2023- Vietnam
Hanoi touring
This morning is dedicated to the revolutionary leader who fanned the flames of Vietnam’s independence. We begin our day with a visit to the final resting place of “Uncle Ho”, the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. A short walk from here, we’ll find Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts, where we’ll Dive Into Culture exploring the grounds surrounding the humble abode of Vietnam’s most famous son. We’ll continue to the Temple of Literature, the first university for the sons of Mandarins, to gain insights into Hanoian culture.
This afternoon, we’ll embark on a cyclo tour, weaving through the lively Old Quarter past colorful shopfronts and street food vendors. Enjoy an evening at leisure or consider joining one of our recommended Optional Experiences to watch a show that uses the ancient art of water puppetry to story-tell the daily lives of Vietnamese people.
Hoi Chi Ming's Mausoleum visit
Tenders and the pagoda view- thank you, drones! 
Steep stairs, good exertion 
Top of cave used to be bottom of the bay.....flipped upside-down millions of years ago 
Heading south towards Danang We stopped for an hour to walk through this beautiful farm. The red structure is a crypt for the ancestors. Though the Vietnamese cannot own land, they can rent out a piece of land. The government allows them to keep these crypts for the family remains.
This hard-working lady is harvesting spring onions, weighing them on a balance seen behind her, them prepares them to be transported to market. 
Hoi An- a UNESCO World Heritage Site Uncover Historic Hoi An
Dive Into Culture this morning, embarking on a walking tour around the ancient town of Hoi An. Embrace its charm of yesteryear – the narrow lanes, colorful marketplaces and ancient temples providing insights into the Vietnam of old. See the old merchant houses and 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, before visiting Thanh Dong Organic Village where you’ll spend some time helping local farmers and learning about their daily working routines. Kick back and enjoy a relaxing foot massage that will set the pace for the rest of the day and evening at leisure.
After dinner we walked both sides of the river and admired the boats lit up by lanterns. It is one of several New Year's celebrations. 
With my 3 amigos 
Basket weaving using a battery powered fan to cool off the crafters 
Lacquer art abounds in Vietnam....also many marble sculptures 
Lanterns being created on the streets- the boats love having these on their bows and sterns Rice wrappers drying in the sun- we learned how to make these at the cooking school
After a one hour bus ride from HoiAn we arrived at this amazing cultural display from 13th century Vietnam. We enjoyed a dance show before walking out to the sites. The heat was stifling....plus 100 F. They warned us about heat stroke and the symptoms. We had to cut our tour short because a few people did not feel well. 
Such a special person, multi-generation keeper of this organic farm. Her grand-daughter translated her explanations. 
A TV crew came by to film our experience and they interviewed me, curious as to what a Canadian thought of the agriculture in Vietnam. 
Took this crazy vehicle which had been imported from France many years ago 
Tony and I enjoying posing with a rickshaw in front of our hotel 
A calm oasis in Hoi An, beautiful ceramics, plants and a refreshing coconut drink 
Head to Hue via Red Beach
The healthy flavors of Vietnamese cuisine take center stage as we travel by boat to the Red Bridge Cooking School to learn about the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food. We’ll have an opportunity to savor the dishes we’ve prepared for lunch before returning to Hoi An. This afternoon, our journey takes us over Hai Van Pass en route to Red Beach, where the American Marines first landed in Vietnam during the decades-long war. We continue to Danang for a visit to the Cham Museum before arriving in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, for our overnight stay.
RED BRIDGE Cooking School outside Hoi An
Enjoy browsing the below website, complete with videos and pictures.
https://redbridge.visithoian.com/
First up, we walked the huge marketplace with our chef and took in the sights of all things meat, fish, veggies, spices.....a real treat for the senses.
Hai Van Pass heading for Red Beach and Hue
We passed Red Beach (seen below) where the American Marines landed when invading Vietnam at the start of that stage of the decades long war
Hue
Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels
We’ll delve into Vietnam’s turbulent history from the previous century with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of connecting underground tunnels built to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. We’ll explore the underground compounds with a VC veteran and gain an understanding of the history of the tunnel, which once served as living quarters and housed hospitals, food and weapons caches. Returning to Ho Chi Minh City by private speedboat, we’ll enjoy some free time this afternoon.
Later, we’ll Dive Into Culture during a visit to the home of the former American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s, Mr. Henry Cabot Lodge, followed by a Farewell Dinner.
Journey to Ho Chi Minh City
A short flight this morning brings you to Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll enjoy some time at leisure before lunch at Mai Sen restaurant. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visit supports those affected by poverty to provide opportunities and a vocational education in the hospitality sector.
The iconic sights of Ho Chi Minh are revealed on a walking tour of Dong Khoi Street next. See the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville. Then, wander up to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, designed by the renowned Gustave Eiffel. Continue to the War Remnants Museum where you’ll have a vivid glimpse of the war through the eyes of the locals.
Your final stop today is Ben Thanh market, one of the earliest surviving structures in old Saigon, before arriving at your hotel.
Meander Along the Mekong Delta
The mighty Mekong beckons today, as we take a day trip to Cai Be town, in the heart of the Mekong Delta with the first stop today being at an ancient house dating back to the 19th century beautifully preserved and passed down through many generations of the family. We’ll transfer to a traditional sampan boat and navigate the maze of small canals to the unique Cai Be floating market where stall holders show their goods by hanging them on bamboo poles, stopping for a home hosted lunch of delicious Mekong Delta specialties. Before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for an evening at leisure.
posted by Sue/Robert @ 8:38 AM
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