Vietnam Cruise: Bangkok, Local Performances

The evening in Bangkok was the perfect ending to our day and our entire cruise.

We started with drinks with friends at the Mandarin Oriental hotel, then took a little boat to cross the river over to the Peninsula hotel for dinner and a performance which showcased the traditional Thailand dances.

Many different styles and costumes, which we enjoyed all throughout dinner. 

At the end, they all came back on stage for an encore.  Such an amazing way to end the day, the cruise, the entire trip.  We had an early flight home the next day but my head was filled with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Bangkok all the way home.

Vietnam Cruise: Bangkok

The absolute highlight of the trip turned out to be the day in Bangkok when we got off the ship.  We had a guide and tried to get as much in as we could with the limited time that we had.

The Grand Palace was so amazing, I could have photographed that place for days!  I just couldn't click fast enough, it was so much fun. 

We also got to see the Reclining Buddha.  Again - amazing!  Such a thrill to photograph this place.  I would love to come back when I could have more time.

Many more pictures are posted on my Flickr site, you are welcome to visit there.  Hard to choose just a few to represent this day.  We started at the Grand Palace, took a little river cruise, saw the Reclining Buddha, visited the flower market - and had an absolutely amazing day.  Bangkok truly goes down as one of my favorite places.  We then had to get ready for our evening, dinner and a show.

Vietnam Cruise: Cambodia

Cambodia was one of those places that you are glad you got to see it but the only reason I would want to go back would be to see Angor Wat, which we were not able to get to from the port on this cruise.  But we did go to one interesting place - Wat Kroung - which was great fun to photograph. 

From here we went to another market, but the begging was more aggressive and the people were worse off, so it was not an enjoyable experience.  Interesting to see this country and a lot of history is here, but they are still underdeveloped and it shows. 

Vietnam Cruise: Saigon

Saigon was probably my favorite city in Vietnam, and the water puppet show was definitely a highlight.

By this time, I was used to the scooters and did not get the same culture shock as I did at first.  You still took your life into your hands when crossing the street, but now it was all part of the adventure.

More of the crazy shopping experience on the streets - we spent the day looking for scarves and other fun things.

We also had the opportunity to buys some nice things without bargaining - which I loved.  I don't like the bargaining!  They had beautiful laquered vases and many other things - very pretty.

The ship overnighted in Saigon, so we were able to have dinner at a local restaurant. I was hesitant at first.  I am not great at trying new things and eating the local cuisine, especially in a place like Vietnam.  But, it was an amazing experience.  We had such a great time that night.  All we kept saying to each other was "I can't believe we are walking the streets of Saigon!"  We were so excited just to be there.  And the food?  I had no problem, it was delicious.  I was in great company and it was a truly memorable evening.

Vietnam Cruise: Hue

We had a full day of touring Hue, pronunced "way", starting with the Imperial City.  The grounds were beautiful, as was the Vietnamese architecture.

On my tour bus was Gloria Loring. She was performing on the ship, and was enjoying a tour herself.  I remembered her from Days Of Our Lives years ago, it was a delight to see her. 

After visiting the Thien Mu Pagoda, we took a little boat ride on the Perfume River.  These are the colorful ornaments on the front of the boats.

We then had lunch, followed by another interesting shopping experience.  The sights and smells of these markets is very "unique". 

Vietnam Cruise: Hanoi

After a restful day at sea, we sailed into Halong Bay.  From here, we took a 3-hour bus ride to Hanoi.  It was a long day, but I couldn't be that close and not see Hanoi. 

We stood outside the Ho-Chi Minh Mausoleum, the inside is rarely open to the public.  Then we walked over to the One Pillar Pagoda.

The thing I will remember most about Hanoi is the culture shock I got from the sights and sounds of the city.  It was information overload in many ways.  A lot of it was the scooters. 

It is a medley of constant beeping, and they buzz by you so fast you can feel the wind.  Crossing the streets is treacherous.  And the shopping was crazy.

We had some time to shop, but you had to bargain.  I am so uncomfortable bargaining, but my friend wasn't.  So she did the bargaining for both of us. 

Silk is one of the prevalent items, I bought several scarves in beautiful colors.



People were gathered on the streets, this was a common sight - throughout the whole trip.

It was a great day in Hanoi.

Vietnam Cruise: Hong Kong

Travel and photography are my true passions, and I was fortunate enough to go to Vietnam.  Vietnam?  Yes, Vietnam.  It never ceases to amaze me how lucky I have been to travel the world.

We flew into Hong Kong on March 28, 2011 to join a segment of the Seven Seas Voyager's World Cruise.  We got to our hotel late in the evening, but we were so excited just to be there.  We went to the rooftop bar for a few drinks and to relax a little after that long flight.

The rooftop bar had a pool that overlooked the city. 

We had some time in the morning before getting on the ship, so we walked around the area by our hotel.  We ended up by the olympic stadium.

It was a relief to get to the ship.  Now everything is taken care of for us on a six star luxury cruise ship.  Embarkation day is my favorite day in the whole world.  Nothing makes me happier that the feelings I have on embarkation day - when you are tired from traveling but you have gotten there ok, and are ready to get started on a trip of a lifetime.