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Magic Marble Mountain Vietnam

July 24, 2015 by David Herd

Marble Mountain Vietnam

Marble Mountain Vietnam

 Marble Mountain Vietnam where the statues are hand carved by certified and regulated stone mason artists. These artist begin a lifelong apprenticeship from a very young age and spend their life learning the trade.

 Huge statue

Marble Mountain Vietnam

 Mined from the famous Marble Mountain, in Vietnam, the premium marble offers quality and colours that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Plus the skill of the Vietnamese ensures a wonderful product.


 

Many beautiful statues

Marble Mountain Vietnam

I had to stop myself from sending a whole container home. TripAdvisor rate Marble Mountain 2nd out of 97 things to do in Danang.

Marble Mountain Vietnam

Marble Mountain Vietnam

 The stone carving village of Dong Hai, located next to the Marble Mountains in Vietnam is famous for traditional stone engraving and stone-cutting craft.

 

A Vietnamese Venus de Milo

Marble Mountain Vietnam

The statues here are rather extraordinary, all shapes and sizes. 

Bangkok to Danang

Marble Mountain Vietnam

There are about seven low cost flights per week from Bangkok to Danang, it only takes around 90 minutes.

Tiger on the prowl

Marble Mountain Vietnam

This guy is a rather mean looking beast. It reminds me of a funny story of my brush with a tiger in Chiang Mai, check out THIS LINK for the full story.

David Herd at Marble Mountain

Marble Mountain Vietnam

Thanks for visiting my Marble Mountain Vietnam post, please have a look at some more posts if you have the time. For great hotel rates simply use this link.    

         Hoi An, midway between Hanoi & HCMC, fly into Danang take a taxi south, on the way make sure you visit Marble mountain.

 

               

                      Here are some more posts to check out 

         Sydney                               Paris                                   Bangkok           
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          Tokyo                        Rio De Janeiro                        Budapest
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           London                            Beijing                            Capetown
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            Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you            
 book through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                                                 Plus free cancellation .
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Slide show here.

Pattaya live webcam
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck


  • Lyme Regis Jurassic coast

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

July 24, 2015 by David Herd

White sand & a bright blue ocean

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

 Beautiful China Beach Vietnam is in Da Nang, a port city along the coast of the South China Sea. While there is not a great deal in the city in terms of restaurants and bars at the moment, Da Nang has been targeted for massive investment by both the government and private companies alike, and is tipped to be a major destination for both tourism and commerce.

Beach Vendors

Beautiful China Beach VietnamAlthough I was last there in 2003 I’m sure nothing has changed with the persistent beach vendors. They do not like taking no for an answer and there is really no escape from them.


Everything is for sale

Beautiful China Beach VietnamJohn Martin aka Pothole examining the merchandise.

 

Two Americans

Beautiful China Beach VietnamWe met two nice Americans on the beach and had lunch together washed down with some cold beers. Notice my Lee Child novel close by. 🙂

For a great hotel rate just book through THIS LINK.

Shelter from the sun.

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

 In more recent history, Danang is best-known for its role in the American Vietnam War. The Danang Airbase was a major American airbase, used both by the Americans and the South Vietnamese. Nearby China Beach, named after its beautiful china-white sand, was home to the 510th Evacuation Hospital, where wounded American soldiers would come to recover. China Beach itself was an American in-country R&R spot, nicknamed the “Five and Dime”. The Vietcong, meanwhile, had their own hospital surprisingly close by in the caves of the Marble Mountains.

 Beautiful Vietnamese face

Beautiful China Beach VietnamMy travelling partner John Martin aka “Pothole” was a bit of a lunatic, he is an excellent reason for travelling alone. 🙂

I forget what the young girl was selling however I just had to capture that beautiful face.

Marble Mountain

Beautiful China Beach VietnamIf you find yourself travelling from Da nang to Hoi An make sure you visit Marble Mountain.

China Beach Vietnam

Beautiful China Beach VietnamChina Beach Vietnam is a great place to relax however I would suggest you stay at Hoi An which is only 45 minutes away by taxi.

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

 


Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

 Who needs people when you have beautiful white sand & a bright blue ocean. 🙂

David Herd at China beach.

Beautiful China Beach Vietnam

Thanks for visiting my Beautiful China Beach Vietnam travel page, one of my favorite places in Vietnam, however the image that sticks in my mind most of all are the beautiful faces of the people and their children in this amazing country. Have a look at some of my other Vietnam posts.

For a great hotel rate in China Beach just book through THIS LINK.

                    Here are some more posts to check out 

         Sydney                               Paris                                   Bangkok           
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          Tokyo                        Rio De Janeiro                        Budapest
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           London                            Beijing                            Capetown
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            Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you            
                book through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                                                 Plus free cancellation .
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Slide show here.

Pattaya live webcam
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

                            

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Road Trip Nha Trang

May 25, 2015 by David Herd

Leaving HCMC

Road Trip Nha Trang

Road Trip Nha Trang

Road Trip Nha Trang via Dalat by mini bus with a one night stopover in Dalat. We travelled through some very interesting countryside stopping often for food and drinks.

Riding to school

Road Trip Nha Trang

 Young girl wearing the traditional ao dai. The name “ao dai” was originally applied to the outfit worn at the court of the Nguyễn Lords at Huế in the 18th century.

A tip for the boys

Road Trip Nha TrangI gave these boys a tip which made them very happy indeed.

 

Another happy face in Vietnam.

Road Trip Nha Trang

So many happy faces in Vietnam.

Beautiful country heading north

Road Trip Nha TrangRice terraces from the highway.

Village on the river

Road Trip Nha Trang

A whole town sits on the water.

What more could you want?

Road Trip Nha Trang

Vietnam’s version of waterfront homes.

HCMC Nha Trang Dalat Vietnam

Road Trip Nha Trang

  Compare the above and below photo and see if you can spot the difference.  

Looks the same doesn’t it?

Road Trip Nha Trang

  Of course you picked it, the mother is rocking the baby. 🙂 🙂 🙂  

Paddling by foot

Road Trip Nha Trang via Dalat

That’s a new technique.

Dalat market

Road Trip Nha Trang

Night market in Dalat.

Fresh fish at Dalat

Road Trip Nha Trang

     Đà Lạt, the capital of Lâm Đồng Province in southern Vietnam’s Central Highlands, is centred around a lake and golf course, and surrounded by hills, pine forests, lakes and waterfalls. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its distinctive temperate climate, Đà Lạt was developed as a resort by the French in the early 1900s, and many reminders of its colonial heritage remain.

Off to training

Road Trip Nha Trang via Dalat

    The kids are looking good in their karate outfits.

Lovely smile in Dalat

Road Trip Nha Trang

    So many smiling faces in this great country.

HCMC Nha Trang

Road Trip Nha Trang

Thanks for visiting my HCMC Nha Trang Dalat Vietnam post, this is really a worthwhile adventure if you want to see life in the countryside, this was 2003, check out some more recent Vietnam posts below.                       

                   Here are some more posts to check out 

         Sydney                               Paris                                   Bangkok           
 497d0b6e-c0bd-4ba2-86be-c02100f050a8        65470622-d17a-4b90-bf97-2574df4c412d        1a2160c1-41f7-465a-954c-631e083eb229
          Tokyo                        Rio De Janeiro                        Budapest
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           London                            Beijing                            Capetown
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            Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you            
             book through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                                                 Plus free cancellation .
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Slide show here.

 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

May 24, 2015 by David Herd

Japanese Covered Bridge

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Ancient Town Vietnam Central Coast is Hoi-An featuring wonderful French colonial buildings including this beautiful Japanese covered bridge which dates back to the 18th century. Probably the most photographed place in Hoi-An.

Crossing the bridge

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

I’m not sure what the ladies are selling.

For a great hotel rate just book through THIS LINK.

This is my favourite photo.

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

The culture & heritage is mostly from the Cham people whose kingdom originally stretched from Hue South to Phan Thiet (South of Nha Trang) – the Champa’s most likely originally from Java. The original Cham political capital was Tra Kieu, the commercial capital was Hoi An and the spiritual capital was My Son (Hindu). The Cham people were Hindu, and by the 10th century the influence of Arab traders to Hoi An resulted in some converting to become Muslims.

The second major influence was from the Chinese, firstly from traders but especially the escaping Ming Dynasty armies who after settling in Hoi An for some years moved further south and created Saigon as a major trading port.

Beautiful faces

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Hoi An is midway between Hanoi & HCMC, you can fly into Danang then take a taxi south, on the way make sure you visit Marble mountain where you can watch beautiful statues being made and perhaps even order one to be shipped home.

 

Here I am at Marble Mountain just north of Hoi-An.

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Marble Mountain Vietnam where the statues are hand carved by certified and regulated stone mason artists. These artist begin a lifelong apprenticeship from a very young age and spend their life learning the trade.

Travel Tip. Hoi-An has the reputation as the place to go to have clothes made, I think one of the best strategies is to take some of your favourite items and have them copied at a fraction of the price you would pay at home.

 Hoi-An French colonial buildings

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

One of the many Hoi-An French colonial buildings.

Please click on Google + to help my ranking.

Fu kien restaurant

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

A typical Hoi-Ann street scene.

 Beautiful buildings

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

There are so many wonderful buildings.

 Lanterns

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

There is a photo opportunity around every corner.

We asked where he was taking the duck?

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

He said I am taking it home to eat it.

Hoi Ann timber delivery

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Firewood for cooking I imagine.

Ancient Town Vietnam Central Coast Hoi Ann market

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Morning gossip at the market.

Banana anyone?

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

It is a hive of activity on the waterfront.

Happy faces

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Non la (palm-leaf conical hat) is a traditional symbol of Vietnamese people.

Great looking kids in Hoi Ann.

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

Another couple of great Vietnamese smiles.

China Beach

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

During the war the Americans used the name China Beach to refer to the beautiful 30 km sweep of fine white sand that starts at Monkey Mountain and ends near Hoi An. Soldiers would be sent here for some R&R from bases all over the country.

Pothole shopping for art

Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

 Pothole aka John Martin shopping for some genuine reproductions. 🙂

For a great hotel rate just book through THIS LINK.

Hanoi to Bangkok

 Ancient Town Vietnam Coast

It was the start of the Sars problem.

Thanks for visiting my Hoi-An French colonial buildings photo blog, one of my favourite places in Vietnam, however the image that sticks in my mind most of all are the beautiful faces of the people and their children in this amazing country. Have a look at some of my other Vietnam posts.

                         
 

For a great hotel rate in China Beach just book through THIS LINK.

Here are some more posts to check out 

         Sydney                               Paris                                   Bangkok           
 497d0b6e-c0bd-4ba2-86be-c02100f050a8        65470622-d17a-4b90-bf97-2574df4c412d        1a2160c1-41f7-465a-954c-631e083eb229
          Tokyo                        Rio De Janeiro                        Budapest
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           London                            Beijing                            Capetown
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            Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you            
 book through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                                                 Plus free cancellation .
                                               Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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Slide show here.

Pattaya live webcam
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Here are some of my most popular posts.

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Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 6 photos

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam 2015

January 17, 2015 by David Herd

Just an amazing city.

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam in 2015 was quite different to my previous visits in 2003. More cars, not quite so many bikes, lots of high rise buildings & good taxis.

The old & traditional is far more charming

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

Later in the day this coffee shop will be packed.

Coffee shop close to Saigon Apartments

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

Good coffee here on the corner near Saigon Apartments.

Roland and I at our local coffee shop

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

My friend Roland Bonicci is a Sydney barrister who absolutely loves Vietnam, I’m sure sometime in the future he will probably retire here.

Saigon Apartments

9f7c3e9a-3f8c-420b-9884-b3793557833d

Great value and a good location in District 3. Only $68 per night if you book through this AGODA link. Both bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and there is an excellent kitchen and large lounge room with a balcony.

Shri, rooftop restaurant

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

Set atop the new Centec Tower, Shri Restaurant & Lounge offers unparalleled panoramic views from nearly every table in the restaurant, whether it be in the modern Internationally styled Dining Room,  with its very clean simple lines, on the stunning alfresco Garden Terrace.

Pasta at Shri

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

The pasta was a very reasonable price at only $13 usd.

 

Roast pig at Tram Chim

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

This restaurant is very popular, not so much for the food but for the attractive waitresses who flirt with you while you dine. 🙂 In fact the waitresses are all worth the visit, they peel your prawns cut the pork and even massage your shoulders while you eat.

Peel the prawns then warm in the coconut

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

They tasted every bit as good as they looked.

Our personal prawn peeler

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

Now this is the only way to eat prawns, have somebody peel them for you.

 Tram Chim sexy waitresses

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

 If you want to really enjoy your dining experience this is the restaurant for you. The food is not bad but you don’t go there for the food. They have some of the most attractive “waitresses” in Saigon for a restaurant. Beautiful girls who are friendly and give very good service as well. The food is ok, the beer is cold and the waitresses are hot! Enjoy the place but don’t take your wife. 🙂

Let’s go upmarket to Maxim’s restaurant

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

It feels like you have stepped back in time to the 1930s. Maxim’s restaurant is like entering a time warp. It actually opened in 1925 and I swear they have changed nothing since then. 🙂 Food is excellent and reasonably expensive along with the wine. Worth a visit before going upstairs to their very classy upmarket night club.

Now let’s go really upmarket to Maxim’s night club

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

As you can imagine the drinks are rather expensive.

Gorgeous girls at Maxim’s

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

Famous as an important part of downtown Saigon since 1925, Maxim’s Club has been known as THE entertainment venue of business people and social elites since last century.

Gorgeous Russian Singer

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

Not only does she sing but plays a mean violin as well.

Maxim’s is magnificent

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

Yes, it is upmarket and expensive but a great venue for music and gorgeous girls. One huge negative for me is they smoke in the club.

Maxim’s Club 13-15-17 Đồng Khởi, District 1

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

The Russian girl may be beautiful however this guy can really sing, check him out if you get a chance.

Chill is a great rooftop bar & restaurant

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

A great bar and not as expensive as similar Bangkok Sky Bars.

Chill rooftop bar

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

The bar itself looks stunning from the floor above.

Breathtaking view from Chill

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

The ever changing Saigon skyline is quite breathtaking.

A favourite photo

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

Calm waters of the mighty Mekong River.

A great place for a long lazy lunch.  

 Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

A terrific place to sip a cocktail and watch the world go by.

The famous Cho Ben Thanh Market

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

Located in the centre of Saigon this is one of the cities best known landmarks.  

Cho Ben Thanh Market

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

To me the market kind of marks the very centre of Saigon. Adjacent the New World Hotel is in a great location in the centre of the city, for a discounted room rate book through THIS LINK.

At Phatty’s watching the Asian cup

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

One of the many excellent Saigon sports bars.

Wayne, David, Roland and Pat at Phatty’s

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

Here we are enjoying the atmosphere at one of Saigon’s best sports bars.

Bitexco Financial Tower

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

    A stunning building with a huge heliport and a roof top bar.

ALTO ROOFTOP BAR

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

Breathtaking views from Alto Heli Bar on the 52nd floor of the ultra-modern Bitexco Financial Tower is by far the highest spot in Saigon to sip on a cool drink and admire the cityscape.

52nd floor of Bitexico tower

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

    Apologies for the rather poor quality selfie.

Mai, a lovely French girl at Maxim’s

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

A gorgeous French mademoiselle. 

Terrific singer at Maxim’s

  Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

This little girl could really belt out a song.

Saigon HCMC south Vietnam

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

Taken from beside the river.

Saigon HCMC south Vietnam, lunch is served

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

Lots of street food similar to Thailand.

Summer rolls & coconut only $4

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

      One of my all time favourite dishes.

With Roger at the Buddha Bar

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

We drank 3 bottles of wine for lunch Two hours after I arrived I met Roger for lunch at Jaspers where we proceeded to drink 3 bottles of wine before moving onto several bars where more alcohol was consumed. Roger works for an upmarket wine distributor so he probably feels it’s part of his job. 🙂

Ciao Bella an excellent Italian restaurant

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

This very quickly became a favourite restaurant.

Roland enjoys a Ciao Bella feast

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

A great seafood salad, Roland is a Sydney barrister and really loves his food.

Best Saigon taxi company

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

Stick with this company or Mai Linh for clean honest low priced taxis.

Don’t under any circumstances use the company below.

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

They, SaigonTourist tried to charge 1,150,000 dong for a trip to the airport that should coast 150,000 to 200,000. After a brief argument I paid 300,000 and stormed off. It was my own fault completely as I broke my own rule of only using Vinasun and sometimes Mai Linh.


Tequila bar

 Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

One of the better bars with attractive ladies and good music.

German beer and Chinese food

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

A very good combination, German beer and Chinese food.

Jaspers restaurant

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

  This lovely lady is Ly, she works at Jasper’s.

Saigon HCMC south Vietnam, street lights to celebrate Tet.

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

This is without a doubt one of South East Asia’s most exciting cities.

Saigon school kids

Saigon HCMC South Vietnam

School-kids always look cute all over the world.

Saigon school kids part 2

 

Saigon traffic is chaotic

Dancing in a beautiful Saigon park

                      Here are some more posts to check out         
Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposte the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate. 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
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    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          f5e9441a-4154-44e0-a362-18b662d40b48          2a2b79ea-bc5f-46e3-8448-2e71658eff14 
               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

 

Here is the best Sky Bar in Saigon

 

 

War remnants Museum

 

 

Vung Tau only 90 minutes by ferry of mini bus

 

 

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Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Chill Sky Bar Saigon aka HCMC

January 16, 2015 by David Herd

High above this exciting city.

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

Chill Sky Bar Saigon is a wonderful venue with breathtaking views of the city. Perched on the roof of AB tower it is a terrific place to have a few drinks before dinner.

Amazing view from Chill

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

Looking down from the 51st floor.

Chill

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

Building with the purple lights is the Pullman.

 

Fantastic Saigon skyline

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

I first came to this exciting city in 2003 and now in 2015 so much has changed.

Saigon at 8 pm.

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

Saigon is a vibrant exciting friendly city.

Fabulous bar

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

76A Le Lai | Rooftop of AB Tower, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Formerly CHILL Skybar, Restaurant, Lounge) Phone:+84 8 3827 2372

Tables at Chill

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

The sky bar is well worth a visit, put it on you bucket list.

A table with a view

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

There certainly is a building boom happening in this city right now.

Drinks at the bar

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

A girls night out at Chill.

Red wine from Chile

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

 About $14 aud + 15% compared to at least double that at Sirocco in Bangkok.

Seafood fettuccine $26 aud + 15%

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

The serving was rather small but an excellent taste made up for it.

The chefs at 27 Grill, above Chill Sky Bar Saigon

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

27 Grill is located directly above Chill Skybar. When entering the restaurant guests are greeted by a large, glass enclosed wine cellar with some of the finest wines and vintage champagne’s on display. Further on in the restaurant is the open kitchen, built of polished stainless steel, marble and various kinds of polished stone. A key part of the kitchen is the over sized grill, open for all guests to see their meals being freshly prepared on one of the few charcoal grills in the city. Located in the back corner of the restaurant is the private VIP dining area that can be left open or completely closed off. 

District one

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

I visited this city twice in 2003 and stayed in a small hotel overlooking this park. The New World Hotel also overlooks the park which is the centre of the city, for a discounted room rate book through THIS LINK.

Another look at the bar

Chill Sky Bar Saigon

As you can see it is a rather spectacular bar. Many thanks for visiting my Chill Sky Bar Saigon photo blog.

 Here are some Brisbane photo blogs to check out.     

Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposte the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate. 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
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    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Take a look at my video of Chill Sky Bar

Chill Skybar in Saigon

 
 
 

Here is my post on Saigon, a fabulous city.

 

Vung Tau is only 90 minutes south of HCMC.

 

Here is the War Remnants museum

 


Check out these great photo blogs.

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Ho Chi Minh City South Vietnam

September 19, 2013 by David Herd

Ho Chi Minh City is Honda heaven.

Ho Chi Minh City South Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City South Vietnam is Honda heaven, it is quite a shock when you see the number of motorbikes on the streets, crossing the road seems like a game of Russian roulette. 😆

Ho Chi Minh City South Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

As we all know Asia is the place to buy all sorts of copy & fake items, from watches to levis etc. Did you realise however in Vietnam quite a % of the Honda motorbikes are also copies of the real thing? They cost about 50% of the retail price and look identical, although the locals can tell the difference at a glance.  😆

Ho Chi Minh City South Vietnam Cyclo driver

Ho Chi Minh City

A word of warning, these Cyclo drivers know every trick in the book when it comes to relieving you of your hard earned cash. Always establish the price & terms before you hire them. Even when you do there will usually be an argument at the end of the ride anyhow.  👿

 HCMC is fascinating.

Ho Chi Minh City

 

Street vendors find a place to sit on the road.

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Narrow buildings in HCMC.

 

Ho Chi Minh City

Many of the buildings here are tall and narrow, I believe it is because they are taxed on the width of the property. It can be a little confusing wondering whether to refer to the city as Ho Chi Minh City Saigon, most Americans, French & Australians have the name Saigon burned into their brains.

War Remnants Museum

Ho Chi Minh City

Once known as the Museum of Chinese and American War Crimes, the War Remnants Museum is consistently the most popular museum in HCMC with Western tourists. Many of the atrocities documented here were well publicized in the West, but rarely do Westerners have the opportunity to hear the victims of US military action tell their own stories. Watching the films and studying the photos had a profound effect on me, I believed then & I still believe today the Vietnam war was one of the darkest periods of Australia & America’s history.

The pain & suffering we inflicted on these wonderful people should never be forgotten. Strangely enough all the people I met seemed to hold no grudge against us, they refer to it not as the Vietnam war but the American war. I remember it as a shocking blight on our history, and I applaud this small country for being able to withstand the might of the most powerful military machine in the world and come out victors.

Two very old relics

Ho Chi Minh City

These two very old relics date back to WW2, quite surprising they are still functioning. 🙂

Mekong river tour

Ho Chi Minh City

A half day trip that is really worth taking.

Beautiful face in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

This beautiful little girl sang a song for us on our Mekong Delta tour.

One of the many tours you can take from HCMC is the Mekong River tour which is well worth the time. However my favorite tour was to the Cu Chi tunnels where you can actually crawl through the narrow underground tunnels and experience the terror of being trapped in a small dark place. I like many people suffer from Claustrophobia however I forced myself to face my demons and entered the dreaded tunnels. I crawled about 25 meters then made my escape at the first available exit, with a huge sigh of relief and a feeling of achievement.

The saddest face in Saigon.

Ho Chi Minh City

 

This poor little girl was begging for money with her mother watching from 5 meters away, instead of cash we gave her food, I’ll never forget this beautiful sad face.

Another beautiful face in HCMC.

Ho Chi Minh City

A beautiful face in Ho Chi Minh Cty Saigon.

AK 47 at Cu Chi

Ho Chi Minh City

As they said in the movie Jackie Brown, AK-47, The very best there is. When you absolutely, positively got to kill every motherfxxckxr in the room, accept no substitutes.

M16 at the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Ho Chi Minh City

There is a range at the Cu Chi tunnels where you can fire all the lethal weapons used in the Vietnam war, quite an incredible experience.

Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

 Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, built in the late 1880s by French colonists, is one of the few remaining strongholds of Catholicism in the largely Buddhist Vietnam. Located in Paris Square, the name Notre Dame was given after the installation of the statue ‘Peaceful Notre Dame’ in 1959.

Saigon Apartments

Ho Chi Minh City

 

Great value and a good location in District 3. Only $68 per night if you book through this AGODA link. Both bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and there is an excellent kitchen and large lounge room with a balcony.

So it really doesn’t matter whether you call the city Ho Chi Minh City Saigon or not, either way it is a fascinating place.

 

Here is a link for some very interesting things and photos of Vietnam.

Here is a short video of me firing an M60, my crazy friend with the camera got such a fright with the noise and the shells ejecting he lost control of the camera. Is it any wonder his nickname is Pothole?  😆

Firing an M60 in Vietnam.

 
 
Thanks for visiting my Ho Chi Minh City South Vietnam photo blog.

Needless to say I thought the Vietnam war was a terrible shocking mistake.

Click here for a look at Ha Long Bay.

 

Here are some more posts to check out 

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            Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you            
 book through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                                                 Plus free cancellation .
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

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Counter only started June 16 2020.

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