15Mar Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Phu My is the gateway to Ho Chi Minh city as we sailed into the port early in the morning.
All we could see from the cabin balcony was industrial factories and container facilities.
It usually takes about 2 hour drive from Phu My to Ho Chi Minh.
We have taken Ho Chi Minh Highlight tour 2 years ago, so, we booked a shuttle transfer only to Ho Chi Minh this time.
Only problem was it would give us only 4 hours in the city as the return transfer to Phu My is scheduled for 2.45pm.
It is quite odd time to return to the ship given the time for sail away is at 11pm.
Delightful Renee joined me and Greg and agreed on doing only 2 things while we are in town.
Good local lunch and shopping in the market.
Ben Thanhn market is the biggest in Vietnam if not whole in South East Asia.
We were dropped off at Rex Hotel in the middle of city center.
The market was only 5 minute walk from the hotel.
We all bargained with market venders and had lots of fun.
Some are cheap and some are not for negotiation at all.

We were told to try ‘Pho 2000’ for the best Vietnamese beef noodle soup where was found right next to the market, conveniently.
It was rather small but nicely air conditioned.
The walls were decorated with photos of Bill Clinton the former president of USA.
They were taken in 2000.
It must be famous and more expensive place for locals as most of customers are foreign tourists.
But, the dish we ordered was excellent and authentic enough.
As a matter of fact, they were so delicious, we added few more dishes.

We were going to check out local department store, but we were running out of time for the shuttle transfer back to Phu My.

Ben Thahn market

Bargains galore on clothes and souvenirs! Some are exotic creatures.

Tallest building in Vietnam. 68 story.

Photos of Bill Clinton and most popular dishes of PHO2000 restaurant

We ordered 3 Tiger beer,3 Prawn spring rolls, 2 Pho beef noodle soup and a seafood noodle soup and it came 7 dollars each. Most delicious.

Phyton and Crocodile handbags (no bargain here in this shop)

Waiting for shuttle transfer at the Rex hotel

One of many Buddhist temples on street

Lumpini BBQ and Vietnamese food are ready for dinner on board

Tonight’s entertainment was local folk lore Vietnamese dance group

14Mar. Nah Trang, Vietnam

After one day at sea, we arrived in Nah Trang, south of Vietnam with about half million population.
This area has become very popular beach resort in recent years both nationally and internationally.
It has natural beauty, culture, and climate with hotels and infra structures on its way.
We have booked a humanitarian tour organized by our travel agency.
It includes visiting temple, pagoda, embroidery shop and SOS orphanage.
It was hot day with temperature higher than 30C but the sea breeze was cool and pleasant during lunch at local beach café.

Old part of Nah Trang port
Other shore sides are full of high rise international hotels are being built.
Cable cars running constantly to Vinpearl Island over colorful fishing boats with Vietnamese flag.

Po Nagar Cham Towers built between the 7th and 12th centuries. Today it is for Buddhists to come and pray with their offerings.

Greg in front of SOS Children’s’ village. There are about 150 children who call this place home at the moment.
Part of fund raised from our tour today will be donated to the orphanage through our travel agency

Handful of cute children danced on song ‘Jay Ho’ for welcoming us.

Hand-painted card by these cute twin boys with Greetings on it was given to Greg

This area is safe from Monsoon rain and kept relatively dry tropical climate which makes this place ideal destination for beach holiday makers over 4 seasons.

Long Son Pagoda is Buddhist temple with huge white Buddha on top of the hill with 152 steps.

Dragons made out of mosaic ceramic tiles and glass are unique in this temple.

This Buddhist Pagoda became world famous after few monks burnt themselves few decades ago.

XQ Embroidery shop boasts exquisite embroidery works on silk canvases. Ladies in traditional costume are also beautiful!

Master skill of a needle craft!

Nice court yard of the shop with Vietnamese tea house

Beach promenade with landscaped garden

Chilling out on the pool deck for sail away party. From left, Ron, Donna, me, Greg and Martha.