MicheleSmythPhotography

Home Delivery, Vietnamese style

Whilst visiting North Vietnam with my family, we had the opportunity to have a cruise around Ha Long Bay! It was three days of wonderful sailing around the man...
Read more

Whilst visiting North Vietnam with my family, we had the opportunity to have a cruise around Ha Long Bay! It was three days of wonderful sailing around the many 1,600 limestone monolithic islands, each topped with thick jungle vegetation. Hạ Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site. With so many cruises plying the waters of Ha Long Bay, from the luxurious to the backpacker, the local residents would often row up to the cruises in their sampans, selling mainly cigarettes to the passengers. Once again, I was struck by the kindness and friendliness of the Vietnamese people which goes against how the Vietnamese are portrayed in Western culture (think Vietnam war, Rambo, The Deerhunter etc). The reality is they are an old culture who have successfully spurred invaders over many centuries, most notably against the Chinese, dating back to the 12th Century through to the French and the USA in the 20th Century. I sincerly hope that one day I will return to Vietnam and once again, soak up their culture and joy of life.
Read less