Vietnam

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Vietnams flagPublished: November 26th 2004Asia » Vietnam
November 26th 2004

happy birthdayhappy birthday
happy birthday

Dinner at a flash french restaurant. Sam got me a candle yay!
We arrived in Vietnam on Tims birthday (15th Nov for those who unspeakably forgot it) The cultural differences between Vietnam and Thailand have been subtle yet evident. The first one that struck us was the fierce nature of the Vietnamese women, unlike the more reserved thai women they run the show and are not to be messed with. The moterbikes swarm like bees, this is a very vibrant country. We havent enjoyed the food as much as thai, but the 'make it yourself' spring rolls are pretty cool.

We spent 5 days in Hanoi the capital, staying in the 'old quarter' district, the centre of town with lots of interesting cafes and people trying to sell you everything under the sun.

After almost a week in the bustling city we decided to head down country to the smaller quieter cities. We spent 2 days in 'Hue', where we took a boat ride along the perfume river and visited the royal tombs.

Next, was the coastal town of 'Hoi An' this has been our favourite place in Vietnam so far. A quaint fishing town with lots of taylors, art galleries, and restaurants along the river front.

An interesing
Cyclo ride on Tim's 24th B'day Cyclo ride on Tim's 24th B'day
Cyclo ride on Tim's 24th B'day

we got totaly ripped. Oh well it happens sometimes!
plane ride to 'Ho Chi Minh' city had us shaking in our boots. That is where we are currently residing, tommorrow we are off to see the cu chi tunnels then we are catching a bus to Cambodia.

yay

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sam paxton and tim brown
Hi, this is Sam and Tim, we are about to embark on an overseas adventure thru Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia on our way to the UK. While living in the UK we plan to see as much of Europe as possible. I hope you enjoy what we encounter along the way.... full info
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The conquest of Vietnam by France began in 1858 and was completed by 1884. It became part of French Indochina in 1887. Independence was declared after World War II, but the French continued to rule until 1954 when they were defeated by Communist forc...more info

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Street Hawker selling fruitStreet Hawker selling fruit
Street Hawker selling fruit

These women are everywhere, and the load they carry is so heavy!!!
water puppet theatrewater puppet theatre
water puppet theatre

Hanoi is famous for the ancient art of water puppets, it was cool.
Row boat ride to Perfume PagodaRow boat ride to Perfume Pagoda
Row boat ride to Perfume Pagoda

Took us to the foot of the mountain where the hike began
the perfume pagodathe perfume pagoda
the perfume pagoda

limestone caves complete with buddhist shrine. Amazing, worth the 2hr upward hike to get there.
toilet (i think)toilet (i think)
toilet (i think)

Squat anyone? Toilet paper b.y.o...nice
another boat shotanother boat shot
another boat shot

beautiful scenary on the way to Perfume Pagoda,
Perfume pagodaPerfume pagoda
Perfume pagoda

One for the breakers out there
dead snake and bird drinkdead snake and bird drink
dead snake and bird drink

This is considered an afrodesiac by the locals, we will take their word for it!
Royal Tombs in HueRoyal Tombs in Hue
Royal Tombs in Hue

The ancient architecture was amazing
famous 'Relic 'carfamous 'Relic 'car
famous 'Relic 'car

This car was driven by a monk into a busy intersection where he got out and burnt himself alive to protest against government leglislation about buddhism.You may have seen this picture on the cover of the 'rage against the machine' album. ouch!
Hoi An river frontHoi An river front
Hoi An river front

We hired bikes and toured the city, it was great!
Sam in Hoi An Sam in Hoi An
Sam in Hoi An

In Hoi An they celebrate the full moon with lots of lanterns and incence! no motorbikes or bikes on the street and there is a real carnival atmosphere.
cyclocyclo
cyclo

we cruised around Hue in style!
Hoi anHoi an
Hoi an

A tyhpoon struck, the river burst its banks and the town flooded so it made it easier for the boat ladies to hassle us for rides






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