
Nineteen days, eight towns/locations, and numerous activities in Vietnam has given me much to write about. I have about 170 decent pictures, several minutes of video, and dozens of stories and memories. We heard that Vietnam was overwhelming and chaotic, and much of it was. But it was also unique, exciting, picturesque, indulgent, and delicious!
The Vietnamese were much more physical with our children than we’re used to, often reaching out to feel their hair or pinch their white skin. Our kids have become quick to pull away and give dirty looks should anyone invade their personal space. We also got hassled a lot to buy things we didn’t want, our gentle “no thank you’s” being ignored. I don’t like being rude, but there is only so much touching and insistent selling I want to tolerate. We also got shortchanged and charged extra by a number of taxi drivers and other service providers (sometimes 10 times the regular price). Sometimes I fought it, and sometimes I just paid it as it was still cheap and they probably needed the money more than I did.
Fortunately, we also met some genuinely friendly and hospitable people. For example, a family waiting at the train station let Marie try their yo-yo, and then gave it to her (they wouldn’t accept it when I tried to give it back). A woman at the Cu Chi war tunnels in Saigon waited at the exit for I don’t know how long in order to give Emily medicine for her tummy. And at the Da Lat airport terminal, Marie threw her rubber snake around and it got stuck in a grate on the ceiling. A nice Korean man proceeded to throw his shoe at it for several minutes until it fell down, resulting in a chorus of applause from the other waiting passengers. The service we received at most restaurants, hotels, and on tours was also usually top notch and more attentive and helpful than anywhere I’ve ever been.
We didn’t plan any of this trip in advance except for the first two nights we booked at a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). We just had a short list of places we might want to visit (Saigon, Mui Ne, Da Lat, Hoi An, Phong Nha Caves, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa) and activities we might want to do in Vietnam, but we chose our hotels after we got to each area and could see them in person, and we based our activities on how we felt that day. It worked out well for us this way, and allowed us to go at a comfortable pace, which ended up being faster than normal for us.
I could write a series of blog posts about our time in Vietnam, the different towns we’ve visited, and everything we did in each city. But I think I’m going to keep it short by only mentioning the most memorable moments. Some of them happened on tours or in tourist attractions, and others were off the beaten path and completely unexpected. Each one will play a part in how I remember Vietnam. After that, I’ll blast you with all my pictures and videos so you can get a audio-visual feel for all we did.
So here are some of the memories that stand out from our trip to Vietnam.
- Peering into one room homes of the locals at night while walking through the alleyways in HCMC/Saigon.
- Watched a traditional water puppet show with interesting and well rehearsed live music on ancient instruments.
- Crossing the streets with oncoming traffic that doesn’t stop or slow down. Motorbikes just go around you as you walk — scary!
- Got a poor quality massage at a place in Saigon that turned out to be a prostitution house. I turned down offers for sex three times, after which she said “you good hub-sand”.
- Seeing crocodile, frog, snake, snail, and other strange foods on the menu. We did try crocodile curry.
- Met a lovely French family with six kids at a beach resort in Mui Ne and chatted with them for several hours by the pool.
- Rode ostriches in Mui Ne. I had to draw a picture of a stick figure riding an ostrich in order for the taxi driver to understand where we wanted to go. Most drivers understood zero English and the Google translator app on my iPhone came in very handy when I had reception (which was most of the time).
- Getting hot and sandy sliding down the sand dunes in Mui Ne, then walking down a shallow red river with sandstone formations and red rock on the side.
- Ate a luxurious and delicious 5 course lunch at a restored French villa in Da Lat for under $50 for the whole family.
- Went on a gravity-based roller coaster in Da Lat where you can control the speed through a hand brake.
- Having the kids paddle us around a lake on a swan shaped paddle boat, and laughing together.
- Got in a small car accident with a tractor on the way to Da Lat. Our taxi driver got out to assess the damage and cut his finger on the bent metal. We gave him a pink princess band-aid, which he gratefully accepted and wore (after I helped him open it).
- Got fitted for custom-made clothes at a tailor in Hoi An, and got them back in less than two days. It’s so nice to have clothes that actually fit my small body! And the prices were very reasonable (around $20 for a jersey knit cotton shirt, for example). The tailors loved seeing Aysia walk around, and they were also totally freaked out by Marie’s rubber snake. People seem surprisingly jumpy and squeamish in Vietnam about things like rubber snakes.
- Ate dinner in the house of a “Kung Fu Master” after a long bike tour. His wife served us some of the best food we had in Vietnam, then massaged our feet. I also asked for and got a short Kung Fu demonstration.
- Riding on “sleeper trains” which saved us a lot of time because we could go to bed in one location and wake up in another. We slept rather well, too.
- Explored the amazing Phong Nha caves after a boat ride through a scenic river. Such a picturesque area and huge caves (some of the longest in the world)!
- Cruised around the jagged rock formations in Halong Bay on a small but luxurious cruise ship. Made some nice friends, had amazing food (buffet breakfast, and two 5-course meals per day), kayaked and swam in the warm waters, explored beautiful caves, mountain biked, and went squid fishing. Amazing trip!
- In Sapa, I helped a sweet old man with a long beard lift his hand-bike up on the curb (he could barely walk, let alone lift the bike). After which, he gave me a hearty “cam on” (thank you in Vietnamese). I asked to take his picture and he pulled out two cell phones from his pocket asking me to take his picture with each one, which was difficult for me to figure out because they were in Vietnamese. But I asked another guy on the street to help me, and was able to take the pictures we both wanted.
- On the sleeper train
- Sapa houses
- Women in Sapa
- Sapa
- School in Sapa
- Rice fields in Sapa
- Old face in Sapa
- Sapa
- Tour guide with Aysia in Sapa
- Rice fields in Sapa
- Happy old man with long white beard
- Lake in Sapa
- Red Zao in Sapa
- Sapa
- Sapa scenery
- A street in Sapa
- In Sapa
- Local store
- Halong Bay
- Surprise Cave
- Halong Bay
- Emily at Halong Bay
- Aysia on the ship
- She sells sea shells by the cruise ship
- Halong Bay
- Halong Bay
- Cooking class
- Pearl in an oyster
- More caves
- On a boat ride
- In a cave
- Holding her hat
- Boat driver
- Taxi boats
- Fishing village
- Girl rowing a boat by herself
- Halong Bay
- Dragon fruit, shrimp, coconut salad
- Halong Bay
- Halong Bay
- Halong Bay
- Swimming in the bay
- Brandon and Aysia on Cat Bay
- Cave on Cat Bay
- On Cat Bay Island
- Biking
- Cool rocks
- Morning Tai Chi
- Aysia
- Sunrise at Halong Bay
- Squid fishing
- Singing by service staff
- Ships at night
- Pearce Family at Halong Bay
- Brandon and Jen and Halong Bay
- Jen and Aysia on the ship
- Jen always has her oils
- Aysia at Halong Bay
- Halong Bay
- Jen and Aysia kayaking
- Beautiful rocks and trees
- Going in a cave
- Kayaking at Halong Bay
- Our ship, the Au Co
- Beautiful rock formations
- Exploring Halong Bay
- Cruise ship Dining room
- Kids at Halong Bay
- Kids room on the cruise ship
- Entering traditional house at museum of ethnology
- Hoi An
- Entrance to a cave
- Riding to Phong Nha
- Scenic river near Dong Hoi
- Rice fields near Dong Hoi
- Family in a cave
- Amazing Phong Nha Caves
- Jen in Phong Nha cave
- Stalactites
- Taking a ride
- Interesting foods in Hoi An
- Daddy and Baby in Hoi An
- Fresh spring rolls
- Woman who died her teeth black excited to see Marie walk by
- Banana lady
- Jim the veteran
- Fish market
- Seasoned face
- Hoi An at night
- Old Town Hoi An
- Scenic river
- Colorful houses
- Jen on a bike
- Beach at Hoi An
- Boats on a river
- Biking around Hoi An
- Family by rice and lotus fields
- Buddhist temple complex
- Marie at a temple
- Jen at the tailors
- Marie excited for swan boats
- Street in Da Lat
- Monks in the lake
- Monestary
- Nam Phan French and Vietnamese restaurant
- Red tuna with passion fruit
- Artichokes and more. What a presentation!
- Lovely dining
- Crazy house in Da Lat
- At Crazy House in Da Lat
- Intricate designs
- Marie under tile bird wing
- Mosaic artwork
- Beautiful mosaic temple
- Lake at Da Lat
- Many French style houses in Da Lat
- Near Da Lat
- Baskets and bananas on bikes
- Our Driver to Da Lat
- Beautiful valley on the way from Mui Ne to Dalat
- Family by roadside scenery
- Picturesque Vietnam
- Driving from Mui Ne to Dalat
- Interesting Scenery near Mui Ne
- Tomato cucumber salad
- Fried spring rolls
- Painting terra cotta cups
- Beautiful rock
- Family at Fairy Stream in Mui Ne
- Brandon riding an ostrich
- Jen riding an ostrich
- Marie riding an ostrich
- Ostrich riding
- Family at Sand Dunes in Mui Ne
- Sand in the eyes
- Sand Dunes in Mui Ne
- Emily at Sand Dunes with sled
- Fun in the pool
- Sliding down sand
- Baby and Mommy at the beach
- Windy day at the beach
- Emily’s toes
- Aysia at the beach
- Beach in Mui Ne
- Mui Ne Beach
- Beachside pool in Mui Ne
- Meditating frogs
- Asyia with petunias
- Smiling Marie
- Smiling baby
- Walking at Terracotta Resort in Mui Ne
- Pedicures
- Street in Saigon
- Tank used in American/Vietnam war
- Marie in Cu Chi tunnels
- Trap for American soldiers
- Water puppets
- Topiary dragon
- Meditating in the park
- Water puppets
- Park in Saigon
- Buddhist Temple
- Mosaic Dragon
- Vegetables
- Saigon Market
- Grains and market
- Saigon Traffic
- Emily eating Pho
- Pho Caption
- Buildings in Saigon
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Raising Entrepreneurs
02 Jun 2019 - Education, Entrepreneurship, Family, Personal
Looks like an awesome trip. The beaches you went to are so beautiful. When I was there in 2001 the thing I loved the most were the fresh kegs of roadside beer that were available on just about every street corner (well, I was 22 at the time!). It was called Bia Hoi and you would just sit on a little plastic chair and enjoy the streetlife. It was incredibly cheap as well as being ice cold and delicious. I’m just wondering if they still have it – did you notice anything like that? I guess with kids you would have had less chance to indulge!
No, I didn’t notice, but I’m not a big fan of beer. We did have a lot of other delicious roadside treats, though.
We saw and did so much in our 19 day trip!! It is so fun to look back on and remember it all. I eat up your blog posts like candy every time. :) I’m so glad they have those sleeper trains. They made traveling a breeze, since Vietnam covers so much distance from top to bottom. :) I think my favorite part was the Halong Bay cruise, but the Phong Nha caves were absolutely spectacular too. I especially really enjoyed the food. Not such a fan of the crazy traffic though. It makes Bali seem very tame in comparison. I love that we took the opportunity to get some clothes made for us at one of the many tailoring shops in Hoi An. So nice to have clothes made to order, and especially to fit. :) Color, fabric, style, everything. Wow!
Wow. Just wow.
Each scene was more beautiful than the last. Those caves were magnificent – and the rock formations in the bay breathtaking…. I can’t even imagine how it felt to be there.
Love the variety of scenes and people you captured with your camera – really gave a rich flavor for your journey. It looks like an amazing adventure for all of you…
Though Marie didn’t look particularly happy at the sand dunes… :)
Yes, Vietnam is a photographer’s paradise. So many interesting subjects to capture.
As for the dunes, Marie got some sand in her eyes (and it was very hot!). I had written captions for each of the pictures that explain more, but for some reason they’re not showing up.
WOW ! Thanks for letting me experience Vietnam through your writing and camera lens. Just breath taking. Beautiful and exciting. I loved seeing the girls how they are growing and enjoying their experiences. You and Jen look wonderful as well. Thanks :-)
Absolutely, by far, such take-my-breath-away pictures!! I could in no way pick a favorite. What a beautiful, beautiful trip!! It’s fun to see what the Pearce Family is up to. Your girls are getting so big! : )
Sorry about the massage place. Ummmm, yikes!! lol
Yes. Wow. I found myself saying “wow” with nearly every picture. I am so amazed with how beautiful the scenery is there! You were able to take some incredible photos. Thanks for posting so many of them.
lol to the prostitution house experience. You are certainly a good ‘hub-sand’.
Aysia just keeps getting cuter and cuter (how is that possible??). And she is still looking so much like you! (That must mean I think you’re really cute.)
Jen- I love your colorful scarf! And Brandon- you’re lookin’ good with your long hair :)
Love this post. Love you guys.
A Ma Zing. Again, your blog transported me to some where else. Keep them coming because you’re saving me lots of money. I don’t have to worry about my flying phobia or time off work either. It’s fabulous. Really, your blogs are emotional for me. I can only imagine how wonderful it is to live in them.
What was the temperature and humidity like? I’m still nearly speechless as I view the photos and re-watch the video.
Please give all those cute girls a hug from their grandma alli
Way too hot and humid. We sweat a lot. Da Lat and Sapa were okay as they were mountain towns in the summer. (They get quite cold in the winter.) But the other areas would be hot any time of year.
Brandon,
WOW!! Thank you for living an inspirational life and for sharing it with us. I am blown away by the awesome video and photos. You have captured the essence of Vietnam through your lens. And the video! Oh my gosh, I am very impressed by your editing. You have a gift Brandon. I for one admire the courage and vision you have displayed over the past 3-4 years. Your girls will lead extraordinary lives as a result of these experiences. I’m very excited that you (the whole family) will all be together for Christmas. Thank you for your part in making it all happen. You are a remarkable young man. I am grateful to know you.
Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos have been on my ‘must visit’ list for a long time. I will look forward to experiencing some of the things you and your sweet family have experienced there. And, I may be seeking some input from you when the time draws nearer.
Thanks Margie, that’s really sweet. We’re really happy we can live like we do. I hope you enjoy Vietnam as much as we did, when you’re ready to go.
Looks fascinating! And so beautiful! What a fabulous adventure. The water puppet show was sure interesting and sliding down the sand dunes looked fun. I LOVED the video! Thanks for sharing! And Aysia is getting so big! I wish it were sooner, but we’ll get to see you in just under a year now!
Hi Pearce family,
I’m so glad that I came across your site. I wondered where you are in pics 58-62? What amazing buildings. My husband, kids and I are off to Vietnam in November. Thanks for the beautiful pics.
I think the pictures you’re referring to are showing the “Crazy House” and a mosaic temple (don’t remember the name), near the mountain town of Da Lat. Both are very unique buildings and definitely worth a visit!