Category Archives: _Asia_

Hoi An – Bike Ride

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We were after a bit of activity today, so decided to go for a bike tour around an island in the river. Our guide did pick us up at the hotel, from here we made it to the tour company’s depot, where we got to pick our bikes

We were now on bikes – made our way to the ferry to cross over to the island. Here we had a leisurely bike ride through villages and rice paddies. Traffic around us with very limited, so riding a bike was really enjoyable. We had a number of stops during the ride to get a glimpse of life on the island and its industries – from sleeping mats, rice wine (or better rice liquor) to rice noodles. We also met the owners of those businesses and had some good discussions – and of course we also got to try their products.

Hoi An Market & Cooking Class

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While traveling I usually try to also get some insight into the local cuisine, its ingredients and ways of preparation. A cooking class is usually perfect for that and we had the time – so here I was …

The class did start in the morning with a visit to the market with an introduction to the local fruits and vegetables, as well as spices. In the evening the actual class did take place. We were essentially cooking dinner together with our teacher, everyone helping in each and every step during preparation. Needless to say – preparation and cooking was good fun – and the result was delicious (we started with a green papaya salad, followed by spring rolls, fish grilled in a banana leaf and caramelized egg plants).

Hoi An – Boat Trip

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Today we decided to go for a short boat ride down the river to get a glimpse from the water. On the way we could witness some fishers showing off their fishing techniques – although they were certainly not after fish – but after the tourist money …

My Lai Memorial

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Today was a long driving day, as we had to cover more than 300km to Hoi An. On the way we had a stop at My Lai Memorial.

It was here, where US troops committed one of the most horrific crimes of the Vietnam war in March 1968 – the massacre of My Lai, during which more than 500 civilians were murdered.

We had a guided tour around the museum and were then shown a documentary of the massacre. After that we had time for a walk around the premises – for the most part done in silence. This was probably the most intense part of the trip.

Quy Nhon

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We continued North along the coast, covering the 220km to Quy Nhon – our over-night stop on the way to Hoi An a further approx. 300km North.

There were some nice beaches and views on the way – and also in Quy Nhon, though attraction-wise Quy Nhon has not too much to offer.

To Dalat

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Today was a driving day; we left Saigon in the morning to make our way to Da Lat – a journey of around 300km or a good six hours of driving. Add in breaks and a stop in Lang Dinh An – also known at Chicken Village – to get a glimpse of rural life in this village, home to the Koho minority.

Back to Saigon

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We made it back from Mekong Delta in the early afternoon. I decided for a walk up to the Jade Emperor Pagoda (around 3.5km one way), which turned out to be a nice and quiet temple, far enough away from the tourist part of town to preserve its tranquility.

I made it back to the hotel just in time to meet up for a cyclo ride to and around the Chinese quarter. A cyclo ride here translates to being lazy and being pedaled around. We were first on the cyclos for some time (simply to make it to the Chinese quarter), before we had a first stop at the flower market. From here – after a good look around – we continued further, our next stop being at the Buddhist Quan Am Pagoda, giving us the opportunity to explore this colorful temple and the little pond on the other side of the street. We did continue to Binh Tay Market, a vast market – mainly wholesale – catering for almost everything (a bit like ebay … if they don’t have it, it does not exist). After half an hour of checking out the market, we made it back to the bikes for our ride back to the hotel.