I’ve traveled to many countries that have been virtually destroyed in wars and walked on grounds where fierce battles have been fought. With the exception of Africa where I saw buildings still riddled with bullet holes, it is often hard for me to imagine what war was like. Before crossing the boarder into Vietnam, I couldn’t help but to wonder if I would be treated differently because of my American passport. Although I would not consider Vietnam the most welcoming country I have visited, I never once felt a sense of hostility towards me or that I was being treated any poorer than your average scruffy backpacker. The general sense of indifference that greeted me was refreshing and it was wonderful to be reminded of the war, in museums and memorials, but to also make positive memories and experiences about this country that has so much to offer.
After leaving the cool, serene hills of Dalat I headed back to the steamy coast and stopped in the small town of Hoi An, which had a sublime beach dotted with palm trees and it was easy falling into pace with the mellow old town ambiance. The colorful buildings are swarming with tailors and seamstresses that will make anything and everything for you at a ridiculously low cost. I was ecstatic at the thought of having a dress handmade for me and what should have been a fun experience turned out disastrous! A pounding headache and four alterations later I ended up with a very risky looking number that is buried in my closet and will most likely never see the light of day again.
From Hoi An, I traveled to the Marble Mountains and crawled on my stomach through caves that led to buried temples and stunning views of the infamous China Beach. Then I went on a spectacular boat ride up the Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc. I loved all the limestone mountains that jutted out of the river and (of course) making photos of the people working the rice paddies doing my best to capture the sun glistening off of the water.
Last stop on this leg of the journey was Hanoi, another busy, stinky city but also the gateway to my favorite part of Vietnam… Sapa next week.
