Invading Mongol Hordes! Yikes!

After a spectacular sunrise on Ha Long Bay, it’s time to head back towards Hanoi. We’ll drive parallel to Vietnam’s Bạch Đằng river, the scene of something that has rarely happened in history – the rout of an invading Mongol army. Continue reading “Invading Mongol Hordes! Yikes!”

How Did Vietnam Become Vietnam?

We woke up this morning in Taipei, Taiwan. This afternoon we landed in Hanoi, Vietnam. Now we’re in a black sedan cruising down a tree-lined boulevard on our way to our hotel. Looking around as we go, my overriding thought is, Vietnam is amazing. But how did Vietnam become Vietnam? Continue reading “How Did Vietnam Become Vietnam?”

Once Upon a Time in Vietnam…

Once upon a time in Vietnam, people learned how to cast bronze from copper and tin. Artisans made bronze tools, weapons, and ornate war drums. A unique civilization thrived in a wide, fertile valley. We’re flying over that valley now. Continue reading “Once Upon a Time in Vietnam…”

Journey to the Mysterious Far-East?

It started with an offer we couldn’t refuse. A cruise line we’re familiar with offered complimentary pre- and post-cruise land packages for a Mekong River cruise. Hmmm… Vietnam? Cambodia? The Mysterious Far-East? Let’s go! Continue reading “Journey to the Mysterious Far-East?”