From Ho Chi Minh City, where the journey begins,
Siem Reap’s allure, with temples so grand, the excitement spins.
To Phnom Penh and Hanoi, many villages along the way,
Angkor Wat stands, decorated stones, a lot to take in for 1 day.
Cyclo and tuk tuks we weave through the streets,
A river cruise journey through Vietnam and Cambodia is truly a treat.
Fiery sunsets paint the sky pink, orange, and reds, a sight so divine,
Wet markets, swirlling smells, and monk’s blessings intertwine.
Temples of majesty, in ancient glory, bask,
Pomelo trees, Ugly fruit, tropical flowers, in the sun we unmask.
Snake and rice wine, Cambodian rum, a daring run,
Night markets, Lady Street, girls abound under the setting sun.
Russian market Rolox, coconut water’s good cheer,
While laundry swirling; at Ho Chi Minh Zoo, we peer.
Candy makers, macaroons, art, gondola boats glide,
Back onboard the Mekong Jewel, with anticipation, we ride.
Roadside tea in little chairs, people stop, sleep, and chat
The French influence throughout the country, did you know that?
Rubber trees, bougainvillea, and orchids everywhere
All the girls and ladies dressed up for the lunar new year!,
“Another bottle of wine?” Really? they all ask.
Ceramic dogs on gates, poolside memories bask.
Teaching English at a village school, old-loom scarfs, an artisan’s work,
“Don’t drink the water,” in the shadows lurk
Temple sunrise, fish farms, rooster baskets, a fight in a blink,
Park Hyatt Saigon, we stayed then El Gaucho for a drink.
Bridge to nowhere, Lunar New Year’s grace,
Celebrations, photos, in time’s embrace.
Old market clothes, shoes, food; you can find whatever you need
All the shops lined up, clothes, shoes, food, and books to read
Persimmon trees, families, and many boxes and things, old fashioned loom
Birds sing, and lotus flowers bloom, dispelling past or present gloom.
“Fly away, enjoy your freedom!” a blessing for a reason
We walk along the sidewalks, New Year flowers to celebrate the season
Bats in trees, water buffalo, a quad bike tour, on the fence, an Eagle sits
Hanoi’s smog or fog, a village with a bare-handed eel catcher shows his fish.
Pub-street market, Greek Elia, a feast to find,
10-minute tailor, monk offerings, a peaceful mind.
Caddy golf in Saigon, scooters beeping like a swarm of bees,
The 14-day trip so much activity it went by in a breeze
Sofitel Hanoi, Elephant Bar, nights so fine,
At the airport, police interrogated an expired visa, “You overstayed your time.”
Breweries, bustling beauty, where so much culture is alive,
Across the Mekong’s breadth, colorful sights are to be seen, and adventures arise