tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29320675.post6192587809410944446..comments2023-10-30T09:10:39.502-07:00Comments on (insert title here): why are you going to vietnam?Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06799024060528185282noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29320675.post-27944950519667028912009-01-07T15:34:00.000-08:002009-01-07T15:34:00.000-08:00I can't even imagine how much the country has chan...I can't even imagine how much the country has changes since 1994. The pace of development (particularly in HCMC and Hanoi) is breakneck...there is construction everywhere. Skyscrapers and condos are sprouting up all over the cities. <BR/><BR/>In fact, during the 13 days between when we left Saigon at the front of our trip and then returned to catch our plane home, a new Circle K and a new restaurant had gone up withing a ~3 block radius of our hotel. <BR/><BR/>Also, I can't say enough good stuff about Hoi An. I wish we'd spent at least a week there. <BR/><BR/>Thanks for dropping by...I do intend to write a bit more about Vietnam (and Cambodia) in the next couple of weeks.Brianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06799024060528185282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29320675.post-9281843317779061182009-01-07T14:11:00.000-08:002009-01-07T14:11:00.000-08:00I also think Hanoi is probably a better "high-end"...I also think Hanoi is probably a better "high-end" destination, in terms of hotels, restaurants, etc. <BR/><BR/>I appreciate your telling me this. I must say, it comes as a surprise, for that was certainly not the case in '94. I look forward to observing all the changes (in 2010).<BR/>gary harlanAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15659414296296207658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29320675.post-58923196186639434642009-01-07T11:20:00.000-08:002009-01-07T11:20:00.000-08:00We were in Saigon, Hanoi, Hoi An, and Phu Quoq, as...We were in Saigon, Hanoi, Hoi An, and Phu Quoq, as well as a side trip to Siem Reap/Angkor Wat, Cambodia. <BR/><BR/>I can definitely see the appeal of Hanoi...it is certainly a more modern city (than HCMC) and I think a little richer on the cultural side of things. (The climate is certainly more agreeable, as well.) I also think Hanoi is probably a better "high-end" destination, in terms of hotels, restaurants, etc. <BR/><BR/>But for me personally, HCMC was more my speed. A little more chaotic, colorful, and friendly. I would not presume that my preferences would map onto anyone else's, though...I like Philly better than NYC, I like Tucson better than Scottsdale, and I like Durham better than Raleigh.Brianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06799024060528185282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29320675.post-42687110008638928322009-01-07T07:05:00.000-08:002009-01-07T07:05:00.000-08:00I made my third trip to Vietnam in 1994. That was ...I made my third trip to Vietnam in 1994. That was the first time I actually experienced Vietnamese cuisine. I was limited to C-rations the first two "visits." At any rate, I, too, love their food--especially pho. I was also asked why in the world I would want to return to Vietnam, and I had a very straightforward answer: I wanted to leave the war once and for all. And I accomplished that mission. I haven't had a single nightmare since returning home.<BR/>I appreciate your adventurous spirit. Where else did you go besides HMC? I spent a week in Hanoi. Coming from the Ozarks, I found it much more to my liking than HMC.<BR/>garyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15659414296296207658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29320675.post-10938489857777056542009-01-05T04:11:00.000-08:002009-01-05T04:11:00.000-08:00Gino--I honestly don't remember, but I doubt it wa...Gino--I honestly don't remember, but I doubt it was ever more than 20,000 VND (about $1.20).Brianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06799024060528185282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29320675.post-34434016201134109832009-01-04T19:59:00.000-08:002009-01-04T19:59:00.000-08:00Thanks for the pix. And thank God I just had a re...Thanks for the pix. And thank God I just had a really good late dinner, else I would be eating my computer screen right now.Marsosudirohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14660784579365832969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29320675.post-86174356382439846162009-01-04T19:30:00.000-08:002009-01-04T19:30:00.000-08:00i discovered viet food while soon after moving to ...i discovered viet food while soon after moving to anaheim, and close to little saigon, about 10 yrs ago.<BR/><BR/>tasty,tasty stuff. with a mind and character of its own. its wrong to say 'it's kinda like chinese...'.<BR/><BR/>no. its not.<BR/><BR/>how much for a large bowl of pho over there?Ginohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09606046924332159076noreply@blogger.com