Category Archives: Travel for Fun
Diving, Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Whilst the diving in Vietnam is not well regarded and Phu Quoc proved to be better experienced from the beach, it’s always good to get out on the sea, meet some new people and get in the water.
Chilli Fields, Vietnam
As Cindy, Sebastian, Tuey and I drove back to HCMC from the Cu Chi tunnels, we came across a field of red chillies being dried in the sun. We couldn’t resist a photo opportunity, so we pulled over and took some shot as we breathed in the magnificent aroma of fresh chillies.
Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam
Though I was initially reluctant to visit the Cu Chi tunnels, I ended up hitching a ride with some new friends from Cape Town, South Africa who recently moved to HCMC. The tunnel network of Cu Chi became legendary the 1960′s as it served as a key part of the Viet Cong’s control of a large area close to HCMC. The network of tunnels used to extend for over 250 kms and were up to to 10 meters below the surface. They included living areas, storage facilities, field hospitals, kitchens, weapons factories and trap doors.
We had the opportunity to go through short distances underground which were widened and reinforced for western tourists. Despite that, it still felt very claustrophobic and gave a physical and emotional appreciation for the resilience and determination of the people that lived in these conditions. Unfortunately, my photos do not capture this.
Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour
Armed with a 2009 version of Lonely Planet’s guide to Vietnam, I set off on a walking tour of the city. After my recommended breakfast of Pho noodles at the President (apparently where President Bill Clinton ate at once), I crossed over the busy street and had a quick look through the market. I picked up two ‘Korean made versions’ of watches that looked great.
Ben Thanh Market
Tran Nguyen Hai Statue
Fine Arts Museum (Bao Tang My Thuat)
Opera House
Museum of Ho Chi Minh City
Reunification Palace
Quan An Ngon
Notre Dame Cathedral
Post Office Building
Belitung Island
A group of friends and I took the long weekend holiday to visit Belitung, an island on the east coast of Sumatra (approx 1 hour by plane from Jakarta). The island lived up to its reputation for stunning white beaches and clear turquoise coloured waters. We were fortunate to see dolphins on our boat outing which took us to a few of the small islands and reef formations just off from the cottages we stayed at.
