Sailing off . . .

Halong Bay

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April 10th 2008
April 4th and 5th . . . Upon arrival into Hanoi at 5 am after our overnight train, we were greeted by darkness and light rain. Everyone in the train berth still sleeps. I peer out through the mottled window looking for signs of life. Hanoi is not only awake, but an outdoor market that covers several blocks is already bustling with commerce. The train slows. We had yet to see any existence ... read more

Asia » Vietnam » Northeast » Quang Ninh » Halong Bay

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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... ... read more