C'Hmong, buy from me!

Guest Blogger - Federico Arrizabalaga


Welcomed by the already too familiar deafening news broadcast at4:15 am we stepped out of our overnight train after ten hours of travel in the sleeping car that did not allow any sleep. We were in Lao Cai, a town that serves as a hub to all travelers coming from or going to Sapa, THE destination I strongly suggest you visit if you ever travel to Vietnam. Forty five minutes after boarding our bus the driver decided we had waited enough for other passengers to jump in and we began our way through the mountains; during the 40 minute ride those of us who were not dozing along the way had a first chance to see what we were heading into- beauty wise.

It is awesome that places like Sapa still exist and are really not that difficult to reach. Sapa is a small town in NW Vietnam initially built by the French during colonization as a retreat for the wealthy and military commanders of the time. Because of its natural beauty it did not take long for it to become a traveller destination which has remained as suchs since then.

Today, backpackers mingle with Hmong and Za tribe ladies in harmony, even though everyone knows that the ultimate reason they come to talk with you is to try to sell you something. This said, their approach is a very casual and entertaining way of learning about them, their culture and the valley, particularly when they join you in the very much mandatory trek to Lac Chai, the closest Hmong village to Sapa that's isn't really that close.

The trek covers about 6km and takes about four hours to complete at a slow pace, with many opportunities to take pictures and admire the breathtaking scenery.You will be given ornaments made with plants by the Hmong ladies as they walk, and will be asked simliar questions about yourself by several of the ladies that join your group. The walk begins along the main road for about 2km after which you side track into unpaved paths that meander down the gentle slope to the bottom of the green fertile valley. The 4 km descent offers stunning views great for scenic photography: these will probably be some of the best pictures of Vietnam you will share back home.

Once in town you will be surrounded by thr Za and Hmong ladies asking you to "Buy from me"at once. It can become a bit overwhelming at times but stay cool and it will be OK. What they sell are local indigenous crafts that can make for a great souvenir, so it might just be the right opportunity to buy whilst helping an obviously poor community. The way back to Sapa is covered in a van if you joined a group tour (recommended), time during which you can realize that the ladies walk boh ways every day carrying what they sell plus their babies.

There are a few other things to be done in Sapa that I would not miss, so I strongly suggest you stay an extra night or two ( if not more) like we did unlike the single night most people spend when they come with their organized tour from Hanoi. BIG mistake in my opinion. One of them is to rent a scooter and explore Sapa's surroundings on your own. Visit villages, admire the rice terraces, play with the children or simply enjoy the slow drive. You will find picture perfect spots with no tourists around, an excellent opportunity to get off the motorbike and immerse yourself in the natural surroundings.

Another great choice is to ride a scooter to any path away from town that goes uphill but the motorbike cannot climb- the trek will be all about you and who knows where the easy adventure will take you to.

Finally, take pictures. Heaps of them. Of the indigenous ladies, the town, the valley, the rice terraces, the fields, the water buffalo's, at day and, if you can, at night. Find a dark spot and look up to the sky. Among the millions of stars the Milky Way is easily recognizable, and for a few seconds you will think you are in another world. But then, it might just be where you are...

Sapa is probably my favorite destination in Vietnam, and one of the best in SEA. You will be welcomed by great people and breathtaking nature, plus costs are very much on the low side. The memories you take home will be unforgettable, as will be the photos and the souvenir- or souvenirs!

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Author - Federico Arrizabalaga is passionate about travel, writing and photography. Currently he is traveling through Vietnam. Follow his adventures at www.maitravelsite.com/Blog_Travelogue or get some great travel tips at http://www.maitravelsite.com/.

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Be a guest blogger at Vietnamandcambodia.com! Email Adam your article and photos or contact him for details!

Friday Photo - Khmer Girls Playing - Cambodia

Khmer Girls Playing - Cambodia

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See more cool photography from around Vietnam and Cambodia at

vietnamandcambodiaimages.blogspot.com

Hotel Saigon Morin - Hue, Vietnam

The Hotel Saigon Morin Hue is a great place to hang out while you're in Hue. Over the past few months I have spent a few nights here and this is what I think!

Location
Address - 30 Le Loi Street, Hue, Vietnam

There only one word needed to describe the Morin's location - Perfect.

Set in the middle of town near the Trang Thien Bridge, rooms at the front look over the Perfume River, while all the others have street/garden views. It's just a short walk around the near by streets to shops and restaurants and a 15 minute walk to the Citadel.

Rooms

The Morin has huge rooms, tastefully decked out (see images). Large beds, cozy table and chairs with fruit platter (complimentary) and good sized bathrooms. Each room has a large window with nice views.

Beds and pillows come complete with little flower petals and rooms are tidied and sheets pulled down each evening!

Price
Rated 4 Stars, the Hotel Saigon Morin goes for around 100USD per night, specials are often available online.

The Good Oil
During my recent stays at the Morin, I have really enjoyed it. Rooms are big and comfortable and staff have always been friendly and helpful. The pool is clean and refreshing and breakfast is always a large buffet with plenty of choice!

Highly recommended

Book Online
Click on the link for more information or to book a room at the Hotel Saigon Morin Hue












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12 Common Digital Photography Mistakes

© Photographer: Hunk | Agency: Dreamstime.com

With digital cameras at their most affordable, anybody can be a photographer these days. Problem is, it takes more than a camera to take good pictures.

It takes a certain eye, a way of seeing things, to take pictures that make people go "Wow!". Fortunately, it can be learned. And the more you practice, the better you'll get.

If you're interested in becoming a good digital photographer, I recommend the "Shoot Digital Pics Like the Pros," a free report.

Start by taking a look at these most common mistakes people make when taking digital pictures:

1. Not knowing your camera

If you never read your digital camera's manual and learn its features and how to use them, you won't be able to make the most of it.

2. Not using a tripod

Tripods allow you to take the sharpest pictures even in low light. Use one as often as possible.

3. Not giving the camera time to focus

Digital cameras need time to properly focus and get the right exposure. It can take a fraction of a second or a couple of seconds. Account for this when taking pictures.

4. Relying too much on zoom

Using the camera's zoom feature makes the picture grainier. Get as close to the subject as possible.

5. Taking pictures against the light

This makes the subject dark and the background too bright.

6. Relying too much on the flash

Natural light gives the best pictures, so use it as much as possible. Flash tends to make images look harsh.

7. Not taking enough pictures

It's almost impossible to take the perfect shot at one try, so take many pictures. With digital photography, this doesn't cost you extra. Try different angles and compositions.

8. Always putting the subject dead center

Learn the rule of thirds in composition, and you'll have more interesting pictures.

9. Forgetting to check the horizon

When taking pictures with the horizon showing, make sure it's level.

10. Selecting a low-resolution setting

Your camera will allow you to select different resolutions. Don't be tempted to choose a low resolution just to save on memory space. Instead, buy additional memory for your camera and always take your pictures in high resolution.

11. Trying to take too much

Don't try to include too many things in one picture, such as people and scenery. A picture is more effective when it's focused on a single subject.

12. Not using the camera

You'll never know when a good photo op will come up, so have your camera with you at all times.

It may seem like a lot to think about, but with practice, these things will become second nature.

For those who want to learn even more digital photography techniques, check out the free report, "Shoot Digital Pics Like the Pros." It's a short but info-filled guide that will have you shooting digital pictures like a pro in no time.

Find out more about "Shoot Digital Pics Like the Pros" here: www.learndigitalphotographynow.com

Diving Vietnam - Outstanding Selections For Your Next Dive

© Photographer: Vieta | Agency: Dreamstime.com

 
By Adam W Carter

Diving Vietnam selections are numerous and when you head to Vietnam for your next diving getaway you will have no trouble finding a great spot to explore. Discover as many as seven DV offerings in Con Dao Island, as many as seventeen DV destinations in Hoi An, Cu Lao Cham, up to twenty-three sites in Nha Trang, six sites in Phu Quoc, and a total of fourteen Diving Vietnam destinations in Whale Island. There is little doubt that you will experience diving excellence in one or more of the outstanding beautiful Diving Vietnam destinations that you can choose from when planning your very next diving getaway.

Diving Vietnam destinations are ideal for the neophyte, the intermediate, and the advanced diver. In fact, of the seven DV destinations in Con Dao Island, four are ideal for the novice: the Canada Reef and the Celtic Circuit as well as the Remoras Romance site and the Sask Wall. Intermediate divers are welcome at the Fish Highway Diving Vietnam, while advanced divers will find a challenging dive in the Groupers Grotto or the Hun Trung.

Obviously, Nha Trang supplies the most DV options, and of the twenty-three Diving Vietnam destinations around Nha Trang, eleven of them are perfect for the neophyte diver. Newbie divers often head to sites like the Mushroom Reef, the Rainbow Reef, the Tiger Wall, Uta Bay, Moray Beach, Mamahan Beach, Hot Mon East, the Hard Rock II Diving Vietnam destination or the Fisherman's Bay. The newbie diver can also hone their skills at Debbie's Beach or Dopey's Ear too. Intermediate divers get plenty of Diving Vietnam options in and around the beautiful waters surrounding Nha Trang in sites like Goat Rock, Hamburger Hill, Madonna Rock, Murrey's Beach, the Small Wall, the Range, and Whale Island. Surprisingly, Nha Trang only offers one select advance DV option, but the site is wonderfully challenging nonetheless. Advanced divers have come to love sites like the Electric Nose which has 45 foot deep waters accessible via boat with medium currents.

The DV sites in and around Hoi An, Cu Lao Cham have no sites catering the advanced diver, but neophyte and intermediate divers will fully enjoy the seventeen top notch Diving Vietnam experiences offered in this location. Sites include the Cat's Cove, Fishnet Follies, Harlequin Heaven, and Hong Giai South for the novice diver, as well as other novice diving destinations like Money Bay, Mr. Whipple, Ribbon Reef, Rough and Tumble, Signal Point, Temple Rock, and the Walkman Flats. Intermediate divers will want to check out the countless Diving Vietnam options as well including sites like the Undersea Island, Hon Ngang, Mui Lao, the Earlobe, and the Playpen too.

Like Hoi An, Cu Lao, the location of Whale Island does not have any kinds of advanced diver sites. Nevertheless, novice DV destinations and intermediate diving locations can prove quite appealing to all divers visiting Vietnam. Of the novice diving destinations that you can explore, you can check out popular diving sites like Bai Sui, Beach Shore Dive, Elin's Reef, Hon Ong, and Hon Tai, as well as sites like Mui Ganh, Napoleon Rock, Nudibrandchs House, Raoul's Reef, and Vem's Rock. Intermediate divers are often found flocking to Whale Island DV destinations such as Hon Lon, Hon Trau Nam, The Dry, and White Rock.

You may want to consider Phu Quoc DV destinations for your next getaway too. While there are seven sites to see and explore, novice and intermediate divers will have plenty of time to brush up on their diving skills in sites like Anemone Cove, Bat Island, and Dep Reef. Nail Cap, Nudibranch Gardens, and Turtle Island are also available for exploration and underwater fun!
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DiveTime.com offers the largest database of scuba diving sites on the net with over 10 000 dive sites available to users. With over 1000 scuba diving videos and over 5000 images adding to the experience.

A Brief History of Hoian, Vietnam

© Photographer: Goodolga | Agency: Dreamstime.com


By Dwight Zimpel

It's daybreak in the Ancient town of Hoian. The historic port is located in central Vietnam south of the modern port city of Danang. Many mornings have passed since the first foreign ships began to arrive in the late 1500s. Japanese traders began to sail to Hoian in the 1600s, when the Japanese Emperor starting granting permission allowing overseas trade. The Chinese traders began to settle in Hoian in the 1700s - their architectural influence is still scene today along the narrow streets of this picturesque town. The narrow houses built centuries ago influence the buildings erected today throughout Vietnam.

Hoian's earliest history is that of a Champa commercial settlement located about 40 kilometers from the Champa spiritual center of My Son - a popular tourist destination of today. The Japanese Bridge , also called Chua Cau (Pagoda Bridge) by the locals, is now one of the popular symbols of Hoian - everyone who's been there probably has a photo of the bridge. Ships from Portugal, Holland, Spain and even India. Known as Fai Fo in the early trading days, Hoian reached its glory days in the mid 17th Century. Traders soon moved their activities to the Danang area and even further up the coast towards China. By the beginning of the 20th Century,
Hoian was pretty much an footnote in the history of international trade.

Hoian's most important role during the 20th Century was that of being Quang Nam Province's military headquarters during the 1960s and70s. When Vietnam began to welcome foreign travelers in the 1990s, Hoian soon earned a reputation of being a destination for curious tourists. In 1999, UNESCO named Hoian a World Heritage Site based on the preservation of its foreign and domestic cultural influences - including 194 historical sites including 87 pagodas, temples and communal houses, 82 ancient tube-shaped houses, 24 community wells and the Japanese Bridge.

A modern morning in Hoian consists of locals tending to their household needs by shopping in the waterfront marketplace, getting shops and restaurants ready for travelers from all over the world, and tourists deciding whether to explore the streets of Hoian, catch a tour to Danang, Marble Mountain, China Beach or the My Son Ruins.

Hoian is a "must see" for any traveler visiting Vietnam.

Dwight Zimpel, Your Vietnam Tour Guide, is a Vietnam Veteran and has made 7 recent trips to Vietnam. He has lived in the Middle East and traveled the world for the past 20 years. Your Vietnam Tour Guide

Read more great articles from Hoi An or read our short guide Sleep - Eat - See Hoi An

Selling Photos - Can Anyone Do It?

© Photographer: Duckingforks | Agency:Dreamstime.com


I sell photo's online!

When people hear this, they commonly ask me the following questions "So, you're a professional?" or " then you must have one of those big, expensive SLR camera things?"

And the truth is that the answer to both questions is No!

Although I do use a SLR, it's an older model Canon brought about 5 years ago, but often I use a Olympus point and shoot camera! So if that's the case, how can I sell photo's online?

Fairly simple really, I signed up and had a go! Most people tend to think to much and "believe" that selling photos is only for a chosen few. When in fact it's easy, simple and most often free. At the moment I belong to two websites (follow the links to see my portfolios):

Dreamstime.com - Stock photography site selling digital images
Redbubble.com - You can sell photo's as prints, cards, framed prints, calendar etc.

Both these websites, as you can see, offer different products, but they are both open to the public and free to join. And you don't believe me, try going to either site and searching the word "Travel" - a lot of these images you could take on your holiday!

Now it's time to stop thinking! Here is a quick guide to selling photo's!

1. Take Photos!

Simple as it gets, if you want to sell photo's, take hundreds and thousands and then pick you best and only your best to submit online. Walk the streets, carry your camera everywhere you go and be ready for that amazing shot!

Remember, the best images could come from your backyard, down the street, at the park, beach, local church, party, zoo, parade etc.

2. Pick and Fine Tune

Once you have selection of images, download them and check them out on photoshop (or something similar). Make adjustments to color, tones, maybe crop a bit here or there. While it's preferable to take the best image possible with the camera, these little touches on the computer can really liven up your images.

3. Upload

Join a site like DreamsTime.com or Redbubble and upload your images. For dreamstime.com you have to wait for your images to be reviewed, however on redbubble.com images appear live immediately. Always add keywords and titles, this helps people find your images. Uploading takes time so set a daily/weekly target and get stuck in to it!

4. Promote, Promote, Promote

While all the sites are great, it's important to promote yourself. Use emails, blogs, websites, business cards etc to promote your photography. Join in on forums to spread the word and also gain useful information about the websites and photography.

5. Repeat

Keep going, keep photographing and keep uploading. Just remember, don't do it for money, do it for the fun and you may just find you make a few dollars!

6. Enjoy

In a nutshell they are the simple steps to selling photos. Now you can enjoy the feeling of buyers snapping up your work to display on their website or to hang on their walls.

Stock photography won't make you a millionaire, but since most people have a good quality digital camera these days, it's possible for anyone to sell. It's a great buzz to sell YOUR photos sell.

But just remember this - you don't have to have been trained nor be a professional to sell photo's, you just have to have a go!

Friday Photo - Khmer Smile - Cambodia

Young Khmer girl traveling with her family in western Cambodia.

Image By Adam Hurley.

See more at:

• Images From Vietnam and Cambodia
• 2010 Calendars (Photography From Vietnam and Cambodia)
• Cards, Prints and Framed Prints By Adam Hurley
  

2010 Calendars - "People Of Vietnam And Cambodia" and "Vietnam and Cambodia"

Today it's official!
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The 2010 Calendars have been released!

• " People Of Vietnam and Cambodia" 
• "Vietnam and Cambodia"
  

That's right folks they're a perfect Xmas gift for friends and family, great for the home or office, heck they would look good hanging on the back of the toilet door for all to see.

And at only $23.75, you might as well get both! 

Look right for a little sample or click on the images to view images for each month!

All purchases/transactions are carried out securely  through Redbubble.com using Mastercard/Visa or Paypal.

Here's the calendar detail!

RedBubble.com calendars are printed on an HP Indigo 5000 (for those who haven’t heard, this is the digital press). Each page is a satin-coated prints on 170gsm high quality art paper. The cover shows your choice of image on heavier 300gsm paper. Your calendars have a hanger and white wire binding.

RedBubble calendars are satin-coated prints on high quality art paper. They’re A3 size (that’s 297x420mm, or 11.69x16.54") Order now for the holidays!

Three to a Motor Bike! Cambodia

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Cruising in Cambodia! 
Helmets and shoes optional! 
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See more images at vietnamandcambodiaimages.blogspot.com

Enjoy These Ten Places in Vietnam

By Jonathan Williams

Vietnam is a country that is situated in the Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China and Laos and Cambodia. Where it was once a country ravaged by war, now, Vietnam has opened its doors to tourists that it is now fast becoming a go-to place in Asia, and here are ten places that one should visit and see in Vietnam.

1.) Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

This mausoleum is located in Hanoi, and this is where the great Ho Chi Minh is entombed. It is very strict here, so one should follow the rules of no talking or loud noises and no photo taking once inside the mausoleum. If you want to visit the mausoleum, do not go there in short pants as you will not be allowed to enter.

2.) Ho Chi Minh Museum

If you found the solemnity in the mausoleum too stifling, then the museum can take some of that feeling away. Here, you will get to see photos and old letters during the time of Ho Chi Minh. Just do not mind some of the gruesome pictures of the war though.

3.) Ho Chi Minh's Vestige

After the museum, you can visit Ho Chi Minh's vestige. This is where the great man lived and worked. You will also get to see here the houses where he lived in, which are always kept clean as the day he died.

4.) One-Pillar Pagoda

This is a short walk from the mausoleum and the museum of Ho Chi Minh. It is also one of the must-see destinations in Vietnam. Watch out though as the grounds can be crowded with a lot of tourists at one time.

5.) Hoan Kiem Lake

This is a relaxing place to be if you want a quiet time alone. In this park, you can have a leisurely stroll with your loved one. You can also visit the Ngoc Son Temple in this park, which is a good source for Vietnamese history and culture, among which is the story of the giant turtle that is said to inhabit the lake.

6.) Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

This is a nice way to spend the day with your family. The theatre tells of Vietnamese history and legends through the use of wooden figures representing men and women and the ever-present dragons. The story is told through music and the puppets dancing.

7.) Floating Markets of Can Tho

For a completely unique experience, you should visit the floating markets of Can Tho. You can also take a tour of the area by renting a boat. Some of the floating markets are Cai Rang (sells wholesales mainly), Phong Dien (for retails), Phung Hiep and Tra On.

8.) Ho Xuan Huong

If you want to go boat riding, then you should visit Ho Xuan Huong, which is also called Xuan Huong Lake. This is located in Dalat and is a favorite among tourists who want to get some peace and quite. This is also a favorite spot of honeymooners as they stroll hand in hand along the banks of the lake.

9.) Thung Lung Tinh Yeu

This place is called the Valley of Love and is also popular among honeymooners. This is a
wonderful place if you enjoy canyoning. If you have canyoning in mind, then this is the place for you as they have canyoning operators as well who will guide you on your trip.

10.) Ho Chi Minh City

This was popularly known as Saigon. Here, you will get to see a lot of fascinating places such as the Reunification Palace of the Independence Palace. There is also the War Remnants Museum as well as the Museum of Vietnamese History if you want to know more about the history and culture of Vietnam.
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Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/vietnam to view or share Vietnam travel videos.

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See more images at - vietnamandcambodiaimages.blogspot.com

Digging ya hat..............!

When we travel, taking photos allows us to remember the good, the bad and the funny! 

Check out this dude in the middle..............his hat actually! 

I'm sure the fashion police won't be happy him!
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Image From Asianimages-adammartin.com

Travel in the Monsoon Season - Cambodia

By Dan Haneveer

Many people plan their travels to avoid the Monsoon seasons, the very word conjures up images of constant deluge and rained out travel plans. However the weather in monsoon regions is generally more predictable that in temperate climates, rains most often come late in the day and last a couple of hours.

In many areas the arrival of the monsoon is celebrated, without it life would be extremely difficult. In India there are festivals held with the first rains and some lucky locals collect their winnings from bets placed on the arrival of the rain.

For photographers the monsoon season provides dramatic skies, lush new flora and revived waterways, including waterfalls. There is also some natural phenomenon that can''t be seen at any other time of the year, such as the reversal of the river flow in the Tonle Sap in Cambodia.

There are many good reasons to travel during the monsoon season, it is considered the off season and there are less tourists, it is greener, cheaper and even if you find yourself somewhere particularly wet there is always a drier place you can move on to. Many people actually consider this time of the year the best for travel.

Remember that India is a country of a billion people and has the strongest monsoon season of all, yet the people continue to live happy lives despite the rain and in many ways with thanks to it and seeing your first monsoon storm is actually a pretty cool experience.
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Dan Haneveer is an experienced traveler and enjoys traveling to less developed countries where the people see life and the world differently. Learn more about the Asian Monsoon Season at http://voyagner.com/travel-in-the-monsoon-season/

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Image By Adam Hurley

Cambodia - Visiting and Touring

By Sebastian Harley

Cambodia is best described as having a bad string of luck except their luck has been at work for almost a half-millennium. The country is still poor with many of its citizens living on less than $1US a day and even simple amenities can seem spotty in most areas. But Cambodia has been working hard to increase its popularity among the tourist industry and it's really starting to show. Siem Reap is one of the fastest growing cities and now even sports luxury hotels, an airport, great nightlife, and other attractive things.

Cambodia's economy has only recently become stable and depends heavily on two sources. Those sources are textiles and tourism. While the language of the country is known as Khmer, most of the young speakers prefer to learn English, making it fairly easy to communicate in large urban areas. When you are shopping in Cambodia, it's important to understand that Cambodians aren't the hagglers like their Vietnamese neighbors are. Be respectful since most aren't going to high ball the price to get you to haggle over it unless you are in a major tourist hub.

Also, your US dollars will be pretty universally accepted so it's not absolutely necessary to exchange your currency unless you want to.

One of the popular things to do in Cambodia is to travel Tonle Sap. This is the large lake that you often see in the middle of the map and is a main way of transportation around the country. It can be a long boat ride depending on where you're going but the views of the shore and you'll get to see local life around the shoreline. Other popular destinations include the city of Kompon Luong, a popular town that is completely afloat in the Tonle Sap.

There are many ancient ruins and beaches that tourists the world over have had the opportunity to enjoy. Spread across Cambodia's geography are great national parks like the Bokor National Park and Angkor Archeological Park. Another popular temple is the Preah Vihear which actually pre-dates Angkor. If you enjoy birds, consider paying a visit to Prek Toal Biosphere Reserve which is considered to be Southeast Asia's premiere bird sanctuary. Cambodia has a lot to offer the thrifty traveler who wants to see Southeast Asia but doesn't want to spend a fortune doing it. The ruins and beaches are second to none and the major cities continue to accommodate tourists. I have visited Angkor four times and will be going back again I hope this give you an idea how interesting the place is.
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Sebastian has been traveling around South East Asia for some time and has put together a number of articles on the subject. If your interested in Cambodia then visit http://www.cambodiacares.com

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Image From vietnamandcambodiaimages.blogspot.com

Indochina Tours of Cambodia and Vietnam

By Darshi Chohan 

Ho Chi Minh City

An example twelve day tour of Indochina is one that explores the colours, sights and aromas of Cambodia and Vietnam, travelling through the Mekong Delta. Beginning in Ho Chi Minh City, the capital of Vietnam (formerly called Saigon), you will get a taste of the vibrant national culture around the landmarks of the Old Post Office building and the Reunification Palace in the bustling city centre. The Vietnamese homage to Notre Dame is one of many examples of the French colonial influences you will see. Many Indochina tours also provide an introduction to the native cuisine in the city with a special demonstration by a local chef.

Chu Chi Tunnels

On a typical itinerary, after Ho Chi Minh City, you will head towards Chu Chi. The Chu Chi Tunnels are a remarkable and unusual attraction for holidays in Indochina. Tourists have the chance to explore a portion of the seventy five miles of underground rat runs that the Viet Cong constructed during the war that spread beyond Vietnam's borders across Indochina. Tours of the tunnels will comprise an education in guerrilla warfare and an insight into life underground, including getting acquainted with booby traps, squirming through narrow tunnels, and planning strategies in the command centre.

Phnom Penh

A visit to the Sam Mountain in southern Vietnam is next, followed by the bright lights and decorative architecture of Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital city. Art deco French buildings share the city with Khmer architecture in a vibrant urban atmosphere that you will enjoy exploring on your Indochina holidays. You will certainly want to visit the Royal Palace, a gem of Indochina.
Touring the beautiful gardens as you move between the buildings, you will see the pavilions, throne hall, and the Silver pagoda, each with their graceful pillars, complex roofs and sharp pointed spires.

The Angkor Ruins

In Siem Reap you will get a further sense of the mix of French and Eastern cultures, before journeying into the jungle to witness the wonderful Angkor region. Angkor is a UNESCO listed area of Cambodia that contains some of the most historically valuable sites in Indochina. Tours of the ruins will let you explore the moss-covered stone temples and the statues and icons of Angkor Thom. The temples in the Angkor region resemble the setting for an Indiana Jones film; where the jungle has reclaimed the ruins, the roots of trees have grown through the buildings and become part of their structure. The better preserved temples have conical towers and long stone hallways for you to see on your Indochina holidays, and get a sense of what it could have been like to worship there ten centuries ago. In the Banteay Srei temple, you will see ornate and detailed stone carvings that are more than a thousand years old.
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Darshi Chohan is a holiday expert for Tropical Locations, a specialist operator providing Indochina tours and luxury holidays to other destinations in the Far East, Indian Ocean, Arabia and India. Tropical Locations has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants ready to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book your ideal holiday.

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Images From vietnamandcambodiaimages.blogspot.com

Traffic in Phnom Penh Cambodia?

By Fred Tittle

Traffic in Phnom Penh may look like an accident waiting to happen, but step outside the law and it will cost you a lot of time and money.

Anyone who has been on Cambodian streets on two, three or four wheels knows it's a free-for-all affair. There are city ordinances that seem only to be enforced when the boys in blue are near enough to evaluate the worth of stopping a violator. And like it or not, the foreigner is viewed through lenses embossed with a dollar sign and he/she will often be stopped for what seems to be the most mundane of reasons.

Just the other week my wife was stopped car for having "a dirty vehicle". Technically there is no law against having a dirty vehicle, as you can probably gather from some trucks that are so covered in provincial red dirt or general grime that it is impossible to identify the original colour. Needless to say she handed over the demanded $5 fine, largely because our daughter was in the vehicle and it wasn't worth fighting it out in the midday heat.

En passant so to speak. Drivers who are stopped by the police and want to persuade them to obey Cambodian law, point out that no traffic fine for a car or pickup truck can exceed 10,000 riel, which is about $2.50. As for motorcycles, it is a manageable 5,000 riel for major violations and 2,000 riel for crimes such as running a red light. If more than those sums are demanded, it's up to you to argue or pay up.

Despite the current chaos and horror stories, though, there are traffic laws here. A full set of rules was passed by parliament in December 2006 and they are very slowly being enforced.

Strangely for Cambodia, unnecessary noise is included in the ordinances as the use of your horn is allowed only at daytime in order to inform road users of a traffic accident.

Vehicles 49cc and up need proof of a licenced driver, registration and inspection. There are five licence grades: A1 for motorcycles 49cc-125cc, A2 for motorcycles over 125cc and vehicles with trailers, B for vehicles transporting less than 10 passengers, hauling goods less than 3.5 tons and/or towing less than .75 tons. B licence holders can also drive the same vehicles as A1 holders but not the same as A2 holders. Nobody can answer, however, how to get a licence that allows you to drive cars and big bikes.

Motorcycles must have rear-view mirrors and drivers must wear a safety helmet.

When a traffic light is yellow it is a sign to prepare to stop or go forward. Driving is prohibited if the driver has from .5mg of alcohol per litre of gas or from .25mg per litre of blood. Hence, the reason to drive a big SUV? Maximum speeds for vehicles in town are 30kph for all motorcycles and tricycles, 40kph for all cars. Outside town the top speed for all vehicles is 90kph. On motorways (national roads), in town the max is 60kph, 100kph out of town.

If you open a car door and cause an accident, you are to blame and all traffic accidents are "under the competency of the traffic police". After an accident, everyone involved must stop and report it to the traffic police.

If there are no injuries, the parties involved can settle or ask for intervention from the police. If there are injuries or deaths you must help get the victims to a nearby hospital, not tamper with evidence and wait until the police arrive. Police officers are authorised to impound your vehicle as well as impose fines or confiscate your licence for petty offences. If you find yourself in such a situation, stay calm and resign yourself to the fact it will take time to resolve. Bringing in copies of the legal code, along with as many people as you can muster, to the police station will help. Cash is, of course, faster.
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Traveling to Cambodia? The Cambodia Pocket Guide is allways free! Get free copies everywhere in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat and Sihanoukville.

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For online Cambodia travel hotels flights and nightlife. http://www.cambodiapocketguide.com/

Looking for Cheap Flights? http://www.cheapcharlieshotels.com/

Friday Photo - HCMC, Vietnam

When next door, means next door!

Houses in District 3, HCMC, Vietnam

See more great images at vietnamandcambodiaimages.blogspot.com

The Christina Noble Children’s Foundation

Ciara in Cambodia during the CNCF Charity Ride

 

Last year, I had the pleasure of leading a Charity Bicycle Tour is which riders raised money that was donated to the The Christina Noble Children’s Foundation (CNCF) in Vietnam.
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Riders cycled several hundred km's from Saigon to Siem Reap. It was a fantastic trip, with fantastic people!
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One of the riders, Ciara, was at the time working at CNCF in HCMC as a volunteer and Physio. Now back home in Ireland, Ciara is planning to run not one, but two half marathons in an effort to raise much need funds for CNCF in Vietnam and Mongolia. The Half Marathon's are at Phoenix Park on Sept 26th and the Dublin Marathon on October 26th.
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To find out all the details and how you can donate and help Ciara, head over to http://www.mycharity.ie/event/ciara_shouldice_cncf/.

Ciara did a great riding riding in Vietnam and Cambodia and I have no doubt she will blitz the marathons....!!!

Good luck Ciara!

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More Info: 
 

Donate - http://www.mycharity.ie/event/ciara_shouldice_cncf/

CNCF Website - http://www.cncf.org/en/home/index.php

Vietnam Swans + AFL Grand Final = Parties In HCMC and Hanoi!

More details about both parties can be found at the Vietnam Swans Blogs  

Click on the images for a larger view.

Be There or Be Square...............

Trekking Sapa, Vietnam

© Photographer: Ferdericb | Agency: Dreamstime.com

By Dwight Zimpel

Travelers do not stumble upon Sapa, Vietnam. They travel there to see the awesome scenery and get a glimpse of the mountain communities in the area.

Most travelers catch night train in Hanoi and arrive in Sapa in the early morning. There are several departure times for night trains - try to catch the earliest. Watch for "phony porters" who will try to help you with your luggage and then try to extort $2 per bag for helping you. Avoid the whole scene by carrying your own bag to the train and keep your ticket in hand until you arrive at your assigned car. There will be a conductor at the car to take your ticket. Guard your ticket closely - you will need it when you arrive in Sapa.

Upon arrival in Sapa you will be offered a ride "up the mountain" by bus or taxi - unless you've made a reservation. Hang back and watch what kind of deal others are negotiating with drivers. Beware - there are "touts" that act a "middle men". They get a % of the fare - the more you pay the more they get.

The trip to Sapa will take 1.5 to 2 hours. Hotels - you can make a reservation, consult a travel guide (online or book) for recommendations, or wait to see where the bus stops. Check with fellow travelers on the bus, some one may have been there before and has a good hotel in mind.

Or - you can ride to the end of the line. The bus will terminate at a hotel. Grab your gear, find a restaurant and have breakfast. This will give you time to survey the situation. Maybe talk to someone who is wearing a day/fanny pack (most people don't carry all their gear with them when they are looking at the scenery) and find our if they're at a "good" hotel.

Some people bypass Sapa and head for the mountain villages. You might check with a local tour agencies and see if you want to arrange a home stay tour for a night or two. This isn't recommended because Sapa has a lot to offer on its own.

Before agreeing to a tour or guide services be sure to check the weather forecast and road conditions in the area you want to visit. Severe rain storms and landslides across roads are not uncommon around Sapa. If you're traveling on to Dien Bien Phu be sure the roads are up to your standards.

Arrange to go to one of the local villages to see what life is like for the mountain tribes (known locally as "ethnic minorities"). It's much different than that of ethnic Vietnamese. Take a trek through the terraced rice fields and the surrounding mountains. Have a plan to stop for lunch or take it with you.

You will have a lot of chances to meet members of the mountain tribes as they work in the fields or in their villages.

Home stays are very popular and offer more exposure to the mountain way of life. Their style of living is unique and well worth experiencing. Evenings are spent watching traditional ethnic music performances and village life. Celebrating has been known to get out of hand when local liquor is consumed. Early morning life involves preparing breakfast, feeding animals, housekeeping and working in the family garden.

Check the amenities when arranging a home stay. Be sure of the sleeping accommodations.
Most home stays offer beds with clean sheets, pillows, mosquito nets and western style toilets.

Some home stays (and other tours) offer opportunities to do some serious trekking from one village to another. Some treks can be fairly remote. People are pleasant but be sure to be respect local customs of the people here and ask permission to take photographs.

Before you leave Sapa consider visiting the local market, the garden around Sapa Lake and the cathedral. If you stay in Sapa for most of your visit these attractions are within walking distance, as is Cat Cat Village in the valley below.

Most travelers return to Lao Cai to catch the return night train to Hanoi. The railroad station is rather austere, but there are nearby attractions. There are several restaurants and Internet cafes close by.

You will arrive early enough back in Hanoi to allow for a full day in Hanoi or depart for a trip to Halong Bay.
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Dwight Zimpel, Your Vietnam Tour Guide, is a Vietnam Veteran and has made 7 recent trips to Vietnam. He has lived in the Middle East and traveled the world for the past 20 years. Your Vietnam Tour Guide