Inspirational billboard
In addition to Vietnam's scarlet flag with a single gold star, illustrative billboards line the roadways, presumably to remind people of the greatness of Vietnam. Shown here: a diverse group of occupations: farming, industry, military, science–I thought it strange that the hilltribe woman was simply 'being' a hilltribe woman and not 'doing' anything like the others.
About this place:
The modern day Ho Chi Minh Trail is more symbolic than exact – it’s not the original trail, but a relatively new highway, which was completed in 2002 to the chagrin of many who believed it to be a foolish endeavor, a colossal waste of money, and a tribute to an artifact of war that represents bloodshed, death, and to some, defeat.
Despite the images of war, a journey along this road, as it winds along the Truong Son Mountains, is one of immense beauty, with a diverse population of ethnic minorities and a varied landscape: farm land and bucolic emerald fields; soft, swelling hills; ruddy, rolling rivers; hardwood rainforests, waterfalls, miles of rice paddy, cornfields, black pepper farms, rubber tree forests, and coffee plantations.
The best way to experience it? Hire an Easy Rider–they’re a group of freelance motorbike guides, based in the Central Highlands and South Central Coast, who take travelers on the back of their bikes to see “real Vietnam”. You can find an Easy Rider in the town of Hoi An if you're heading south, or Nha Trang if you're heading north. It's a 4-day trip of almost 500 miles between these two cities.
Kon Tum, Tỉnh Kon Tum, VN
Discovered by Cheryn Flanagan
on 11 July 2008.
737 views.
