We are feeling much better and have started to explore the wonderful Island of Bali. We spent the last two nights in a lovely hotel in Seminyak. Yesterday we took a long walk down the beach, watched surfers, swam in the waves and watched a lightening storm pass through.

Miles walked last two days: 17.4

We had a one day layover in Kuala Lumpur which is just long enough to get a taste of the city. Unfortunately we were feeling a little under the weather, probably from something we ate the day before. Therefore we didn’t get to see as much of the city as we planned. But we did enjoy the Christmas decorations around town, shopping in China Street, as well as a movie at the cinema!

Miles walked: 5.1

On our last day in Siem Reap we rented 4-wheelers for exploring the country. We can see why 4-wheelers are recommended considering the narrow, bumpy roads and mud pits! We finished the day by taking a Tuk Tuk out of town to a rice field to watch the sunset. On the way back we had the driver stop in a small village so we could pass out bananas and clementines to the kids. We’ve done this a few times throughout our trip and it always amazes us how appreciative and happy they are (and also how fast the crowd can grow in 2 minutes!)

Miles walked: 5.33

There are over 300 temples here in Siem Reap, so our guide helped us choose the best ones to explore in order to maximize our time. We saw an amazing sunrise at Angkor Wat, one of the largest and best preserved temples. Other highlights were Ta Prohm, where the jungle is taking over the temple (Tomb Raider was filmed here), and our favorite, Bayon, with all the faces carved into stone. We finished the day with dinner and a show of traditional dances.

Miles walked: 8.5

Angkor Wat:

Ta Prohm:

Bayon:

We have left Vietnam and are now in Siem Reap, Cambodia. We hired a local guide for the next two days to teach us about Cambodia’s history, Buddhism and of course the temples that make this area famous. This morning we visited an amazing ‘floating village’ which is actually on stilts rather than floating. Our afternoon was spent at the ruins of Beng Mealea, a Hindu temple built by a king 900 years ago which was eventually converted into a Buddhist temple and is now overrun by jungle.

Miles walked today: 2.5

Buddhist Monastery:

Floating Village:

Both sides of the river are lined with houses like this. Around 800 families live in this village.

Kids wanted to pose for a photo:

Beng Mealea:

We spent a day boating/biking around the Mekong Delta. First we visited a floating market by boat. Then our guide took us and a couple from the U.K. biking through charming rural roads where the river or canals are never far and the people yell hello from their houses as you pass. We also stopped at a candy factory to sample fresh coconut candies and other treats!

Today was our last day on Ho Chi Minh, and it was especially hot, so we spent the day drinking coconut water as we walked through the city. We went back to the amazing street food restaurant for lunch and got a massage before going to the airport.

Miles walked yesterday and today: 13.5 miles
Miles biked yesterday: 20k

Mekong:

Floating Market:

Pumpkin boat in market:

Biking through town:

Biking through country:

Kids run out to say hello as we pass- this is the friendliest town we’ve ever been to:

Coconut candy factory:

Making rice paper:

We are now in Ho Chi Minh, formerly Saigon. We walked counter clockwise around the city, visiting all the main sights. Although this city feels more ‘western’ than other cities we visited, there are still many things that are strictly Vietnam!

Mikes walked: 10.4

Odd sightings in Ho Chi Minh:

I don’t understand how everyone wears long sleeves, pants and hats in this 90 degree humid weather!

War Museum:

We spent our last day at Hoi An on the beach. The endless beach was perfect for walking. We saw lots of the round local fishing boats and we found a little restaurant for a great lunch right on the water.

Miles walked: 4.7 miles

Hoi An is such a wonderful place with its easy going atmosphere and old town charm. We enjoyed walking around the city, buying souvenirs and eating some of the best food we’ve had in Vietnam. We found such a great restaurant that we had dinner there two nights in a row! The evening was special due to the full moon. The town celebrates by releasing hundreds of paper laterns into the river. So beautiful!

Miles walked today: 6.2

Hoi An:

I love the tiny tables and chairs in this country!

Checking on the new clothes – Fitting with tailor:

Selecting fabric for Brent’s work shirts:

Boat trip:

Paper lanterns:

One wish for each lantern:

Releasing lanterns into river:

Today we left Hanoi and flew to Hoi An. Although only an hour south by plane, it is significantly warmer and sunnier. We are looking forward to some beach time!

This afternoon we rode bikes around town, stopping at one of the many tailors in town to get measured for some clothes. We also found an amazing place for dinner. It was so good we are considering going back tomorrow!

Miles walked today: 3.2

Hanoi looking nice at night:

Hello Hoi An!