- How about spotting in Vietnam? This country is more or less the cultural part of the trip, but I'm sure we won't leave without giving it a try on the airports of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. Anyone for other airports which might be interesting or information which might be usefull?
I went to Hanoi last year, and was amazed by the relatively low number of movements (except for the Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh route). Upon departure I was able to do some spotting and because it was dark already, I was not very succesfull. Landside I found a spot by the windows near the toilets on the far leftside of the departure lounge, where you could see a few (but certainly not many). Airside a lot more was to see, certainly from the smoking area, where you have a limited view of the runways.
There is also a military area at the airport, but I am not sure what and how much there is to see.
There was a lot of security at the airfield, and as everywhere in Vietnam they come about very strict, so I tried not to attract too much attention.
The airport is very far from the city, but there is also a heliport on the eastern side of the river inside the city with mainly a number of Mi-17's. May I suggest that, if booking a room inside the 'old' city, don't book a room near a junction. Most Vietnamese drive a motorbike and have very little traffic rules, so they use their horns most of the time! If your also doing something cultural, go see Halong Bay and take a boat for at least 2 days. Amazing! Don't do a Tam Kok-tour, as the reluctance of salespersons among the route will leave more of an impression than the scenery (shame on them!).
Have fun,
Kees
If I have nice pictures (or experiences) I can share them here. But it's going to be a few more months before I leave./aerlingus.gif)
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