Vietnam: Variations On A Theme

Admittedly, I entered Vietnam with mixed emotions given my childhood memories of the war.

Vietnam Flag Atop Hanoi Flag Tower

Vietnamese flags with a single gold star lined QL217 as I crossed the border from Laos;  a symbol of victory in Vietnam’s long fight for reunification and independence from any country that tried to dominate her.

Vietnam Military History Museum - Hanoi
Vietnam Military History Museum – Hanoi

I thought of my childhood experience of that fight, brought into our home every weeknight by Walter Cronkite. Singing protest songs around a bonfire on a warm summer’s night with the older neighborhood teenagers who were soon to experience the war far more directly than I.

I remembered those people who had traveled here before me under very different circumstances.

The older brother of my first love who was ‘selected to serve’ in Vietnam and emerged from the battles forever changed. The former colleague who saw it as his patriotic duty to enlist in the Marines, only to be thanked for his service with slurs and spit when he returned home. It wouldn’t be until June 1986 that these men and the others who served would finally receive their long overdue hero’s welcome home in a Chicago parade designed to ‘Honor The Warrior, Not The War’

Vietnam veterans Welcome Home Parade Chicago
1986 US Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Parade | Image Credit; Charles Cherney For The Chicago Tribune

I thought of a Vietnamese friend who nearly drowned when her family fled in a boat as Saigon fell. Luckily she and her family found respite in a world that once opened its doors to war refugees. A very rough start to what became an on-going story of success.

Beautiful Woman With Long Hair In Purple Satin Facing Huc Bridge on Tranquil Hoàn Kiếm Lake
Facing Huc Bridge on Tranquil Hoàn Kiếm Lake

These were my ‘experiences’ of Vietnam before I traveled there. So what did I find when I arrived in Hanoi?

Obama's Restaurant Hanoit

A staunch ally of the United States. 84% of Vietnamese had a favorable view of the US in 2017. I was often told glowingly of what and where Obama ate during his visit to Vietnam and proudly that Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc was the third among world leaders that called to congratulate President Trump on his election.

Wedding Party Jumping In Front Of Church Hanoi

A market economy that is experiencing exponential growth given demand for its products abroad and its dedicated workforce.

Street Vendor selling colorful stars
Street Vendor Hanoi

The people I met typically worked over 12-hours a day, 6 days a week and often on the four days of leave they were given each month. Currently 47th in world economies (35th in purchasing power), Vietnam is targeted to be the world’s 20th by 2050.

Woman Wearing Hat with Basket Cycling Long Biên Bridge Into A Bright Future
Cycling Long Biên Bridge Into A Bright Future

I experienced Hanoi’s rich history that long pre-dates the conflicts with which my generation is more familiar.

Trấn Quốc Pagoda
Trấn Quốc Pagoda

… and I met a new generation that has lived in a Vietnam without armed conflict since the end of the  Sino-Vietnamese war in 1989.

Old and New On Hanoi Streets Boy with Paper Airplane In front of temple gate

I had the surreal experience of streaming Ken Burns and Lynn Novick’s ‘The Vietnam War‘ while visiting Hanoi.  The first episode aired the day I arrived.

I’d watch the history at night and see Hanoi in its current form by day. A variation on a theme indeed.

I found endless inspiration for my lens on the streets of Hanoi …

……and enjoyed the company of a vibrant expat community and welcoming locals.

New friends – Kien, Mitch, Huu, and Scott – at JAL CAN “Eye”

If I wasn’t so determined to complete my sailing circumnavigation, I could have happily moved to Hanoi for a couple of years.

View From Chương Dương Bridge

The best bit was the freedom I found in Vietnam on the back of a motorbike.

Flooded Streets Of Mỹ Đức

From my first terrifying (for me) ride with Hannah from the Splendid Star Group through the streets of Hanoi, to a fantastic motorcycle tour of the city and its surrounds with Mike (Long) to my adventure with handsome who safely ferried me through the flooded ways of Mỹ Đức to the beauty of Ninh Bình and back.

Fisherman casting open net on water from boat in Nihn Bihn
On The Road To Ninh Bính

And of course, the motorcycle trips through the Hòa Bình, Lào Cai, and Lai Châu provinces…but I’ll save those for a future post. I hope you’ll join me there.

With Man Mây in Lào Cai

118 comments Vietnam: Variations On A Theme

These are some deep reflections of Vietnam, past and present. Stunning photos to boot as a well, and each of them telling a different story. Not uncommon to hear some of them working 12 hour days for most of the week. It is the only means they have to make a living and sustain their lives and dependents. You got to admire that. Not the most comfortable jobs in the world but yet they do it with such good nature. Looking forward to your future posts. Take care, sail safe ??⛵??

? Thank you for all the love and well wishes Mabel. Back at you and Mr. Wobbles ??✨

Amazing images! I’m glad you had a positive experience. Looking forward to more.

Thank you for visiting Vietnam with me Manja. I am delighted that you found the images amazing ???

J.D. Riso says:

Beautiful images. Time passes, and things always change, in this case for the better. It seems like the best way to explore Vietnam is on a motorbike.

Thank you for sharing the ride with me and for your kind compliment on the images. Change is the only constant indeed. Gives me hope that a light awaits at the end of every dark tunnel.

Joyce Perry says:

Oh, I do enjoy each and every adventure with you!
Thank you so much. The photos are outstanding. You must of put each adventure and photo in a book for all to see. Lovingly, Joyce

Always a delight to have you traveling by my side Joyce. And in this case, you were closer than ever. I was actually reading your wonderful book while traveling by train from Hanoi to Saigon. A page-turner that I could not put it down. Inspirational!

Love love love this post Lisa! What a place of contradictions and love the story you told with it.

? Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments here and on Facebook Nicole ?

Another great post and stunning photos. Got to add Vietnam to our bucket list. Did not know that Vietnam is a a solid ally.

Cheers,
John and Susan

You’ve been to some amazing destinations on your travels. Would love to see Vietnam added to your list of ‘places visited’. Delighted that you enjoyed the post.

Although my memories of the war aren’t as dramatic as yours since Canada’s involvement wasn’t the same as the US, I too had considerable reservations of Vietnam Nam as a travel destination.
However, your words and beautiful photos speak of a treasure to discover. Thanks for bringing us with you ?

I am delighted that you saw treasure in my words and images Joanne. Your lovely compliment has me smiling widely from ear-to-ear. I hope to see your lens on Vietnam someday soon.

I felt exactly the same way when I visited Vietnam a few years ago. It’s a truly beautiful country with a very sad history that is finally finding its own way. How interesting to tour it by motorbike! Your photos are wonderful

Well said Tina! It was wonderful to see Vietnam finally finding its way. And if someone had told me I would see so much of it from the back of a motorcycle before I went, I would have laughed at them. Just goes to show that marvelous adventures await just on the other side of one’s comfort zone. Thank you for your visit and lovely compliments.

Jennifer says:

Hi, Lisa! Your pictures are so beautiful and really capture the beauty of Vietnam. I can understand your feelings of mixed emotions when traveling to Vietnam. My father served in the war, too, and he has been forever changed by it. He has severe PTSD and still suffers from night terrors. It wasn’t until he was in his 70s that he finally sought therapy. He is now 80. My dad doesn’t talk about his time in the war or Vietnam. I think I were to visit Vietnam my feelings would be similar to yours, especially knowing my father was there at one time. On another note, I love the colors in your photographs. Beautiful work! xoxo

I am saddened to hear of your father’s ongoing battle with PTSD and hope that he has found relief in the therapy. It takes a very strong man to live with that kind of pain for so many years #nowords. But his brightness certainly shines through in your voice and the beautiful smiles of your ever-growing family. Big hug from Penang. Thank you for your visit and kind compliments on the photography.

lexklein says:

Your lead-in captures all my feelings as I contemplate a trip to Vietnam. I remember wearing POW bracelets in junior high, the older “kids” who actually went, and the very scary feeling that went along with being in a conflict that I didn’t really understand. And then I see the same place from my son’s eyes – a newly hip country with great food, warm people, and stunning topography – no uncomfortable memories of a nation-dividing war. I love how you embraced the rhythm of the country, traveling by motorbike and interacting with locals and ex-pats alike. I truly cannot wait to put this part of the world on my own map!

I wish I could be there to share Vietnam when you do visit Lexie. I was so disappointed that we couldn’t make it work this time around. Somewhere, someday, we will do some great traveling together. Bring your sense of humor but leave the bad weather behind when we do ?

I broke my sister’s POW bracelet by accident when I was ten and she was thirteen. She told me I killed him. Of course, I knew I didn’t but I felt horrible about it just the same. I feel even worse now because I can’t remember the man’s name and do not know whether he made it home.

What a nation of survivors, Lisa! I find it very hard to read a novel where the war features in the background, let alone experience it. Amazing that they can forgive, and focus their energies in rebuilding. Impossible to forget how harrowing on both sides. Thank you for the warmth and sensitivity with which you share this. 🙂 🙂

Beautifully said Jo. Forgiveness is most definitely divine. Thank you for your thoughtful comment and kind compliments ??

Retirement Reflections says:

Hi, Lisa – Living in Asia for so long, I had the distinct privilege to visit Vietnam a few times. Although I loved these experiences, the culture, and the warmth and generosity of the people, through your post I found myself experiencing pieces of Vietnam that I haven’t (yet) seen. Thank you for sharing this….and for your wonderful photos!

One of the things I like most about the blogging community? Seeing the same place from so many different perspectives. It deepens my own experience of a place. So sorry that I won’t be there to greet you and Richard in Singapore or Cambodia, but will be great to enjoy seeing those places through your eyes. Thank you as always for your visit and kind compliments ?✨

Britta says:

Your stories and pictures are always stirring fo me, as you have a knack for capturing countries and cultures so beautifully. Your reflections of Vietnam bring an especially deep poignancy to this post, especially the way you contrast your memories of Vietnam during the war years with the Vietnam you met in the present day.

Vietnam was before my day and even my Dad, who graduated from high school in 1969 (don’t tell him I’ve aged him on the internet! ?), served in the Navy. He experienced the waning years of the war from a boat in the middle of the ocean–A very different experience than other men who served at that time.

Of course I’ve read about the Vietnam War in school. I’ve been to the memorial in DC. Yet, it’s personal experiences that get me the most. Thank you for sharing, Lisa. This is a lovely post. Your photos are fantastic as usual!

Always a pleasure to see you here Britta. Your father is a lucky man to have avoided the ‘trenches’ directly, but he was closer than most and I can imagine how it shaped him. But on the bright side, what shaped him helped him to shape you and you are awesome. Thank you for the love ???

Britta says:

Oh you have me blushing, Lisa! I’m a major daddy’s girl (to this day) so what a compliment!

I never thought about how the war shaped him from the ocean. He’s never talked about that…he’s always been a man of few words when it comes to feelings. I’m sure it did, though. That war shaped everybody, whether they were serving or not–as you so beautifully articulated in this piece.

I’m a major daddy’s girl too! Lucky to still have mine around. Dads are awesome ?

Lisa, I just love how you composed this bog post – the chronology, the history, the hope for the future, the theme, the personal contacts, the magnificent photos and how these new experiences influenced you. As a photographer, you will never tire of visiting South East Asia, or the rest of the world! Happy travels and know that we are thinking of you both a lot! xx

Good news. The scans are clear!!! South Africa here we come #IndianOcean2018. Luckily we get to visit The Andamans, Sri Lanka and The Maldives on our way so we don’t have to bid farewell to SE Asia just yet. Thank you for the kind words on the composition and the images! Vietnam was inspirational. Hug from the ferry to Langkawi ⛴?

Liesbet says:

Yay!! Xxx

A perfect post. Balanced and humorous. Ally?
Took me back to the Brandenburg door in Berlin a few years ago. 14th of july. Everybody was celebrating the French national holiday with wine, cheese and saucisson. Not least the Germans.
And I thought to myself: “we could have skipped the ‘preliminaries’ and go straight to the wine and cheese, right?”.
Country Joe was soo right. 🙂

? Totally agree! Let’s skip the wars and go straight to peaceful celebrations with food and drink. Delighted that you enjoyed the post…and the elbow protection ?

Tchun. (Cheers in Thai I believe) 🙂

Oh. And I loved the traditional costume biker with elbow protection. 😉

It’s all about forgiveness.

Your photographs are stunning as usual and your words tell quite a tale. I was fairly young during the war and only knew a few people who were sent there. After all that was lost, no dominos (remember them?) fell, and the “commies” didn’t take over Asia. What a waste. But, I’m so happy to know that Vietnam is thriving and they actually seem to think well of us.

Janis – What a waste indeed Janis. To forgive is most definitely divine. I wish we’d just skip the war and move straight to peace, love and forgiveness. Delighted that you found the photographs stunning and words compelling. Big hug from the Malacca Straits ?

themofman says:

Oh oh! What happened to everything I just wrote?

? Oh no! I am certain that whatever you wrote was eloquent, insightful and love-filled. I’m sorry your beautiful, wise words have gone missing. Thank you as always for your visit Allan

Wonderful images Lisa, thank you.

???

I was totally captivated by your moving story and beautiful photos. It makes me realize how selfish my own preoccupations were each time I visited Vietnam. You’ve inspired me to look again with fresh eyes when I go back.

I am looking forward to see what you find when you return there. Thank you for your lovely compliment ??✨

Thank you so much, yes thanks to you I will see it with new eyes. I will keep you updated! 😀

MNL says:

wow! I really enjoyed your travelogue and the pics

? I am delighted to hear. Thank you so much for your visit and kind feedback ?

Past and present experience of Vietnam! It must be an emotional moments to finally experience Vietnam after so many years, Lisa. Great reflection and finding after all those years. I love the last image of you and the Vietnamese lady with the traditional cloth ride a motorbike – it sends a lot of messages just in one picture that anyone can imagine <3

? That woman (Man Mây from the Red Dao tribe) treated me to the adventure of a lifetime and became a great friend in a short period of time. But more on that later. Thank you for hanging out with me here and your lovely compliments on my musings. Heading back to Thailand tomorrow for a few weeks and then starting our Indian Ocean Crossing ⛵️??

The pictures are just beautiful, Lisa. I like how at some points there are multiples in a collage and some are just singles. Really does help to highlight pictures. I may start doing this 😉 Your writing is so inspirational. I hope you do go back and stay for years next time. Why not!

? Well your writing my friend was the inspiration for me to dig a little deeper, so I have you to thank for that. And Vietnam seemed like the right place to start ‘digging deeper’. Easy choice really. Lots to draw upon in Vietnam ??

It will be great to see what you create with photo galleries in your upcoming posts ?

Lisa, your photos of a very different Vietnam are so telling! I think we are close in age, I remember so many coming to our high school in San Diego from Vietnam in the mid 70s. Back then there were no ESL classes so immigrants had to learn English quickly. To this day, I know few, if any Vietnamese immigrants of those of later generations who do not work hard and demonstrate a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. An unheard of number of SE Asian students are starting to embrace the recreation and parks major, seeing the value of providing leisure opportunities for people. It really is a whole new world. Always a pleasure to read about and see the world through your images and posts!

While I didn’t get to know anyone from Vietnam until I entered the work force, my friend Nancy had two refugee friends in her class. They spoke zero English at the beginning of the school year but were at the top of their class by year end. Inspirational.

I am thrilled to hear of an exponential increase in students embracing the recreation and parks major and seeing the value in leisure careers!

Always a pleasure to travel with you Terri. Thank you for hanging out with me here.

I loved reading this post and seeing your inspiring photos of Viet Nam. All of them terrific, but I am particularly partial to the last one of you on the back of the bike and the one which shows the restaurant which has the large photo of Obama above the apparently renamed restaurant.

Your post brought back a flood of memories for me about the first time we experienced Hanoi, but also it was fascinating to read it through your eyes especially with regard to the history. At that time I was living in South Africa and of course had no personal experience with those who went on behalf of America, thinking they were doing the patriotic thing. So this was very interesting to read about your having such personal connections and what it all meant to you.

The Vietnamese are such a hardworking people with such a brutal history and yet they are so welcoming of foreigners, including American ones. It is sometimes hard “impossible” to reconcile the sacrifice of young Americans going to war out of a belief, drummed up in the media, at times of war, that they are doing the “right thing”. Closer to today, not much has changed sadly. Specifically, how many young Americans were wounded or killed or psychologically damaged by doing the “patriotic thing” by going to war in Iraq and Afghanistan, even though we all know that the Bush teams rush to war post 9/11 was predicated on made up intelligence about Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction. We are yet to experience the generational impact of this futile dispatch of U.S. forces. Yesterday Viet Nam, today Iraq and Afghanistan… tomorrow North Korea? America’s youth is repeatedly manipulated into supporting government policies that create very real pain and destruction today against the promise of some elusive foreign policy betterment, that never comes.

On a more positive note, we loved Ninh Binh too. It was a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi.

Peta

Right on Peta! Couldn’t have said it better myself! The promises of war are failing to deliver and hate is increasingly on the rise. Love is the answer and it starts with us. I need to keep that in mind the next time I want to tell someone to go ‘f’ themself ?

Thank you for taking me to another amazing country, Lisa! Your photos are beautiful!!!

??…and we will be coming to your country this year Aletta. Just got the good news that The Captains cancer scans are clear so South Africa here we come!!!! #IndianOcean2018 ⛵️

That is amazing news! Glad your captain’s scans are clear!!

Khamla says:

Beautiful photos Lisa, safe travels!

OMG thank you for all the love Khamla. I adore comments on the blog and introductions to really awesome people through your shares! Can not thank you enough. So looking forward to seeing you again when I return home. Would have been awesome to have traveled SE Asia with you and the fam. Maybe next time around. We just got the all clear on The Captain’s scans today so South Africa here we come. Hugs all around ?

Lisa we left Vietnam yesterday after a too brief five days there. I can appreciate how you would be affected by your memories of the war time. Your photos have captures so much of this exploding economy. So much happening.

I am so looking forward to reading more about your Vietnam experience Sue. Are you still in SE Asia or have you returned to Canada? We just got the good news today in Penang that The Captain remains cancer free. We will sail from Malaysia on the 31st, head back to Thailand for a few more weeks, and then start our Indian Ocean Crossing. Yay!

Vietnam will always haunt me in so many ways: The friendly, industrious people; the serene beauty of the country itself; the feeling of calm enchantment that floods everyone as they step on Vietnamese soil for the first time. Or in my case the contrasting feelings the second time. When I arrived there the first time in March 1970 serenity was not what I felt. During my year as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot I saw the war ravaged countryside, the look of despair and anger in faces of the Vietnamese people, and the harsh treatment that war always engenders. When I returned in September 1991 the feeling and sensations were entirely different. People welcomed me with open arms and bright smiles. Children bubbled with enthusiasm as I gave them candy and gum. On the streets of Hanoi I soaked in the mysterious calm that defines Vietnam, and I gained a degree of respect and admiration for those fine, gentle people that filled me with joy that I’d come back. Thanks for the post, and the deep, rich memories.

Thank you so much for your visit By and for sharing your personal, contrasting experiences of Vietnam so eloquently. That such light could emerge in a place once cloaked in darkness gives hope for the future. I am greatly moved by your willingness to return to Vietnam after your first experience. I know a few others who served that are unwilling/unable to return given their first, horrific experience. You are an inspiration.

Jimmy Cancellaro says:

As a decorated combat veteran of the Vietnam war, 4th Infantry Division July 1966-67, I was very happy to see the modern day Vietnam. I never had any personal animosity for the North Vietnamese we were fighting. I was just trying to survive one day at a time and get home to my loved ones. Today I still suffer from PTSD and I have 30% scar tissue in each of my lungs that the VA refuses to acknowledge could have been caused by Agent Orange which was sprayed within 200 feet of my location at least 3 times. Being a 19 year old in that setting was frightening but coming home to such a negative response from our citizens added more hurt to the psychological injury I endured. Myself and some of my army buddies marched in the ticker tape parade they held in our honor in NYC about 18 years after the war ended and it did help somewhat. Thanks for the glimpse into modern day Vietnam and a special thank you to my friend Khamla Erskine who introduced me to your blog. Best wishes on your future journeys.

I am delighted that Khamla put us in touch Jimmy and that we could travel to modern-day Vietnam together virtually. You paid an incredible price for your first visit and are continuing to pay. It is heartbreaking that the VA does not fully recognize all Agent Orange diseases. I am not a scientist, but there certainly seems to be a relationship between your lung scarring and your exposure to Agent Orange I am hopeful that the VA’s thinking evolves in this matter #nowords

I have been thinking more about the VA’s refusal to acknowledge the cause of your lung scaring. Is there any advocacy underway to persuade the VA to evolve their thinking on this? I’d like to get involved.

Another wonderfully thoughtful and heartening essay, Lisa. It is astonishing the way people not only haul themselves back from appalling horror, but then rise in triumph too.

Vietnam’s transition from dark to light gives me great hope for the world Tish. We need more such triumphs (rather than regressions into darkness which seems to be a trend these days). Delighted that you enjoyed the post.

Kirsten says:

I decided to take a little break from my income taxes (remember those?) and see if you had posted recently. Obviously, I haven’t checked in awhile, because I was rewarded with not one—but three!—posts. It was great to catch up on your travels in southeast Asia, Lisa! You have met so many memorable people along the way and I love the photos of each and every one of them! I’m glad your mom is doing well after her unexpected surgery. I am really looking forward to your voyage across the Indian Ocean since I never got to complete it. Please take a lot of photos of the passage and the light.

Cheers!

Ahoy from the Straits of Malacca! Great to hear from you. I am delighted that you liked the faces of SE Asia.
Really wish you were sailing The Indian Ocean with us. Perhaps the Magellan Straits when the time comes. Are you still in Aberdeen? And with regard to taxes, while income has become a bit of a blur, one never forgets taxes ;-). Best wishes to your Mom.

Michele says:

I wish more people could hear your experiences and see your images and experience a different version of Vietnam than the one we grew up with. We were shown the horrors of it during the war, and those images are hard to get out of your head. I love the picture of the girl with the hat on the bridge- Stunning!

I am delighted that you love the picture of the girl with the hat on the bridge. That is one of my favorites from SE Asia. It was the first that I took while riding on the back of a motorcycle. Like you, I am glad to have new images of Vietnam to replace the horribly unpleasant ones from our youth. The world needs more light and less darkness #makeartnotwar

Dave says:

Lisa great photos and thoughts your writing is amazing and brought back memories of Larry. He passed due to flu complications made worse from his exposure to agent orange. I loved that you remembered him ❤️

Larry and your family were top of mind throughout my journey in Vietnam. I hadn’t realized that Larry’s passing was Agent Orange related but I should have gathered. Tragic. Larry was a great guy and he loved his little brother. He smiled everytime you walked into the room.

PS. Congratulations on your engagement to Birgit. Wonderful to see you so in love ?

Brilliant post! That Ken Burns and Lynn Novick’s ‘The Vietnam War‘ documentary is really, really good. I watched all the episodes and loved it. One of the best documentaries I’ve seen.
I want to see Vietnam. I’m returning to Bangkok in March and thought about maybe going to Vietnam from there, but I might end up going to one of Thailands many islands instead. We’ll see when the time comes.

Delighted that you enjoyed the post Max. Totally agree on the quality of that documentary. One that shouldn’t be missed. Vietnam v. islands of Thailand is a v4ry tough choice, but you can’t lose whichever you choose. If all goes according to plan, we will be leaving Thailand for the Andaman Islands in mid-Feb so I will miss you yet again. But I will enjoy following your exploits virtually. March is just around the corner.

Lisa, Incredible pictures. I am glad that you shared your experience. I had two cousins over there and my brother almost went. It is remarkable how anything can change.

Sorry for my delayed response to your comment Bob. I adore comments and thank you very much for yours. I actually responded through my WordPress app (and got the ‘Reply Sent’ acknowledgement) a few days ago as we were sailing out of Malaysia …but I went to look at my blog today and my response was missing. Here it is now

————

Thank goodness that your brother did not have to fight in Vietnam in the end. I can imagine how your entire family was impacted from your cousins’ service. Vietnam’s transformation from those dark days to its current state gives me great hope for the future.
Ahoy from Thailand. Hope all is well in NYC #homesick

Oh, what a joyous wedding photo that is! I’ve never been to Vietnam, so your photos and narrative were very enlightening to me, Lisa. Obama’s Restaurant really made me smile. Freedom on the back of a motor bike is something which I don’t hanker after, but good for you. You look like a natural. 🙂

? You might surprise yourself someday. I never thought I would ever find myself on the back of a motorcycle but after the first (unplanned but somewhat necessary) trip, I found myself wanting more. It was such a great way to see a country. But The Captain was not too happy with my transportation choice (when I finally told him about it – he was home in Italy when I was in Vietnam). Had him worried sick. He’s very safety conscious which allows me to be more of a free spirit ?

Such a beautifully written and photographed post, Lisa. I’m feeling choked with emotion because it brought all those travel memories back. Vietnam has a special place in our hearts and I wish we could have stayed longer and explored more. Sa Pa was on our initial travel plan and we had to cancel it because of the tight schedule. Your pictures are truly stunning and capture local life the way we saw it! I showed your post to Basil and he’s equally fascinated. Thank you for sharing this with us! xo

I too wish I could have stayed (much) longer in Vietnam but was delighted to experience a few bits that I missed through your lens. I am honored that you and Basil enjoyed the post Cheryl. Looking forward to a day when we might travel to the same place at the same time.

Aww! That’s the sweetest thing to say! xo

rxfrazier says:

Wow! An awesome post. Beautiful photos. And the comments! Wonderful, Lisa.

? Making me blush Rawls. Thank you for the love ?

rxfrazier says:

You bet! Thank *you*!

I enjoyed reading this. It took me a minute to get it sorted out so that I will get your posts in my reader now, but I think that is now working. I travelled to Vietnam about 20 years ago, and it was amazing to me how pro-American they seemed to be. I guess when I thought about their history, I had thought they wouldn’t be.

I am delighted that you enjoyed the post and thank you so much for subscribing via the reader. Amazing to think that Vietnam’s pro-American stance goes back at least 20 years. I guess that speaks to the level to which China has challenged them

Amy says:

What a fabulous tour of Vietnam! This historical museum says so much of how people had to endure. Btw, I just watched The Post movie.
Great travel photos, Lisa. Thank you so much for taking us there.

Thank you so much for traveling there with me virtually Amy and for you kind compliments on the images. I am so looking forward to seeing The Post. I became politically aware during that time so it will be particularly engaging for me

The world is a different place to what it used to be. I’m surprised that Vietnam considers itself a staunch ally of the USA. It’s a beautiful country.

It was wonderful to see such brightness in Vietnam. It is indeed a beautiful country. The strength of their alliance with The US is driven by a less than optimal relationship with China..but I think it’s also driven by a younger generations on both sides that see each other as ‘cool’ rather than as enemies. May such brightness shine and friendships be forged across the world someday

Natalie says:

Thank you, Lisa, for another wonderful post and photos. South East Asia is always so fascinating. I found the people’s kindness always tugged at my heart. So hard to leave a beautiful place yet we keep moving on. I look forward to reading your next post.

SE Asian people are most definitely kind. I felt welcome everywhere that we traveled. I see from your list of places traveled that you’ve visited many countries here. Truly if I wasn’t so committed to completing a circumnavigation, I’d travel this region for a few more years. Next time around. Thanks for traveling along with me and for your kind compliments.

Cannot wait to explore Vietnam at some point. Experiencing that stunning landscape, which you so beautifully depict, from a motor bike would be delightful! In a country where most everyone travels by bicycle or motorcycle, how did you find the roads and the traffic?

The roads / traffic were insane beyond belief. I didn’t have the courage to drive the bike myself – far more fun to be a passenger. There were definitely times that I was scared, but it really was the best way to see Vietnam! Looking forward to a visit through your lens ?

Jessica says:

I visited Hanoi during Chinese New Year in 2011. I was only there a short time and it was quite cold, but I loved it. While there I took a day tour out to Halong Bay, and on that trip I met a Vietnamese young man who’d emigrated to Australia with his family as a young boy. He lives in Adelaide now and we talk regularly to this day… The best part about travel is the people you meet along the way. 🙂

Sounds like a wonderful visit. I hope you (and I both) get to spend a longer period of time next visit. The friendships one forges are most definitely the best part about travel.

Vietnam was one of my favourite countries. Like you I grew up through the war years in Australia – attending anti-war rallies, wearing a peace badge, etc. My generation couldn’t understand why the US was there, let alone Australian soldiers. Australians too were conscripted into service. There is a generation of Australian and American women who lost their fathers in WWI, their husbands in WWII, and their sons in Vietnam. It makes me teary even now to think of that. Another thing that made me teary, but in a good way was the hero’s welcome home in a Chicago to ‘Honor The Warrior, Not The War’. I hadn’t known about that before. I didn’t focus at all on the war when I was there except for a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. That was pretty fascinating. Human ingenuity constantly amazes me. I really wanted to focus on what Vietnam had become, and found it fascinating.
You have some wonderful photos here. I especially like the one of the woman by the lake.
Alison

Thank you for your visit and thoughtful reflections on Vietnam past and present Alison. It is indeed a fascinating place… one that I could spend years exploring. Focusing on the present was almost effortless after a few days in Vietnam. It was a transformative experience. Delighted that you liked the lady by the lake ?

AmyRose? says:

War is such a horrible thing. My hubby was in Nam (not sure if I told you) and to this day he fights his demons. This post made my Heart sing seeing how Vietnam is recovering from that war. I know I for one deliberately look for “made in Vietnam” labels because I’ve seen the quality in those clothes, lacking in most clothes made in other countries these days. Your photography is excellent and again made me smile. It is such a beautiful country. The war memorial hurt for me to see …. again, anything pertaining to war hurts. Yet it is important we don’t forget so that we do not involve ourselves with war, with another country or with each other. Peace and Love are the answers. Thank you so much for sharing this post. I SO enjoyed viewing it! ??????

Peace and love are most definitely the answers Amy #makeartnotwar! Sending light and love to your hubby. His story was actually an inspiration for me as I composed this post. Initially, I was only planning to share the upbeat side of my Vietnam travel story (sans war) but when you shared your husband’s story on my Laos post, I felt compelled to share my full experience of Vietnam (obviously a much lighter experience than your hubby’s). I’m glad I did as it encouraged other’s to share their stories in the comments. I think that the path to healings starts with sharing stories.

AmyRose? says:

I thought I told you about my husband. I am honored that my story assisted you to write this post. I so agree with you about stories. It is in the telling of our stories that we realize so many around us experience what we do, perhaps in different ways, but the emotions are the same. When we reach out to one another honestly and with open hearts, that is when the barriers comes down and healing truly does occur. THANK YOU, Lisa! ???

It is I who owe you a big THANK YOU Amy for your thoughtful share! Hugs and kisses from Thailand ??

Very moving post <3

Thank you for your visit. Delighted that you found the post moving!

prior.. says:

Truly a wonderful highlight post for this nice country.
I like the diversity you showed us (bike on path on side of bridge was my favorite shot)
and who knew??? “Vietnam is targeted to be the world’s 20th by 2050… ”
wow

and side note, I have heard that there are some fungal infections in people that might be related to what some soldiers brought home with them.
Not sure how they can argue for it – but I was fascinated when I heard (years ago) the story of guys being sick after returning home and they ended up having rare parasites and fungal infections from some of the waters they walked in, rinsed in, and maybe drank.

Goodness, I was unaware of the parasite/fungal infection issue so I looked it up here. According to the article, research commissioned by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) found a link between a rare form of cancer veterans have been diagnosed with (bile duct) and liver flukes—parasitic worms found in the rivers of Vietnam. Veterans groups are demanding that the Department of Veterans Affairs list bile duct cancer as one of the diseases associated with service in Vietnam. However, the VA is still claiming that there is no evidence of higher infection rates among vets. I think that the vets need to be appropriately compensated for their service and appreciate you raising awareness on this issue. And I also thank you for your kind words on the photos.

prior.. says:

wow – well I thank you for sharing your research –
my eyes bulged reading it, lIsa, because it was more than I imagined – oh wow – and it is nice to see how thorough you are (deep bow of respect) and this really just made my day to read about – well not at all for the pain and recovery suffering – but made my day to learn and to see that some folk are fighting to have info like this made more known.
Too often we keep all this stuff in an obscure journal to where docs and caregivers are not even in the know –
while people stay sick.
a few months ago i was on a rabbit trail researching about small flukes that are only found in the great lakes of the US – and it was interesting because this fluke is also associated with thyroid problems and I wondered if it was related to the dozens of women I know form that area who had thyroid probs.


and I fully agree – vets need to be appropriately compensated for their service and that you foe the reply and for also raising awareness on this issue

Goodness, I was unaware of the parasite/fungal infection issue so I looked it up here. According to the article, research commissioned by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) found a link between a rare form of cancer veterans have been diagnosed with (bile duct) and liver flukes—parasitic worms found in the rivers of Vietnam. Veterans groups are demanding that the Department of Veterans Affairs list bile duct cancer as one of the diseases associated with service in Vietnam. However, the VA is still claiming that there is not enough evidence of higher infection rates among vets. I think that the vets need to be appropriately compensated for their service and appreciate you raising awareness on this issue. And I also thank you for your kind words on the photos.

Vietnam has lots to offer, Lisa. Your pictures show a very versatile and a place which abounds in beauties. How many days would be enough to explore Vietnam?

Vietnam is magical Agness. I recommend savoring it for as long as possible. I was there for one month and left wanting more.

Lisa, your photography captures and reveal the soul of the people and the essence of their surroundings.

I feel you only need music to become a documentary ready for publication for the Sundance film festival. Your photographic captures are awe inspiring!

You all stay safe with smooth sailing and keep the photos coming. 🙂

Ahoy from Sri Lanka Marty. ARrived here after an 8 day sail from Thailand and slowly getting settled. Thank you so much for your very lovely compliments. Making me blush ?

Never been to Vietnam but I want to after reading this beautiful post, Lisa. Your pictures and the details have so wonderfully captured the essence of Vietnam. And yes, motorbike ride is already a to-do. Thanks for sharing this experience. Regards.

Oh I so hope that you visit there! I would love to see your coverage of Vietnam. Thank you for sharing a visit with me there virutally.

[…] new, I think, “oh, I could totally live here.”  One place that comes to mind is Vietnam. Vibrant, diverse culture, energetic expat community, endless beauty, […]

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