The popular BBC television programme has produced a special edition filmed in Vietnam. The series which is top rated in the UK, features three presenters; Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May who generaly review cars, and related stories.
They are given 25,000,000 Dong each, and told to get some wheels so that they can complete the journey from Ho Chi Min to Ha Long Bay in 8 days. They quickly learn that this money doe snot add up to much, and equates to about $1000 – nowhere near enough to get themselves a car. The main reason for this is the fact that there are not that many cars in Vietnam, so gaining a cheap vehicle is simply not possible. The only option for them is to get motorbikes, or a scooter.
Richard is quite happy with his new motorbike – a Russian army issue left over from the war, and relishes the thought of the expedition. Jeremy, on the other hand feels as though he has a raw deal with his scooter, and moans excessively.
Thye get on their way, and the first stop is the town of Dalat. Dalat is in the Lam Dong province up in the highlands. The climate is known to be of a mild nature, and lends itself to the growing of many different types of flowers. This beautiful scenery has made it a popular destination for visitors, and there are many places of interest. Vietnam’s only manufatured wine also comes from this area, and has a slight Peach flavour. Next on the tour, is the beach town of Nha Trang – a popular resort.
They carry on up the coast, and eventually come to Hoi An. Located in Central Vietnam, Hoi An is known for it’s quality tailoring. There are several high class shops that will make you clothes, or a jacket in just a few hours for a few dollars. The guys decide to get some oulandish clothes made, and are impressed with the results.
They visit the old town, and marvel at the moon festival – which happens once a month on the evening of the new moon. You can buy a ‘floating candle’ and drop it into the river. This enables you to have a wish, and hope that the river will carry it to the gods.
The next stop was the old city of Hue, and they remarked at the bullet holes that scar the walls of the ancient citadel. During the conflict between the North and South, the opening battles were staged around central Vietnam, and the locals formed a defensive postion in the old fortress. This was no match for the Modern Communist army, and there were many casualties here.
Onward and upward, but they soon realised that they were not going to be abel to travel the whole distance on their motorbikes. They decided to take the train the rest of the way. When they arrived, there seemed to be a problem, as instead of a sign pointing towards Ha Long, they found the words Hanoi, which meant another few hours of travelling until the finish could be claimed.
Upon reaching Ha Long bay, they felt relief after finishing the journey, and contemplated their journey. They were then informed that they had not finished, and had to embark on a sea crossing to a small bar located on a jetty somewhere in the bay. This would involve converting their motorbikes from road going transport to water going transport. The result was amusing.
They navigated their way through the picturesque wateers of Ha Long bay, and eventually they all found their way to the bar.
Jeremy Clarkson says this at the end of the programme; “I’m sorry but our machines were completely overshadowed by this incredible, beautiful, brilliant country. It’s hard to sum it up really, perhaps that’s why people, when they get back from this place always say the same thing. Vietnam! You don’t know man – you wern’t there.”
If you like the idea of venturing on a journey through Vietnam, then visit Venture Travel.