Arts and Entertainment

John and I have visited many places in Vietnam including the beaches between Danang and Hoi An. This time we decided to try some place different – some place that would be warm. Mui Ne is about 135 miles due east of Saigon. After some searching, we decided to stay at Shades Resort. The rate was reasonable; it was on the water and had a pool so it fit our needs.

Ho Chi Minh City has been the official name since the fall of Saigon in 1975 but both are in use. Once again being a loyal customer paid off. We had a free night with InterContinental Hotels due to using their credit card and being a member of their IHG Rewards Club so we booked a room at the InterContinental Asiana Residence. We didn’t realize just how lucky we were until we saw our accommodation. We had two huge rooms.

There is something sublime and magical about a river trip. I feel like I am part of a “National Geographic” special as I cruise pass one vignette after another. The Mekong is the 12th longest river in the world and borders many countries. John and I have taken a river cruise on the Mekong between Laos and Thailand. This time, we boarded the RV Mekong Pandaw in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on the Tonle Sap, a branch of the Mekong.

One of the great things about traveling in Asia is the many budget airlines. We often fly Air Asia and buy the tickets early to get a promo fare. From Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, our ticket was about $60 including 15 kilos of luggage. John and I have been to Phnom Penh several times but not for five years and the changes were dramatic.

There are many things to do in the area including elephant rides and shopping but we opted to visit The Sanctuary of Truth, which we could see off in the distance from our balcony. Had we known we would have planned to spend several hours there because there was a lot to do. The elaborately carved wooden structure was built in 1981 but has the look of an ancient temple. The temple carvings showed the relationship between humans and the universe.

John and I have visited the 1000 Islands many times and love to tour the grounds of Boldt Castle where George Boldt, the owner of the Waldorf Astoria was building a European-style castle in the early 1900s. Waldorf Salad was an instant success when it was created by the Waldorf Astoria’s maître d’hôtel, Oscar Tshcirky in 1896. The original version contained apples, celery and mayonnaise served on a bed of lettuce. Chopped walnuts later became an integral part of the dish. Boldt insisted that it always be on the hotel’s menu.