Whale Island, Vietnam

Ha Tien was a nice introduction to Vietnam. Not too big, no tourists, and very friendly people. Unfortunately we had a reservation, one of the only we made during the entire trip, to be on Whale Island in a few days. It is a small, private island with one resort and had been recommended by a friend as paradise. We traveled quickly across the Mekong Delta region, experiencing one minor car accident (not injured). Our van hit a cargo bicycle. The bike was mangled but the driver was only bruised. He was most concerned about his precious cargo, a nice mattress. Had it been damaged surely he could not have afforded to replace. All of the local people came out to give an opinion on whose fault it was, and Jon was glad that the language barrier prevented him from adding his two cents. Two hours passed, the cops came by, and somehow all was resolved and we were off again.

We arrived in Saigon, a city of 10 million people, and by far the biggest, craziest city we visited in Asia. It was so hectic the only photo we took was of us taking refuge in a cafe...

...drinking the delicious Vietnamese iced coffee sweetened with condensed milk.

Shortly we were off to Whale Island, on an overnight train and then by boat. Above you can see the resort strung out along a small cove on the island. It is a wildlife refuge, and the snorkeling just out from our room, in this cove, was the best we found in Asia.


Whale Island was paradise, and it did not disappoint. We had planned it as a treat for ourselves, a bit of a break from budget traveling. It was like a proper honeymoon all over again.

You can walk around the island in two hours...

With a beautiful view from the top.

We spent a lot of time reading (Jon highly recommends Cormac McCarthy) on the beach in front of our bungalow.

Some boat rides of various types...

...one out to a floating fishing house/fish farm, which we visited and got to see big penned fish and lobster. Ate almost exclusively fresh seafood on the island.

Also did some canoeing...

...and sailing. One of the staff, Chuc, was a great sailor. We went out with him so Jon could refresh his sailing skills and learn a Hobie cat. It was more fun with Chuc at the helm, and after a while Char decided to stay on the beach so Chuc and Jon could really let it rip. We sheared one of the rudders right off, we were going so fast.


After six days we were again very relaxed and refreshed, and headed back to the mainland.