Vietnam 2009

[WujouMao]

Vietnam is my least fav country in asia [that includes china, but at least they have more to see and do]. which begs the question, why the hell have i stayed in saigon for 2 weeks and done jack? still, before that i was in North Vietnam where, like many others, went to to see the hill tribes in Sapa and Bac ha.

this is Can Cau, a chinese-flower H'mong market some clicks away from the Chinese border 18kms from Bac Ha.














happy lass




i then walked the 18 km back to Bac Ha and took these stunning photos.






Bac Ha Market

[WujouMao]

then went to Sapa, and as i was on my todd, i felt that i should see what i want to see and not hook up with a group tour. still, i was in sapa 3 years ago so i knew some of the people anyway.






just how the Romans did it












Black H'mong




Dzao






was shitting myself crossing this as the bamboo bent and spread sideways, so i walked on all fours, much to the amusment of the H'mong who just crossed over a few secs before.


some great niew of Sapa valley, but towards the end of the day, it gets too hazy








dog food - this i could stomach. But in Bac Ha i saw a couple of closed bags with a few wimpering dogs inside.

[kingwilly]

nice work.

but confused as to why vietnam is your least favourite country, I really like it.

[WujouMao]

nice work.

but confused as to why vietnam is your least favourite country, I really like it.

i guess it grows on you after a while, having been in saigon for 2 weeks. the people couldnt be more differant than its neighbouring friends

went to Le Mat at had snake heart and snake for breafast.


then caught the 29 hour train ride to Saigon, where i took some snaps of the coast along the way.




met a girl - which gives a clue why i have been here for 2 weeks. although i find vietnamese girls a real headache to understand.


we went to Suoi Tien. this beats Dam Sen waterpark hands down.








went croc fishing







the vietnamese scare easily, and one of the attractions had a man in a gorilla suit who would chase you to the exit. she scarpered before i even knew about it. but i just burst out laughing when everyone bolted to the door. the gorilla just looked at me while i clapped my hands. while outside some had collapsed on the ground, in fear!

[terry57]

^^

Yes Vietnam, hum its a conundrum,


Some people like it and some people say fok it. I'm in the second group as Ive done 3 trips there and given it a good crack traveling the whole country.

Lots to see, easy travel, good accommodation, great food, cheap piss and some stunning looking crumpet.

The thing that brings it down is the rampant endemic need for the locals to try there hardest at every turn to rip off the travelers. I mean not every bastard is on the game but 99.9% thinks it fair crack.

Gets very tiring very quickly and thats why I wont be heading back anytime within the next millennium.

Have a nice trip Willy.

[Marmite the Dog]

Very nice photos - thanks for sharing them.

[barbaro]

Great photos, thanks.

[kingwilly]

Have a nice trip Willy.

cheers mate, i'll be there next month. how'd you know?

[machman]

Top marks mate, stunning pitures! Looks like a great trip.

[klongmaster]

This is a great thread so thanks for taking the time to post the pics...

this one is especially good...I like the 'typical kid anywhere in the world' aspect of it...

[astasinim]

Great stuff, thanks. Where are you moving onto next? It certainly looks like your getting around.

[phuketbound]

Great pics! Sapa is one of my favorite places in Vietnam. Just a stunning place with so many rice fields along the mountains. I never made it to Bac Ha, but I did get to another place to visit a hill tribe. I took the train along the coast, and the views of the sea are well worth it.

[changnoy]

Great pics. I agree 100% with Terry57 ,spent 2months there in 07

[BugginOut]

Absolutely brilliant pics, mate.

[garyk]

Great pics... I am heading there next month for a month or so .....

[sunsetter]

always a pleasure to see your threads wjm, fantastic pics

[melvbot]

Some nice photo's of the valley areas

[Eliminator]

^ I agree, would love to see more of these valleys.

[blackgang]

Great thread and Great pic, you do a fine job.. Thanks I loved it, I have never been north of Hue.
But I did love the country and the people and it seems to me after being here that the clipping of farang is just a SEA custom.

[Hardy99]

Great pics and can see there are some open hearts.. wuffff...

[SiLeakHunt]

Vietnam looks ace I must pay it a visit.

[WujouMao]

nice work.

but confused as to why vietnam is your least favourite country, I really like it.

i guess its warming to me now. i prefer the south or Mekong Delta. its the cities i hate as there is f.a to see or do.

its coming to the end of my 2nd month anyway

[Marmite the Dog]

I have never been north of Hue.

Why's that?

[barbaro]

I have never been north of Hue.

Why's that?

He was in RSVN during the conflict, as you know. North of Hue was North Vietnam.

I don't think yanks were allowed nor too welcome up around 'em parts.

[bustak]

this is one of many great picture threads you've authored! Thanks!

I'm sure I've asked this before, but what camera are you using? Nice colors/exposures.