Here we are back in France after this beautiful trip of 28 days spent in these two beautiful countries that are Vietnam and Cambodia.
As soon as we arrived at Hanoi airport we quickly passed the visa formalities thanks to the documents that Mrs. Ly DOAN had sent us.
Thanks to the whole Horizon Vietnam team for their warm welcome at the agency, we exchanged information about our trip and we joined our hotel reassured about the progress of our stay.
The first 2 days in Hanoi were well filled, visits to the old quarters, The Lake of the Sword, museums of ethnography and women, and also our first contacts with the population and the hectic traffic of the capital.
Departure for our tour in northern Vietnam to go to Mai Chau, the reserve of Pu Luong then Ninh Binh, We discovered very beautiful varied landscapes and we had a crush on the bay of Ha Long land and the walk-in Sampan.
The welcome among the locals has always been very warm, we keep an excellent memory of the evening of traditional dances in Mai Chau and the preparation of the meal with the young couple in Ninh Binh,
After the discovery of ha Long Bay, a little in the fog, we took the direction of the west to discover Sapa and the Sunday market of Bac HA, still beautiful landscapes and unforgettable encounters on hikes, in the street or in the market with the different Ethnic groups and their colourful costumes. Our stay in the north ended with a poncho tour in the pouring rain of the wonderful But Thap and Tay pagodas around Hanoi.
Thank you very much to our Guide Huy for the organization, the quality of his comments, his humour and the driver Ha was careful and smiling during the unforgettable 10 days in the northern region.
We reached Hue by night train, a surprising and interesting adventure, we were able to visit and admire the wonderful Imperial City of this ancient capital and the pagoda of the Celestial Lady, another excellent day accompanied by our guide Mrs. VU very professional, the quality of her comments and her kindness delighted us.
Then after a passage through Da Nang and the cloud pass we are for 3 days in Hoï An in a very comfortable hotel, without a guide or driver, several interesting visits, strolls in this pretty city and rest at the beautiful beach of An Bang.
Departure by plane from Da Nang to Siem Reap, on arrival temperature, change 35 °, and 3 days to visit the sites of Angkor, a breathtaking show with each arrival on the sites of the Khmer empire, temples invaded by vines, and Angkor Wat the largest and most beautiful of the temples.
Thanks to our Guide Saing for his good knowledge of the sites, and the Buddhist religion and our Driver Daro for his careful driving.
Flight to Phnom Penh: Ferry crossing on Tonle Lake to silk island, interesting visit of silk trades, in the town of the National Museum, the magnificent Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda.
A big thank you to our very professional and very endearing Guide Sam OI, very good knowledge of the history and culture of his country and to the Driver Sokay for his punctuality and careful driving.
Transfer to the pier to take the express boat to Chau Doc, five hours on the meanders of the Mekong, beautiful photos and the opportunity to exchange with passengers, Belgians, New Zealanders, Canadians, French, Italians …
End of our trip to the southern region, we brief the passage to Chau Doc and the road to Can Tho, in the Mekong Delta, sampan ride and boat in the forest of cajeputiers, beautiful landscapes in this natural reserve of fauna and flora, quiet and soothing.
Departure by boat to reach the floating market was a little disappointing, and continuation in the arroyos and departure to Cai Lay night at the inhabitant, welcoming and warm family, interesting visit of the villages by motorcycle taxi in the narrow and flowery streets.
A little disappointed with the southern region and our local Guide.
Back to Saigon and visit the city without a guide and driver, then the Cu Chi tunnels with our guide and Driver, it is with great emotion that we discovered part of this network of 200kms of underground gallery and narrow hoses dug by hand by the Viet Cong,
We also visited the War Museum in Saigon and came out overwhelmed.
We will keep an excellent memory of this trip, well prepared by Mrs. Thanh LÊ and Mrs. Ly DOAN of the horizon Vietnam agency, we appreciated their availability and responsiveness to all our requests. Having a phone to reach you 24 hours a day is a great idea.
Thank you also to all our Guides and Drivers who accompanied us and facilitated the exchanges with the inhabitants during our stay.
And to all Vietnamese, Vietnamese, Cambodians and Cambodians for their hospitality and who have always welcomed us with a smile
Luce and Gilbert
