With just ten days left in our round the world trip, we wanted our final days in Vietnam to be memorable and special. To that end, using Hanoi as our home base, we planned a trip to Sa Pa in the north, close to the border with China where we would go trekking for several days in the Hoang Lien Son range of mountains. … [Read more]
Thursday, May 02nd, 2013 / christina
Category: South-east Asia, Travel Tips, Vietnam
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Tuesday, April 16th, 2013 / christina
A quick flight from Saigon landed us in the city of Da Nang just as the day was coming to an end. Our pre-arranged transportation failed to show up which seems to be happening a lot lately. After several calls to our hotel to try to sort out our transportation, we finally grabbed a taxi to Hoi An, about an hour away, at a cost of $18 US.… [Read more]
Category: South-east Asia, Vietnam
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Saturday, March 30th, 2013 / christina
The largest city in Vietnam has had several names during the course of history, but after the communist takeover in South Vietnam in 1975, the temporary government renamed the city after Hồ Chí Minh, the late North Vietnamese leader. … [Read more]
Category: South-east Asia, Vietnam
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Friday, March 29th, 2013 / christina
As dusk began to fall, the local food market in Can Tho was abuzz with activity. Vendors lined both sides of the road, their array of delectables set neatly on the ground ready for the evening rush. … [Read more]
Category: South-east Asia, Travel Tips, Vietnam
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Saturday, March 23rd, 2013 / christina
After 19 months of travel through 24 countries across five continents we’re returning home to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Our flight is now booked for Wednesday, April 10th – a 24 hour travel day that starts mid-morning in Hanoi and ends in Ottawa just before midnight of the same day.… [Read more]
Category: South-east Asia, Vietnam
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Thursday, March 21st, 2013 / christina
As we approached the island, I had that sinking feeling when you know reality is not going to meet expectations. At first glance, it was clear that our “resort” was a little more rustic than I had anticipated. … [Read more]
Category: Cambodia, South-east Asia
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Saturday, March 16th, 2013 / christina
A visa is required to enter Vietnam, and none of the Cambodia/Vietnam land border crossings issue them on arrival. Sihanoukville, a small town on the southern coast of Cambodia is known for beautiful beaches and easy Vietnam visas, a well earned reputation on both counts based on our recent visit to the area.… [Read more]
Category: Cambodia, South-east Asia
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Wednesday, March 13th, 2013 / christina
Phnom Penh has been the capital of Cambodia since the country was colonized by the French. In the 1920’s, it was known as the “Pearl of Asia” and was considered one of the prettiest French-built cities in Indochina. … [Read more]
Category: Cambodia, South-east Asia
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Wednesday, March 06th, 2013 / christina
On the 4-hour bus ride from Siem Reap to Battambang (on a comfortable bus even though it was old and dirty), we stopped twice for refreshments. Ladies with trays of roasted crickets were eagerly awaiting our business. … [Read more]
Category: Cambodia, South-east Asia
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Wednesday, March 06th, 2013 / christina
I awoke early Thursday morning sweating profusely. It only took a moment before I realized the fan wasn’t working because we had no electricity. This meant no water either as our budget (US $10/night for fan room) guest house (Bayon Garden) uses a water reservoir with a pump that is run by electricity. … [Read more]
Category: Cambodia, South-east Asia
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