Highlights of Vietnam Part 1

29 Apr Highlights of Vietnam Part 1

Posted at 15:03h in Alistairstravel by
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This trip was enjoyed together with one of Maggie’s daughters, Kristy, her husband Kennedy, her daughter Kimberley, plus two of Kennedy’s nephews, Steward and Kevin.

Day 1. Saturday 28th March 2026

Our flight from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City was included in our tour package. Having landed in Ho Chi around 6pm we were met by our tour guide Hang, for a bus transfer to our hotel, the Muong Thanh Luxury.

Aerial view of a vibrant urban landscape featuring a traditional pagoda with red-tiled roofs surrounded by modern buildings and greenery.
View of Ho Chi Min City from our hotel room

Day 2. Sunday 29th March 2026

The Cu Chi Tunnels

What we call the “Vietnam War”, The Vietnamese call the “American War”. And during the American War (in which Australia participated), the Vietcong built networks of tunnels to elude the enemy, move supplies through without detection, congregate and live. For more information about the tunnels please click on this link https://www.cuchitunnels.org

A diorama depicting a jungle scene with vibrant greenery, a river, and a fiery sky above. The lower part features a cross-section showing underground structures with figures, stairs, and various rooms.
Illustration of Tunnels built by the Vietcong

A group of tourists observes a demonstration at a historical site, with one person emerging from a hidden entrance covered in leaves.
A tourist lifting the lid from inside one of the small tunnel entry/exits

A group of tourists observing life-like soldier mannequins in a forest setting; one person kneels near the mannequins while others stand in the background.
An example of a Vietcong meeting place with open sides and thatched roof – Kevin, Kennedy and Kimberley joining in

A moss-covered rock formation surrounded by forest soil and fallen leaves, with two people standing nearby.
A fake termite mound to disguise ventilation shafts

A crowded room with diverse groups of people, some observing and others participating in a demonstration. The setting appears educational, with individuals wearing casual clothing and displaying interest in the activities taking place.
Another style of Vietcong meeting place

A woman sitting in a rustic setting, holding a red tool, with a woven mat and bowls of ingredients nearby.
A demonstration – making and drying rice paper

A man smiling and making a peace sign while peering out from a small opening in a stone structure, accompanied by a child in a red shirt and shorts.
Kennedy emerging from a deep tunnel

A view of an ancient burial chamber with a rectangular entrance, featuring rough stone walls and a dark interior.
Another tunnel entry/exit

A person climbing out of a stone pit or cave, wearing headphones and holding a water bottle, smiling while looking up.
Steward exiting one of the longer tunnels available to tourists

A woman in a blue shirt standing and speaking, with two mannequins dressed in camouflage attire beside her in a wooded setting.
Our Guide Hang, explaining the Vietcong uniforms, made from stolen American uniforms

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The Handicap Workshop for People suffering the effects of exposure to ‘Agent Orange’

Collection of colorful artworks displayed on a wall, featuring various themes including a serene boat scene, a large Buddha face, and people in traditional attire.
Examples of the artwork created in this workshop

A woman in a green dress is speaking to a group while holding up a painted sign featuring figures in traditional attire, set in a market environment.
The Representative of this workshop explains how the artworks are created

A craftsman wearing a green shirt is working on assembling pieces of material on a black surface, surrounded by small strips of paper and decorative bottles.

An older person wearing a green shirt working on a crafting project, using a tool to shape a piece of material on a workbench. Shavings and small pieces of material are scattered on the table.

A vibrant display of decorative items on a table, featuring a colorful vase, artistic plates, and small figurines, with painted artworks hanging on the walls in the background.

A man in a green shirt works at a table in a workshop, surrounded by various art pieces and tools, with lighting overhead and a view into an outdoor area.

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Lunch at Ben Nghe Street food area and a walk through the City Centre

A bustling outdoor dining area with people sitting at wooden tables under green canopies. A large mural featuring a woman's face is visible in the background, and trees can be seen outside the establishment, creating a lively atmosphere.
Street frontage for Ben Nghe Street Food sellers

A vibrant indoor dining area filled with people, featuring an artistic mural on the walls and hanging glass light fixtures.
Inside area for street food – Kristy and Maggie looking for a table

A row of brightly colored electric scooters parked on a concrete surface, with a street and vehicles visible in the background.
Electric Scooters for hire

A worker in an orange uniform riding a blue motorcycle with a trash cart attached, passing by a wall covered with colorful murals and a QR code.
Towing a garbage bin

Exterior view of a historic building under renovation, surrounded by scaffolding, with a mural displayed on the construction wall. Motorbikes pass by on a tree-lined street.
Notra Dame Cathedral under repair

Interior view of a busy market hall with a high arched ceiling, featuring green and yellow accents and a large portrait of a historical figure. The space is filled with various food stalls and a diverse crowd of people.
The interior of the Central Post office built during the French colonisation period in early 1900’s

Busy urban street scene with people walking and interacting, featuring a large modern building in the background and a round structure nearby.
Outside the Post Office

Facade of the Hotel Continental Saigon featuring large gold lettering, with display windows for shops and neatly trimmed hedges in planters.

View of a historic building with ornate architecture, featuring two statues at the entrance and two people walking in front. A black car is partially visible in the foreground, and modern buildings are seen in the background under a clear blue sky.
The Opera House completed in 1909

A view of the City Hall in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, featuring a statue in front and a clear blue sky.
The Peoples Committee Building (City Hall)

This hall was designed by Paul Gardès, a renowned French architect and constructed in 1898. Initially it was the headquarters of the Saigon City Council. After Reunification Day on April 30, 1975, it became the People’s Committee Building.

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Day 3. Monday 30th March 2026

Our flight to Da Nang from Ho Chi Minh City was also included in the tour package.

This ends Part 1 of our Vietnam Highlights Trip. Please stay tuned for Part 2

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3 Comments
  • Rob
    Posted at 15:53h, 29 April Reply

    Great photos. Looks like a great trip

    • Alistair Dewar Photography
      Posted at 16:02h, 29 April Reply

      ‘Twas a very enjoyable trip, thanks ROB

  • Gregory J Flint
    Posted at 18:44h, 29 April Reply

    As usual, great travel log, Alistair! Very interesting photos and brought back memories of our trip to
    Ho Chi Minh city. Cheers, Greg and Karin.

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