VIETNAM ~ PHOTO GALLERIES
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Cat Ba Island, Vietnam
Main street in Cat Ba Town. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
View of Cat Ba Town and the main ferry dock. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Night view from our balcony overlooking town. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Local lady sewing a tear in Rick's backpack cover. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Local military out and about. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Rick and Alisa out on a scooter for the day. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Local ice manufacturer loading blocks onto a boat. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Hospital Cave re-enactment of when it was in use. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Silhouette view inside Hospital Cave entrance. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
View from Hospital Cave entrance. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Hospital Cave interior, upper level. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
View from 3rd story open air bar. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Silhouette local fishing boats. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Cat Ba Town at sunset. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Local fishing boats tied up in Cat Ba town. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Cat Ba Town nighttime view of the main street. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Cat Ba Town waterfront at night. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Sunset. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Cannon Fort cannon. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Cannon Fort view. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
View from the Cannon Fort. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Another view from the Cannon Fort. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Port of departure for our Ha Long Bay boat cruise. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Rick and Alisa enjoying the sun on the upper deck during our boat cruise. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Chinese junk (boat), Ha Long bay. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay restaurant. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Ha Long bay panorama. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Limestone Karst detail. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay panorama. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Our guide on our Ha Long cruise and kayak trip. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Endangered Cat Ba langur. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Rick and Alisa kayaking in Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay fishing village. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Floating fish farm in Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
One of the watch dog at the floating fish farm. The dogs are there to keep birds away. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay fisherman. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay fishing boat. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay boat. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Candlestick rock, Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Candlestick rock, Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay floating mini mart. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay beach. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay fishing village. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay sunset. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay sunset. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam.
Cat Ba Island
Hanoi, Vietnam
Rick and Alisa outside the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Hanoi Presidential Palace. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh's stilt house. He built this and lived in it during his reign instead of the french built presidential palace. Hanoi, Vietnam.
One of the many, very large Government buildings. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Hanoi water tower with light traffic. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Typical Hanoi street traffic (vehicles going in every direction). Hanoi, Vietnam.
Tran Quoc Pagoda. Regarded as the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi (more than 1,500 years). Hanoi, Vietnam.
Tran Quoc Pagoda. Regarded as the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi (more than 1,500 years). Hanoi, Vietnam.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (Northern Gate). Note: the two cannon blasts on the left side. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (Northern Gate). Hanoi, Vietnam.
Catholic church. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Detail at a Catholic Church. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Large Catholic church. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Large stained glass inside a Catholic church. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Catholic church interior. Hanoi, Vietnam.
St Joseph Cathedral. Roman Catholic cathedral with neo- gothic style, built in 1886. Hanoi, Vietnam.
One of the many military statues around the city. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Truc Bach lake (John McCain was shot down here 10/26/67). Hanoi, Vietnam.
Truc Bach lakefront buildings. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Truc Bach lakefront buildings. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Super narrow Dot bar building. Most buildings are very narrow, but this one was more narrow than most. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Truc Bach lake (John McCain was shot down here 10/26/67). Hanoi, Vietnam.
B-52 Museum. Soviet supplied missile launcher used to shoot down enemy aircraft. Hanoi, Vietnam.
B-52 shot down on 12/18/72 over Hanoi (on display at the museum). Hanoi, Vietnam.
Rick and Alisa at the B-52 museum. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Close-up of B-52 engine. Hanoi, Vietnam.
B-52 engine detail. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Rick and Alisa in front of a B-52 shot down in the war. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Sample bombs on display dropped by B-52s. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Bo Bia Stand. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Close-up of a Bo Bia. This rice pancake with honeycomb, fresh shredded coconut, and black sesame seeds rolled inside. So Good. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Another close-up of a Bo Bia. This rice pancake with honeycomb, fresh shredded coconut, and black sesame seeds rolled inside. So Good. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Bahn Mi Kebab stand. Pieces of pork on a rotisserie. Sandwiches are delicious and approximately $1 US. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Close-up of a Bahn Mi Kebab sandwich. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Bahn Mi Kebab sandwiches on the grill. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Bahn Cuon. These are a flat fresh spring roll (mushrooms and pork inside). You dip a piece with fresh cilantro into the sauce and eat. Super good. Hanoi, Vietnam.
Hanoi
Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An, Vietnam
This video is about Hoi An, Vietnam
Rick and Alisa at the top of Hai Van Pass (on our way from Hue to Hoi An). Note the beach way below in the background. Hoi An, Vietnam.
U.S. Bunker and scouting point on Hai Van pass, remnant from the Vietnam War. Hoi An, Vietnam.
U.S. Bunker and scouting point at the top of Hai Van Pass, remnant from the Vietnam War. Notice the bullet holes. Hoi An, Vietnam.
At night, several streets in the historic district become walking and cycling only. Guards sit at the entrances to ensure the rule. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Hoi An street view from above. Hoi An, Vietnam.
One of the many street vendors. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Hoi An street lanterns during the day. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Bicycle taxis. We saw mostly Chinese tourist groups using them. Hoi An, Vietnam.
One of the many boats for hire to take you on the river. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Local boat with tourists going for an evening ride. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Typical street in the historic district. Very clean and lined with blooming flowers, lots of old, interesting buildings, and beautiful lanterns. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Bicycle vendor selling some kind of local food. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Hoi An does have beautifully tailor-made dresses and suits...this was NOT one of them. People actually buy and wear this stuff - we saw people wearing patterns similar to this one. Hoi An, Vietnam.
More crazy patterned clothes. We saw Chinese tourist wearing the banana patterned shirt and shorts. Hoi An, Vietnam.
One of the small restaurants in the historic district. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Street vendor menu. We ate Cao Lau and a Banh My while sitting on their small kid-sized plastic chairs. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Rick and Alisa waiting for their order of Cao lau and Bahn My from one of the street vendors (note the kid's sized plastic table and chairs). Hoi An, Vietnam.
Bahn Mi and Cao Lau at a small street vendor. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Bicycle taxis. Tons of these guys all over trying to get you to go for a tour around town. Chinese tourists seem to love them. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Panorama - main street along the river. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Boats on the riverfront. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Hoi An river front view. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Typical street in the historic district. Very clean and lined with blooming flowers and lots of old, interesting buildings. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Another street view in the historic district. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Another street view in the historic district. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Street lanterns which all light up at night. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Rick and Alisa at a riverside restaurant having dinner.
Typical alley way through the historic district. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Large and small tourism boats. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Hoi An postal service. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Street lanterns by day. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Floating candles released on the river as a prayer for world peace and human happiness. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Elderly local selling already lit floating candles for release on the river as a prayer for world peace and human happiness. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Sunset on the river. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Panorama - Sunset and town lanterns. Hoi An, Vietnam.
The river side main street at sunset. Hoi An, Vietnam.
River view at night. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Another night street view. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Close-up of some of the different types of street lanterns. Hoi An, Vietnam.
One of the many Hoi An restaurants. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Another restaurant at night. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Each restaurant had different colored lanterns and decorations. This place had lighted fresh flowers and red lanterns. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Lantern street view by night. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Hoi An bridge sign. The bridge crossing links the historic district to another part of town and also to the night market. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Small round fishing boat with fishing equipment. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Close-up of fishing equipment stored inside one of their small round fishing boats. Hoi An, Vietnam.
One of the many paths leading to the beach. Hoi An, Vietnam.
One of the many signs leading you to the beach. This was our choice for one of the days. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Rick giving the thumbs up this path leading to our beach destination for the day. Hoi An, Vietnam.
One of the many spots on An Bang Beach. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Rick with a local sales lady on An Bang Beach. You could order food and drinks from her. And, of course, buy some of her local trinkets too. Hoi An, Vietnam.
An Bang Beach. A 20 minute bike ride from the historic district in town. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Hoi An, Vietnam - UNESCO Heritage Sites
This video is about Hoi An, Vietnam - UNESCO Heritage Sites
Tan Ky Old House sign. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Wash basin inside the Tan Ky Old House (early 1800's). Hoi An, Vietnam.
Courtyard inside the Old House of Tan Ky (built early 1800's). Hoi An, Vietnam
Antique Cup of Confucius at the Tan Ky Old House. The inner cup will only hold 80% liquid before flowing from underneath into the larger bowl. This is their reminder to never be too excessive and to stay balanced. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Mother of pearl inlays at the Tan Ky Old House. When viewed from a distance they appear to be asian letter characters, but when viewed closely the birds are revealed. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Lamp inside the Tan Ky Old House. Hoi An, Vietnam.
An interior view of the Tan Ky Old House. Built in the early 1800's and has been occupied by 7 generations of the same family with some of them still living there today. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Entrance to the Ancient Phuc Kien Assembly Hall (built in 1757). Hoi An, Vietnam
Interior view of the Ancient Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. The large hanging coils are incense, and all of them were burning. Hoi An, Vietnam
Interior of Ancient Phuc Kien Assembly Hall (built around 1690). Hoi An, Vietnam
Japanese Covered Bridge dating back to the early 17th century. Hoi An, Vietnam
End view of the early 18th century Japanese Covered Bridge. Hoi An, Vietnam
River view from the Japanese Covered Bridge. Hoi An, Vietnam
Sign directing tourists to the ancient well. The well is tucked down a small alley and sits in the back of what looks to be a small house. Hoi An, Vietnam
This is the ancient Ba Le Well which dates back to early 10th century. The only source of water used for the Cao Lau noodles. Hoi An, Vietnam.
Looking down inside the ancient Ba Le Well. Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An
Nha Trang, Vietnam
View from the roof top patio at our rental. Nha Trang, Vietnam.
Hon Chong beach (less busy than the main beach in Nha Trang). This was a 5 minute walk from our place. Nha Trang, Vietnam.
Panorama View from the roof top patio at our rental. Nha Trang, Vietnam.
Nha Trang
Phong Nha, Vietnam
Phong Nha, Vietnam
This video is about Phong Nha, Vietnam
Local kids who stopped to see what we were doing. They knew 2 words - "hello" and "photoshop". Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Sign at the road to the "Pub with Cold Beer". The 2 Km out there were very muddy. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Local girl who stopped us on our muddy bike ride through the Bon Lai valley. She wanted to practice her english. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Bon Lai valley. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
"The Pub with Cold Beer" sign at their gate. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
All the people who rode bikes to the "Pub with Cold Beer", 9 km from town 2 of which were very muddy. Note the mud on their tires. We were the only ones who rented mtn bikes and glad we did. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Son River which runs through the Bon Lai valley. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Our transportation for a day to Bon Lai valley. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Rick and our captain with our boat for our cave tour. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Local cows walking the beach at the starting point for the cave tours. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Large Catholic church steeple in the middle of a small Son River village. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Local fisherman pulling his traps. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
One of the many Phong Nha river boats. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Phong Nha cave boats parked at the permit check point and waiting area. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Corn field and limestone karsts view (from our boat ride to Phong Nha cave). Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Phong Nha Cave entrance also where all boats enter. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Closer view of the Phong Nha cave entrance as we entered. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Phong Nha cave entrance from inside the cave. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Another view of the Phong Nha cave entrance from further inside the cave. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Our captain rowing us (at the front of the boat) on the river inside the Phong Nha cave. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Boat ride inside Phong Nha cave. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Additional interior detail Phong Nha cave. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Interior Phong Nha Cave detail. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
large feature inside Phong Nha cave. Note the scale by looking at the railing at the bottom of the lit area. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Phong Nha cave feature interior pond reflection. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Close-up of one of the many beautiful features inside Phong Nha cave. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Additional interior views of Phong Nha cave. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Inside Phong Nha cave. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Interior of Phong Nha cave. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
River inside Phong Nha cave. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Rick and Alisa inside Phong Nha cave. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Entrance to Tien Son cave. This cave is accessed at the entrance of the Phong Nha cave by climbing 656 ft up very steep stairs. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Inside Tien Son cave. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Starting point for the Phong Nha cave tours. The caves are only accessible by these boats. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Inside Paradise cave. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Paradise cave pond reflection. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
View of one of the massive rooms inside of Paradise cave. Note the size of the railing. This cave is much larger than it appears in photos. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Close-up of one of the many beautiful features inside Paradise cave. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Inside Paradise cave. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Large room inside Paradise cave. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Phong Nha, Vietnam - Paradise Cave
This video is about Phong Nha, Vietnam - Paradise Cave
Rick and Alisa on a scooter for the day exploring the Phong Nha National Park. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
Phong Nha National Park panorama.
View of Phong Nha National Park. Phong Nha, Vietnam.
View of Phong Nha National Park at the road turnoff to Laos.
Phong Nha
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
This video is about Phu Quoc, Vietnam
View from the porch of our bungalow. Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
From right: Alisa, Rick, Rob, and Teresa sitting outside our bungalows. Friends we met at our resort. Boys are the same age and so are the girls, all have been married over 20 years. Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Small beachfront restaurant at Thom Beach. We stopped here on our motorcycle ride around the island. Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Panorama of Thom Beach in the northern part of the island. Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Vibrant sunset with two boats passing. Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Another beautiful sunset on the beach. Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
The nightly BBQ menu. The prices are in dong. The currency conversion was slightly over 22,000 dong to $1 US. Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Nightly fresh seafood barbecue. So fresh some of the fish were still flopping around when they first put them out. Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
The next order of seafood on the barbecue. Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Restaurant dining area at our resort. Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Sunset view from our bungalow. Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Sunset with Vietnamese trawler. Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Sunset as the Vietnamese trawler passed. Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Rory's beach bar interior. Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Rick and Alisa at Rory's (local very popular beach bar). Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Beachfront seating at Rory's. This faces due west and gets very hot at sunset, but the place is always full. Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
One of the many sunsets. Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Rick and Alisa having dinner on the beach and watching the sunset. Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Dramatic sunset behind Vietnamese trawler. Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Long Beach at dusk. Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Rick and Alisa at sunset. Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Motorized boat resembling a plastic kiddie pool or round plastic bath tub. Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Long Beach sunset. Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
Phu Quoc
Tam Coc, Vietnam
Woman standing in mud up to her knees working a rice paddie. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Women working a rice paddie. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Local boat operator. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Tour operator boat dock. This was only a small portion of the boats. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Local tour boat operator (the majority are women and they row with their feet). Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Bunches of tourists on a Tam Coc boat tour. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Locals like to overload their boats just like they do on their scooters. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Tourists taking a Tam Coc boat tour in the rain. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Local boat tour guide (the majority are women and row with their feet). Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Limestone river karsts. These were massive, see the size in comparison to the boats. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Local tour boat operator (the majority are women and they row with their feet). Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Woman working a rice paddie. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Friendly local on his bike. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Typical view in Tam Coc. There were rice paddies with beautiful limestone karsts all around. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Typical view in Tam Coc. There were rice paddies with beautiful limestone karsts all around. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Karst reflection in a rice paddie. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Another typical rice paddie and limestone karst view. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Karsts and rice paddie on one of the misty days. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Rick inside Hang Mua cave. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Limestone karsts all around the new temple still under construction. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Brand new temple under construction. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Detail on a brand new temple under construction. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Hang Mua viewpoint staircase (500+ steep stone steps zigzagging to the top). Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Hang Mua viewpoint staircase (500+ steep stone steps zigzagging to the top). Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Hang Mua viewpoint summit. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Hang Mua viewpoint summit. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Hang Mua viewpoint summit. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Rick and Alisa at the Hang Mua viewpoint summit (500+ stone steps to the top). Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Rick walking through Hang Mua cave. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Rick and Alisa at Hang Mua cave. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Family of goats hanging out on a narrow stone wall. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Two goats curled up sleeping in a small wash tub. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Local house/shack built directly against a huge karst. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Tam Coc main street at dusk. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Small cave temple, Thien Huong Dong. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
View from a small cave temple (Thien Huong Dong). Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Bich Dong Temple entrance. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Bich Dong Temple. This temple was built into a Karst on three levels. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Bich Dong Temple 1st Level Pagoda. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Bich Dong Temple 2nd Level Pagoda. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Bich Dong Temple dogs. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Pond at Bich Dong Temple. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Hut behind Bich Dong Temple.
Vietnamese Ancient Village (also our accommodation). Inside was tastefully refurbished with huge murals on the high ceiling depicting traditional Vietnamese life. Tam Coc, Vietnam.
One of the relocated Ancient Vietnamese Village Houses (also our accommodation). Tam Coc, Vietnam.
Ancient Village lantern. Tam Coc, Vietnam.