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Now that the jet-lag has changed into just waking up at 5 am, it’s time to mention the folks that made this trip an extraordinary one.

Vietnam

The staff at the Phan Thai Hotel in Hanoi, especially Loan, Phoung, Huong, Huong, and Mien (Mr Hangaroo) on the morning shift, were simply wonderful. For as many times as we came & went—leaving bits of luggage each time—they were attentive, competent, and friendly. They truly made Hanoi feel like our home.

The guides from Veloasia Diep and Trung. Without them so much of Vietnam would have remained distant and undiscovered. They were unfailingly informative and very pleasant travel companions. Truly, it felt as if they were our friends and travel companions.

Our driver Han, who maneuvered a mini-van through the streaking motos and honking traffic of Hanoi, the rockslides near Mai Chau, and the Sunday rush hour from Halong Bay. He always made good time, in situations that would have had me frozen with trepidation.

Cambodia

Dave and the staff at Peace of Angkor Villa who provided a greatly needed respite from the hectic & hot job of touring the temples. It would be a surprise to no one who has met him, but Dave is certainly a character. I’ve never met someone who has so many stories—that are all true! Our pleasure at Siem Reap would have been a fraction of what it was without his efforts running the hotel and the tours.

Ta, our Angkor temple guide, who combines a thorough knowledge of the temples with a pleasant and easygoing demeanor. Again, he seemed more like a friend than a guide.

And I’d like to thank our fellow travelers who me met along the way. Finding new friends so far away from home is always such a treat. Barry & Claudine and Trevor & Duncan in Siem Reap, and George & Kathleen in Halong Bay.

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