War Museum, Hanoi, Vietnam

Now called the "Military History Museum"-has a much nicer ring to it. Walk down Dien Bien Phu Street, past large French Colonial houses set back from the wide boulevard, and you'll find the Museum. According to the brochure: "the Viet Nam Military History Museum lively and attractively reflects the history of founding and defending the nation against foreign invaders of the Vietnamese people" - took the words right out of my mouth. Various U.S Military aircraft, weapons and Military vehicles are on display-some intact, some destroyed.

Thoughts On Hanoi, Vietnam

The casual visitor to Hanoi, Vietnam, could easily be unaware that a huge war had taken place. No one talks about it, least of all the young majority. There are no battle scars to see, no horrific photos to shock and no one to lecture you on the war itself. Hanoi, Vietnam wants the world to know that the past has been carefully put out of sight, lest the visiting tourists become offended. The POW Hanoi Compound wasn't even on the places to visit- I had to find it myself.
Also, you'd be hard pressed to view Vietnam as a Communist State; Police and Military presence is scant.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Despite a rapidly growing economy, Hanoi has somehow managed to avoid the huge development seen by other Asian Capitals. This can only be good for the visitor who merely wants to experience the Orient/Asia he or she has imagined. It's still possible, though, to get lost in a maze of French Colonial streets with merchants of every description. This is not to say you won't find "brand name" stores catering to the super rich, but they're in the minority and haven't taken over this charming City.

Map Of Thailand

http://www.amazing-thailand.com/Map.html

Hua Hin Thailand

Once in a while, you come across a gem of a place that you wish you had all to yourself - Hua Hin is that kind of place. A three hour air-conditioned bus ride will get you to the southern coastal town of Hua Hin. With its narrow streets best navigated by scooter or motorbike, there's no lack of seafood restaurants or bars. I chose the "Fish Restaurant" one of about six located on their own piers. You sit out there at night, with the waves lapping away at the breakers, eating your lobster which was alive twenty minutes ago. Cool coastal breezes make this place very livable. Quite a few Danes, Swedes, Norwegians and British, live semi permanently in Hua Hin. If golf is your thing, then you'll be in sandpit heaven.
I stayed at "The Captain's Inn" Guest House run by Steve Ketteringham a British ex-military Captain and his wife Tum. As you'd expect, it was clean, tidy and well run. All of this for around 600bt...breakfast was good too. http://www.ketteringham.com/

Overbite in Bangkok

Just had my teeth cleaned and polished at Sukhumvit Plaza. Dentist said he doesn't normally deal with "iguanas", but would do so if I came back after dark. $30...great price.
Bunditkosol Polydental clinic.

Pantip Plaza Bangkok

A must see for computer hardware, software, cameras and everything in between. Prices don't appear significantly lower than US outlets, but if you need to buy in Bangkok, this would be a good place to start. If you're buying a laptop, you're probably wise to buy from one of several large outlets within the mall.... this has more to do with getting genuine software and international warranties, than price. http://www.into-asia.com/bangkok/shopping/pantip.php

Getting Drilled In Bangkok

Open wide - those dreaded words. Now, in Bangkok, the experience may be similar, but the speed of treatment and price doesn't have to be. Often, visitors come to Thailand just to get their teeth whitened, have crowns, or undergo major dental surgery. The discount received may even cover your trip and expenses. Definitely worth looking into. Here's a typical clinic offering services on the web. http://www.bangkokdentalhospital.com/dental_clinic/price.html