www.lib.berkeley.edu/MRC/pacificaviet/monk.jpg
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Thich Quang Duc, self immolation in Saigon, 1963
Khai Dinh tomb
The second of the Royal Tombs visited, is that of Emperor Khai Dinh. This was one of David’s favorites.
Emperor Khai Dinh ruled Vietnam for nine years. He was born in 1885 and died in 1925. The tomb took eleven years to complete. It was finished in 1931
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Statues, in the courtyard, at Khai Dinh Tomb
Tu Duc tomb
Next stop, Tu Duc tomb, (pg 213) old but very Chinese, had a large moat area with large gardens and ponds, very nice and romantic. Cost 55,000VDn to enter, also had to hire bikes to take us to and from the river, 4km, for 20,000 each/ each way. Also Brendan had to go to the toilet twice, each time it cost 1,000VDn for some toilet paper, The toilets were filthy!
7km from Hue city, King Tu Duc’s Tomb is surrounded by a brick wall. Tu Duc was the fourth king of Nguyen Dynasty. He had his tomb constructed in 1848 when he was still on the throne. The tomb was built according to the plan based on two axes: one for the mausoleum and another for the palace. The tomb comprises of an important number of buildings, man-made ponds full of nenuphars and lotuses, crossed by various bridges and covered by frangipanni. This is one of the most romantic and splendid masterpieces.
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Tu Duc tomb
Minh Mang” tomb
Next, we went onto “Minh Mang” tomb, (pg 215); Chinese, old and extremely large. You go through one area, a courtyard, and then another. I didn’t realise how big it was till we saw a model of the layout, beautiful water ponds, moats and gardens. We walked along the path around the edge of the water, so we didn’t have to keep climbing up & down the stairs. Frangipani trees, all around. Cost another 55,000VDn. I bought some Pineapple (5,000VDN) and bananas (also 5,000VDN) to eat, very nice and sweet.
12km from Hue city, King Ming Mang’s Tomb is located on the left branch of the Perfume river. The tomb was built as the plan drawn out by the king himself and the middle of the pine forest. The construction started in 1841 after the king’s death. The palace, the pavilions and the entrances are harmoniously built around two big lakes that make these more luxurious and peaceful.
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Minh Mang tomb
Brendan and Anh played all the way back to Hue. They dropped us off near the citadel, after about 5 hrs, as we had to make our own way back to the hotel, we walked as we thought it was closer than it was, as we were just opposite the Citadel, but the citadel is quite large.
Along the way, we stopped at a stall and bought Brendan a Coolie hat and a red star cap for myself. Also stopped at a small supermarket, had trouble understanding the lady there, we thought we weren’t allowed to buy anything, but it turned out the lady who owned that part of the store had gone, so we had to buy stuff from another lady. We bought some Coca Cola, Tang, and Oreo biscuits. Just around the corner the hotel. Showered and a short rest before tea.
We met two ladies from NZ/ Australia who lived here at the hotel for 6 mths of the year. Brendan played with Debbie (from Sydney) and we arranged to meet for breakfast, at 8am
Cambodia & Vietnam Trip – Day 14
Brendan’s 5th Birthday!
A quick look around , the old town, found the real Japanese Bridge, still nothing too grand but it does separate the hustle and bustle of Hoi An from the more arty area of the Old Town. It is very hot & sticky again, so back to the hotel via the “Banana Split” cafe where we had an ice cream. Went to the bank & was able to use our card to draw some extra money out, so was a bit more relieved.
Showered and relaxed till 1:30pm when we went downstairs to finalise our bill, 27,000VDn. While we waited for the bus, Brendan kept the two reception girls occupied! They wrote him “Happy Birthday” in Vietnamese, and he drew pictures for them.
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Finally the bus arrived at 2:20pm, after making some more stops, we left Hoi An, at about 3:30pm. It should take about 3 to 4 hours. There were some very nice views along the way of the mountains and rice paddies, with lots of people working in them later in the afternoon. David is wishing we’d have hired a car, and a driver, so we could have stopped at various places along the way, never mind. Saw plenty of water buffalo too!
Hotel: Thanh Noi
3 Dangdung Street, Hue , Vietnam
Phone: +84-54-522478
Fax: +84-54-522711
10 June -12 June
Arrived a Hue, at around 6pm, and got a taxi to our Hotel. First impression, was nice, but the staff a little unfriendly. Rooms are OK with 2 beds, but nothing flash though. The grounds & restaurant look nice, with a lovely pool area as well.
Had tea here, at the restaurant, Spring Rolls, Rice, Honey Shrimp & Sautéed beef with onion, all quite nice and filling.
We organised a “Dragon” boat trip, up the Perfume River, for tomorrow. It turns out we can go on a tour for about $6 each or charter the boat for ourselves for $15….
Charter it is!
Cambodia & Vietnam Trip – Day 13
Late up this morning, a bit of a sleep in. Breakfasts, then a short stroll around town again. We went and picked up Brendan & David’s shirts, and ordered extra for pickup this afternoon. The lady and her daughters were very nice, and of course all adored Brendan! Off to the next shop, tried on our clothes, but they needed some minor alterations, Brendan was kept amused by the young ladies. They even gave him some lolly pops and watermelon for all. It is very hot, yet again, so trying on clothes is very difficult, as we are all so sweaty. We decided to walk back to the hotel, for a rest and a swim. Along the way David ordered some custom made leather shoes, to match his suit, to be picked up tonight.
We had a quick nap, then a good swim. Met a Swedish lady who is staying here, who thinks the hotel is great, only 2 yrs old, though it certainly doesn’t look it!
Went back out, and it was raining lightly. Tried to find the Japanese Bridge, found one, but it wasn’t very nice, don’t think it’s the right one, so we’ll probably have another look in the morning. Back to the clothes shops to pick up the remainder of our clothes, Brendan was right at home, they took him into their home to watch TV , and he was having a ball with all the attention, it was hard to get him to leave.
Had tea at __________ , Brendan had a pancake, David, a Chicken Burger and I had a cheese burger. It wasn’t very nice, think I’ll learn soon! Then back to the hotel for another swim, stopping off to try on our shoes. Mine felt good, the same for David’s. The owners had a small son, who was about 18mths old. Brendan played on the floor with him, using all the heels etc from the shoes for toys. Took a photo, and promised to email a copy to them.
Cambodia & Vietnam Trip – Day 12
Pictures from Hoi An & Da Nang
David’s birthday – we all forgot, till Jarrad sent him a SMS to wish him a Happy Birthday!
Breakfast, was a slight improvement, on previous but still not that great. Brendan was happy, he had corn flakes, David had eggs on toast, and I had an omelette, followed by fruit.
Met our driver, at 9am for the tour, of course he can only speak a few words of English!
First we went to a Marble factory, gorgeous statues, would be worth a fortune, at home. Ended up buying two elephants, to be shipped back home for Aud$800, they each weigh about 250 kgs. Expensive but would cost a lot more back home (At least that’s what I kept telling David), not that I would buy them in Australia. Then we went to Marble Mountain, the whole mountain is marble, though the government has stopped the locals from using it for their statues. They get their marble from China!
Entrance to the caves, in the mountain, cost 10,000VDn each. We walked along the walkway, which has carvings of the Chinese zodiac characters on each pole, into the cavern. The caves were quite long, though inadequately lit to be able to take advantage of all the colours! We followed the natural steps, down through many chambers, and it was very interesting. David climbed the steep iron ladder up to the top, where there is an outlook over the village below, while Brendan & I sweltered in the heat below.
A quick visit to the surrounding shops where we bought two lion statuettes for Brendan, five musicians for me, and a Chinese boat and man for David, for a total of US$35 and all from marble.
Next stop was the Museum of Cham Culture, where the driver left us for two hours. The statues were not as good, as in Cambodia but still interesting, we then went to find something for lunch, but the area is not very touristy, so we ended up buying a packet of Cheese Ritz Crackers for 15,000VDn to tide us over , then we were off to China beach.
It is nothing to write home about, made famous by the TV series of the same name. It wasn’t very appealing for swimming.
David took a few photos of the local pagodas etc on the way back, and had the driver keep stopping at various view points, and tipped him 20,000VDn.
Went for, a cooling swim, in the pool. It had a, bath like, temperature of 32.5degC, then off to the streets again. Found another little clothes shop, where we ordered 2 shirts for Brendan, and one for David (US$13). Back to our first shop, to try the fittings, most had to be slightly altered in one way or another, and will be ready tomorrow.
Found “Banana Split” restaurant and had tea, with David & Brendan having Chicken Cashews, Brendan also had some spaghetti, and I had pizza 223,000VDn. Started our walk back to the hotel, and stopped to order 2 more shirts ($14).
Stopped at an upmarket embroidery shop, the pictures were beautiful, but very expensive with one small one costing US$80. David really liked them, so we may come back tomorrow. When we entered we only saw one lady, by the time we had gone ½ way into the shop there were six of them, all fussing over Brendan, while he lay on the floor. They fanned him, and got him drinks, and kept petting his head, they loved his hair! he is a big hit with all the ladies, of all ages! Took a photo, but I’m not sure you’ll be able to tell Brendan is in amongst all the ladies!
Cambodia & Vietnam Trip – Day 11
Hotel: Vinh Hung 3 Hotel –
Trung Nhi Street, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
Ph: 0510 864074
Fax: 0510 864094
7 June -10 June
We had another woeful breakfast, then packed up and checked out. Taxi to the airport cost 180,000VND, plus 20,000VND entrance fee.
Flight was for 1hr 10min arrived at Da Nang airport at 1:30pm, temperature 34degC. Got into a Taxi, rather than a minibus, after agreeing to take us to Hoi An for US$10.
First he had to make a delivery, then he needed fuel, then the brakes over heated so he had to douse them with some water, then, of course the taxi broke down completely!
While we were trying to get our stuff out of the taxi, and find another, he got it going. By this time we are all saturated with sweat, as it is so very hot. Then he tries to argue that we should pay him 180,000VDn. David threatened him, and in the end he took us to the hotel.
He used the horn so much, and drove on the wrong side of the road, most of the time, he should have paid us!
Arrived at the hotel, it is very basic room, has a double bed, single bed and bathroom, all with a lovely outlook of an electricity transformer on a pole just outside the window. The pool is located on the terrace roof and has a good sized shallow area so it is good for Brendan.
After having a shower to cool down, we went for a walk, lots of tailor and shoe shops. Found one, and ordered a few other, tops/ pants etc, and David ordered a pure wool suit, designed and made to size for US$45, very cheap compared to home.
Had dinner on the way back, with Brendan ordering a hot dog, but it was more like a European Sausage & Salad roll, of course he didn’t like it. David had just a bowl of chips, and I had a cheese burger – Not the greatest.
I bought two photo albums, on the way back, as well. Every shop we went into, Brendan had to use the toilet ( still has the belly), so we stopped at a local pharmacy, and were given some sort of powder to mix with water, to take before eating, and some yellow tablets to take after eating. Hopefully they will help him
Organised a private car ½ day tour to visit Marble Mountain, China Beach & the Cham Museum in Da Nang, for $US15. By group bus it was US$2 each, but with Brendan we may need to be able to stop regularly. Also arranged for tickets on a coach to take us to Hue, a 4 hr trip, when we leave Hoi An on the 10th at 2pm.
We went for a swim, for about ¾ hr, then to bed. Hopefully the breakfast will be better tomorrow!
Must send postcards
Water temperature 32.5deg C at 7:50pm
Cambodia & Vietnam Trip – Day 10
Breakfast this morning, the worst yet, American Breakfast, yeah right! It is mainly noodles and fish stuff. Brendan had an fried egg, though it looks like it was cooked in pan full of oil, David & I just had bread, fruit and Pineapple juice (the only juice they had). So much for variety! We have noticed it is almost impossible to get orange juice over here.
We’ve decided to have a relaxing day, as Brendan still has “the belly”. Went across to the beach, and paid 45,000VND for 3 beach chairs and a coconut umbrella right at the waters edge ( the sand is very hot!). Right away we have people all around us, trying to sell beaded jewellery, fruit, glasses etc. I bought some bracelets for Ann’s girls and myself 300,000VND for 12 complete sets, a set of postcards for 15,000VND and some banana/ mango/ coconut pastry bread things ( very nice – a bit like donuts )for 20,000VND.
David & I had a massage for 70,000VND each, but we didn’t enjoy it, it felt as though I was being pinched all the time, definitely wasn’t relaxing.
Brendan played in the water all the time, he had made friends with some Vietnamese children and they were having a ball. Definitely no language barrier with kids! Of course this was the first time we hadn’t lugged our cameras around. The little boy, who was about 8, though not much bigger than Brendan, was named Thom, his cousin who was here also was studying in Austria, and had brought is brothers, sisters & cousins to the beach before he flew back the next day
The boys played in a rubber tire, which we had also hired, all day. Much to Brendan’s, and the other kids, disappointment, we left the beach at 2:45pm and headed back to the hotel for a quick rest and clean up. Though too late to save Brendan from severe sun burn!
David has crashed on the bed, and Brendan is laying next to him, watching cartoons, I don’t think he is going to go to sleep. Soon we’ll venture out to have another look around and sample some food for tea
Water temperature 29.5degC & feels cool, still hot today, though not as muggy as yesterday.
Had tea at a small place called Little Italy, served Italian, French & Vietnamese foods, I had pasta, extremely big plates for 42,000VND, nice ladies
To bed early tonight, as we are all sunburnt and tired
Cambodia & Vietnam Trip – Day 9
Hotel: Hai Yen Hotel 5 June -7 June
40 Tran Phu Blvd, Nha Trang, Vietnam
Ph:058 822828
Fax:058 821902
Taxi to airport – Traffic is a nightmare to drive in, you can do a U-Turn right in front of incoming traffic & no one worries!
Vietnam Air, 50 minutes to Nha Trang’s new Airport Cam Ranh (CXR) which is 35km out of town. Taxi into town costs us 150,000VND, with the driver taking full advantage of the new wide roads, travelling at up to 150kph.
Hotel is OK, we have a balcony, where we can dry our clothes, sitting area and the bedroom as 1 x double and 1 x single beds, nothing posh, but it’s clean and roomy. We are right across the road from the beach. Had a quick look around the hotel, then across the road to the beachside 4 Seasons café for a quick bite to eat, before Brendan could have a swim. We had a Pepperoni Pizza. The beach has little thatched umbrellas all over and you can rent the chairs to laze on.
I lost my shoes, on the walk up the beach, luckily David found them on the way back, they, had been in the water.
Had a good rain storm, David & Brendan were in the sea at the time, but, I got saturated on the beach holding everything.
Back to the hotel, so Brendan can have a swim in the kid’s pool. I came up early as I still have the sneezes, feel very fluey. Took some more tablets, showered, then we went for a walk around town.
Found El Coyote restaurant for tea which cost about 235,000VND.
On the way back Brendan needed to go to the toilet urgently, but didn’t make it fully, in time. David has a stitch from carrying Brendan at a full run and I need more tablets.
Don’t know what we are doing tomorrow.
