Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam

 Asia-Vietnam-Ho Chi Minh This is one of the most famous Post Offices in the world . The Building was constructed in the late 19th Century when Vietnam was part of Indochina . It is very impressive and has a lick of paint since my last visit in 2007. One of the key tourist sites in this city. 

The inside of the building now has many little tourist shops. There was no philatelic counter , but just some older stamps and covers at shop prices. Little did I know that the best place to buy stamps was the office in Hue. Interesting that the postmark is showing Saigon. This is now the older part of Ho Chi Minh.

Halong Bay- Vietnam

 Asia-Vietnam-Halong Bay An amazing location . I had always recall seeing a James Bond film that was showing a similar scene . The weather was perfect . Spend an overnight on a small cruising boat here. Exceeded my expectation . A World Heritage Site .

A lot of stamps here due to the low value of many of the stamps. Tried to find a post office in Halong Bay, but the one I went to was closed and had moved to a unknown location. So this card was posted in the next stop which was Ho Chi Minh. 

Hanoi - Vietnam

 Asia-Vietnam-Hanoi The capital of Vietnam . Certainly more laid back then Ho Chi Minh City. A very enjoyable city to visit. The Huc Bridge with its striking red colour stands out. In fact you can see it if you walk across the street from the main post office. The Hoa Prison is a big draw and was known as the Hanoi Hilton during the Vietnam war. 

More food and Ho Chi Minh of one of the stamps. Every Post office gave me different prices for sending a postcard international ! 

Hue - Vietnam . World Heritage Site.

 Asia-Vietnam-Hue This is the Royal Palace in Hue, built in early 1800s. The last Royal family in Vietnam. The postcard looks great, but in reality it was less interesting then I had wished. Quite a large complex. A World Heritage Site. 

A very colourful set of stamps here. The Post office in Hue was by far the best Philatelic counter in all of Vietnam. I did not know this at the time and only bought a few stamps. I had anticipated that Hanoi would be the best. But not the case. Food is such a big part of Vietnamese culture , there are many stamps showing food. This is one. 

Hoi An - Vietnam

 Asia-Vietnam-Hoi An. A well preserved example of a South East Asian port from the 15th to 19th century. The vibe is amazing and my favourite location that I visited in this country. A melting pot of senses and views. 

Not very exciting stamps. Thats what you get when you start your visit to Vietnam in a central city . I love the red though .. Very Vietnamese colour. 

Photos from Hoi An - Vietnam

 Hoi An with plenty of lanterns 

Japanese Bridge 

Main Post Office Hoi An 

Hoi An - Vietnam

 Asia-Vietnam-Hoi An My second time in Vietnam and my first time in Hoi An. This World Heritage Site town is amazing . I was aghast how beautiful it was. Day or night . The town is full of Lanterns and took many photos of such. A great vibe and a must visit in Vietnam. 

 

I normally start in the capital city if touring a country . The main reason is to stock up on special stamps at the main post office, However on this Asian trip I made an exception . The Post office in Hoi An had no selection of stamps and in fact it was mostly the case in Vietnam . More on that later. The Bridge on the definitive stamp is in face here in Hoi An. Crossed it a couple of times. An old Japanese Bridge from the 18th century . 

Malaysia Vietnam and Philippines

Asia-Malaysia-Negeri Sembilan-Seremban  This state just lies south of Kuala Lumpur. This area is primary agriculture and manufacturing. This is a Rajah Brooke Malaysia's national Butterfly 

Here you see the State stamps of Negeri Sembilan. 

Asia-Vietnam-Ho Chi Minh City   Vietnam one of my favourite countries. Very friendly people . This Post office is also one of the best Post offices to visit in the world. In also ranks with the Post office in Algiers. 

I was disappointed with the range of stamps on sale here. But I know that the main philatelic office for Vietnam is in Hanoi. 

Asia-Vietnam-Ben Dinh  This area is where you visit the tunnels that were used during the war. Quite a lot to learn. The tunnels are now made larger in a small section so tourists can visit. 

Very nice postmarks in Vietnam . 

Asia-Philippines-Manila   Second visit here. I was here in 1991 and could barely leave my hotel due to kidnapping going on. So all my tours where with guides then. Today just was passing through as was connecting on to the Pacific. 

A very faint postmark . Posted at the airport in Manila.