Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Vietnamese Holiday:Enjoy a Bicycle Tour of Vietnam

By John Roney


Being in the main street, the hotel is a perfect location to explore and enjoy the spectacular sights in Cat Ba. It takes you just 5 minutes to walk to 3 lovely sandy beaches named Cat Co I, Cat Co II, Cat Co III and no more than 15 minutes to Cat Ba Biosphere Reservation. Especially, it is only 300 m from the tourist wharf where you can easily catch a ferry or a boat to go the main land.

When Vietnam's history is brought to conversation, the first thought that comes to mind is 'war.' In the 19th century France's colonization sought to establish a presence and rule on Vietnam. Several years later, after World War II, Vietnam fought back to rid French occupation and lunched the start of what would be remembered as the longest war ever fought. When the struggle emerged in 1959 (lasting to 1975) it claimed more than 2.5 million lives and was one of the bloodiest wars fought.

With the war ended, the country rebuilt and has become a leading tourist destination. With former hostilities forgotten, Vietnamese generally like Americans and other foreign tourist. A western presence is still evident, having been left behind from former occupations of the France and the USA. Haiphong - If you like to take pictures then you will not want to miss Haiphong which is also known as the "City of Flower-lined Streets". Haiphon is often compared to Hanoi, it is Vietnam's third largest city and boasts magnificent ancient pagodas built over 3 centuries ago, housing interesting ancient furnishings.

For more picturesque scenery, Ha Long or Bay of the Descending Dragon is not to be missed. Often the area is portrayed to be the eighth wonder of the world, with majestic limestone mountains jetting out of the sea and exquisite sandy beaches. Mekong River - Move inland in Vietnam and take a boat tour of the mighty Mekong River. Travel through beautiful lush jungles of Laos and Thailand to see towns and temples along the shores while traveling up river. Take a side excursion and travel through the local canals to see interesting sights and the local people. It will surely be worth carrying your camera as you won't want to miss anything.

You wait by the side of the road, with your crippled ride, for a bus or truck to the next town. Basic equipment repairs are easy to find. Local bicycle repairmen are very ingenious. Your next concern will be the security of your bike - especially if it's your own. Insist on keeping the bike in your hotel room - Even if you have to hump in up a few flights of stairs. Things that you think are attached to the bike will disappear. And the hotel staff may be even tempted to take it for a spin. Locking the bike in the hotel lobby may be deemed insulting by locals.




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