Planes, trains and... Easy Riders.

Asia » Vietnam » Southeast » Ho Chi Minh City
June 5th 2006

Published: June 5th 2006

What a country! What a place! I absolutely love it. The people are brilliant, the scenery is out of this world, the culture, the craziness; it's all just so... so... ASIAN! Finally a country with both a safe infrastructure and a crazy dangerous blend of the eastern world with western influences. Thankfully not too western though. Both Helen and I are very glad that Vietnam was our last country ... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 56, Displayed: 21

Girly time.

Helen, Willow and friends. Willow was our favourite tailor.

Clothes, Clothes, CLOTHES!!

We had far too much made!!! They can tailor a suit within a few hours for about 20 pounds in Hoi An! How could we resist?

War time

Helen going through some of the tunnels left from the war.

The American War.

I had never heard it called that before. But why wouldn't it be called that? It's funny how 'reality' is formed in your childhood.

Tunnels

Some people lived underground for up to four years during the war.

Market day.

Does anyone know where I can buy some Hi Tec Trainers and some chocolate covered honeycomb? No? Oh...

A very big Cave

Vietnam has some of the most magnificent caves in the world. Here is one of them.

Best of friends.

This is Mr Phong (and Sam). Mr Phong took us to his home for the day and showed us around his village. It was the best day we have had travelling.

Grandpa Phong

Grandpa Phong makes Tobacco now. Before, he was in the war. Fighting on the OPPOSITE side to Mr Phong. Simply because of where they lived. CRAZY!

A rare sight.

This will be the only time anyone will ever see Sam with tobacco in his hand. Don't worry though - he was only helping them make it. He certainly wasn't going to smoke it.

Celebrities.

We felt like celebs when we were asked to take a tour round a local school. All the kids stood up and greeted us. It was hilarious.

Hanging out with the lads.

Probably the best time I had was simply spending time with Mr Phong's friends. None of them knew English - I didn't know Vietnamese - but we had a laugh.

Is that a bird in your pocket?

There are now two chicks in Sam's life.

Helen and Mr Phong

Both looking pretty trendy i think.

Sam can finally use CHOPSTICKS!

HOOOOORRRRRRAAAAAAHHHHH!!! And it only took me 27 years!!!!!!

The Trio

Yep... I know what you are thinking - I hope Helen and Sam are bringing me home some of those raincoats!

Dinner at the Phongs.

We enjoyed our best meal in Vietnam with Mr Phong and his wife.

Much cheaper than Mothercare.

Try and get out of that you little cutie!

Another beach.

Another one you say! Yawn, yawn, yawn... it can get a bit boring having paradise on your doorstep... teehee.

A Waterfall

As well as caves they have a lot of waterfalls.

Mounting a cow.

Who would have thought you can ride on a cow! I wouldn't have!

5th June 2006

Janet (Helen's Mum)
non-member comment

Love the Raincoats!!
WOW!!! What an amazing blog! Really brilliant, well done, Sam. I was smiling all through reading it! So many thoughts entered my mind, like.........Tofu (that's not what we Wills call it! More like something that ryhmes with fogies!) What a silly little torch, Helly! You know what Dad will say..........there's a perectly good headtorch you left behind here in Newbury! Vegetarians............oh no! We've been there before............. for almost 10 years!! Plastic macs! So stylish.....we all want one! NATHAN!!!!!! Wait till I go upstairs and tell Fluppy! Tut, tut, tut. She will be SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO sad. Love you loads. Happy days in NZ. Mummy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

5th June 2006

Dad & Roger !
non-member comment

Best Blog yet ?
Fantastic job Sam. Great Blog yet again. Asia has affected you both, which is great. Such an amazing place, how could it be otherwise. Knowing that life can exist beyond the Playstation is a real eye opener on it's own ! NZ is actually about a million miles from Asia I gather. Love from here.

6th June 2006

Larry
non-member comment

Fascinating Journey...
It seems you're having a ball :). I agree with you that the only way to see the REAL country is to experience it yourselves. Tourist thingy is nice but you'd only know what "they" want you to see. When you know the real country is, you understand completely why the locals behave toward tourists... It's all about survival skill and the Vietnamese seem to have plenty of it. Some tourists feel offended but it but most don't. --Larry

6th June 2006

Peter & Faith
non-member comment

Great Blog
We really enjoyed reading about your adventure in Asia and the photos are brilliant. You both look so well, especially Hunky Sam! Look forward to the next episode from N.Z.

7th June 2006

Jen
non-member comment

wow - great blog!
Thanks for taking the time to put all that together - it's a great read and those photos are fantastic! I think the cardboard box idea could catch on - maybe it should be introduced for the creche at Glendale?! Hope you are not too cold in NZ x

13th June 2006

Gabby
non-member comment

Jealous
You have succeeded 100% in making me wish I was back travelling with you. It sounds AMAZING..I think you should publish your blog..travel writting could become your new job..how fun would that be! Sam you look fit, Helen you look gorgeous..and you both seem soo happy which is the main thing. NZ will be a bit of a shock..no paparoaches and you have to pay in real money..however it is a stunning place and I'm sure you're going to love it. Keep writing, looking forward to hearing more of your news soon xxxxxxxxxx

16th June 2006

Michael
non-member comment

Really enoyed your entry. My daughter and I are going in a few weeks. I spent a year and a half in Vietnam during the war...1966/67 where I actually lived with the Vietnamese. I too want to get off the beaten track and visit the small villages and attempt to find old friends. I'm curious...how much did it cost you to hire the two guides and their bikes. Also is it possible and suggested to rent one without the guides. It would be great to have an english speaking guide as I've forgotten nearly all the vietnamese I had learned. On a long shot....would it be possible for me to contact the same two guides? Thanks for any help you can provide. Michael

19th June 2006

Sambo Helly
Sam & Helen

Message for MICHEAL: If you send me your email address by clicking on the "CONTACT SAMBO AND HELLY" then i can write back to you directly and let you know all the details. The cost was $50 dollars a day per guide/bike and yes i can give you their contact details. Hopefully you will read this and i can email you direct. The "contact Sambo and Helly" is a private message board and i can email you back from that. Sam

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