Also still known as Saigon, this is a city of 10 million plus people, with a western feel, and the obligatory frantic traffic. The Pharts are pretty tired from two weeks of “On the Go”, and are happy to spend a relaxing evening in their hotel.
The next morning, with time to kill before our flights home, we hit the streets. We visit a large local market that sells pretty much everything, and Sue makes a trouser purchase.
A quick bite to eat, and it’s off to the airport, and the flights home. The airport has yet to embrace technology ie. no kiosks, e passport gates etc. meaning, very slow! Singapore airport is at the opposite end of the scale.
And then we are back home. A great trip, and we would thoroughly recommend “On the Go Tours” as a reliable touring option.
Yet another early start, and the On the Go group are off to the brand new Phnom Penh airport, and a short domestic flight to Siem Reap, in the north of the country. The airport is huge, and amazingly quiet. Looking to a busy future!
We are met at Siem Reap airport by our guide, and head the Angkor area for lunch. First stop in the afternoon, is the Angkor National Museum. This is dedicated to the collection, preservation and presentation of Angkorian artifacts and Khmer civilisation, with collections mainly dated from Khmer Empire’s Angkor period circa 9th to 16th century.
After a nice group lunch at a tourist restaurant, we moved on to the legendary Angkor Wat. This is a massive temple complex, built in the 12th century by King Suriyavarman II, originally dedicated Hindu god Vishnu. It was later converted to a Buddhist temple and is now a major tourist attraction, a symbol of Cambodia, and the world’s largest religious monument.
After a few chores and chilling back at the hotel, we dine at a restaurant directly opposite. Very nice and as per usual, reasonably priced.Probably half the price of a comparable evening out in New Zealand.
Today Day 13, is “Temple Day.” Firstly we visit the temples of Banteay Srei, stopping at an exotic butterfly sanctuary, and the village of Preak Dak. At Preak Dak, each of us will have the opportunity to plant mango or Jack fruit saplings as part of a tree planting initiative by the company.
At Banteay Srei we see some of the finest stone carvings in the world, dedicated to Shiva.
Before lunch and Ankgor Thom, we visit a silk factory. Very interesting, and a silk scarf purchase for Sue.
Post lunch, it is Angkor Thom. We see the Bayon Temple, Baphuon, the royal enclosure, and the terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King. There are also an abundance of monkeys in the area, which are fascinating to watch.
The last stop on the tour of the Angkor complex is Tra Prohm Temple, which has been left in the ruined state in which it was discovered.
This evening, after leaving some dirty clothes at a nearby laundry, the group is off to the circus. The Phare Cambodian Circus, which trains street kids to become talented circus artists, blends circus skills with interpretations of modern life and issues in local society. An entertaining show, and the crowd departs happiness filled.
Our final full day of the tour, and this morning we visit the floating village of Kompong Phluk. Houses built on soaring stilts hover over the Tonle Sap Lake whilst nearby, the petrified trees of a flooded forest are revealed whenever the water level drops. Our boat trip also stops at a crocodile farm, which also featured a very large python!
For our final evening in Siem Reap, we visit the markets, buy a basketball shirt for Scott, and dine at “Pub Street”, a pedestrian only street full of bars and restaurants. We have been impressed with this city. Not too big or busy, but lively enough, with plenty of food, drink and shopping options.
Today marks the end of our tour. Some of the group are continuing on to Bangkok, others are off to Bali. We are flying to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, for a day and a night, before flying home.
The journey from Hanoi in Vietnam, to Angkor Wat has been a great success. “ On the Go” is a very well oiled machine, with great guides, itinerary, hotels etc. etc. Fellow group members were also good value, so overall, very happy. Blair did pick up a cough/cold in the last few days, which slowed him down a little.
A decent buffet breakfast in the Caravan Hotel, then a busy day of excursions. First up, the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, the latter so named as the floor consists of solid silver tiles. Also a gold Buddha, encrusted with diamonds. All very impressive.
Next up, it is the horrific atrocities of the Pol Pot and Khmer Rouge regime. We visit Tuol Sleng (Security Prison – S21), a school that was gruesomely transformed into a torture chamber. We visit the Killing Fields about 14kms away, where over 10,000 people were executed. Choeung EK was a former orchard and Chinese cemetery, turned into a killing field by the Khmer Rouge, between 1975 and 1979. Pol Pot is widely believed to be one of the most brutal despots in modern world history.
The group take their luncheon at a nearby restaurant, catering for local and western palates.
We then battle the traffic again, for our final visit for the day, the National Museum of Fine Arts. This is a graceful terracotta building of traditional design, housing the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture. The day has been very warm and humid, so it’s back to the hotel for a swim and cold beer.
The Pharts decide to venture out for dinner, to a restaurant recommended by our guide. Unfortunately the heavens open, and despite an umbrella, they get wet on the walk back to the hotel.The food was pretty good, and pretty cheap. US dollars seem to be the preferred means of payment, either by cash or electronic. Off to the airport tomorrow to fly to Siem Reap.
A fairly bureaucratic and lengthy border crossing, and we are on the bus with our new guide, to Phnom Penh. It is a 4 hour bus ride, and we reach the city in time for rush hour traffic. It is a very busy city of 3 million people, and the traffic is chaotic!
We decide to eat first, then check into our hotel after. A good decision, and the restaurant food is delicious.
Our first stop in Ho Chi Minh City is lunch at, in the opinion of our guide, the best Pho restaurant in Vietnam! It is delicious, with the added greens and chilli, to flavour it up.
Next stop is the War Remnants Museum, a stark reminder of the horrors and futility of the Vietnam War. Notre Dame and the Post Office Building are next, then checking in at our centrally located hotel.
A group meeting in the hotel in the evening is an opportunity to say goodbye to group members leaving the tour, and a time for reflection on highlights thus far. Dinner at a nearby restaurant recommended by Kien. This is a huge city, with traffic to match.
Our final excursion with tour guide Kien, as we drive to the infamous Cu Chu tunnels. A sprawling network of tunnels and living quarters used by the Viet Kong during the war. Amazing how ingenious they were, particularly to avoid detection by the US soldiers.
Back on the bus to the Cambodian border, and goodbye to Tour guide Kien, and 6 other tour group members. Just 12 of us now continuing the journey to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
A horrendously early start sees the group catching a 6am flight from Da Nang airport to Ho Chi Minh City airport. Into the city two pick up two new additions to the group, then bus down into the Mekong Delta.
The Mekong River is one of the longest in the world .. about 4900 kms! After negotiating heavy traffic, we take a sampan to Cai Be village, and cruise on the Mekong. We stop to visit some of the local cottage industries, and have lunch at a traditional home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island.
Back on the bus for Can Tho. A slow journey, due to road works on one of the bridges over the Mekong. Finally we arrive at the impressive Victoria Hotel, with an olde worlde charm. Two large swimming pools and a very impressive restaurant. The Pharts are tired, due to the early start, so are boring and eat in. Delicious none the less!
Another early, but not quite as early start, and we depart the hotel for a river boat tour of the river markets. This is a local wholesale market, with the river boat people selling direct to restaurant owners etc. We clamour on to a boat selling pineapple, with some prepared for us for eating. Back on dry land, we explore the local fish market, before back on the bus, heading for Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Day 5 of the tour, and it’s on the bus to travel to Hoi An. Just outside of Hue, we stop at the ornate mausoleum of the Emperor Tu Duc, one of the Nguyen kings. Shortly afterwards, an Incense factory, with an opportunity to buy locally made products and souvenirs.
Lunch is at a restaurant close to the beach in Da Nang. Very nice, and then an opportunity to check out My Keh beach, often called China Beach, made famous by a TV series of the same name.
A short bus journey from Da Nang, and we are in Hoi An. The town is only just recovering from significant flooding, so the hotel pool is not available. However, the hotel is comfortable and close to the old town. Hoi An is very popular with tourists, with the charming ancient town area particularly busy. Our guide Kien took us in to the Old Town, recommended restaurants and places in which to have clothes made, leather to buy and spectacles and sunglasses. The Old Pharts get measured up, and order shirts to be made. Very reasonable prices. We dined at one of his suggestions, and were happiness filled. The walk back to the hotel takes us through the night markets, where Blair purchased a bag. The coloured lanterns, narrow lanes and wooden houses are highlights.
Day 6 and an early start, as most of the group are cycling into the countryside, to Tra Que village. Here, we discover age old farming practices, with hands on experience of tending gardens and cooking lunch.
The activity for the evening, is an optional Street Eats tour, each of us on the back of Vespas. Most of the group turn up, and it is a great success. Lots of food and drink, fun riding on Vespas and a river cruise to boot!
Another early breakfast and departure, this time to Bana Hills Resort, a creation for tourists about an hour inland from Hoi An.
It is famous for the Golden Bridge, held in place by giant hands. There are six separate gondolas all heading up, with the peak being at 1500m above sea level. The weather is cool and misty, but we proceed in the hope it will clear. Fortunately it does, it we get great views of the bridge, plus the purpose built township. It even has its own brewery, which is a great place to stop for a beer and a snack.
After a sunset river cruise back at Hoi An, we said goodbye to 6 of our group, who were heading off to other holiday destinations. We dined once again at Morning Glory restaurant. An outdoor table with great views of the river and lights of Hoi An.
The “On the Go” tour group is reunited again, and are off to explore the nearby Citadel and Imperial City. This is a vast 19th century imperial citadel, full of shrines and palaces. It was the home of the Nguyen dynasty. The Citadel contains the Imperial City, which in turn contains the forbidden Purple City. The complex had fallen into a state of disrepair, but in 1993 the site was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the remaining buildings preserved and restored.
The group had lunch at a restaurant organised by our tour company. It was located within the Citadel walls, and was fantastic food. Numerous courses beautifully prepared and presented.
After lunch we visited Thien Mu Pagoda, home to the oldest monastery in the city. The 21 metre high tower has become something of a symbol for Hue and the citadel.
Back to hotel, a swim in their pool, and dinner also at the hotel. Bus to Hoi An tomorrow.
The next morning, it’s on to the Coach, and the group are off to the World Heritage site of Halong Bay. It has thousands of limestone islands, diverse karst formations, and numerous caves.
After a few hours on the coach, we reach the main town servicing the Bay area, and board our boat. We each have our own cabin, and will be very comfortable for the next 24 hours.
After an excellent lunch, a number of us go kayaking, and also explore one of the beaches on the many islands. Halong Bay is a very busy and touristy area, and unfortunately there is a bit of debris floating around.
A demonstration by chef on how to make spring rolls, is followed by a wonderful 4 course dinner. The food cannot be faulted!
The cabin on the boat is air conditioned, and we sleep well. For those who wish, there is Tai Chi on the boat deck at 6:15 am. After breakfast, a number of us are transported to a nearby island, featuring the Sung Sot Cave. It is massive, with impressive stalagtite and stalagmite formations.
It was then back to the boat, Halong City, bus and back to Hanoi. The group then had a rickshaw ride around the Old Quarter, with Kien also showing us the sights on foot. The group then divided into two. The train travellers taking the overnight express to Hue City, and the remainder, who were flying. We were the latter, and very pleased with ourselves!
The Old Pharts are on the move again, this time to Vietnam and Cambodia. They have decided to do an organised tour with “On the Go Tours”
To reach Hanoi in Vietnam, it is Auckland to Singapore, a short layover, then a three hour flight from Singapore to Hanoi. An On the Go representative meets us at the airport, and transport us to La Casa Hotel in the city. We arrive Wednesday afternoon, tired, but happy with our accommodation. We settle in, then take a short walk around the local area. Millions of motor scooters, busy footpaths with the locals going about their daily business. We dine in the local restaurant in the hotel, which is cheap, and excellent food. An early night for the weary travellers.
As the tour doesn’t start until Saturday, we have two days to explore Hanoi on our own. We walk the half hour or so to the Old Quarter, past the Hoan Kiem Lake. We find a cafe for a Vietnamese coffee .. nice and strong .. then explore the Old Quarter. Very busy, with lots of vendors selling goods, a busy undercover market, and scooters everywhere! Walking back to the hotel at lunchtime, lots of locals sitting on small stools around tables, on the footpath. Combined with the traffic, a lively atmosphere!
After lunch at the La Casa, we wandered along to Thong Nhat Park and Bay Mau Lake. This is a large green space in central Hanoi, with lots of people exercising, playing games or generally relaxing. It certainly wasn’t relaxing for the Pharts getting there and back. Constant stream of scooters on the roads and parked on the footpaths made for quite an obstacle course. People eating and drinking on the narrow footpaths added to the congestion. You certainly have to be aware going across pedestrian crossings. The traffic just keeps coming! Then back to the hotel and dinner. We haven’t been game to try the local restaurants as yet, but plenty of time for that.
After an excellent buffet breakfast at the La Casa, the tourists decided to venture to Train Street. From the main railway station, the trains make their way through a narrow alley, packed either side with cafes. Not much room between cafe and train. We had a coffee at Cafe Hanoi 1990s, but the next train was over an hour away. However, got the idea of the tight squeeze!
Then it was a stroll back to Thong Nat Park, around Bay Mau Lake, then back to the hotel.
The remnants of a typhoon which hit the Phillipines, passed through central Vietnam. No signs of it here, although it is raining. Still a pleasant 25 degrees.
For dinner, the Pharts decide it’s time to venture out to a local eatery. About ten minutes walk is a restaurant made famous by hosting Anthony Bourdain (food writer), and President Obama. Bun Cha Huong Lien. For around $25NZ for two, you receive Spring Rolls, noodles, pork in broth, salad greens and a beer. The place is very basic, but quick service and great food.
Saturday morning, and the Pharts have opted to do an optional tour with guide Kien. They are joined by a Kiwi couple, Tony and Cathy, and Canadians Sarah and Gabby. A combination of taxi, scooter, bus and walking saw us take in the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton), plus morning tea, lunch and a couple of beers. A great day and well worth it.
