2010 Backpacking to Saigon, Vietnam (10 days) 02 to 11 Dec 2010

Front L-R: Jamie Loo, Pauline Toh, Ching Bee Geok, Janny Ho, Jocelyn Loo, Ker Sew Huat, Teh Bee Bee, Catherine Oon, Betty Ching, Veron Wan, Wan Lan, Letchuimy, Manimegalai, Rosalind Wan

Back L-R: Ching Neng Bin, Ivan Loo, Andrew Loo, Lim Kee Moon, Thanabalan, Wong Tai Meng, Gan An Hock, Tan Sim Kiat, David Wan, Ching Leng Chu, Alistair McCulloch, Dr.Sim Mong Huei, Datuk Mohanadas Nagappan, Val Allan

Day 1 (02.12.2010) Kuala Lumpur to Saigon, Vietnam

"Xin Chao" greetings from Saigon. A total of 28 of us; 26 on AirAsia arrived at Saigon Tan Son Nhat Airport at 10am, however, Leng Chu and Wan Lan on Malaysian Airline System supposed to arrive half hour earlier, were late by an hour. After lunch, we visited the Reunification Palace and the War Museum.

AirAsia AK880 to Saigon is RM199 pp
Bus from Sitiawan to LCCT RM45 pp
Sleeping - Hotel Vuon Tao Dan, 220 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, P.6,Q.3, Saigon

 

Catherine and Ching Neng Bin getting out of KL LCCT to board the plane for Saigon.

 

Aerial view of Putra Jaya, Malaysia.

Aerial view of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam.


The chaotic narrow tall building in Saigon. Small alleys that lead nowhere, thousands of cables and pipes hanging on the walls, almost no sidewalks and drains.


Our guide, Nguyễn Trần Việt Hồng wearing the traditional red Ao Dai at the airport to receive us.


Our guide, Nguyễn Trần Việt Hồng wearing the traditional red Ao Dai at the airport to receive us.

Saigon has two seasons. The wet season starts from May to November and the dry season starts from December to April.


Our luxurious bus for the 10 days trip with our guide Rose Nguyễn Trần Việt Hồng.


Saigon is filled with 4 million of very noisy honking motorcycles. The first thing that will surprise you in your first visit to Saigon is the amount of motorbikes. To cross a street, it takes some practice. Do not wait for drivers to stop, instead, start walking at a slow and steady path. Look at the face of the drivers that will try to avoid you.


Our 1st lunch at Saigon Sport3 Hotel & Restaurant. Food is one of the main reasons to visit Vietnam. Thanks to the French presence in the country. The most popular meal is Pho a noodle soup usually with meat 'pho bo is beef, pho ga is chicken'. Other specialty are the Vietnamese spring rolls with vermicelli and pieces of pork, prawns or beef wrapped around rice paper.


Our 1st lunch at Saigon Sport3 Hotel & Restaurant.


Our 1st lunch at Saigon Sport3 Hotel & Restaurant.

Visited the Reunification Palace. This building, currently a museum, used to be the official residence of the Presidents of the former South Vietnam government. It was here that the American led war ended on April 30 1975, when the North invaded the Palace forcing the president to resign.


American military hardware on display at the Reunification Palace.


American military hardware on display at the Reunification Palace.


We were briefed by an officer at the Reunification Palace. Nguyen Van Thieu was the last president of South Vietnam.


We were briefed by an officer at the Reunification Palace. Nguyen Van Thieu was the last president of South Vietnam.


The Presidential Reception 1st room at the Reunification Palace.


The Presidential Reception 2nd room at the Reunification Palace.


A very large carpet at the entrance of Reunification Palace.


An assortment of trophies and decorations in the atrium of the Reunification Palace.


An assortment of trophies and decorations in the atrium of the Reunification Palace.


The 1st Lady as drawn by an artist at the Reunification Palace.


The palace theater at the Reunification Palace.


The State Banqueting Hall at the Reunification Palace.


The Cabinet Room at the Reunification Palace.

View of palace compound from the Reunification Palace.


The Bell UH1 Helicopter used as escape helicopter during the last few days of war in Vietnam.


Telecommunications center and war room at the Reunification Palace.


Telecommunications center and war room at the Reunification Palace.


Palace kitchen with Jamie and Jocelyn Loo holding the large woks at the Reunification Palace.


The photos at the Reunification Palace.


Presidential car on display at the Reunification Palace.


War Museum in Saigon opened on 4.9.1975. It specialized in research, collecting, preserving, and exhibiting the remnant proofs of Vietnam War crimes and their consequences.


The tanks, helicopters, planes and arms on display at the Reunification Palace do not attract visitors, but the images on display and see the effects of the weapons of mass destruction used during the American War as the locals call it.


American transport helicopter on display at the Reunification Palace.


Ammunition and bombs on display at the Reunification Palace.


Ammunition and bombs on display at the Reunification Palace.


Ammunition and bombs on display at the Reunification Palace.


Ammunition and bombs on display at the Reunification Palace.


We all had the best Vietnam coffee at tea-time in Saigon. Cafe sua nong is made from Vietnamese medium-ground dark-roast coffee, which is usually of Robusta variety and is brewed by a stainless steel filter called “phin.” I guess “phin” is the Vietnamese adaptation of “filter” in English or “filtre” in French.


Our 1st dinner was at Gossip Restaurant in Castle Saigon.


Evening was relaxing and enjoying the cheap Saigon Beer by the road side. 


Evening was relaxing and enjoying the cheap Saigon Beer by the road side.


Andrew Loo holding the 2L beer canister for only 140k dong in Saigon.

Day 2 (03.12.2010) Saigon to Tien Giang & CanTho (Mekong Delta)

Woke up early for the 2 hours (70km) drive to the Mekong Delta. Breakfast at the popular Mekong Rest Stop with beautiful lotus garden. Start of boat ride at Thoi Son tourist boat station. Morning was visiting the islands and learn the livelihood of the people and their culture. The highlights in the afternoon was the traditional fish catching in a small river and cooking it for lunch.

Sleeping - Hotel Vuon Tao Dan, 86 Nguyen Thai hoc, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho

 

Mekong Rest Stop area car park


Breakfast at the popular Mekong Rest Stop with beautiful lotus garden.


Breakfast at the popular Mekong Rest Stop with beautiful lotus garden.


Breakfast at the popular Mekong Rest Stop with beautiful lotus garden.


Breakfast at the popular Mekong Rest Stop with beautiful lotus garden.


Very good breakfast at the popular Mekong Rest Stop with beautiful lotus garden.


Very good breakfast at the popular Mekong Rest Stop with beautiful lotus garden.


The popular 'pho' noodles in Vietnam.


Alistair McCulloch with all the happy ladies on tour to the Mekong Delta.

Our boat ride started at this Thoi Son tourist boat station at My Tho. Mỹ Tho is a city in the Tiền Giang Province in the Mekong Delta region of South Vietnam.


The Lac Hong is the first and only floating restaurant in Tien Giang on the Mekong river system.


The boat trip through some islands and its surroundings. The Mekong is one of the longest rivers in Southeast Asia and has its origins in Tibet. It flows across China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam where it dies. The delta lies 70km south of Saigon.

Very comfortable boat ride along the Mekong River in My Tho.


Rach Mieu Bridge - to connect Phoenix island with Tien Giang province.


Landed on Unicorn Island in My Tho for the bee-keeping farm and fruit orchards.


Free honey tea, banana wine and local fruits in My Tho.


Andrew Loo, Jamie Loo and Jocelyn Loo enjoying honey tea and banana wine in My Tho.


Ching Bee Geok and Ching Neng Bin having some fun with a big python in My Tho.


Datuk Mohanadas Nagappan showing the length of the python in My Tho.


Veron Wan getting cold with it, 'Oh No!'


Free entertainment by local tribe with traditional Tai Tu music and songs in My Tho.


Free entertainment by local tribe with traditional Tai Tu music and songs in My Tho.


Andrew Loo the entertainer from Malaysia showing off his new profession.


Our tour guide Nguyễn Trần Việt Hồng and Dr.Sim Mong Huei on the row boat in My Tho.


Ivan Loo and Andrew Loo on the row boat in My Tho.


Ching Neng Bin and Catherine sat on traditional rowing boat out of the canal to our motorized boat in My Tho.


Jamie Loo and Jocelyn Loo enjoying the row boat in My Tho.


Ching Bee Geok enjoying the row boat in My Tho.


The rowing boat out of the canal to our motorized boat in My Tho.


Val Allan showing his jumping skill omto another boat in My Tho.


Ching Neng Bin with our tour guide Nguyễn Trần Việt Hồng in My Tho.


Visited this traditional coconut candy village and Ching bought a bottle of coconut wine here.


All happy to be on smaller boat to another island for fish catching and lunch.


All happy to be on smaller boat to another island for fish catching and lunch.


David Wan taking some river view shots in My Tho.


David Wan taking some river view shots in My Tho.


Andrew Loo and family getting ready to join the fish catching in My Tho.


Letchuimy and Datin Manimegalai wearing the AoBaBa, traditional Vietnamese garment in My Tho.


We were wearing the AoBaBa, traditional Vietnamese garment for scooping water and catching fish in My Tho.


It takes two person in scooping water out of the pond using a container tied to strings.


Nơm (bell-shaped trapping basket) is used in swamps, ponds or canals having low water levels in My Tho.


Nơm cá – one of the most favorite traditional fishing equipment in Mekong Delta is made from bamboo and metal wires. One end is wide, the other is small enough to put hands through and catch fishes. When fishermen see targets, they capture targets by keeping the baskets deep in the mud so that fishes can not escape. If they successfully trap fishes, they often use hands to remove fishes from the baskets and put them into buckets or something similar.


Nơm (bell-shaped trapping basket) is used in swamps, ponds or canals having low water levels in My Tho.


Nơm (bell-shaped trapping basket) is used in swamps, ponds or canals having low water levels in My Tho.


Look at our muddy legs - Victor Pham Thanh Nhat, Ching Neng Bin and Lim Kee Moon after catching fish in My Tho.


Letchuimy and Datin Manimegalai were cooking our fishes for lunch in My Tho.


This is the rice paper for lunch in My Tho.


Ca Nuong Trui (elephant ear fish) a specialty of the Mekong Delta.


Fishes caught by us for lunch in My Tho.


Fishes caught by us for lunch in My Tho.


Taking our lunch in My Tho.


Dao Dua Vestige a strange place on Phoenix Island (ConPhung), was founded by Nguyen Thanh Nam known as the Coconut Monk. All his life he ate coconut and nothing else.


Balan and his wild banana fruit in Phoenix Island (ConPhung).


Typical Vietnamese bamboo bridge at a crocodile farm in Phoenix Island. If you fall, you will be eaten alive.


Typical Vietnamese bamboo bridge at a crocodile farm in Phoenix Island. If you fall, you will be eaten alive.


Typical Vietnamese bamboo bridge at a crocodile farm in Phoenix Island.


The very hungry crocodile at a crocodile farm in Phoenix Island.


The very hungry crocodile at a crocodile farm in Phoenix Island.


Back to the mainland jetty for our bus journey to Can Tho City on the southern bank of the Hau River.


Vinh Trang Pagoda which was built in 19th century with Asian and European style consists of 5 buildings, 2 ornamental yards and 178 pillars.


Vinh Trang Pagoda which was built in 19th century with Asian and European style.


Mekong River sunset view on our way to Can Tho City.


Sleeping at Hotel Vuon Tao Dan, 86 Nguyen Thai hoc, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho. Had dinner on the 6th floor.

Day 3 (04.12.2010) Can Tho to Saigon

After breakfast at hotel, we proceed to Ninh Kieu harbour and took a boat to Cai Rang floating market where you can buy fruits and vegetables from the boats. Along the river we could see many churches and Christian schools and the houses along river banks. We then visited the My Khanh fruit garden growing more than 20 kinds of fruits. Had lunch there and then back to hotel to check out for the bus journey to Saigon.

Sleeping at Hotel Hanh Phuc, 265 Nguyen Trai, Q.1, Saigon for 120k dong a room.

 

Breakfast at Hotel Vuon Tao Dan, 86 Nguyen Thai hoc, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho.


After breakfast at hotel, we proceed to Ninh Kieu harbour.


Getting in a boat at Ninh Kieu harbor.


We took a boat to Cai Rang floating market where you can buy fruits and vegetables from the boats.


A floating petrol station for boats on Mekong River.


Rafts and boats are anchored along the two sides of the Mekong River.


On each boat, goods are hung on poles that are called 'cay beo'. This way, people on small boats know where they have to go from a certain distance.

All goods are transported to floating market by rafts and boats along Mekong River.

The floating market traders plying along the Mekong River here to interchange their goods with other locals.


The floating market is divided into two parts: buying and selling places along Mekong River.


Floating market: Mango as big as coconut for sale along Mekong River.


Floating market: Children in small boat selling bananas along Mekong River.


A lady selling vegetables on her boat along Mekong River.


This is the toilet on-board our boat.


Andrew Loo demonstrates how to use the toilet on-board our boat.


Entrance to My Khanh Tourist Village a garden-style eco-tourist site in Can Tho.


Betty Ching, Pauline Toh, Nguyễn Trần Việt Hồng and Janny Ho in My Khanh Tourist Village.


There are also chalets for rent in My Khanh Tourist Village a garden-style eco-tourist site in Can Tho.




The garden in front of the Ancient House in My Khanh Tourist Village


Ancient House in My Khanh Tourist Village has many antique furnitures.


A cool walk through the fruit orchard in My Khanh Tourist Village.


Feeding time at a crocodile farm by Andrew Loo in My Khanh Tourist Village.


Feeding time at a crocodile farm by Andrew Loo in My Khanh Tourist Village.


Ostrich farm in My Khanh Tourist Village.


Dog racing competition in My Khanh Tourist Village.


Pig racing competition in My Khanh Tourist Village.


Wow! Beautiful sexy pig bums on display in My Khanh Tourist Village.


Monitor lizard farm in My Khanh Tourist Village.


Barbecue garden snails also for lunch in My Khanh Tourist Village.


A very satisfying meal in My Khanh Tourist Village.


We visited another dirty market by the Mekomg River.


We visited another dirty market by the Mekomg River.


A lady taking an afternoon nap in a market by the Mekomg River.


River snails for sale at the market by the Mekomg River.


Red river crabs for sale at the market by the Mekomg River.


Poisonous snakes liquor are sold throughout Vietnam.


The group cheers to all Malaysian friends from Saigon.


Our 2nd round of Saigon beer and cheers to all Malaysian friends from Saigon.


Datuk Mohanadas Nagappan, Ching Neng Bin and Dr.Sim Mong Huei enjoying Saigon beer in Saigon

Day 4 (05.12.2010) Saigon to Dalat (305km)

Woke up early for the 7 to 8 hours bus journey to Dalat. Fantastic breakfast at Phuong Son Rest Stop with beautiful garden and a waterfall beside. Lunch was at Tam Chau restaurant and supermarket. 

 

The road journey up the hill to Dalat was filled with beautiful greenery and pine trees upon reaching Dalat at 3pm. Evening was a wine party at Hotel Hong Tam in Dalat. A good time to get to know each other better with jokes, singing, dancing and drinking. We made so much noise that were literally ask to stop by hotel guest at 10pm.

Sleeping at Hotel Hong Tam, 12A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Dalat at 330k dong a room.

 

Our tour guide Nguyễn Trần Việt Hồng, Victor Pham Thanh Nhat and bus driver.

Fantastic breakfast at Phuong Son Rest Stop with beautiful garden and a waterfall beside.


Fantastic breakfast at Phuong Son Rest Stop with beautiful garden and a waterfall beside.


Fantastic breakfast at Phuong Son Rest Stop with beautiful garden and a waterfall beside.


Giang Dien Waterfall - we were fascinated by its vast wilderness, beautiful meadows, colourful wild flowers and the sight and sound of the waterfalls rushing in noisily.


Giang Dien waterfall in Dong Nai province is 48 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City.


Giang Dien waterfall in Dong Nai province is 48 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City.


Giang Dien waterfall in Dong Nai province is 48 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City.


Fishermen houses along the river in Vietnam.


Fishermen houses along the river in Vietnam.


7 to 8 hours bus journey to Dalat from Ho Chi Minh City.

Lunch was at Tam Chau restaurant and supermarket.


Dalat the city of Eternal Spring. Average temp. is 18 to 25C.


Dalat central market square.


Dalat is 1,500m above sea level and is 305km from Saigon.


Cheers! Dinner in Dalat.


Dinner in Dalat. Cheers to Letchuimy and Thanabalan!


The mini Eiffel Tower illuminated at night in Dalat.


Evening was a wine party at Hotel Hong Tam in Dalat. We had best moments of jokes, singing, stories and drinking.


Evening was a wine party at Hotel Hong Tam in Dalat. We had best moments of jokes, singing, stories and drinking.


Catherine, Ching Neng Bin and Dr.Sim Mong Huei drinking Dalat Wine in Hotel Hong Tam, Dalat.


Wine party at the hotel lobby - Allan singing a love song to Veron Wan. A good time to get to know each other better with jokes, singing, dancing and drinking. We made so much noise that were literally ask to stop by hotel guest at 10pm.

Day 5 (06.12.2010) Dalat

After breakfast in hotel, we proceed to visit Truc Lam Pagoda on Phuong Hoang hill. Here you can have a panoramic view of the lake and a breathtaking view of the pine forest. Visited Datanla waterfall before going for lunch. Afternoon was the visit to the Bao Dai Palace which is the place of working and resting of the last king of Nguyen regime. Visited a Flower Garden of Dalat city with a lot of special and beautiful flowers in Lang Biang highland. The last place we went was the embroidery shop with amazing artwork by hand.

Sleeping at Hotel Hong Tam, 12A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Dalat at 330k dong a room.

 

After breakfast in hotel, we proceed to visit Truc Lam Pagoda on Phuong Hoang hill.

Entrance to the Truc Lam Pagoda an institute for meditation. Truc Lam Pagoda is 4km from Dalat.


Truc Lam Pagoda an institute for meditation in Dalat.


Truc Lam Pagoda an institute for meditation in Dalat.


Truc Lam Pagoda an institute for meditation in Dalat has an area of about 25 hectares.


The residence nuns in Truc Lam Pagoda.




The beautiful hanging flowers at Truc Lam Pagoda.


The beautiful flowers at Truc Lam Pagoda.


The beautiful flowers at Truc Lam Pagoda.


Notice its cleanliness and well kept garden at Truc Lam Pagoda.


Notice its cleanliness and well kept garden at Truc Lam Pagoda.


Notice its cleanliness and well kept garden at Truc Lam Pagoda.


A walk through the pine forest at Truc Lam Pagoda.


A panoramic view of the man-made Tuyen Lam Lake and a breathtaking view of the pine forest at Truc Lam Pagoda.


A panoramic view of the man-made Tuyen Lam Lake and a breathtaking view of the pine forest at Truc Lam Pagoda.


A panoramic view of the man-made Tuyen Lam Lake and a breathtaking view of the pine forest at Truc Lam Pagoda.


A panoramic view of the fish pond and pine forest at Truc Lam Pagoda.


Entrance to the Datanla waterfall. We had to walk 20 minutes down a very steep pathway. There is also mini roller coaster for those who do not want to walk.


The handicraft work at Datanla waterfall.


The cowboy at Datanla waterfall.


The monkey at Datanla waterfall.


The traditional tribal house at the Datanla waterfall.


The small bridge you could walk over, so you could get really near to the Datanla waterfall. Datanla Waterfall pours from a rocky cliff of about 20m high into a deep pool. You can walk from top to the bot of the falls, or you can checkout its height on a roller coaster that goes along the falls.


The small bridge at the Datanla waterfall.


We also took the challenge to visit this haunted house before getting back to Dalat city.

How the house became haunted: During the Vietnam War the owner of the house, an officer in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) was killed in battle by the Viet Cong. When his wife heard the news, she became so distraught that she hung herself from the roof. After her suicide, the house was abandoned, no one willing to buy it. But the army widow is not the only ghost. Much later after the war a group of men abducted a girl from a nearby village, brought her to the house and eventually murdered her, throwing her body into the well. By the time the villagers located the girl’s body in the well it was so badly decomposed that they could not bring it up. Instead, they sealed the well, turning it into her grave. They erected a shrine to her memory at the well.

Since that time, a young girl in white has been seen drifting through the woods around the house, or hitch-hiking along the road. It is said that if a driver stops to pick her up, she will vanish from the car before reaching her destination. In addition, a group of teens brave enough to spend a night inside the house, who had passed out from too much drink, woke in the morning to find themselves all lying on the ground outside the house. It is because of these haunting events that the nearby villagers erected a Buddhist shrine inside the house in order to quite the ghosts.


This is how the minority tribe drinks their home made rice wine at lunch time in Dalat.


Summer Palace of the last king Bao Dai is 2.5km from Dalat.


Summer Palace of the last king Bao Dai was built in 1933. The ground floor was used to celebrate formal ceremonies. The second floor was the place with bedrooms of the Queen, the Princes, and Princesses.


King Bao Dai had 8 wives and all the children speak French and lived in France - never to return to Vietnam.


King Bao Dai had 8 wives and all the children speak French and lived in France - never to return to Vietnam.


King Bao Dai had 8 wives and all the children speak French and lived in France - never to return to Vietnam.


Summer Palace of king Bao Dai is filled with artifacts.


Summer Palace of king Bao Dai is filled with artifacts.


Nguyễn Trần Việt Hồng dressed as the queen at Bao Dai Summer Palace in 2010.




The bedroom of crown prince Bao Long at at Bao Dai Summer Palace.

The private room of queen Nam Phuong at at Bao Dai Summer Palace.




The private room of King Bao Dai at Bao Dai Summer Palace.


A view of the palace garden at King Bao Dai Summer Palace.


A man without leg at the car-park of King Bao Dai Summer Palace.


The Dalat Flower Gardens house an extensive collection of native and exotic flowers, and for this reason, Da Lat is dubbed “the city of flowers” in Vietnam. Founded in 1966, the gardens feature more than 300 different kinds of flowers, many of which blossom all year round.


The Dalat Flower Gardens house an extensive collection of native and exotic flowers.


The Dalat Flower Gardens house an extensive collection of native and exotic flowers.


The Dalat Flower Gardens house an extensive collection of native and exotic flowers.


The Dalat Flower Gardens house an extensive collection of native and exotic flowers.


The Dalat Flower Gardens house an extensive collection of native and exotic flowers.


The Dalat Flower Gardens house an extensive collection of native and exotic flowers.


The Dalat Flower Gardens house an extensive collection of native and exotic flowers.


The Dalat Flower Gardens house an extensive collection of native and exotic flowers.


The Dalat Flower Gardens house an extensive collection of native and exotic flowers.


The Dalat Flower Gardens house an extensive collection of native and exotic flowers.


Tranh Theu Tay Tren Lua Xq hand embroidery centre in Dalat.


Admiring the hand embroidery pictures on the wall at Tranh Theu Tay Tren Lua Xq hand embroidery centre in Dalat.


The beautiful colour of hand embroidery at Tranh Theu Tay Tren Lua Xq hand embroidery centre in Dalat.


The beautiful colour of hand embroidery picture at Tranh Theu Tay Tren Lua Xq hand embroidery centre in Dalat.


The beautiful colour of hand embroidery picture at Tranh Theu Tay Tren Lua Xq hand embroidery centre in Dalat.


The beautiful colour of hand embroidery picture at Tranh Theu Tay Tren Lua Xq hand embroidery centre in Dalat.


The beautiful colour of hand embroidery picture at Tranh Theu Tay Tren Lua Xq hand embroidery centre in Dalat.


The beautiful colour of hand embroidery picture at Tranh Theu Tay Tren Lua Xq hand embroidery centre in Dalat.


The beautiful colour of hand embroidery picture at Tranh Theu Tay Tren Lua Xq hand embroidery centre in Dalat.


Homestay in Dalat: Ten Goi Doa Sen Ngan Nam. The name of 1000 years lotus.


Homestay in Dalat: Ten Goi Doa Sen Ngan Nam. The showroom of "The Art Works".


Homestay in Dalat: Ten Goi Doa Sen Ngan Nam. The showroom of "The Art Works".


Homestay in Dalat: Ten Goi Doa Sen Ngan Nam. House Of "The Artist Living In"


Another dinner with local wine in Dalat.


Another dinner with local wine in Dalat.


The mini Eiffel Tower illuminated at night in Dalat.

Day 6 (07.12.2010) Dalat to Phan Thiet (200km)

After breakfast in hotel, we proceed 12km to Lang Biang tourist area. We had to take a jeep up the mountain to discover the Legend of Love. On the way to Phan Thiet, we visited the Domain De Mari Catheral with French architecture including flower garden and the handicapped and orphans area. There is a shop that sells clothes and hats made by the children and nuns beside the church. We all bought quite a lot of things here as it was cheap.

Sleeping at Hon Rom 1, Mui Ne.

 

Entrance to the Lang Biang mountain peak of 2.167m above sea level.


The bizarre sight of a horse painted with zebra stripes at the foot of Lang Biang mountain.


Wild horses running around on the road to Lang Biang mountain.


The jeep takes you 4.4km up a paved road that steeply winds its way through beautiful pine forest to the Lang Biang mountain peak of 2.167m above sea level.


A nice restaurant at the top of Lang Biang mountain peak.


The fresh air is cooling and the view is beyond words to describe at Lang Biang mountain peak.


Beautiful surrounding with strong wind blowing at Lang Biang mountain peak.

The valley below Lang Biang mountain peak.is truly spectacular.

Sculpture of Lang Biang mountain tribal family.

Thanabalan the horse is pulling a cart carrying his wife Letchuimy at Lang Biang mountain.


Nguyễn Trần Việt Hồng, Pauline Toh and Teh Bee Bee in Lang Biang Cil tribal dress.


All the daughters of the Lang Biang Cil Chieftain mountain tribal family.


Nguyễn Trần Việt Hồng in Lang Biang Cil tribal dress with Catherine.


As the story goes, there was once a beautiful young maid named Biang born into the family of the Cil Chieftain. One day, while picking mushrooms in the woods, she was attacked by wolves. Fortunately, Lang, son of the Lach Chieftain came across and saved her. They then fell in love. However, the two tribes of Cil and Lach were foes; therefore, their love was not accepted.

To continue their love, they decided to leave the tribes, going to a high mountain. When H’Biang fell seriously ill, K’Lang decided to bring her back to her hamlet for treatment. However, when they reached the hamlet, the dwellers attacked them. Biang passed away, leaving great pain to Lang. He returned to the mountain where they lived and committed suicide.

After the deaths of the couple, the two tribes regretted so much what they did that they decided to forget the hatred and merged the tribes into one ethnic group named the Co Ho. To commemorate the couple, the mountain where they lived was named Lang Biang and the stream running from the mountain was named Da Nhim, which means “tears” in the Co Ho language.


Since then, young men and women of different tribes are allowed to love and marry each other at Lang Biang mountain.


Shopping again for the ladies at Lang Biang mountain.


The Lach tribe handiwork at Lang Biang mountain.


Domaine de Marie Cathedral, Dalat - the pink tile-roofed structure convent.


The Domaine de Marie is a Catholic convent has a nunnery which operates schooling for local children.


Domaine de Marie built in 1931 being the oldest architectural works in Dalat.


A flower garden in between the Domaine de Marie church and the living quarters once home to 300 nuns.


Suzanne Humbert is buried at the base of the outside back wall of the Domaine de Marie chapel.


Stopped for happy hour by the bush on the road to Phan Thiet.


Coffee trees with fruits.


We stayed at Hon Rom1 Beach Resort in Mui Ne.


We stayed at Hon Rom1 Beach Resort in Mui Ne.


Mui Ne is Phan Thiet’s most prominent coastal resort town, spanning 15km of sandy beaches that are lined with an array of dining and shopping venues as well as luxurious beachfront resorts.


The Mui Ne beach stretches almost 15km along the South China Sea.


The Mui Ne beach stretches almost 15km along the South China Sea.


Sunset view at Hon Rom1 Beach Resort in Mui Ne.


Sunset view at Hon Rom1 Beach Resort in Mui Ne.


Dinner was more of Dalat wine at Hon Rom1 Beach Resort at Mui Ne.


Balan and Teh Bee Bee doing the rock n roll. The Hon Rom1 Resort allowed us to use the dance hall with music provided.


Everybody dance along at the Hon Rom1 Resort ballroom.


Another dancing sequence led by Val Allan. We continued dancing until the lounge closed at 1am.

Day 7 (08.12.2010) Phan Thiet

Got up early and without breakfast to avoid the sun at the sand dune, we travel to Bau Trang to visit a natural fresh water lake and the famous Trinh Nu sand dune. Came back to hotel later for breakfast and lunch before going for a swim in the afternoon. We then visited the Cham Poshanuh Tower which is the place of Miss Ponagar's the youngest girl worshipped and Ong Hoang tower which is related to the love story between Han Mac and Mong Cam.

Sleeping at Hon Rom 1, Mui Ne.

 

Known as the “Little Sahara Desert” in Mui Ne Vietnam, Bau Trang is one of the only desert areas in Southeast Asia and is a picturesque scenery of dunes and sand.


A walk towards Bau Trang white sand dunes in Mui Ne.


As you climb up on Bau Trang sand hills, the gigantic lakes will come into view.


After the lake, you get to see the Bau Trang dunes under the morning sun.


After the lake, you get to see the Bau Trang dunes under the morning sun.


Although this is a small desert, the Bau Trang dunes are really awesome.


From the top of Bau Trang dunes, we had great view of the surrounding.


Popular photo shoot for the newly married couple at Bau Trang dunes.


The strong winds in the afternoon move the Bau Trang dunes every day.


Jocelyn Loo and Jamie Loo at Bau Trang white sand dunes in Mui Ne.


Russian jeep track all over. Sand particles are very small, and with the strong winds that blow in the area you need a mask and glasses to protect your face at Bau Trang white sand dunes in Mui Ne.


Popular photo shoot for the newly married couple at Bau Trang dunes.


If you love challenging yourself and enjoy the vast scenery at a slow pace, walking up the Bau Trang sand dunes is an excellent experience.


Teh Bee Bee sitting on a terrain motorbike, crossing the vast Bau Trang sand dunes in Mui Ne.


This was the first time Bee Geok sitting on a terrain motorbike, crossing the vast Bau Trang sand dunes in Mui Ne.


David Wan and Betty Ching sitting on a terrain motorbike, crossing the vast Bau Trang sand dunes in Mui Ne.


Tan Sim Kiat sitting on a terrain motorbike, crossing the vast Bau Trang sand dunes in Mui Ne.


Ching Neng Bin sitting on a terrain motorbike, crossing the vast Bau Trang sand dunes in Mui Ne.


It was fun for Jocelyn Loo sledding 150ft down the Bau Trang sand dunes in Mui Ne.

It was fun for Ching Neng Bin sledding 150ft down the Bau Trang sand dunes in Mui Ne.

It was fun sledding 150ft down the Bau Trang sand dunes in Mui Ne.


Jamie Loo is competing with Ching Neng Bin sledding 150ft down the Bau Trang sand dunes in Mui Ne.


It was fun for Ching Leng Chu sledding 150ft down the Bau Trang sand dunes in Mui Ne.


Ching Neng Bin won the sledding race at Bau Trang sand dunes in Mui Ne.


Lim Kee Moon unable to stop!


Lunch at Hon Rom 1, Mui Ne.


Poshainu Cham Towers, Mui Ne.

Phan Thiet used to be part of the ancient Cham Kingdom. It was here in 1306 that King Tran Nhan Tong agreed to the marriage of King Jaya Sinhavarman III of the Cham Kingdom with princess Huyen Chan. In 1692 Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu invaded the area and incorporated it to the Nguyen dynasty.


Poshainu Cham Towers, Mui Ne.


Jamie Loo with the children at Poshainu Cham Towers, Mui Ne.




Besides, god of fire and Nandi bull were worshiped in Poshanu Cham Tower.


Besides, god of fire and Nandi bull were worshiped in Poshanu Cham Tower.


Victory Monument is 70m away from the Poshanu Cham Tower.


Victory Monument is 70m away from the Poshanu Cham Tower.








The Prince’s Castle, set atop Ong Hoang Hill, offers breathtaking views of Mui Ne’s historical structures, surrounding hills, coastline and countryside. Its name was given by the locals after French Duke De Montpensier had taken a liking to the hilltop and built a massive estate house in 1911.


The Prince’s Castle, set atop Ong Hoang Hill.


View of Phan Thiet city from Banai's Hill.


Cham textile and handicraft shop in Kim Nguyen buildings in Mui Ne.


Learning to make Cham traditional textiles at Kim Nguyen buildings in Mui Ne.


Cham textile for sale at Kim Nguyen buildings in Mui Ne.

Phan Thiet River.


Phan Thiet Central Market is the largest of its kind in Mui Ne. We were there to buy some food for the night party.


Our steamboat dinner at Nha Hang Hung Phat 1 in Mui Ne.


Janny Ho kept watch on the lady preparing our sea-food for the night party.


A sea-food barbecue night was well organized by Dato' Mohan and Balan. Public speaking session - everybody had to give a 2 minutes speech on the trip.


Ching Leng Chu telling grandfather stories to the ladies.

Day 8 (09.12.2010) Phan Thiet to Saigon

After breakfast at hotel, we travel back to Saigon (222km) and along the way we visited the Red Sand Dune and around the Takou tourist area we took the cable car up the mountain to see the Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda with the biggest Buddha's statue in the Eastern Southern Asia which is 49 meter in length.

Sleeping in Hotel hanh Phuc, 265 nguyen Trai, Q1, Saigon

 

The Red Dunes of Mui Ne, features reddish-brown sand that makes them a more popular place for photography. Smaller than White Dunes, they are easier to reach.


The Red Dunes of Mui Ne.


The kids you see here belong to the poorest families in the region of Red Dunes of Mui Ne.


As soon as you get to this Red Sand dunes you will be greeted by local kids. They will come to you, and say a few words in English. Some of them will help you walk to the top of the dunes. And when you leave, they will ask for money. Andrew Loo handed me some money to distribute to them.


We took the five minutes cable car up the Ta Cu Mountain. Or a 2 hour hike up.


Andrew Loo, Val Allan and Lim Kee Moon at the entrance to the Ta Cu Mountain pagodas.


Ta Cu Mountain boasts 250,000 square metres of lush rainforests, rare wildlife, limestone caves, and ornate Buddhist structures. After an hour’s drive from Mui Ne Town, the top of the mountain is accessible via a two-hour hike through the jungle or a 5-minute cable-car ride.


The Ta Cu Mountain pagodas was constructed in 1879 during Nguyen dynasty.


Set atop Ta Cu Mountain is Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda which was built in 1879. Its main attraction is a 49-metre long statue of a reclining Buddha, hailed to be the biggest of its kind in Vietnam.


Datuk Mohanadas Nagappan was seen running up the steps to the reclining Buddha at Ta Cu Mountain.


A group photo at the reclining Buddha at Ta Cu Mountain.


The entrance to a small cave where the monk lived beside the reclining Buddha at Ta Cu Mountain.


A respect to the deceased monk who lived beside the reclining Buddha at Ta Cu Mountain.


Had lunch in this Nga Ga Cap Treo restaurant on Ta Cu Mountain.


Back to Ben Thanh market in Saigon

Day 9 (10.12.2010) Saigon
 

Morning was the half day visit to the famous Cu Chi Tunnel complex. During the American War, the villages around the district of Cu Chi supported a substantial Viet Cong (VC) presence. Faced with American attempts to neutralize them, they quite literally dug themselves out of harm’s way, and the legendary Cu Chi tunnels were the result. The tunnel was started in 1948 and reopened for the visiting in 1995.

Back to the city for lunch and it was shopping time in the markets - Ben Thanh and Binh Tay. We also visited the post office and a church. Evening was dancing and drinking at Seventeen Saloon till early morning.

 

Entrance to Cu Chi tunnel complex which is 35km from Saigon.


B52 bomb crater at Cu Chi tunnel complex.


Collection of bombs at Cu Chi tunnel complex.


Looking for the tunnel cover at Cu Chi tunnel complex. A trap door on the jungle floor leads down into the Củ Chi tunnels. Closed and camouflaged, it is almost undetectable.


A Vietnamese soldier showing us one of the Cu Chi tunnels after opening the trap door.


Ivan Loo showing us how to get into the Cu Chi tunnel after opening the trap door.


Pauline Toh trying to get out of Cu Chi tunnel.


This is one of the unexpected tunnels all over at Cu Chi tunnel complex. It has more than 250km of tunnels


Some of the Cu Chi tunnels are several storey deep, included innumerable trap doors, constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centres and kitchens.


Ker Sew Huat trying to get into the tunnel at Cu Chi tunnel complex.


Teh Bee Bee with the Viet Congs and the hammock for soldiers in Cu Chi tunnels.

The tanks at Cu Chi tunnel complex.


The self made weapons gallery at Cu Chi tunnel complex.


The Vietnamese were very creative, using bombs dropped by American soldiers to make ammunition and weapons.


The Vietnamese were very creative, using bombs dropped by American soldiers to make ammunition and weapons.


Some of the traps the Viet Congs used to kill their enemies on display at Cu Chi tunnel complex.


Some of the traps the Viet Congs used to kill their enemies on display at Cu Chi tunnel complex.


Some of the traps the Viet Congs used to kill their enemies on display at Cu Chi tunnel complex.


Some of the traps the Viet Congs used to kill their enemies on display at Cu Chi tunnel complex.


Some of the traps the Viet Congs used to kill their enemies on display at Cu Chi tunnel complex.


Some of the traps the Viet Congs used to kill their enemies on display at Cu Chi tunnel complex.


Target practice by Jamie Loo shooting an M60 machine-gun at Củ Chi Tunnels complex.


Target practice by Jocelyn Loo shooting an M60 machine-gun at Củ Chi Tunnels complex.


Rice milling manual machine made from bamboo. Grinding rice flour by David Wan at Củ Chi Tunnels complex.


Making of rice paper at Củ Chi Tunnels complex.


Tea time at Củ Chi Tunnels complex after the tour.


Ben Thanh Market was built in from 1912 to march of 1914.


Beside the market, in the centre of the traffic roundabout, is an equestrian statue of Tran Nguyen Hai, the first person in Vietnam to use carrier pigeons. At the bass of a pillar, is Quach Thi Trang, a Buddhist woman killed during anti government protest in 1963.


The narrow street of Saigon.


Saigon street cap vendor.


French-style Saigon Central Post Office.


Saigon Central Post Office built in 1886 with its glass canopy and iron frame.


Saigon Central Post Office has a huge hall with stalls selling souvenirs.


Saigon Central Post Office with the long counter for customers to conduct their post and telecommunications business.


Uniquely telephone boots inside the Saigon Central Post Office.


Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon wa built in 1877.


Two 40m high square bell towers of Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon tipped with iron spires and a statue of the Virgin Mary in front.


Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon.


Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon.


The French stained glass windows in Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon.


Binh Tay a wholesale market. A walk inside will be a pleasure for your senses as it is the biggest in South Vietnam.


Binh Tay a wholesale market is located in the city's Chinatown, Cholon. Most shop signs are written in Chinese.


The Filipino band at Seventeen Saloon along Pham Ngu Lao street sometime know as backpackers' street in Saigon.


The Seventeen Saloon in Saigon was fully packed with drinkers and our Balan looking for cowgirls.


Many cheers to Ching Bee Geok and Teh Bee Bee at Seventeen Saloon in Saigon.


A sexy cow between two bulls at Seventeen Saloon in Saigon.


Ching Neng Bin and a girl on standby taking care of the drinks for our travelling mate at Seventeen Saloon in Saigon.


Dancing through the night with the Filipino band singer joining us in the dance at Seventeen Saloon in Saigon.


Val Allan leading us in a dance sequence at Seventeen Saloon in Saigon.


The barmen showing their fire-bottle throwing skill at Seventeen Saloon in Saigon.


Our Saigon friends, Jimmy and wife visited us in the evening. Their driver is the father of our guide Victor Pham Thanh Nhat.

Day 10 (11.12.2010) Saigon to Kuala Lumpur

After breakfast it was time to get back to Tan Son Nhat airport for our AirAsia AK881 flight back to KL at 10.35am. It was very sad indeed to bid farewell to our guides, Rose and Victor Pham Thanh Nhat, who had been with us for the past 10 days taking good care of us. To all the travelers, we carried with us the fantastic memory and photos to bring back home and last but not least, it was the cheapest ground arrangement of the tour so far. AirAsia AK881 back to KL is RM310 pp

 

Betty Ching wishing 'tam biet' goodbye to our guide Nguyễn Trần Việt Hồng at Tan Son Nhat airport.


Pauling Toh wishing 'tam biet' goodbye to our guide Nguyễn Trần Việt Hồng at Tan Son Nhat airport.


Veron Wan wishing 'tam biet' goodbye to our guide Nguyễn Trần Việt Hồng at Tan Son Nhat airport.


Catherine wishing 'tam biet' goodbye to our guide Nguyễn Trần Việt Hồng at Tan Son Nhat airport.

Total cost for the 10 days adventure as follows:

RM 524-00 for AirAsia return flights
RM 700-00 for meals, transport, sightseeing entrance fee and hotel
----------------
RM1,224-00 per person
=========


Our two guides Victor Pham Thanh Nhat and Rose Nguyễn Trần Việt Hồng


Manimegalai and Datuk Mohanadas Nagappan


Gan An Hock and Ker Sew Huat


Tan Sim Kiat and David Wan


Alistair McCulloch and Dr.Sim Mong Huei


Thanabalan and Letchuimy


Rosalind Wan and Veron Wan


Wan Lan and Ching Leng Chu


Jamie Loo and Jocelyn Loo


Ivan Loo and Andrew Loo


Ching Bee Geok and Teh Bee Bee


Pauline Toh and Val Allan


Janny Ho and Wong Tai Meng


Betty Ching and Lim Kee Moon


Catherine Oon and Ching Neng Bin

Total cost for the 10 days adventure as follows:

RM 524-00 for AirAsia return flights
RM 700-00 for meals, transport, sightseeing entrance fee and hotel
----------------
RM1,224-00 per person
=========

///Backpacking Adventure