Vietnam Aug 10-15, I made the best out of it.......

Cool temperature  between 12-19 Celsius, had always the deciding factor in all my planned vacations, as, aside from our slumber, 70 percent of our time will be spent outdoor, sight-seeing! 

Unless it is meant to be, I abhor moving around in the heat, perspiring! So when Ca-Ryn suggested visiting Vietnam and Cambodia, I wasn't too keen. 

We had actually planned for New Zealand but had shelved the arrangement partly because the climate was too cold and I hadn't fully recovered from my trip to Scandinavia and partly because of the earthquake!  

Somehow, I gave in, though fully aware that the other reason holding me back visiting third world countries is the fact that I hate witnessing depressing scenarios...... Vacation is meant to be blissful!! 

Whatever, with Ca-Ryn's little read-up knowledge online, we left for Vietnam and Cambodia where communication poses a barrier!!.... 

Tan Hai Long Hotel sits strategically on Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant entertainment district with adjacent streets catering for shopping stores, delicious restaurants, and entertainment activities. This hotel offers excellent services and deserves strong recommendation! 



The Reunification Palace, the Independent Palace, the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the old Saigon Post Office were all within walking distance! 



A cab ride to the War Remnants Museum brought about history which caught my unheard of interest... though greatly saddened by it......

We visited the Cai Be Floating Market on a motor boat and.....

idiotically went on a rowing sampan under the blazing sun,    something I definitely would not have done in Malaysia! 

We cruised along Vinh Long into upper Mekong Delta to a village for lunch and a biking experience. 

Having laid off the bicycles for decades, I was a bit fearful that I might fall off the vehicle and into the river as I pedaled along the narrow bumpy pathway! And, oh my! the brakes did not work!!! 

Relief overcame me when the ride was over. It struck me that I could have faced mishaps just because I didn't want to disappoint Ca-Ryn who was so excited over the biking arrangement! 

Towards evening, strolling along Le Lai street in search of food, we were amazed to see large crowds in the park amidst a bustling city! It seemed as though the park was the only venue for these people, mostly locals, engaging in physical exercises of various forms! 



There were several groups footballing, ladies doing the aerobic workouts, the elderly stretching and the youthful brisk walking! 

Apparently, they seemed pretty health conscious! But then again, wouldn't sniffing in the carbon monoxide emitted by the vehicles be hazardous? 

Then, there were the toddlers scampering about as they were fed their dinners! 

The following day, before we packed for home, we went to the famous Ben Thanh Market for  cashew nuts and..... the lotus seeds, which was partly what that brought about my trip to Vietnam!! 

Costly huh?...the LOTUS SEEDS??