Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon and Surrounding Area

Ho Chi Minh City is still called Saigon by many of its residents, and it is a bustling, lively place with many foreign tourists and a developed tourist economy.  French influence, as seen in some architecture still remains.        

It seemed unusual to be in a country where this national symbol is frequently and prominently displayed.

A view of the skyline from the river. 

 

In a place somewhat removed from Saigon we took a boat to an area where coconut products were produced.  The captain's daughter took a turn at the wheel when the boat was docked.

Our guide, whose English name is Happy, telling us about how coconuts are processed and about the many uses of coconuts.

 

 

 

 

The entry to a very large wholesale market in Saigon.  One could not purchase one hat here, but several boxes of hats could easily be purchased.

 

 

 

Some of the varied items in the wholesale market.

 

Another view of the wholesale market.

 

The opera house in Saigon.  We saw a performance of young dancers/musicians/acrobats/gymnasts/actors who exhibited wonderful talent in a creative production.

An exhibit outside of the war museum in Saigon.  The story told at this museum was not pleasant and was, of course, one side's version of what happened.

One room in the former presidential palace.  The building was indeed palatial. 

A Catholic church in downtown Saigon that was constructed in the 1800's. 

Sculpted fruit for dessert at a Saigon restaurant that served delicious food.

Hanoi and Surrounding Area

 

During the break between semesters we traveled some with other BYU China teachers.  One tour was to Vietnam and Cambodia.  This post is limited to Hanoi and its surrounding area.  For Marilyn's and my generation, Vietnam signifies more than a country.  Vietnam is an emotionally charged word and I expect it always will be.  No matter what one's view is about the Vietnam conflict, I think all would agree that it had a profound impact on America.

 

 

 

 

 

A hostess at one of restaurants we enjoyed.  The people in Vietnam are very gracious, and the service in hotels and restaurants is superb.

 

 

A view across the way from in front of the Hotel in Hanoi where we stayed.

 

Scooters seem to be the main form of transportation.  They are everywhere.  In Vietnam people seem to pay more attention to traffic signals than they do in Nanjing.  In Nanjing there are may electric scooters and most are used on sidewalks.  They travel silently, and it is extremely important to walk in a predicable way.  In Vietnam the scooters are gas powered and stay on the streets.

 

 

 

 

Scooters are for families too, as you can see, and this was not an unusual scene. 

 

 

 

The Hanoi Hilton, a place I never thought I would visit. 

 

This prison was first operated by the French to house Vietnamese political prisoners.  Later it was where American POW pilots were kept.  Each side has its own version of the conflict, and the American version is not told here.  Most of the displays had more to do with how the French treated the Vietnamese than about the conflict with America.

 

 

 

 

As we travelled by bus from Hanoi to a scenic bay, we passed many rice fields.  We were told that in some areas of Vietnam three crops of rice are raised in a year.

 

 

 

We stopped at a pearl harvesting  operation. 

 

There was a separate show room with pearl jewelry for sale.  We looked but did not buy.

 

 

Halong Bay is beautiful

 

 

 

Dinner on the boat. 

 

All of the food in Vietnam was good.  It seemed light and fresh.

 

Another traveler.

 

 

 

One of many scenic views of the bay.

 

 

 

 

The view out the window of the hotel room where we stayed near the bay.

(I hope everyone appreciates the sacrifices we make on these trips.)