Vietnam

The Old Quarter of Hanoi

Waiting for the minibus to bring us to Lau Cai train station Around 5 pm a minibus would pick us up to take us back from Sapa to the train station in Lau Cai. So there is still plenty of time before heading back to the Old Quarter of Hanoi. I spend my time walking…
To the ethnic hill tribes in Sapa

Some hours to waste in Hanoi Yesterday morning I took the bus from Ninh Binh to Hanoi. My train to Lau Cai leaves at 11 pm tonight. That is where the train stops and where you get picked up by tour agents to drive further to visit the ethnic hill tribes in Sapa by mini-bus.…
Ninh Binh: Sightseeing in the rain

Sightseeing in the rain on the motorbike upon a slippery road Unfortunately, it was wishful thinking that the weather in Ninh Binh would have changed overnight. Also today it keeps raining continuously, no downpours, but anyway. So I stay reading in my room in the morning. But after lunch, I decided to do some sightseeing…
The countryside of Ninh Binh

The bus drives past my destination Around 5 am, we drive through the countryside of Ninh Binh … and the bus does not stop. Nevertheless, when we departed in Hue I made it very clear that I was heading to Ninh Binh. and not the capital. I even showed my bus ticket. When I see…
Uneasy sleeper bus to Ninh Binh

Conversation with two professors Early in the morning, I departed on a bus, heading back towards Hue, where I will have a layover for one day before boarding the sleeper bus to Ninh Binh. In the middle of a short break, two elderly Vietnamese join me for a conversation. One of them is a geology…
Places of interest in laid-back Hoi An

A historical trading port with an architectural mix of styles Hoi An is a beautiful city and a popular tourist destination with lots of places of interest. As an old trading port with numerous attractions, many travelers come here to experience a peaceful environment while exploring the various sights it has to offer with its…
The Marble Mountains of Da Nang

A beach resembling a rubbish dump A somewhat quieter today, first I ride to Da Nang by bus. The main point of interest for visitors here is the Marble Mountains. But first we a stop at Ca Loa Beach. Well, naming this place a beach is the overstatement of the year; it is one big…
The cultural highlights of Hue

Annoyed with the money hassling After breakfast, and before my afternoon flight to visit the cultural highlights of Hue, I take a taxi to the Museum of Ethnology. It was almost inevitable that I paid too much for the ride; the driver did not know the exact location, and furthermore, he hardly understood English. Though…
Ha Long Bay boat sailing trip

Joining a group for a Ha Long Bay boat sailing trip To reach Ha Long Bay from Hanoi, it takes a 3-hour bus trip. I am joining a Ha Long Bay boat sailing adventure with an international company of Canadians, Dutch, Scottish, and English people. All groups follow a more or less similar package. Therefore…
Mixed feelings about Hanoi

A less intrusive Asian capital At first sight, Hanoi seems like just another busy Asian capital. But the city is smaller than Bangkok for instance and has a less intrusive atmosphere than I imagined. I do have mixed feelings about Hanoi though: they range from `I want to get out of here as quickly as…