Fascination Vietnam and Cambodia

We set off on our planned adventure trip to Vietnam and Cambodia on 20 October. After 21 days full of impressions, the trip ended on 9 November 2024.

The journey begins

We travelled from Tamm to Frankfurt Airport on a Deutsche Bahn train. Due to construction work on the so-called ‘Riedbahn’, we arrived three trains early to have enough buffer time. What luck, as our train had to turn round at Darmstadt due to a line closure and travel backwards to Heidelberg, before travelling along the left bank of the Rhine via Mainz to Frankfurt Airport.
Delay of no less than 2 hours or 120 minutes! Incredible!
Well, luckily we had planned enough buffer!

Our non-stop flight to Hanoi took off in the early afternoon. A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner operated by Vietnam Airlines took us from Frankfurt to Hanoi in around 11 hours. The flight was quiet, the flight attendants were very friendly and the service was very good. The aircraft arrived in Hanoi on time.

Welcome to Hanoi

We landed at Hanoi International Airport, the capital of Vietnam, in the morning. We were immediately captivated by the vibrant old town, where narrow alleyways are lined with houses, shops and centuries-old craft workshops. We explored the most beautiful places by electric car and visited Hoan Kiem Lake. A cheerful hustle and bustle at the market, colourful fruit on display, fragrant food from the best cookshops – and we were right in the middle of it all. Of course, not without sampling the many delicacies ourselves! Marvel, stroll, discover! It couldn’t have been a better start to Vietnam.

Early in the morning, we started our first excursion to the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, an inspiring journey into Vietnam’s cultural past. This impressive site, originally built in 1070 in honour of Confucius, once served as the country’s first university. With its elegant pavilions, courtyards and ponds, the temple exudes a tranquil and venerable atmosphere. The stone steles with the engraved names of the former scholars were particularly impressive. As we strolled through the various courtyards, we were able to experience the traditional Vietnamese architecture and the historical significance of the place at first hand. It was a fascinating insight into the history of education and culture in Vietnam.

We then travelled to Hồ Trúc Bạch, a small offshoot of Hồ Tây Lake. In electric cars, we plunged into the hustle and bustle of Hanoi’s traffic and explored the city from the road. Back safe and sound, we visited Cafe Dinh in the evening, a coffee house specialising in egg coffee! Sceptical but brave, we ordered an egg coffee and were then able to watch it being prepared and marvel at the artist’s fantastic coffee decorating skills. The trendy drink is a speciality in Vietnam and is the perfect way to get in the mood for our upcoming travels through Vietnam. Oh yes, the coffee tasted really delicious!

Other stops included a visit to a typical Vietnamese restaurant and a tea room. We made our way back to the hotel via the impressive Beer-Street.

Day trip to Halong Bay

One of the most popular destinations in Vietnam is undoubtedly the mysterious Halong Bay. Early in the morning, we travelled by bus on CT04 and later on CT06 to Tuan Chau International Marina on the island of Dao tuan Chau, to our jetty in Halong.

Before that, we made a stopover at the Legend Pearl. The tourist buses should/must stop here. The vivid presentations on the production of cultured pearls were interesting. There were also neat and clean toilets. The atmosphere in the shop was relaxed and unpressurised. The journey to the harbour was short.

After a relaxed trip on a tender boat past the Fighting rocks islet and numerous limestone rocks, we reached the jetty at Hang Luon. We travelled through the Hang Luon Cave in a bamboo boat driven by a nice Vietnamese lady – please keep your head down. The view of the rocky mountains and lush plants was breathtaking. However, the tourist boat traffic was enormous. Traffic jams in the cave were of course included.

We then travelled on to Hang Sung Sot. After a steep climb, we reached the Sung Sot Cave – also known as the Surprise Caves or Surprise Grottoes. Upon entering the cave, one is overwhelmed by the sheer size and cool rock formations. You can admire impressive stalagmites and stalactites in the two chambers. However, you are accompanied by masses of tourists. After travelling a total of 300 kilometers by bus, we were back in Hanoi.

One Hanoi highlight was still missing from our travel itinerary, the famous ‘Train Street’. Passing many colourful houses and shining lanterns, we were able to get a seat in a café on Train Street right by the tracks and enjoy a drink. Suddenly there was a flurry of activity, we had to pay quickly, tables and chairs were folded up and put to one side. Then, at 7.15 p.m., the time had come: a lone locomotive drove swiftly past us – what an adrenaline rush. You simply have to see it.

On the way back to the hotel, we enjoyed the atmosphere in Beer Street.
The day was very eventful! Incredible!

Hanoi and onward journey to Hue

Today’s city tour was all about Ho Chi Minh. We took a look at his mausoleum and his house, the One Pillar Pagoda and visited Tran Quoc Pagoda. Afterwards, the night train took us to Hue in central Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh – Residence

Today’s excursion began with an intensive examination of the history and legacy of Ho Chi Minh, a central figure in Vietnamese history.

After going through the security checks, we made our way to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which is considered an important landmark in the city of Hanoi. The deceased statesman was embalmed here and is displayed in a glass dome to give Vietnamese citizens and visitors the opportunity to pay their last respects. The mausoleum complex is surrounded by extensive gardens and imposing architecture. Unfortunately, the mausoleum was closed to visitors today.

We continued on to the impressive Phu Chu Tic Palace, which was built during the French colonial period in the 20th century and is now the official residence of the President and Vice President of Vietnam.

We then visited Ho Chi Minh’s home, which is not far from the mausoleum. The ‘Father of the Nation’ lived here in the last years of his life and led a modest life, which is reflected in the simple architecture of the house. It is surrounded by a spacious garden that offers a quiet and contemplative atmosphere. This simple yet very meaningful site provides a direct insight into the life and personality of Ho Chi Minh.

We continued on to the One Pillar Pagoda, also known as Chùa Một Cột. It is a unique historical building and one of the city’s landmarks. It was built in 1049 under the Ly Dynasty and stands on a single stone pillar that rises like a lotus blossom from the water of a small pond. The pagoda symbolises purity and enlightenment, inspired by a vision of King Ly Thai Tong. Despite its modest size, it impresses with its symbolic meaning and harmonious integration into the surrounding nature. It is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims.

The last item on the programme was the Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi. This impressive historical site, the oldest pagoda in the city, is picturesquely situated on a small island in the West Lake. Surrounded by calm waters and lush greenery, it gave us a peaceful atmosphere. The pagoda itself, with its iconic red architecture and ornate statues, offered an insight into the spiritual culture and history of Vietnam. The scent of incense sticks made the visit a special experience that brought us closer to the cultural depth and beauty of Hanoi.

After these impressive cultural experiences, we set off for the railway station in the evening to catch the night train to Hue in central Vietnam. Travelling by night train was an exciting way to experience a part of Vietnam in an authentic way. The train offers a comfortable way to travel from the vibrant capital of Hanoi to the historic city of Hue, which is known for its imperial past and impressive sights. During the train journey, we were able to recover from the impressions of the day and prepare for the next adventures.

Hue and further on to Hoi An

We arrived at Hue railway station in the morning and fortified ourselves for the day with breakfast. We then visited the citadel of Hue. We felt like we had been transported to Beijing, as the citadel was modelled on the ‘Forbidden City’.

Citadel of Huế

The trip to the Citadel of Huế was a fascinating experience. The citadel, also known as the ‘Imperial Citadel of Huế’, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Vietnamese history and culture. It is located in the heart of Huế, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, and is surrounded by an impressive, thick wall.

When we arrived there, we were immediately impressed by the size and majesty of the citadel. The architecture is a mixture of Vietnamese and Chinese influences, which is reflected in the ornately designed palaces, gates and pagodas. The central ‘Forbidden Purple Palace’ building, which was once only accessible to the emperor and his family, is particularly striking. We were able to walk through the old rooms and halls, which are decorated with beautifully preserved murals and carvings.

The tour of the citadel also took us to the many caves and temples located on the grounds. Some were very well restored, while others were more marked by the ravages of time. Nevertheless, every detail exuded a unique atmosphere of history.

A highlight was the visit to the Ngo Mon Gate, the main gate of the citadel, which is lined with magnificent dragon statues. From here you had a fantastic view of the rest of the site and the river that flows past the citadel.

The weather was also beautiful during our visit, which made the whole experience even more memorable. The trip to Huế Citadel was not only a journey through Vietnamese history, but also a journey into the country’s art and culture.

Thien Mu Pagoda near Huế

After a short bus journey, we reached the Thien Mu Pagoda near Huế. Our trip to the pagoda was a peaceful and spiritual experience that immersed us deeply in Vietnamese culture and religion. The Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as the ‘Heavenly Lady’ Pagoda, is picturesquely situated on the west bank of the Perfume River (Sông Hương) and is a major landmark of Huế.

When we arrived, we were immediately struck by the beauty and tranquillity of the place. The garden surrounding the pagoda was lush and green, with a clear, almost meditative ambience. The Thien Mu Pagoda itself rises majestically above the surroundings, with its characteristic seven-storey tower reaching a height of around 21 metres. The tower is one of the most striking features and dominates the skyline of the pagoda. It was impressive how it rose up into the clear sky, seeming to create a symbolic connection between heaven and earth.

We walked around the pagoda and enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere. There were various temples and smaller buildings in the grounds, decorated with ornate sculptures and religious images. Particularly touching was the sight of the old, historic car that went down in history in 1963: it was the vehicle in which the Buddhist monk Thích Quảng Đức committed self-immolation in Saigon to protest against religious oppression. This moment was a powerful symbol of the courage and devotion of many Vietnamese Buddhists.

The architecture of the pagoda itself was a harmonious blend of traditional Vietnamese and Buddhist style elements. We took time to admire the ornate murals and carved details that told the story of Buddhist history and mythology. The atmosphere of silence and prayer also contributed to the spiritual mood that pervaded the entire place.

The view of the Perfume River from the pagoda was also breathtaking. The river meandered calmly through the landscape, and the surrounding mountains and hills provided a picturesque backdrop that made the whole trip even more memorable.

Our visit was a wonderful blend of history, culture and nature that not only introduced us to the religious significance of the Thien Mu Pagoda, but also gave us a deep insight into the spiritual dimension of Vietnam.

We then experienced the real fragrance of the Perfume River on a pleasant boat trip on a dragon boat to our bus destination in Bến Trà.

Cloud Pass (Hải Vân Pass)

From BếnTrà, we set off on an exciting journey over the Cloud Pass to the beautiful town of Hoi An. The journey began comfortably. After a short drive and a stop at The Lagoon cafeteria, the bus wound its way out to the pass.

A loud shout from a fellow traveller startled the passengers on the bus. ‘Suitcases are lost, stop! Stop!’ were his words. What had happened? The luggage hatch must have opened as if by magic and six suitcases were lost in the ditch. With the active support of car drivers who collected the lost suitcases, we continued on to the crest of the Wolkenpass.

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Late in the evening, after a 160km bus journey, we reached our accommodation, the ÊMM Hotel in Hoi An, without further incident.

Hoi An – A day to feel good

Hoi An is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once an important harbour town. Today, Hoi An is known as the city of lanterns, craftsmen and tailors.

Our day began with a drive to Hoi An Old Town, the charming old town known for its colourful lanterns, traditional craft workshops and first-class tailors. Right at the start, we immersed ourselves in the hustle and bustle of Hoi An Market (Chợ Hội An). The fresh ingredients, exotic spices and friendly traders gave us a first impression of the vibrant life of this historic city.

A cultural highlight followed with a visit to the Phuoc Kien Hoi Quan, a magnificent old pagoda and shrine that exuded a magical atmosphere with its ornate carvings and the scent of incense sticks. We then continued to the Museum of Folk Culture (Bảo tàng Văn hoá Dân gian Hội An), where we learnt more about the rich history and traditions of the region.

The Museum of Trade Ceramics (Bảo tàng Gốm sứ Mậu dịch) impressed us with its fascinating exhibits documenting Hoi An’s trading history. Our walk continued to the famous Chùa Cầu Bridge, one of the city’s landmarks. The Japanese covered bridge with its special architecture provided the perfect backdrop for some beautiful souvenir photos.

After so many impressions, it was time for a break. We enjoyed a well-earned cup of coffee at the Viel Nam Cafe – aromatic and intense, just the way people love it in Vietnam. Refreshed, we stopped for a quick snack at Hoi An Market before our stroll took us past Hanna Leather, a popular shop for handmade leather goods.

As the day slowly drew to a close, we treated ourselves to a relaxing drink at Quán nước ép, sinh tố, where we reviewed the day over reasonably priced drinks.

Back at the hotel, another highlight awaited us: we enjoyed the local delicacies we had prepared ourselves at the Spice Viet restaurant. Using fresh ingredients from the market, we conjured up delicious dishes that perfectly rounded off the day’s culinary delights.

After this full programs, we only made it as far as the Pho Mo restaurant in the evening, where we rounded off the evening with excellent coffee and a generous selection of intense liqueurs. Afterwards, unfortunately, we didn’t have the energy to go back into the city and marvel at the famous sea of lanterns on the Thu Bon River – but perhaps that’s a good reason to return to Hoi An again!

From Hoi An to Siem Reap – time flies by

Time flew by. In heavy rain, we travelled from Da Nang via Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia. Not just anywhere, but today we flew to Siem Reap, near the famous temples of Angkor.

Cambodia – The land of temples and untouched beauty

We were happily welcomed at the airport by our tour guide. After the immigration procedure, we handed in our passports and checked our e-Arrival Declaration at the 1st counter. Afterwards, the Cambodia e-Visa was issued. For whatever reason – e-Arrival and e-Visa are the same in terms of content – we paid the visa fee of 36 dollars at the 2nd counter. At the 3rd counter we finally got our passport back, with visa entry.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

At last! Accompanied by interesting words from our tour guide, a bus took us to a nice restaurant for dinner. Afterwards we went on to the Royal Angkor Resort. After all the excitement, we were allowed some peace and quiet.

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When we returned, we were exhausted but full of impressions. Each temple had its own history and charisma, and together they formed a picture of an empire that was unparalleled in its splendor. It was a day that not only impressed us, but also touched our hearts. Over dinner at the hotel, we reflected on the impressive experiences of the day.
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Angkor Wat

Unbelievable! This word perfectly summarised our lunch break. What a journey through time, culture and history – unforgettable!
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This day really had it all: the majestic beauty of Angkor Wat, the intricate art of the Banteay Srei temple, and in the evening the vibrancy and charm of Siem Reap. From cultural immersion to a cosy egg coffee, it was a day that both impressed and inspired us.
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Another temple

From Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

The capital Phnom Penh was waiting. Farewell to the impressive Angkor and Siem Reap! approx. 320 km

Our day began early in the morning in Siem Reap. The rain pelted the streets as we set off by bus on National Road 6 towards Phnom Penh. The landscape was a soft grey, but that didn’t dampen our anticipation.

After about 27 kilometres, we reached our first stop: a traditional sugar cane factory. The sweet smell was in the air as we watched the sugar cane juice being squeezed and processed. Of course, we couldn’t miss out on a little tasting.

Our journey continued to the historic Kampong Kdei Bridge. Once the longest stone arch bridge in the region, it impressed us with its robust construction and centuries of history. We stopped briefly to take photos and soak up the atmosphere.

Another highlight on our route was the legendary Spidermarket. The sight of the deep-fried spiders and other exotic snacks was both fascinating and took some getting used to. Some of us dared to have a taste, others preferred to stick to safer alternatives.

We reached the Batheay Restaurant in the afternoon. Its architecture reminded us of the pile dwellings of Lake Constance – a charming link between Cambodia and our homeland. After a small snack to re-energise us, we continued our journey.

Arriving in Phnom Penh, our first stop was the impressive Central Market. The hustle and bustle, the bright colours and the wide range of goods on offer left nothing to be desired. We strolled through the market stalls, browsed for souvenirs and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere.

We had actually planned to visit the Daughters of Cambodia. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, the visit had to be cancelled. This non-profit project helps women in difficult circumstances and supports them in returning to a regular everyday life. What a pity.

After checking into the elegant Poulo Wai Hotel, we were greeted by a spectacular view of the city from the roof terrace. But the real surprise was yet to come: Udo’s birthday champagne was ceremoniously served, accompanied by an impressive firework display in honour of the king and his coronation day. An unforgettable moment!

We then hurriedly made our way to Sisowath Riverside Square with Fabien, Chris and Stefan. Here we immersed ourselves in the evening flair of the city, visited the Phnom Penh Night Market and were enchanted by the lights and smells. To round things off, we walked to the Moonlight Pavilion, an architectural masterpiece that left us in awe.

We finally returned to the hotel feeling cosy and full of the experiences of the day – with countless impressions that would stay with us for a long time to come.

From Phnom Penh to Chau Doc

Today we went sightseeing in Phnom Penh. We then travelled by speedboat on the Mekong to Chau Doc. Approx. 170 km

Our day began with checking out of the elegant Poulo Wai Hotel in Phnom Penh. After a quick breakfast, we travelled by bus to Oknha Chhun St., from where we walked towards the Moonlight Pavilion. Here we marvelled at the impressive preparations for the Coronation Day celebrations. The elaborate decorations and hustle and bustle put us in a festive mood. An unexpected highlight: a selfie with a well-known TV presenter – what a moment!

Our next destination was the residence of the Cambodian king. We were given the rare opportunity to visit the magnificent throne hall and the royal gardens. The Silver Pagoda in particular left a lasting impression – its ornate decorations and silver-tiled floors were simply breathtaking.

After visiting the fascinating Kossamak’s Exhibition, we continued our exploration tour with a detour to the National Museum of Cambodia. In addition to numerous impressive works of art, we discovered the longest loom, a true masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship. We then headed straight to the boat landing stage, where we said goodbye to our fantastic tour guide with a heavy heart.

Goodbye Cambodia and hello Vietnam! A speedboat finally took us on an impressive journey across the Mekong to Vietnam. At the border station Trạm Quản Lý Xuất Nhập Cảnh Vĩnh Xương, we had to endure a lengthy passport check that took over an hour. But that wasn’t the only unexpected event.

In the middle of the Mekong, there was almost a super-GAU: a fishing boat rammed our speedboat with a loud bang. Fortunately, the fisherman didn’t fall into the water, but the shock was deep-seated. Due to the incident, we had to return to the passport control station, where the police recorded the incident. After two hours of waiting, we were finally able to continue our journey.

As darkness had fallen in the meantime and numerous fishing boats – many of them without lights – were travelling on the Mekong, our speedboat had to slow down. As a result, we arrived late at our destination, the town of Chau Doc.

After checking into the Chau Pho Hotel, we took a short walk through the town. Directly opposite, we found a small, cosy restaurant, the Kem Quan, where we rounded off our eventful day with a tasty, typical Vietnamese dinner.

From Chau Doc to Can Tho

Today’s programme included sightseeing near Chau Doc and the bus journey to Can Tho. 140 km

After a fond farewell to Chau Doc, we checked out of the Chau Pho Hotel and travelled by bus to the boat landing stage on the Hau River. Once there, the first thing we had to do was put on our life jackets! After a short boat trip past floating houses, we reached Chợ Đêm làng Chăm Đa Phước, where we visited a traditional weaving workshop in a typical Cham village. The rest of the route took us over narrow footbridges to the market opposite the magnificent Cham Mosque Masjid Ihsan. After a brief visit to the mosque, we returned to the landing stage.

Back on the bus, we headed for our next destination: the impressive Cao Dai Temple of Long Xuyen. The architecture and bright colours of this unique temple were fascinating. In the temple, we were able to take part in the worship of the faithful.

Our next stop took us to Long Xuyen Crocodile Camp. After a hearty lunch, we marvelled at the countless crocodiles – an impressive but also terrifying experience.

We finally reached Can Tho in the evening and checked into the beautiful Riverside Hotel. After a quick refreshment, we took a taxi into the city and enjoyed our dinner in a restaurant in Can Tho Market. The marvellous view of the Song Can Tho River made the experience perfect.

Our eventful day ended with a leisurely return journey on a shared rickshaw – a wonderful, unforgettable day!

From Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City

Today we had to get up early. Otherwise the Cai Rang floating market would be sold out! We plunged into the centre of the action by boat. Later we travelled by bus to the metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City. approx. 170 km

After a final breakfast with a view of the Song Can Tho River, we said goodbye to the charming Riverside Hotel and made our way to the nearby boat landing stage. We took a boat to the famous floating market of Cai Rang. After just half an hour’s journey, we arrived at this fascinating trading centre on the water.

The sight was overwhelming: countless boats full of fruit, vegetables and other goods bobbed on the waves while traders loudly offered their wares. We took the opportunity to stock up on fresh fruit and snacks from passing traders and enjoyed the lively market bustle.

After a short return journey on the river, we reached the jetty at Bao bì Minh Tuệ. Here we visited a market on the mainland before travelling by bus to Ho Chi Minh City.

On the way, we took a short break in Cửa hàng xăng dầu Châu Thành 31 on the CT01 to stretch our legs a little. Strengthened, we continued our journey and finally reached the impressive Cho Binh Tay Market. The sheer size of this market and the incredible variety of products on offer were impressive. We found many useful souvenirs and everyday items here.

Our next stop was the beautiful Buddhist temple Chùa Bà Thiên Hậu. The temple impressed us with its ornate architecture and the multitude of incense sticks, whose fragrant smoke created an almost meditative atmosphere.

After checking into the stylish Acnos Grand Hotel, we headed straight for dinner. Our tour guide recommended the famous Nha Hang Ngon restaurant, which was about two kilometres away. We decided to walk there and were rewarded with delicious Vietnamese specialities – an absolute highlight for the palate. A branch of the Nga Hang Ngon restaurant can also be found in Berlin.

Back at the hotel, we reflected on the eventful day and looked forward to our upcoming adventures in Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City – Lively and full of history

Ho Chi Minh City has many faces. Colonial heritage here, dynamic metropolis there. Today we started the day in typical Vietnamese style. After a hearty breakfast, we enjoyed the fantastic view from the roof terrace of the Acnos Grand Hotel. We then made our way into the city to continue our exploration tour.

Our first stop was the famous Nha Khach Kong Doan restaurant, where we marvelled at the fascinating picture of visitors with bird cages – a unique sight. We continued to Cho Binh Tay Market for a quick look before reaching the Bitexco Financial Tower, the tallest building in the city at 262 metres. We took the lift to the top in no time at all and enjoyed a breathtaking 360° view over Ho Chi Minh City.

We then strolled to the lively Nguyen Hue, where we watched rehearsals for a big evening event. At Ho Chi Minh Square, we marvelled at the magnificent City Hall and the imposing Ho Chi Minh statue. Our walk continued to the Opera House, an impressive building of French colonial architecture from 1897, and not far away we discovered the famous building of the last US landing zone, a symbol of the end of the Vietnam War.

Our route continued to Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (Nhà thờ Đức Bà Sài Gòn), unfortunately covered with protective nets, and right next to it we visited the Old Post Office of Saigon (Bưu điện trung tâm Sài Gòn) with its beautiful interior.

After a coffee break in the Saigon Centre, we walked back to our hotel. Relaxation was the order of the day before we returned to the Nha Hang Ngon restaurant at a brisk pace. We ended the evening at Nguyen Hue with impressive light installations and musical, acrobatic and theatrical performances. Tired, we fell into bed.

Cu Chi Tunnel and on to Phan Thiet

Today we walked in the footsteps of the Viet Cong – the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels (Địa đạo Bến Đình) were on the programme. On the way, we stopped at a workshop where victims and descendants of those who were harmed by Agent Orange during the Vietnam War worked. The visit was depressing and left us feeling thoughtful.

When we arrived at the Cu Chi tunnels after travelling about 60 km, we were given an exciting guided tour of the site. The narrow corridors and sophisticated defence systems left a lasting impression on us. The walk through a ten metre long tunnel was particularly fascinating and frightening.

After a small snack, we continued our journey and stopped at the Ben Nay Restaurant, idyllically situated on the An Lạc Trang River. Here we enjoyed a delicious lunch before continuing our journey to Phan Thiet.

After a 230km bus ride towards Phan Thiet, we finally arrived at the Phu Hai Resort and our well-deserved beach holiday could begin. The warm climate and the calming sound of the sea immediately put us in a holiday mood.

In the evening, we visited the small, family-run restaurant An Phuc, not far from our hotel. The food was delicious and the family’s performance was impressive. We ended the day in a relaxed atmosphere.

Five days of relaxation in Phan Thiet

After intensive exploratory tours, we enjoyed five relaxing days at the Phu Hai Resort in Phan Thiet. The sun, fine sandy beach and clear waters of the China Sea offered perfect conditions for swimming, relaxing and long walks on the beach.

We took a taxi twice to Khu Pho 2, about nine kilometres away, where we enjoyed delicious lobster and other seafood delicacies at the Hải Sản Hồng Phát fish restaurant.

In the evening, we regularly stopped off at the cosy An Phuc, where we not only appreciated the delicious food, but also the informal atmosphere and the famous Saigon canned beer. The small family performance was always a highlight.

Unfortunately, two of our fellow travellers came down with pneumonia and had to take a taxi to hospital in Saigon. They received excellent care there, but were only able to fly back a week later.

On the last evening on the beach, we celebrated our farewell together and reviewed the experiences of the trip: Hanoi, the train journey, losing our suitcases, the hectic flight to Siem Reap, the impressive Angkor area, the crash on the Mekong, the floating markets, the Cu Chi tunnels and so much more.

An unforgettable journey was coming to an end.

Farewell to Vietnam

We were able to take another long swim in the sea before travelling back to Ho Chi Minh City. The flight back to Frankfurt took off in the evening. The night flight over Lake Neusiedl was calm and pleasant with no surprises.

Welcome home

We landed in Frankfurt am Main in the morning. 6° Celsius, what a cold shock!
Deutsche Bahn got us home on time! Thank you for travelling with Deutsche Bahn!