Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh formerly known as Saigon

The cruise comes to an end in Ho Chi Minh, formerly known as Saigon.  The ladies spent their last couple of days exploring this fascinating city.   They shopped at a Chinese Market in Saigon, enjoyed lunch at a local restaurant and had drinks on the roof top of the Rex Hotel which is listed as one the the 1000 places you should visit before you die. The bottom picture is the famous spot where they picked up the last people to get out of Vietnam when the war started.

 

Vietnam, Mekong River - markets and life on the river

The ladies have been cruising on Vietnam's Mekong River.  They've experienced life on the river, visiting a local  markets, including a floating market. Anyone for snake wine?

 

Cambodia: palaces, temples, street life

Cambodia, Siem Reap & Angkor Wat

After a short flight we arrived Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival we transferred to our the luxurious hotel,  Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort.  We stopped enroute to view the farmers watering their crops and take in the sites of life along the way.. 

It's very warm here. It was great to enjoy some down time at the pool. 

We visited an orphanage. The children were wonderful! They were so happy to show us around their home and everyone was pleased to purchase some of their paintings.

Early this morning we visited Angkor Archaeological Park. The heat is too intense midday so all sightseeing must be done either early morning or late afternoon. Angkor Wat is a Hindu temple complex and the largest religious monument in the world. The temple was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II  in the early 12th century The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture and has become a symbol of Cambodia appearing on it's national flag. The modern name, Angkor Wat, means "Temple City".

This afternoon we travelled through the rural countryside to visit the pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei, a 10th century Cambodian temple known at the shrine of women.

 

This evening we enjoyed a dinner show with cultural song and dance.
The women are beautiful and the costumes very colourful.

Tomorrow we leave Siem Reap and head towards Tonle Sap Lake to board the luxurious 124-passenger AmaLotus cruise ship. 

Vietnam, sailing in Halong Bay

After breakfast we checked out of our Hanoi hotel and boarded the bus for a scenic drive to spectacular Halong Bay. (Vietnamese: Vịnh Hạ Long,  listen, literally: "descending dragon bay") is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The bay features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various sizes and shapes.
Hạ Long Bay has an area of around 1,553 km², including 1,960–2,000 islets, most of which are limestone.The limestone in this bay has gone through 500 million years of formation in different conditions and environments. The evolution of the karst in this bay has taken 20 million years under the impact of the tropical wet climate.

Our home for the next night is a luxury Junk.  We spent the afternoon and evening sailing among the mystical limestome peaks.  

The scenery is magnificent and the ship very comfortable.  Here's a little monkey perched on a rock wall.

The ladies are having great fun with "Vino the Beaver", their new friend and WTN's Mascot.  My, she sure gets around.  Earlier this year she visited Southern France and now Halong Bay, Vietnam.  Lucky beaver.

The weather is fabulous, the company superb and the scenery absolutely magnificent.  What more can one ask for.  The ladies are becoming great friends and really enjoying this wonderful adventure together, including early morning exercise on the deck. A great way to start the day! 

Today our journey continues as we leave Vietnam and fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia.  Stay tuned!

 

Hanoi, Vietnam -1st day of sightseeing 13Nov2013.

Vietnam & Cambodia tour - Day 1 of sightseeing.
http://womenstravelnetwork.ca/vietnamcambodia-the-riches-of-the-mekong-river-nov-2013/
 
Hanoi, Vietnam. The weather is prefect and everyone is having a great  time.
Here are some photos of our first day of sightseeing in the city of Hanoi.
 Enjoying our first dinner in Hanoi.

 Just hanging around. Stopped to have a break. Weather has been just perfect.

At the Temple of Literature, students go there to get their class pictures taken. The ladies are dressed in their silk gowns , just beautiful young people.  They gave us a lesson at the Temple of Literature

 Cyclo ride.. WOW If you want to get a real feel for a drive in the French Quarters in Hanoi, take a ride on a cyclo. Had to close your eyes once in awhile. but what a thrill. More fun than wonderland.

 Hanoi traffic

A few pictures of our Hote , Sofitel Legend Metropole. What a life !!
Did you know that President V. Putin from Russia is staying at our hotel. Very exciting.

Tomorrow we are heading one of Vietnam’s most renowned locations, Ha Long Bay. We'll board a traditional wooden Junk  and set sail to discover the Bay’s magnificent scenery set amidst stunning limestone cliffs.