Kuang Si Falls- Luang Prabang

 

Asia-Laos-Luang Prabang This is the waterfall at Kuang Si Falls. Took a day trip and it was very enjoyable. I searched for this postcard so I could remember how wonderful it was. 

Not a very good postmark from the Post Office in Luang Prabang . There was a small philatelic counter and an even more impressive commercial shop beside the Post office selling a large selection of stamps and postcards 

Luang Prabang - Laos

 Asia-Laos-Luang Prabang  This is Wat Viscoun which is a Buddhist temple of which there are many in luang Prabang . This is the most popular town to visit in Laos. There is certainly a laid back feel about the place. A World Heritage Site. 

These stamps were purchased at the excellent Philatelic Section in Vientiane . The stamps on the right are unusual in that they are not perforated and I had to use a scissors to cut the stamps from the miniature sheet. 

Vientiane - Laos

 

Asia-Laos-Vientiane This is the Haw Phra Kaew Temple . In fact it is no longer a temple but a museum but it is a great place to visit. Originally built in 1565 , it has been rebuilt many times. The setting in the garden is beautiful .

These stamps were issued in 2021 to celebrate the commencement of the new train service from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. It was built in association with the PR China. Included here you can see one of the new train stations, train and bridges built. I had the pleasure of using this new service and I have to say it was excellent. 

Vientiane - Laos . Last Country in the World to visit.

 Asia-Laos-Vientiane This postcard is historic . Reason being it is my last Country to visit in the world . As strange as it may seem , I decided this in 2004 to either be Cambodia or Laos . Easy countries to visit and everyone who has been has has said how wonderful they both were. Well I have to agree. Vientiane is laid back compared to other Asian capitals. This is the That Luang gold covered Buddhist stupa in the city centre. I was just there one day after a festival and it was officially closed, but a gate was open so able to see around . Impressive . 

To mark the special occasion this is a gold foil stamp. Luckily the Philatelic counter in Vientiane was by far the best in all the countries I visited on this trip. Including the staff who were helpful and knowledgable . 

The Bayou Temple - Siem Reap

 Asia-Cambodia-Siem Reap This is showing The Bayou Temple also known as Angkor Thom . Built is the late 12th century. Part of the World Heritage Site . 

The Post office in Siem Reap was well used to getting tourists. They had choices of stamps and well maintained. 

The National Museum Phnom Penh

Asia-Cambodia-Phnom Penh The National Museum which is a very worthwhile place to visit. The building itself is also of interest designed in typical Cambodian style. 

 

A nice clear postmark from Phnom Penh. The stamps were from the small selection available at the philatelic counter. 

Phnom Penh-Cambodia

 Asia-Cambodia-Phnom Penh This is the Genocide Museum in central Phnom Penh. It was a school prior to being a prison during the time of Pol Pot. My first location to visit on arrival in Cambodia. A sobering start to my visit. Part of the history of this dreadful period of time in the 1970s. . 

I am not sure if I have ever heard of World Post Day? I have now lol. The central office had very limited supply of philatelic stamps. 

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.