We had booked Mr Man for a tour today, very reasonable, 600,000 VAD. He picked us up at 0830 and off we went. As we had no idea of what to expect we relied on him advice. All we wanted was to see the real Vietnam. So started by going to a local waterfall. On the way went to the post office to pick up a pre paid phone card. Mr Man did the negotiating and made the process very smooth. I am disappointed with Telstra as I was told I would have coverage in Vietnam still not that expensive, 175,000VAD including 22 minutes overseas talk time.
The waterfall is very beautiful but now commercial. Lots of people come here so a sky rail has been built to get people down and up from the falls. We walked as we had not had much exercise since the gym at Can Tho. Made us realise how unfit we are, need to watch our intake, lots of rice but not much exercise.
From here to a Buddhist pagoda. The area very popular so crowded, I would not like to be here in peak tourist time! The grounds are very well maintained with beautiful gardens, temples in the traditional Buddhist style and bonsai trees of every size. The views from here are panoramic. The hills in the back ground, a lake below and forest all around. Very pleasant I can see why the monks spend more than 3 hours a day in meditation, the setting begs it of you.
Next to view the farming and boy is this something to behold. The farmers have utilised every space they can. With open growing and glass houses everywhere. You can be driving down a street with houses all around when up pops a vegetable plot. You name it, it grows here. The produce available to buy looks and smells so fresh. Flowers are now becoming a very large industry. Many farmers turning to flowers as more money. Interesting farmers do not have to pay taxes so some becoming quite wealthy. Flowers are sold locally and surrounding countries but not into Europe or Australia. China the furthest away and during times of shortage purchased from China. We rolled on to see a flower nursery. As it belonged to Mr Man’s cousin we were able to go into the hot houses and get amongst the roses and other flowers. The roses grown on white rose root stock then coloured roses grafted onto the root stock. They flower year round so very profitable.
Back to town for lunch. The usual mix of scooters and cars/trucks all going where they want to go with what appears to be chaotic abandon but no accidents seen. We ate in a small but popular local restaurant full of local people so we were confident of having local dishes. Again such good food and heaps of it. Cost minimal, 214,000VAD.
Last stop back into the country to see a park. Golden Park, full of flower gardens, water ways, bonsai and a lake at the bottom. The area is very tranquil and beautiful, it is an area many of the wedding couples come to take photo’s and it’s no wonder they do. The many flowers growing here are testament to the areas ability grow just about anything. Flower we thought only grew in colder climates are flourishing as are plants from hotter climates. Imported plants from France and Australia were evident. Many wonderful sights.
Back to our hotel through the farming areas, still in awe of the views, so manufactured but so natural. We settled down with a steam bath and sauna with me having a massage to follow. Decided to wander out for dinner but all the places we looked at were top line or doubtful so back to the hotel and Vietnamese for dinner.
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