Vietnam

This slide show traces our travels through Vietnam. Over two weeks we traveled most of the length of Vietnam, traveling by car, bus, boat, kayak, bicycle, train, and motorcycle.

Trip highlights:

Hanoi
- Visiting the museum of Ethnology, which showcases the many ethnic groups in Vietnam
- Eating Pho in small noodle shops
- Walking the crowded streets looking for handicrafts
- Watching a traditional water puppet show
- Drinking Vietnamese coffee, strong with lots of sweetened condensed milk
- Experiencing the spectacle of visiting "Uncle Ho" at his mausoleum

Ha Long Bay
- Kayaking among the karsts and past fishermen
- Relaxing on the deck of the boat
- Visiting caves

Hue
- Checking out goods at the local market
- Wandering the ruins of the imperial city
- Taking a motorbike tour through rice paddies and back roads

Hoi An
- Walking the Old Town, a UNESCO world heritage site
- Getting clothes tailored in the local shops
- Taking a cooking class and learning to make papaya salad and pumpkin soup
- Eating and drinking in the trendy local restaurants and bars
- Visiting the ancient My Son ruins
- Biking through nearby villages
- Taking a boat to an island in the river for a sunset BBQ

Nha Trang
- Playing cards with tripmates on the overnight train
- Getting dirty (then clean) at the mud and mineral baths
- Visiting nearby fishing villages
- Snorkeling in the South China Sea

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
- Touring the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum
- Enjoying Annette's Birthday dinner at a trendy restaurant
- Taking a cyclo tour to the major sites

Mekong Delta
- Paddling small canals to visit a coconut candy factory
- Eating a fried "elephant ear" fish