On the recent trip to
Vietnam of two Indian journalists: Sipping beer on
pavement, watching water puppet shows in the bustling capital city, hiring a
kayak and exploring Ha Long Bay, boarding a north-south train, dodging
motorbikes and crossing lush green parks in Ho Chi Minh City are enjoyable
experiences of Vietnam can not forget their.
“Vietnam offers a refreshing experience for anyone who cares
to come its way,” Sapna Nai Purohit and Jugal R. Purohit said on their feature
storey “Vietnam: Along Uncle Ho’s trail” in the India Today newspaper.
Through a vivid story with illustrated photos, the two
journalists brought readers through the Southeast Asian nation from the north
to the south beginning in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, calling it “the
gateway to the splendid
Ha Long Bay and the hills of Sa Pa”.
According to them, of the numerous museums in the city, the
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum came across as a storehouse of information, documents and
rare photographs of the life and times of Vietnam's most revered leader Ho Chi
Minh, fondly called Uncle Ho.
The water puppet show is a must-see, they said, describing
the beautiful puppets and props controlled under water by skilled puppeteers as
leaving them awestruck.
If the thought of drifting on emerald waters surrounded by
mysterious limestone cliffs appeals, head to Ha Long Bay, they said, suggesting
booking a one-day or two-day (stay on the boat) tour with a hotel or a tour
operator and heading to this paradise, four hours away from Hanoi.
“As you sip on 'Bia' (beer) on the top deck of your boat,
let the wind and the magical scenery blow you away. Hire a kayak and explore
the bay on your own, gorge on fresh sea food on the boat and feel like Indiana
Jones exploring the inside of a cave as your guide regales you with fables.”
“Having spent three nights in the capital, we boarded the
Reunification Express for our next stop, Da Nang".
After 45 minutes drive drive along a straight road that took
us to
Hoi An, a quiet town that lets its evenings do all the talking. Devoid of
cars and traffic, Hoi An village is a cyclist's delight and also a walker's.
This French-influenced settlement, a once-thriving port from a bygone era, is a
busy market during the day with the fresh catch and produce of the day adorning
stalls and by evening it turns into a fairytale. Elegant lanterns on trees,
shops, restaurants, by the river, all over the famous Japanese bridge and the
ambient piano music make for a lovely setting. Get a river side table and enjoy
Com Ga (chicken rice) as you savour the sparkling beauty that is Hoi An.”
Not too far is the
My Son sanctuary, a temple complex built
between the 6th and 15th centuries. They shared.
“From Hoi An, we landed in the village of Mui Ne in southern
Vietnam. A beach lover's paradise, it is best explored cruising on a motorbike
along its ocean-hugging and remarkably empty highways. Swim in vast, clear
waters, enjoy delectable sea food, sip on some local beer brews, devour the
country's diverse fruit fare and tire yourself trying to capture the beauty of
the sea”.
A five-hour long bus ride took them to
Ho Chi Minh City, a
city that “represents the modernity and progressiveness that Vietnam is
striving for.” Tall buildings, huge parks installed with workout equipment,
eateries serving international cuisine and its heavy Western outlook make it a
city to reckon with.
Dodge motorbikes and cross lush green parks to reach the
most happening part of HCM City - the Ben Thanh market.
The top of any traveller's list in HCM City are the War
Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels.
For those would rather travel on ground than take flights,
the Reunification Express is the ideal option. The title refers to the multiple
daily trains connecting Hanoi to HCM City.
No matter where you go in Vietnam, you will always be
surrounded by contrasts. Try looking around with just a hint of a smile and,
you will never be disappointed, they concluded.
Vietnam - Land of scenic wonderland and smiles of the people
honest, friendly will help your travel experience truly unique and wonderful!
