Charms of the Mekong

Community Highlights Asia Charms of the Mekong

Through our travels, many well-travelled aquaintances have told us their favorite trip was Vietnam and Cambodia. It piqued my interest not Jim so much. A Couple of years ago, he came to me with a brochure and said if you want to to go this interest me. I called Michele and she said several of her Travel Agents said the same thing. Doug and her wanted to go too. Later Sue and Doreen joined us.

The weather forecast called for lake-effect snow before we left. We decided to go a day early and beat the weather. We had reservations at Country Inn and Suites at O, hare for park sleep and fly. It turns out we only got about 4 inches but at least we were in town. We paid a little more and they let us have our room until 8 pm. Doug and Michele, our friends, were checking in at the airport. We would be met by Doreen whom we had met before on edge, and Sue, who was on our Africa safari with us. What great travel companions they would all be! We had a 1130 departure on Eva air. We had premium economy seats, which means bigger seats, more leg room, and ft rest, and the seats recline back more. They were very comfortable, We arrived in Taiwan at 525. The airport was crazy busy for so early in the morning. We left on the second flight to Sigon at 740 and arrived at 1005. Due to dateline we spent valentines day in the airport. The line for customs was long and slow. An Amawaterway representative was waiting for us. We were greeted to the heat and
humidity.

The Saigon airport to Ho Minh City transfer took about an hour. We arrived at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza Hotel a historic hotel that dates back to the French colonial era,

We checked in and made dinner reservations with a concierge at the hotel for a local restaurant. Propaganda

We Walked back to the hotel

Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City is still known as Saigon to locals. It is the most populous city in Vietnam, with around 10 million people. It is the economic heart of Vietnam
am To cross busy streets, shadow locals as they cross, walk slowly and steadily, and only stop for cars and bigger vehicles. traffic lights are only suggestions once know as the Paris of the Orient it is now an industrial cultural and educational hub. Always bustling, Ho Chi Minh City is a city of contrasts, blending old and new and east and west.

Sunday Feb 16

Presidential Palace gained attention on April 305h 1975, when a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the gates, marking the end of the war.

The post office was designed by the renowned French architect Gustave Effel

The War Museum documents the impacts of the Vietnam War. It vividly portrays the harsh realities of the conflict

Cu Chi Tunnels are an extensive underground network of tunnels outside of Ho Chi Ming City constructed by the Vietamese military and utilized throughout the war. These tunnels that took 25 years to build featured living spaces, kitchens, hospitals and command center. We walked throught the forest trails and saw different components of the network, booby traps and air vents. In the end, I was able to crawl through a 25 ft area and had an incredible experience.

For lunch, we stopped at a restaurant for a local meal

For supper we met up at rooftop bar and enjoyed a table by the pool

Monday Feb 17

We had a tour in the morning to Ben Thanh Market, one of the oldest and most iconic structures

Lacquer in Vietnam is resin that comes from the lacquer tree and is used to create art, objects. The finest lacqueware pieces are made by craftsmen in small traditional lacquervillages.

We headed to Port THo to board Ama Dura Amawaterway by motorcoach.

The Mekong river winding almost 3000 miles boasts the world’s largest inland fishery. The basin is home to one of the richest areas of biodiversity in the world..The common green floating plant is water hyacinth.sThe plant stems are used to create crafts, such as baskets mats and other woven items.Some consume young shoots in salads.

We went straight to the dining room and had lunch. Unpacked and had safety drill. Had a welcome toast and appetizers in the lounge. Had prosecco

Cai Be is a riverland mixed town in Vietnam. to get off ship usually take tenders. Tue Feb 18

Went to a small candy-making and rice paper shop. We had shots of moonshine and the guys had shots of Cobra that was supposed to kill pain.

Lady made rice paper a delicate process

We went back to the ship for lunch, which was always a welcome reprieve from heat and humidity.

In the afternoon, we went to the local market in Sa Dec. It was quite an eye opener to their type of life. Our guide said our stomaches are not able to tolerate their food.

Fishing on the Meekong River

Took a walk along river

jack fruit

trmple

Tonight was vietanemese dinner

Tonight we each had a 90 min massage got done at 10 pm Slept like babies.

Wed Feb 19. Tra Sue Forest we explored the stunning Mekong Delta on a tour through Vietnam

Tra Su Forrest sanctuary. We would board a traditional sampan boat and glide through this diverse ecosystem, What an adventure it feels like it was taken out of a fairy tail book, you see lotus flowers plants floating on the green water lettuce carpet over the water and hear the birds chirping It would be the most peaceful place I visited in Asia. We started off in a two-person canoe with a woman rower who used a pole to guide us through. We then went on a motor sampan boat that held 10 people on a wider channel.

We got back to Dura Waterway at 12 30 it was leaving for Cambodia in route to Phom Penh after lunch. We enjoyed our time out on the balcony. I love Pho, and the chef had a demonstration I went to in lounge. Keith my youngest son makes great Pho. Now I hope to be able to.

Thursday Feb 20 Today went to the Royal palace of Cambodia. Servrs as the official royal residence

In afternoon We went to Cambodia killing fields.Adam was our guide and gave a heartfelt tour . I left with a pit feeling in stomache and it was a sobering experience

“Between 1975 and 1979 two to three million people were killed in Cambodia by the extreme communist guerila group the KHMER ROUGE. This was genocide in its purest,most evil form”

During the brutal four year rule the Khmer Rouge was responsible for the deaths of nearly a quarter of Cambodians

Only took a few pictures was just too brutal

Next we went to S-21 Security Prision. Torture imprisonment interrogation and execution centers were set up in places like Tuol Svay Pray High School in Phnom Penh.Classroomsturned into cells, gymnasiums to torture chambers,dining halls to execution rooms. Only seven of those incarcerated came out alive.

It was an eerily quiet and almost stifling experience. Some Of pictures were too graphic for me to look at.

Got back after 5 showered and went to watch Khmer folk dancing.We had a Cambodia dinner that none of us liked. Exhausted and went to bed at 0830.

Friday since went to bed up at 4 went to lounge for cappuccino .We have been so lucky not to get sick with all our travels. Our luck ran out and Jim was hit hard by TD.If you know Jim you know he loves food. He felt so bad he did not eat breakfast. Unfortunately his sickness lasted about 6 days. I was just about to take him to get iv when he turned around. He took meds for TD but I read up on TD and started him on antibiotic you can get meds here without prescription at the pharmacy. He was such a trooper and was able to go on most excursions: He felt so bad he quit taking pictures which he loves.

Friday was an ox cart ride not Jim’s favorite.We went to Oudong Buddhist Monastery visit in Oudong where we got a Buddhist blessing.Buddhism is the predominant religion in Cambodia about 97% of population identify as Buddhist. Buddishm has been practiced in Cambodia since 5 th century.

Saturday Feb 22 We set sail for Oknhatey Village is “silk island” located on lush banks of Mekong riveknow for rich tradition of silk weaving a art that has been preserved for centuries.

We then visited a local school. We sat in the classroom for a lesson. Adam our guide who had been a teacher before a guide and took over the lesson in English . They were 10 year olds. He had a commanding way with children

We went to crew talent show which was a fun. There was 52 crew on board for 105 passengers. They gave exceptional service
They called you by name

We woke up to chanting coming from on the shore. I loved this remote area.Angkor Ban Village,It is the only village not destroyed during the Khmer Rouge regime.We did a walking tour in the village to see some of the stilted houses up to 100 years old, It was an experience to witness this slice of rural life which has barely changed for centuries.

This couple warmed my heart every time I saw them . They were always holding hands. Hope we can still be traveling at their age

Getting back to boat

this after noon we decided to stay on ship and rest we missed the twin mountains.Jim was happy to get a break from the heat:

The pool deck on Ama Dara waterway

Tonight farewell cocktail party and we sailed to Kampong Cham to dock for night

Monday we would have one last breakfast and then disembark at 0830. We chose to do the six day add on tour .We would be transferred by motor coach to Seim Reap the gateway to Ankor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.We had 1 and half hour ride, break than 1and half hour break. The staff did not feel was safe to eat here so the ship had made us a box lunch which was tasty. We drove another 1hour to our beautiful remote hotel close to ANKOR WAT.We arrived at Sofitel ROYAL ANGKOR HOTEL. A remote lush place with biggest pool ever.

Land portion AmaWaterway

Monday February 24th
Arrived at Sofitel Royal Angkor a 5-star luxury hotel. From being greeted by dancers to a welcome drink first class. The moment we walked to our room, we were transported to the gardens' peacefulness. The pool was breathtaking.

We. We were on our way to the Ta Prohm temple, with its famous temple of intertwined trees. The temple was built without mortar, and after it was abandoned, the trees took root in the loosened stones..Some of the trees are over 500 years old.

Ta Prohm was initially constructed as a Buddhist monastery. It was very wealthy in its time. It was dedicated by King JAYAVARMAN V11 to his mother.

We said goodbye to Adam, who was a special guide. He shared personal things about his family and country. He was so proud of his upbringing and very compassionate about his job.

Early morning Tuesday, Feb 25 We met at 450 AM in the hotel lobby to visit Angkor Wat Temple, the largest religious monument in the world. This enormous temple- we departed before dawn to witness one of the most mesmerizing sunrises over Angkor Wat,.By going in the morning, you see the sunrise and beat some of the heat. We took a tuk-tuk for 2$ a person round trip. The long walk was included, but Jim was not up to walking in the heat. Wise decison.

At this point, it was so hot. We had a chance to go up in the temple: Jim, who was still not feeling good, stayed back with Doug and Sue. Michele, Doreen, and I decided to go for it. The steps were steep, and my legs were shaking, but we made it. So glad we did,

We got back to the hotel, Sofitel Royal Angkor to a beautiful breakfast. Jim wanted to take a nap. The six of us decided we were going to play hookie from afternoon excursion and enjoy the resort. The sun was out no smog! The air was fresh, and the pool was calling our name.

We even had a button to press for a drink from the pool bar.

Relaxing, shade. It was good to have some downtime. Jim even made it out and enjoyed the water.

Tonight we had a private APsara Dancing show before supper.It is a cornerstone of Cambodian culture. Representing Khmer heritage. It is a form of graceful movements and hand gestures to narrate classical myths and religious stories. It is accompanied by a Pinpeat orchestra with instruments like roneat,a type of xylophone, sralai, a wind instrument,drums and gongs.

Last night I prayed Jim was feeling better if not better in morningI am going to take him to clinic. 6 days of TD and loss of 10 pounds. I read up on TD and started him on a antibodies they recommended . Tomorrow we are heading to a more remote area so need to get this resolved. What a trooper is he has been.The funny thing when seeing our Dr before we left she asked if he has ever had trouble with diarrhea. I think she jinxed him.

HALLILULIA THIS MORNING HE FEELS BETTER. The two of us decided best for him to rest as we have a flight to Hanoi this afternoon.

He ate good at breakfast then pool time.

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We had lunch and transferred by bus an hour to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport for intra Asia flight to Hanoi. A new airport a year old! Our Cruise manger TONG COLLECTED OUR PASSPORT , Vietnamese visa and Cambodia yellow immigration card.and took care of making sure ready for airportl

We left for airport at 215 for a flight at 6 pm to Hanoi a hour and half flight. A hour bus ride to Sofitel legend Metropole Hanoi. Another fancy hotel. Greeted by cute boxes with a Macaroon that melted in your mouth. Lily our new guide said to try Egg coffee. Looking forward to breakfasts

Thursday Feb 27 another full day Hanoi has frenetic streets clogged with motor bikes, parks, tranquil parks , lakes, and ancient temples.

Up at 530 went to breakfast at garden restaurant such a scerine place,
Had egg coffee and breakfast buffet

Lily our guide showed us Tran Quoc Pagoda one of oldest temples in VIETNAM.It was very unusual for a girl to accomplish being a guide, She was very proud, She shared her life and invaluable information of her country, We had viox earpiece so was always able to hear her,

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We went to the Temple of Literature

Hanoi Hilton Prison was sarcastically nicknamed Hanoi Hilton by American POWs. John. McCain was a prisoner of war for 5 and half years

John McCAIN Memorial

Lunch on own Garden restaurant had Pho Jim feeling better he ate burger and fries

We explored Hoan Kiel lake by Cyclo. The original cyclo rickshaw. What an exhilarating ride. So much fun and an easy way to see the old quarter. Good way to see bustling streets and daily life on streets.

Water puppet show is a very old Vietnamese tradition. The puppeteers stand in waist deep water to control the puppets through a system of bamboo rods.The singers sing cheo which tell the story being acted out by puppets.

We went to a local restaurant for supper had fried rice that Lily had recommended. Only tourist in restaurant and it was delicous.

Friday Feb 28th to HA LONG bay

We enjoyed a scenic motercoachride by picturesque countryside landscape to one of VIETNAMS most treasured landmarks.Spectacular Ha Long BAY in the Gulf of TONKIN. Known as the BAY OF the Descending Dragon .It is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs. We would board a luxury ship for a once in lifetime experience.

We stopped at pearl farm.They showed the process of grafting

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When we arrived at Ha Long Bay we were greeted by rose petals drifting down to the deck of Paradise Elegance.

HA LONG BAY was a mistical place, it felt like you were in a dream A TRULY MAGICAL PLACE.Hazy and just breathtaking peaceful.

We ate lunch and went to visit TIP TOP Island, JIM was feeling normal and climbed to the top

We then went to visit Luzon cave by Sampan boat

Tonight we had wine tasting and had incredible appetizers filled by Lucious supper.

Morning excursion visit Sung Sot Cave 715

Had a great breakfast and checked out 1030. What a great adventure

Had a light lunch at Dai Viet restaurant I had pho: Attived back at SOFITEL Metropole Hanoi for our last night. We had the afternoon off and went walking the streets, They were blocked off for a festival and we enjoyed walking around lake and taking in the sights,