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| A pair of newly-weds check on their progress on an expensive-looking camera as they stroll through the picturesque Binh Quoi 1 in Binh Thanh District - Photo: Nga Phan |
As the dark grey clouds circled menacingly in the sky, it did not deter us as we headed off on a 20-minute motorbike ride to Binh Quoi 1 in Binh Thanh District.
It was nong qua (very hot) as we arrived, maybe the calm before the storm - but once we started walking around the air cooled and we thoroughly enjoyed this photographic paradise.
Asian people in general it has to be said love taking photos on iPhones, digital cameras and expensive-looking and large professional Canons or Nikons. But the Vietnamese are off the chart. Honestly, I’ve never seen a race of people so camera-mad and of course as Vietnam’s fairer sex are in a league of their own as regards to beauty, they love to pose even more.
You only have to go any local park to see a team of photographers and a pretty girl. None are professional models or snappers but they love the thrill of a few clicks, well a few hundred.
And strolling around Binh Quoi was no different, as everyone was in on the act. My family group I confess was also taking advantage of the stunning views, water and scenery which just begs you to get the camera out.
The lush green areas were perfect for married couple and I counted six we came across on our short walk around the peaceful area until it was time for a break. We had taken as many photos as was humanly possible and it was for some lunch.
No sooner had we sat down to share some beers than the heavens came down. It may be the hot season but the rain likes to pay a visit now and again to keep you grounded.
We sampled some bo nuong ong tre (beef fried with bamboo), goi cu hu dua (coconut seafood salad), cha gio tom (shrimp spring rolls) and ca chem chien xu (fried seabass). We missed out on the popular buffet, maybe next time.
Our plan at this point, having already taken about 300-400 snaps, was to sit it out for a while with a few beers and chew the fat. But the rain had other ideas and wasn’t for going away. Some brave groups of young people, though, were not deterred and seem to lap up the wet weather as they kept those cameras clicking.
Luckily, the Binh Quoi staff provides a little golf buggy to usher you in and out of the green area and took us back to the motorbike parking area.
Binh Quoi 1 is located at 1147 Binh Quoi in Ward 28 in Binh Thanh District.
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