THE KARST ISLANDS OF HA LONG BAY
Vietnam

Click here for Episode 83

​

Thousands of limestone pillars rising from the bay, clothed in jungle green. Listener Emma Browning, who was just there, shares her experiences cruising the islands.

​

Most Americans expect an episode on the Vietnam War of the 1960s, but I'm discussing another superpower's invasion and failure in Vietnam. The Yongle Emperor is getting Robert McNamara'd into submission by freedom fighter Lê Lợi. There are magic swords, marketing guys with water metaphors, and cá kho tộ, catfish caramelized in a clay pot. 

 

Sources:

Filek-Gibson, Dana. Vietnam (Moon Guide)
Goscha, Christopher E. Vietnam: A New History
Kiernan, Ben. Viet Nam
Steward, Iain: Lonely Planet Vietnam Viet Vision Travel
Viet Vision Travel "Vietnamese Legend: The Lake of the Restored Sword"
 

Photograph and audio samples courtesy of Emma Browning