Ho Chi Minh City. The motorbike city of madness. Amazingly I've only seen one single accident so far. It feels like a miracle that I've been crossing the streets without being run over. We are getting to the end of our trip with only a few days left to go. Cannot say that I'm ready for work, but am I ever. We came to Vietnam some 6-7 days ago and on the way to Ho Chi Minh, we have stopped in the ancient emperor capitol Hue and at the beach resort Nha Trang. Hue was great (just like the last time I was here) and we rented bikes that took us around the city and to a beautiful beach. There are a couple of place worth visiting in Hue, like the emperor palace which despise heavy American bombing still is quite intact. Nha Trang was a bit of a disappointment. Though the beach was nice it could have been any resort city, with major hotels lining up along the beach. From Nha Trang we took a sleeper bus to Ho Chi Minh, which actually turned out to be what it said. The seats could be folded almost vertically, which made it possible to get, well perhaps not a decent, but some sleep. Bumpy roads made it a bit hard. So then, Ho Chi Minh City. We are staying in the tourist area at a hotel for 15$. Not the type of hotel one stay at on business trips, but totally ok for my taste. Had it not been for the noisiest air conditioner I’ve ever heard, it would be a great option. We've been to a few musts, including the Reunification palace. The former South Vietnamese president residence at which the North Vietnamese army run through the gates on March (or April) 30, 1975 and ended the war. For those of you old enough I think you’ve seen these pictures on the TV. Today we have not done much, but we did go to a local (very local) gym to get some exercise. A lot of bar breasted men, and not one woman in sight, except for the few who worked there. Tomorrow the plan may be to go on a tour around the Mekong River. Nothing decided yet as we are a bit tired and need to rest.

Thunder on the mountains

This is the third day in Vientanne. A bit slow today as we went out drinking yesterday. Having a big night out is not that easy. Most places close at midnight, if not earlier, so you have to check where the others are going next as the bar is closing.

Vientanne is much nicer than Luang Prabang. First of all it's a bigger city and the number of tourists are much less. Or at least it seems that way. The first two days we rented vespas, checking out the city and the surroundings. Traffic is not too heavy here so it's easy to get around. The trip to the countryside was great. We found a small road with a lot of villages to check out. We made a stop at some rice fields and helped the farmers to plant some rice. Acknowledged, that that was a bit touristic, but what the heck.

Tomorrow we start heading for Vietnam. It's going to be a two long bus rides, with an overnight stop in Savanketh. Not sure if there is much to see there.

Waterfall

Life is strange. After two days on the Mekong, I thought I would find myself in the middle of nowhere. Instead we arrived in Luang Prabang, a town that does not only house hordes of backpackers, but also tourists who are doing a fixed tour. The tourist quarters could just as well be any Spanish tourist town. Or French perhaps, as they stayed here for a long time. But the surroundings are beautiful. Laid out along the Mekong, you have a great view from any of the riverside restaurants. There are a lot of activites to do here, if you want. Elefphant rides, trekking etc etc.

The trip down the Mekong was very nice and relaxing. We were surrounded by hills, mountains (when does a hill become a mountain, please inform me) and green forrests. The wildlife though, was a disappointment. During two days I did not see a single bird, which I find a bit strange. In fact I have not seen that many birds while in Laos. Loads of butterflies though.


It seems like all trips in Asia include a waterfall, and this trip is no exception. But I must say that Kuangsi waterfall is the greatest one I've seen. This is the rain season, which made it even more impressive.

Tomorrow we will probably head down to Vientanne (the capitol) and then we will try to get off the main tourist roads.

I know that some of you would like to see some pictures, but I cannot get these computers to perform service. I'll try again later.

Big boat

Today we crossed the mighty Mekong river to Laos. Staying in Huai Xuai a small and quiet border town. Very beautiful landscape with the mighty Mekong flowing down surrounded by hills and mountains. A little bit colder than Bangkok which is a relief. From here we will take a two day boat trip to Luang Prabang in the middle of Laos.

The Bangok stay was very nice. We took a traditional Tuk Tuk tour on Big Buddha day visiting a number of temples. A Tuk Tuk is a great way to get around, but of course you have to do the obligatory stops at tailors and travel agents, who always get sour when you do not end up buying anything. But, sincerely, I am about to enter the jungle, why, why, should I want to bring a suit.

I tried, but this computer just refuses to upload my pictures.

Wish you were here

Finally arrived in Bangkok yesterday morning and met up with Hans at the hotel. It's great to travel again. Unfortunately Hans has a swollen foot so we need to stay a couple of days in Bangkok while the medication takes care of the problem. But then again that means we have some time to check out the city. Tomorrow is "big" Buddha day so we will visit some temples.

Today I finally found the camera I've been trying to find back home. I forgot my USB cable, but I will upload photos in the next coming days.

And, while I remember. Not all of my friends are fluent in Swedish. If you wondered about the language.

Take care
Magnus

Coming to you in a near future.