Saturday 10 March 2018
At Sea
Saturday, 10 March 2018
Friday, 9 March 2018
Thursday, 8 March 2018
Bangkok (laem Chabang), Thailand
Thursday 8 March 2018
Bangkok (laem Chabang), Thailand
Bangkok (laem Chabang), Thailand
Bangkok
Laem Chabang is your
gateway to Bangkok. This enchanting city on the Chao Phraya River is a magical
place where graceful dancers perform in shimmering silk gowns, temples with
gold-leaf spires harbor priceless Buddhas and riverboats cruise a maze of
canals. The only nation in Southeast Asia to escape colonial rule, Thailand
offers a rich and ancient culture that flowered unhindered by Western influence.
Proud and strongly nationalistic, the Thai people call their nation Muang Thai
- "Land of the Free."
Founded in 1782 by King Rama I, Bangkok is home to more than eight million people. The capital's proper name is Krung Thep - the "City of Angels."
Founded in 1782 by King Rama I, Bangkok is home to more than eight million people. The capital's proper name is Krung Thep - the "City of Angels."
Excursion
Experience the splendors
of Bangkok by both land and water. Board your motorcoach and enjoy a scenic
drive to Bangkok. Visit Wat Trimitr, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, which
houses one of the world's largest statues of the Buddha, carved from solid gold
in the Sukothai style. Continue on to the grounds of Bangkok's Grand Palace,
where you will discover the famed Wat Phra Kaeo, also known as the Royal Chapel
of the Emerald Buddha. A walking tour of the Grand Palace takes you through its
ornate and elaborate courtyards, considered the city's most spectacular
landmark. Then, walk a short distance to the Chao Phraya River to board your
riverboat for a scenic cruise along the canals. Once docked, a short walk
brings you to a restaurant for a buffet lunch. Refreshed, enjoy independent
shopping for souvenirs at a nearby reputable shop. A motorcoach drive back to
port completes your day.
Friday 9 March 2018
We were up very early as we had to meet in the Theatre at 6. 45 a.m. There were many areas around the wharf with brand new cars
There was a large group going to the Best of Bangkok, our bus had 44 people including a lady on a walker with her husband.
We had a 2 and half hour drive first to Bangkok. Our Bus had a convenience stop just prior to Bangkok. This was quite an experience as the toilet was on the floor level.
We met our Tour Leader prior to going up all the steps with instructions as to how long we had there and where we were to meet when we came down.
Our first visit was to the Temple of the Golden Buddha. The following three photos I have taken off the internet so that you can see how far we had to walk up. With the large crowds of people there it was hard to get everything
There were crowds and crowds of people already there. We had to watch as we were walking up as people were coming down as well. I think I did extremely well in the climb sometimes holding on to Bill as to not get knocked over.
The Buddha a Golden Statute - 160 foot long made of five and half tons of solid gold. I took many photos while up there as it was a long way up all these steps, knowing that I can to climb down as well. We met our Tour Leader and headed for shade as it was extremely hot sweat pouring down my face, and drinking plenty of water.
The poor lady on a walker was at the rear all the time. We were told that this excursion was very strenuous. Many were wondering why they chose this excursion. They were not able to go round all the palace as you could not get a walker or wheel chair through the crowds of people. This was absolutely magnificent many many buildings. We all had a meeting with our Tour Leader as to where we were to met if we got lost. Lucky this Tour Leader had a long stick with Pink flag and Number 4 on it, as there were groups and groups of people everywhere. Many times you could have got lost from your group. We had to walk up many stairs again to the top of the palace then take our shoes off to go inside with crowds of people trying to take photos also. When we came out had to look for our shoes hoping they were still there, or should I say remember where we had left them as there were many areas. We continued further around these buildings in the pouring heat, taking our shoes off once more to go inside to take photos.
There were some stalls just outside the palace where you could buy gifts. We had to continue walking outside the palace to go on our cruise then finishing off with a buffet lunch. The lady and her husband were taken on a Tuki Tuki to the boat but was not there when we left on our cruise, we had to go back to the wharf to pick them up. We had a lovely lunch then stopped at a Gem shop for further shopping and the continued on our bus for 2 and half hours back to our Cruise Ship. I need to type notes up after each excursion otherwise I forget what we did.
We did'nt get back until 6 p.m. very exhausting day but enjoyable went to show comedy vocalist Diane Cousins then went to another Princess Live Theatre, had soup and small app[lye tart for tea before show and a nice pot of tea.
Friday 9 March 2018
We were up very early as we had to meet in the Theatre at 6. 45 a.m. There were many areas around the wharf with brand new cars
There was a large group going to the Best of Bangkok, our bus had 44 people including a lady on a walker with her husband.
We had a 2 and half hour drive first to Bangkok. Our Bus had a convenience stop just prior to Bangkok. This was quite an experience as the toilet was on the floor level.
We met our Tour Leader prior to going up all the steps with instructions as to how long we had there and where we were to meet when we came down.
Our first visit was to the Temple of the Golden Buddha. The following three photos I have taken off the internet so that you can see how far we had to walk up. With the large crowds of people there it was hard to get everything
Now more of my photos below
Just after we had got off the bus and on the way in
At the Temple
We had to take our shoes off to go up the steps
This photo shows how high we had climbed with our buses in the photo
The Buddha a Golden Statute - 160 foot long made of five and half tons of solid gold. I took many photos while up there as it was a long way up all these steps, knowing that I can to climb down as well. We met our Tour Leader and headed for shade as it was extremely hot sweat pouring down my face, and drinking plenty of water.
Now in the bus on the way to the Palace
We then boarded the bus to go and see the Palace. We all got off the bus and had to walk along the footpath for
1 kilometer to the Palace in pouring sunshine. Extremely hot. The bus could not stop any closer to the Palace.
The poor lady on a walker was at the rear all the time. We were told that this excursion was very strenuous. Many were wondering why they chose this excursion. They were not able to go round all the palace as you could not get a walker or wheel chair through the crowds of people. This was absolutely magnificent many many buildings. We all had a meeting with our Tour Leader as to where we were to met if we got lost. Lucky this Tour Leader had a long stick with Pink flag and Number 4 on it, as there were groups and groups of people everywhere. Many times you could have got lost from your group. We had to walk up many stairs again to the top of the palace then take our shoes off to go inside with crowds of people trying to take photos also. When we came out had to look for our shoes hoping they were still there, or should I say remember where we had left them as there were many areas. We continued further around these buildings in the pouring heat, taking our shoes off once more to go inside to take photos.
There were some stalls just outside the palace where you could buy gifts. We had to continue walking outside the palace to go on our cruise then finishing off with a buffet lunch. The lady and her husband were taken on a Tuki Tuki to the boat but was not there when we left on our cruise, we had to go back to the wharf to pick them up. We had a lovely lunch then stopped at a Gem shop for further shopping and the continued on our bus for 2 and half hours back to our Cruise Ship. I need to type notes up after each excursion otherwise I forget what we did.
We did'nt get back until 6 p.m. very exhausting day but enjoyable went to show comedy vocalist Diane Cousins then went to another Princess Live Theatre, had soup and small app[lye tart for tea before show and a nice pot of tea.
Wednesday, 7 March 2018
At Sea
Wednesday 7 March - At Sea
Today we had a sleep in and went down for breakfast - lunch late as we had a very big day yesterday and nothing special planned for today. We both enjoyed our trip yesterday to Vietnam
After Breakfast - lunch we went to a part of the boat with music like birds in trees and sat in their seating and relaxed. Many people go to this area to read or sleep the small apartments are very popular and often hard to fine and a free apartment.
Today we had a sleep in and went down for breakfast - lunch late as we had a very big day yesterday and nothing special planned for today. We both enjoyed our trip yesterday to Vietnam
After Breakfast - lunch we went to a part of the boat with music like birds in trees and sat in their seating and relaxed. Many people go to this area to read or sleep the small apartments are very popular and often hard to fine and a free apartment.
Tuesday, 6 March 2018
Ho Chi Minh City (phu My), Vietnam
Tuesday 6 March 2018
Ho Chi Minh City (phu My), Vietnam
Excursion Best of Ho Chi Minh City
Excursion begins at the pier where we boarded an air-conditioned motor coach for the approximately one and half hour drive to Ho Chi Minh City. The route follows the Saigon River to Ho Chi Minh City, passing through a landscape of small villages, rice paddy fields, and oil and rubber trees.
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City we visited the National History Museum of Vietnam.
Their collection traces the cultural history of Vietnam with exhibits that feature stone and bronze artifacts, Champa art, ceramics and traditional costumes, at the National Museum Theatre, traditional Vietnamese water puppet shows are performed. Enjoy watching a performance of this national art form.
You'll drive past the Botanical and Zoological Gardens, City Hall, Ho Chi Minh Park and the site of the U.S> miltary's weekly updates at the Rex Hotel, home of the infamous "Friday Night Follies."
Thoroughly enjoyed our time here. Some of the displays were absolutely beautiful. I will add more photos when I do the book as I will be able to bring the display in photo a lot closer (brilliant.)
Drive to Ben thanh Market, also called SAIGON market.
Next, you'll head to a deluxe hotel restaurant in downtown Ho Chi Minh City for a lunch buffet where both western and Vietnamese entrees will be available. Enjoy traditional Vietnamese entertainment.
I was very impressed in the following at the Restaurant as I went to the Ladies room absolutely beautiful, I am very pleased that I take my camera with me where every I go.
Afterwards, explore the many shops on Dong Khoi Street, formerly Rue Catinat of Author Graham
Green's Viet Nam. Dong Khoi street is still a fascinating place, Explore the many shops selling porcelain firgurines, cinanom boxes and other souvenirs,
Enjoy your time on your own to shop before driving back to the pier.
Got home at 5. 30 p.m. nice day excellent Tour Leader smaller group will remebe Vietnam for motor bikes they are every where went to market but market shopping is not us had a lovely buffet lunch very nice, thought Vietnam was bit untidy to other places we have been having a nice hot drink in our room through room service. A very enjoyable day.
Ho Chi Minh City (phu My), Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City
Over three decades have
passed since the Vietnam War ended with the fall of Saigon. Today, the name of
this bustling metropolis on the Mekong River is Ho Chi Minh City. Yet, the
essence of the city, a major trading center since the 18th century, remains
unchanged. The air is filled with the cries of street hawkers and honking
horns. Bicycles, motorbikes and automobiles fly down the boulevards at dizzying
speeds. And everywhere, friendly faces and warm greetings meet you.
The port of Phu My (pronounced "Foo Me") is your gateway to Ho Chi Minh City and the seaside resort of Vung Tau.the longest suspension bridge in Korea.
The port of Phu My (pronounced "Foo Me") is your gateway to Ho Chi Minh City and the seaside resort of Vung Tau.the longest suspension bridge in Korea.
Excursion Best of Ho Chi Minh City
Travel along the
countryside following the Saigon River to Ho Chi Minh City where you'll explore
Reunification Hall, the National History Museum and watch a performance of
Vietnamese water puppets. Drive past the Botanical and Zoological Gardens, City
Hall, Ho Chi Minh Park and the site of the U.S. military's weekly updates at
the Rex Hotel, home of the infamous "Friday Night Follies." You'll
stop for photo opportunities at Notre Dame Cathedral, and the French Colonial
Post Office, Enjoy a lunch buffet at a deluxe hotel restaurant in downtown Ho
Chi Minh City. After lunch, you'll stop at Minh Phuong Lacquer Factory. You'll
have a brief time to shop before heading back to the pier.
In Vietnam 6. 45 a.m. 72 Buses on wharf below our balcony going to be very hot here not a cloud in the sky off to Ho Chi Minh City for small groups meeting at 7.15 a.m. Good show last night new Cast Mo Town had free special afternoon tea yesterday many many people burnt from sub bathing last 2 days extremely hot.
In Vietnam 6. 45 a.m. 72 Buses on wharf below our balcony going to be very hot here not a cloud in the sky off to Ho Chi Minh City for small groups meeting at 7.15 a.m. Good show last night new Cast Mo Town had free special afternoon tea yesterday many many people burnt from sub bathing last 2 days extremely hot.
Arriving in Vietnam early in the morning
All the buses lined up for exercursions
I have posted this photo of our boat and our cabin room is on the very front right hand side facing the photo only one cabin in front of ours with an ensuite
Tour Overview
Excursion begins at the pier where we boarded an air-conditioned motor coach for the approximately one and half hour drive to Ho Chi Minh City. The route follows the Saigon River to Ho Chi Minh City, passing through a landscape of small villages, rice paddy fields, and oil and rubber trees.
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City we visited the National History Museum of Vietnam.
I may add more photos later when I do my book
Their collection traces the cultural history of Vietnam with exhibits that feature stone and bronze artifacts, Champa art, ceramics and traditional costumes, at the National Museum Theatre, traditional Vietnamese water puppet shows are performed. Enjoy watching a performance of this national art form.
Performing Water Puppet Show
Independence Palace (Prominent Government Centre during war
Historical building of the Vietnam War era, with tours of government offices, war rooms & artifacts.
Historical building of the Vietnam War era, with tours of government offices, war rooms & artifacts.
You'll stop at Minh Phuong Lacquer Factory. See the art of lacquer ware-making, one of Vietnam's most popular exports. Take in a brief demonstration of the lacquering process and see a variety of lacquer ware pieces, ranging from small boxes to large pieces of furniture.
Thoroughly enjoyed our time here. Some of the displays were absolutely beautiful. I will add more photos when I do the book as I will be able to bring the display in photo a lot closer (brilliant.)
City Post Office
Drive to Ben thanh Market, also called SAIGON market.
Crowds and Crowds of people at this market
Next, you'll head to a deluxe hotel restaurant in downtown Ho Chi Minh City for a lunch buffet where both western and Vietnamese entrees will be available. Enjoy traditional Vietnamese entertainment.
Very enjoyable meal
Dancers while we were eating our meal
I was very impressed in the following at the Restaurant as I went to the Ladies room absolutely beautiful, I am very pleased that I take my camera with me where every I go.
These looked stunning
All in coloured glass case of birds (may add more photos when I do the book)
I was very lucky no one was sitting in the very front of the Bus so I took up the challenge as you can see but many times I was hanging on to the rail got very close to cars and motor bikes.
French Colonial City Hall built in the early 1900s now Headquarters of
The People's Committee
This is a picture of our group walking
French Colonial City Hall built in the early 1900s now Headquarters of
The People's Committee
Afterwards, explore the many shops on Dong Khoi Street, formerly Rue Catinat of Author Graham
Green's Viet Nam. Dong Khoi street is still a fascinating place, Explore the many shops selling porcelain firgurines, cinanom boxes and other souvenirs,
Enjoy your time on your own to shop before driving back to the pier.
Got home at 5. 30 p.m. nice day excellent Tour Leader smaller group will remebe Vietnam for motor bikes they are every where went to market but market shopping is not us had a lovely buffet lunch very nice, thought Vietnam was bit untidy to other places we have been having a nice hot drink in our room through room service. A very enjoyable day.
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