Author: simon

Now it’s Saturday night, and our last night in Vietnam after more than 3 weeks. Really looking forward to the 14 hour flight departing at midnight tomorrow.

But before that we booked on our final guided tour today. Neither us was overly keen (did I mention it’s 32 degrees and humid??), but what a fantastic way to end.

Yes – that’s me driving the boat. And no, that’s not Eileen driving the moped!

Then just lots of lovely pictures from the Mekong River.

Cacao – the white bit around the bean is surprisingly sweet.

All the boats have eyes to ward off the river monsters.

It’s Friday, and we’re into the final countdown before we fly home on Sunday evening. But a couple of observations:

• What is it with Vietnamese karaoke??? It’s everywhere, although we’re assured it’s because of Tet. But not only is it loud, it is soooooo bad. And invariably in a bar with only 2 or 3 people. Fortunately they seem to give up quite early, but it really has been everywhere.
• A huge shout out for Yennie at the Mekong Pottery HomeStay. She was a wonderful person to talk to, highly intelligent and English better than any foreign speaker we have ever come across. And such interesting insights about Vietnam culture and family, and a huge curiosity about Europe and the UK. She seems to be a great businesswoman and still only 29.

Now right in the heart of the Mekong Delta at another wonderful HomeStay.

And the only other people staying are Louise and Nils from Copenhagen so we can practice our Danish!

Breakfast was colourful.

Then much more sensible had an air-conditioned taxi for half a day.

Pot making.

And lots of nice pics.

Did I say it was warm here? 32/33 is pretty hot – best plan is to do very little and embrace it.

So we went on a 3 hour walking tour!

Surprisingly practical, but didn’t believe it possible for me to look even less stylish than usual!!!

Making rice paper by hand to sell in the market.

Short boat ride included which was a relief.

Until we got stuck and had to abandon ship.

Sunset on the roof.

And the cheapest meal out ever – £4 including drinks. Shame it wasn’t great although the shrimp and quail egg noodles were ok.

We’ve done the north and the centre, so now moving south to the Mekong Delta.

Thought I’d leave the equator showing on the map – expecting some real heat for the final few days.

Had to fly business class to get there due to flights being sold out but it wasn’t too bad. Get off first and get our own special shuttle bus, and cases come off first as well!

Then quite a long drive to our homestay in the Delta near Vinh Long. Outside bathroom with a cute sign.

Last day before we move on again, so more lovely pics of Hoi An.

Nice little coffee shop.

Pronounced more like “mee sonn”. Temple/City complex, not in the Angkor Wat league but apparently in the top 10 in SE Asia.

And I have to say the first place we’ve been where

1. It is suggested you stay on the path in order to avoid landmines
2. The site map helpfully points out bomb craters.

Obviously used as a hideout during the American war.

We decided to ignore the group tours – when the description includes “drive through the paddy fields watching the farmers waving happily to the visitors as they work” we thought something slightly lower key was more our style.

(Note my personal trainer demonstrating my next move!)

It’s probably 1st February but to be honest we’re losing track of days and dates. Anyway, light duties today

Beach

How An at night again

Hats and sunglasses are definitely out of storage. It’s sunny and about 24 degrees, which is just lovely.

Booked a walking tour first thing to get a bit more history and a bit of a feel for the place. Interesting that what we refer to as the Vietnam war, the guide referred to the American war – given they have had French, Japanese, Cambodian, Chinese, American and probably loads more. And his father, grandfather and uncle all fought.

Anyway, we liked Hoi An.

Hotel is nice place to hang out – about 15 minutes by taxi from the old town, so quiet.

And then Tet in Hoi A which we were worried was going to be busy. It was, but a lovely atmosphere. Talk about colourful …..

To sunnier climes. You’ve probably noticed that sun and blue skies have been in short supply, although the temperature has generally been high teens to low 20s. Anyway, to Hoi An.

Mopeds and small motor bikes are the mode of transport here. Loved this family of 4 on a motorway – especially the little girl at the front – note they were probably doing 30-40mph.

Eileen had cleverly organised a hotel limousine to take us, with stop offs along the way.

And Hai Van Gate, described by one of the emperors without a hint of hyperbole

And, of course, a very strategic stronghold during the Vietnamese war. Now quite a tourist attraction. Don’t forget it’s Tet, so cameras and gladrags at the ready!

Finally the Pagoda and caves at Marble Mountain.

Bit of drama at Hoi An. Booked a peaceful homestay for a few days, only to find it was next door to a very loud karaoke bar (with dire singing thrown in). Beat a very hasty retreat – they were very sad, and so were we but they were lovely, and even carried our cases to the taxi. Found a peaceful place next to the river.

Good old eSIMs and Grab (plus Booking.com) meant it was all sorted within the hour. Independent travelling here is very very easy.