Bob and Ann in Vietnam 2005-2006 Eldertreks Tour

Thun Mu Pagoda

Up at 6 for minimal breakfast. Leave at 8 for long touring day of the city of poets, artists and rivers and the capital of Vietnam in the 1900’s. First to the Heavenly Lady Pagoda honoring a female Buddha revered in Hue,and called Thien Liu.

Perfume River Boat

Toured the Perfume River by boat where we were fascinated by the sampans rigged to dredge the river for sand. Made a stop at Emperor Minh Manh’s 18th c. tomb restored after destruction in 1904 typhoon. Hue is often struck by major storms; we just missed major flooding of all the low lands the week before we arrived.

Lunch at the Pumpkin Cafe

Lunch at the Pumpkin Cafe was deliciously light, yin, basically fish and vegetables. We appreciate Thuy’s careful attention to Yin and Yang in her menu selections for us.

Dai Noi Citadel

Our visit to Dai Noi Citadel or "Purple Forbidden City", all but destroyed in the 1940’s when dynasties became unpopular, allowed us to stretch our legs as we walked much of the large unreconstructed area. The complex is based on the design of the Chinese Forbidden City in Bejing. Amazing use of pottery shards to decorate reconstructed monumental archways is the same clever recycling we saw in a Bangkok Wat.

Dong Ba Market

Our visit to the local Dong Ba market was meant to be for conical hat shopping, but we all bought t-shirts, tea and ginger instead.

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