![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/01-hoan-kiem-lake-1038x576.jpg "Hoan Kiem Lake")
After a (slightly shaky, but comfortable) night train ride, I arrived in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Before exploring Halong Bay, I spent one day in the city. Continue reading First time in Hanoi
Tag Archives: Temples and Sacred Sites
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/hue1-1038x576.jpg "Outer wall")
Visiting the Vietnamese Emperor
Hue is the former capital of the old Vietnamese monarchy. Therefore, visiting the Imperial City is basically a must. Continue reading Visiting the Vietnamese Emperor
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/hoi-van-pass-1038x576.jpg "Hoi Van Pass")
Over the mountains of Central Vietnam
Today, I continued on with my trip up North. I stopped several times along the way, for example at the Marble Mountains and at Hoi Van Pass. Continue reading Over the mountains of Central Vietnam
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/myson5-1038x576.jpg "My Son")
The lost ruins of My Son
From Hoi An, I visited the ruins of My Son today. These relics of the ancient Cham culture have suffered a lot during the Vietnam war, but are still a charming sight. Continue reading The lost ruins of My Son
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/hoian08-1038x576.jpg "Hoi An lanterns")
City of (Lantern) Lights
I am not quite sure whether I like Hoi An: It has without doubt a very pretty old town – but it is also sooo touristy. Continue reading City of (Lantern) Lights
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/OI001083-1038x576.jpg "\"Uncle Ho\" in front of City Hall")
The communistic-capitalistic Saigon
I am on a three-weeks long trip through Vietnam, which I have started in Ho Chi Minh City (the former Saigon). Walking through the streets here, it is easy to forget that one is visiting one of the last communist countries of the world. Continue reading The communistic-capitalistic Saigon
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_2687-1038x576.jpg "Yulong River")
Highlights of China
In October 2016, it was time to explore a region of which I did not know much about before: China. I spent three weeks there, exploring some of the most well-known sights of this country.
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161026_161533.jpg "Hong Kong Harbour")
Hikeable Hong Kong
Hongkong is a true cultural melting pot: With its skyscrapers, it resembles an American city, and the doubledecker busses remind me of London. At the same time, the Chinese-Asian influence is very well noticable – and in the hinterland there are some great hiking opportunities. Continue reading Hikeable Hong Kong
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_2407-1038x576.jpg "Shaolin Temple")
The Skilful Shaolin Monks and the Magnificent Song Shan
We spent the last one-and-a-half days at the Shaolin Temple, learning a bit about its history (and Kung Fu), as well as enjoying the beautiful Song Shan mountain. Continue reading The Skilful Shaolin Monks and the Magnificent Song Shan
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_2376-1038x576.jpg "Fengxian Cave")
The Buddhas of the Longmen Caves
Today, we visited the Longmen Caves. Out of the walls of these caves (and the surrounding cliffs), more than one hundred thousand (!) Buddha statues have been carved in the time of the Northern Wei dynasty (some 1,300 to 1,500 years ago).