How to Spend One Day in Hoi An

Hoi An is the a standout amongst the most remarkable urban communities in Vietnam. The Old Town parcel of the city is an UNESCO legacy site and the old structural engineering is wonderfully protected and showed. Hoi A will be a greatly well known end for travelers, but since of the high number of sightseers here, it can be overpowering. By the by, we prescribe having one full day in Hoi An as it is unquestionably worth going to. As a component of our Custom Itineraries for Vietnam arrangement, here is an aide on the most proficient method to use one day in Hoi An.

1. Tailor a few garments, sacks, or shoes 

Custom customizing is an enormous industry in Hoi An. Hoi An is home to more than 400 customizing shops and a huge number of tailors who are capable at making garments as well as are talented in making shoes and purses also! On the off chance that you are intrigued by getting specially designed things, attempt to discover a shop of your enjoying as right on time as could be expected under the circumstances amid your visit.

Obviously, the nature of the merchandise comes into inquiry when the turnaround time is so fast. The fact of the matter is that the notion on this fluctuates from individual to individual, thing to thing, and shop to shop. Indeed shops with a strong notoriety have been known to make less than impressive items. A great deal of times, the key is to be totally clear on what you need and to correspond it viably with the shop holders. On the off chance that you happen to be in Saigon before your visit to Hoi A, we propose that you purchase the fabric and materials in Saigon as the decisions are more copious and typically of better quality. More data here: Custom Tailoring in Saigon.

Here are suggestions for where to strive for hand crafted things (these are spots where we have had good fortunes, and to the extent that we need you to have the same positive custom customizing background as us, we can't promise it):

2. See the farmland 

The farmland and country regions of Vietnam are essentially dazzling. Going to these zones provides for you a flash of the romanticized vision of Vietnam – the rice fields, the funnel shaped caps, the interesting building design, the well disposed countenances…  As the urban communities have ended up more modern and cosmopolitan, these provincial regions have gotten to be more remote and harder to reach. Luckily for Hoi An, it is still little in size contrasted with other enormous urban areas in Vietnam so the wide open is more available.

There are a few sorts of visits which take you to the wide open for day break or early morning sights of Vietnamese country life. This is likewise an open door for you to seek after some of your diversions while voyaging. Case in point, on the off chance that you are attached to photography or of biking, there are visits that are provided food particularly to your needs. On the other hand, a college understudies' affiliation likewise runs free city visits. Our proposals:

3. Strive for a walk and investigate the Old Town 

When you come back to the city after the visit, the evening is the ideal time of day to see a portion of the popular sights inside Hoi An. However initially, before you set out by walking to find the city, we propose that you snatch a Banh Mi sandwich to fuel you for the evening. The Banh Mi sandwich in Hoi An is both popular and unique in relation to a sandwich that you will get in different parts of Vietnam. The bread and fillings are extraordinary to the area and is an incredible first understanding into neighborhood cooking.

After you snatch a brisk nibble, look at the popular extensions in Hoi An. The principal is the memorable Japanese secured extension manufactured by Japanese dealers when Hoi A was an essential exchanging port. The second popular extension is just a foot and motorbike (and whatever other vehicle fits) connect that join two sections of the downtown zone. The building design of this extension isn't truly significant however the way that the scaffold is arranged makes for an extraordinary photograph op! On the off chance that you are a gallery fan, you can visit any of four well known historical centers in the old town territory. On the other hand, for a more prominent understanding into the historical backdrop of Hoi A, visit a percentage of the Assembly Halls constructed by Chinese vendors. You can purchase a composite ticket that permits you section into one extension, one gathering corridor, one old house, one historical center and one other spot of 'impalpable society'. All these locales are inside the Old Town of Hoi An and are inside strolling separation from one another.

See more: Vietnam travel deals

4. Appreciate the view

Hoi An is encompassed by an arrangement of channels and little channels and a few inhabitants of the town have gained by this by offering vessel rides along these channels. Despite the fact that this may at first would appear that an exceptionally touristy thing to do, it is really one of the most ideal approaches to view the old pioneer building design from a remote place. Numerous vessel managers sit along the road closest to the water and offer pontoon rides. Don't hesitate to ask a few diverse vessel managers to discover the person who offers the best cost. Regularly, their beginning cost will fall significantly in the event that they feel that you will bring a vessel ride with one of their riv

Cook like a local in Vietnam on tour Vietnam travel

The most recent expansion to the Six Senses portfolio, Six Senses Con Dao, spotted on an ideal archipelago off Vietnam's southeast drift, is putting forth guests the chance to get direct lessons in the joys of Vietnamese cooking.

Directed by the resort's head Vietnamese gourmet expert, visitors figure out how to cook customary dishes and family formulas as old as the restaurant's divider - which are developed from recovered wood from hundreds of years old Vietnamese structures.

Related post: Vietnam travel

Frontier occupations by China and France have had their impact, yet Vietnamese sustenance has a different personality of its own, championing straightforward, crisp flavors put together in the right amounts. Basil, stew, coriander, fish oil, lemongrass, morning superbness and tamarind are the predominant flavors, and vegetables frequently land on the plate still somewhat firm. Visitors discover that the famous earth pot is natural for the nation's heathy, mouthwatering stews as the pot (dunked in water before cooking) steams the sustenance without dispersing the flavors.

In the wake of finishing dishes, for example, Vietnamese hand moves with prawns (goi cuon), hamburger in betal leaf (thit eo nuong la parcel), and hot and acrid fish soup (canh chua ca), visitors take a seat to delight in the feast with a glass of wine. The culinary expert, who conducts the class with the assistance of an English interpreter, will recommend certain dishes to cook, including her family formulas, yet visitor solicitations are likewise welcome.

The culinary exploit proceeds for visitors at the resort's shoreline restaurant, where British gourmet specialist Richard Lee works nearly with the Vietnamese kitchen group to make a further exhibit of neighborhood dishes alongside creative world food, from solace nourishment to fine eating.

At Six Senses Con Dao numerous visitors think that it hard to drag themselves far from their flawlessly composed, wood-paneled private manors or the mile-long shoreline, yet allures incorporate nature visits (highlights being turtle spotting and a monkey trail) snorkeling, scuba swooping and a voyage through the Con Dao penitentiaries, fabricated by the French and later utilized by the Americans within what the Vietnamese allude to as The American War.

Travel in Vietnam organised by Vivutravel

ietnam tops rundown of the most alluring ends and voyages through Vietnam are differentiated. Also, your go in Vietnam composed by Vivutravel, will doubtlessly be the best occasion ever. Upon entry, our private Vietnam Tours aide and driver will welcome your Vietnam Holiday, get and exchange to the lodging for weigh in. Hanoi, a city where the extraordinary chic of old Asia mixes with the element face of new Asia. Where the medieval and cutting edge exist together. A city with a mix of Parisian beauty and Asian pace, a structural historical center piece advancing in congruity with its history, as opposed to bulldozing through like a large portion of the locale's capitals. Hanoi is the place creative energy gets to be reality.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleumhanoi indeed is a delightful stop for your Vietnam Travel. Today, we delight in a full day city voyage through this enchanting capital city including the mausoleum of the country's organizer Ho Chi Minh (close on Monday & Friday), the Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh's home on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the amazing Ethnologic Museum (or Museum of Fine Arts, Army Museum, History Museum, Woman Museum, Hoa Lo Prison), the excellent West Lake, the Tran Vu Pagoda, the quiet pool of the Restored Sword. Late evening we take a cyclo visit for a short outing through the clamoring old quarter roads named after the particular merchandise once offered available to be purchased at these spots. Revel in a glass of "Bia Hoi - draft brew - included" at Ta Hien Street before we appreciate an awesome customary water manikin show. This night, we will exchange you to the train station to encounter a Vietnam train ride to Lao Cai.

Related post: Vietnam travel deals

Touch base in the early morning in the bordertown of Lao Cai where its a short exchange to Sapa (Vietnam's suggested visit). In the terraced slopes and piles of this territory, the repetitiveness of the extensive green scene is charged by the shades of its slope tribe populace. It is here you will discover hands stained with color from fabric colors and shades of blue, red and green complicatedly weaved and sewed into coats, waistcoats, jeans, skirts, tops, totes and stockings.

Take a morning strolling voyage through Sapa for a visit to the occupied business where Red Dao, Black & Flower H'mong, Tay and other ethnic minority individuals merge from the encompassing farmland to offer their flatware and crafted works, and to purchase procurements. Subsequently, at around 9 am, we take the drive to the trekking indicate and trek down Ma Tra town of the Black  H'mong individuals, the delightful stroll through the terraced rice documented and it is extremely fascinating to encounter the day by day life of local people when you stop for visit to one of the families. Outing lunch on the way then we proceed to Ta Phin town of the Red Dao individuals. Investigate the town then private transport over to Sapa. Free at relaxation and overnight in Sapa.

Sapa - The Queen of the Mountains, neglecting a lovely valley, grandiose mountains towering over the town on all sides, Sapa Tour is door to an alternate universe of secretive minority societies and delicious scenes and extraordinary decision for Vietnam Tours producer to mastermind Vietnam Culture Tours, Vietnam Trekking Tours, Vietnam Homestay Tours... After breakfast, we will do a standout amongst the most lovely Sapa Tours by heading to visit Lao Chai and Ta Van town of the Black H'mong and the Day individuals where you can delight in natural air, astonishing view of the forcing mountain reach, trek down world's most wonderful terraced rice fields, visit some neighborhood family on the way and learn one of a kind society and life of these ethnic gatherings. Again to Sapa by private auto, free at relaxation for whatever is left of the day. Overnight in a Sapa lodging.

Can Cau Market, Bac Ha, Sapa Tours, Vietnam Toursthe advertises in the Northern Vietnam are dependably the beautiful gathering spots for the slope tribes, spotlight for any Sapa Tours and obviously, your extraordinary Vietnam Tours experience. Minority individuals descend from the mountains to offer their items, or only for getting up to speed with the most recent news, tattle, drinking ceaselessly inconveniences or looking for mate. In the morning, drive to visit one of the zones week after week markets;

In the late evening, your Sapa visit aide and driver exchange you once more to Lao Cai to get the night prepare over to Hanoi. We trust that you have delighted in your Sapa Tours with us. We say farewell with true much obliged and anticipating inviting you again for your impending Vietnam Tours and Sap Tours.

Get from the train station, early today, we have effectively masterminded a room in a scaled down inn for you to have shower and breakfast. We begin at 8.00 A.m for the 3 hour drive (170 km) through the Red River Delta, which offers a lot of chances for taking photographs of Vietnamese agriculturists working the incomprehensible green paddy fields. At half way, we'll have a visit to a craftsmanship workshop with fine garments, weaved works of art, stone statuettes and assorted types of pearls mined in Vietnam, for example, star rubies or sapphires...

Upon landing, you'll be invited ready for extravagance garbage and treated with wine and crisp neighborhood fish. As our garbage floating further into the

Big City Mountaineers News

Remember Big City Mountaineers? They're the group that sends underprivileged youth out into the wilderness, giving them an opportunity to explore the great outdoors, when many of them have never had the opportunity before. The impact of the program on the youth that participate is profound and lasting, and overall it's one of the best programs of it's kind in the country.

Currently, BCM is looking for volunteers to help out with the backpacking trips scheduled to take place this summer in California. There are 12 such trips currently planned, and they are in need of both male and female volunteers to join the staff and help out the kids that will be coming from a variety of locations in California. If you're interested in joining the team, you can fill out an online application here.

In other news related to Big City Mountaineers, one of their partners, Sole pledged to donate $1 for every pair of Ed Viesturs Signature Edition custom footpads that they sold. The company has now donated more than $50,000 to the cause, making them one of the top five supporters of BCM. Great work Sole! By the way, I'm using a pair of these Ed Viesturs footpads in a pair of hiking shoes, and so far I'm very impressed. They are quite comfortable, easy to custom fit, and have revived a pair of shoes that I was about to otherwise give up on.

Also, if you'd like to get involved with Big City Mountaineers, one of their major fundraising events, that I've posted about before is their Summit For Someone program. As part of the program, you pledge to climb a mountain, and the list to choose from is extensive, and raise funds in the process, that then go to the BCM program. It's been a very successful and wonderful program, not only for the kids, but for those that do the climbs. Definitely a great way to give back, while still being able to take on some cool peaks.

JOURNEY WORTH THE DESTINATION - KATHMANDU TO POKHARA

Excellent Scenery - Straight To The Postcards

The gyrating routes cut across the stellar mountains and misty air as the scenic landscapes across the 200Km Prithvi Highway, stretch connecting Kathmandu and Pokhara. The views it lays forward are though, simply breathtaking !

To say it plainly, this journey across the Middle hills was every bit worth the destination. There are ample opportunities to 'look in the face of the mountains', while you move across the rivers running playfully beneath (and sometimes alongside). The quiet rural life of Nepal is unperturbed by the business of  the road and there are times that makes you feel the distinctness of two worlds of the farm and the road.

Apart from being an excellent tourist destination, Pokhara also doubles up as a hub for several mountain base camps, and thus, there is a case of plenty of mountain bikers to be witnessed flowing across the route.

On the way on Prithvi Highway

The burly roads en-route the beginning of the journey paves way for pristine rivers with whispering woods to play you company on the sound of the water hitting the riparian banks. Pebbles dot the landscape adoring the nature's delight that's plentiful and untouched !

The water is quite clear and the gushing sound resonates with the quietness of the lush green hills. 

Riparian Beauty 

Riparian Beauty resonates on the banks

The flora relax gleefully cushioned in the laps of grass, spreading colors and bliss (and sights as below) with plenty of shades and varieties on offer, all across the journey.

The flowers in their bloom appeared to garland the trees.

Flowers relaxing gleefully on the cushion of the gaps

Flowers garlanding the Trees

The currents of the river are primly suited for the several water front activities including the popular river rafting. There are scores of rafting beaches that are manifested by the artificial beaches and basic infrastructure developed and maintained by the respective rafting companies.

As a suggestion, it is highly recommended to take the river rafting exercise en-route. These are coupled with excellent rapids, clean shores and inexpensive tour costs.

(The lush green settings and playful river currents like below are as inviting as rafting itself !)

Rapids and Natural Beauty - Couple that with Rafting for a great experience

One small landmark that is sure to catch attention is the bridge that is encountered on the way.

Beneath, sights of spectacular gorges and river flow in its might with twists is sure to behold on the senses, that cut across by lush green forests.

This bridge is sure to catch the attention.

Gorges and the Gorgeous Settings

Trishuli River - Beauty at its Best

There are sights and memories to be treasured across the route. Those moments are so precious that, there are times you wish to remain oblivious of the existence and soak the nature and its delights in the background!

Nature's Delights forcing you to Soak in the Background

(Do you have a memorable road trip experience as one above ? What makes a great  trip ?

Looking forward for your feedback/comments.)

Practical Tips:

• There are a very few options to travel overnight between the cities, so for all practical reasons, one needs to travel during the day time. (Trust me with the type of landscapes on the offer, you won't complain a slightest bit)
• There are no road lights, no hill dividers across the entire highway!
• Count 7 + hours for the journey. That takes in count the odd travel jams.
• Hitchhiking is possible and would be fun on the way!
• There are a many places to hang around.
• A group of 7-8 people may come pool together to hire the local favorite, 'Hi Ace'. There is a substantial cost to be saved on the local sightseeing in Pokhara, that at times, may get exorbitant !
• The route across Kathmandu and Pokhara is also a common place for some arterial detours to major cities including those in the Terai region.
• Rafting is a seasonal activity and depends on the rapids and the temperature of the water.
• Update on Earthquake 2015 : The effect of earthquake in 2015 did not to seem to have a bearing as in March 2016. Most of the roads were in pretty good shape.

Tour CuChi - CaoDai to VungTau - VietNam Travel

All through the Vietnam-American War, the Viet Cong constructed a tremendous system of shafts that were utilized as gathering focuses, concealing spots, supply courses and the sky is the limit from there. The Viet Cong (north Vietnamese contenders) frequently used numerous days or weeks on end in the passages, identifying with their sheer quality and resolve. Were the passages fancy, as well as the traps and interesting weapons that they utilized as a part of conjunction with the shafts were astoundingly imaginative. Eventually, their capacity to utilize the passages as an intends to house troops and move supplies incredibly helped the inevitable withdrawal of American troops.

Today the Cu Chi Tunnels are an enormous vacation destination close Ho Chi Minh City. At the passages, visitors can get a more prominent knowledge into life in the range. They demonstrate to you how the inhabitants and fighters repurposed war materials to make ordinary things, how they made due for long times of time in the passages, and even how they passed supplies to warriors inside the shafts. They additionally have a shooting run there where guests can shoot the military weapons utilized at the time. The shafts are an incredible approach to use a large portion of a day understanding a vital part of Vietnam's history. On the path there or back, you can make the excursion a little more and stop at the Cao Dai church. Cao Dai is another religion made in Vietnam, however as of now has a gigantic after. They have fabricated an excellent sanctuary in Tay Ninh close Cu Chi, which is likewise the primary place for the religion. In the event that you time it right, you can see an administration where many ministers supplicate at one time. It is truly a sight!

1. CuChi - CaoDai

Points of interest:  To get to Cu Chi, you have a couple of distinctive alternatives. You can take a private auto, open visit transport, or open transport. In the event that you incline toward a full voyage through Cu Chi shafts and the encompassing region, numerous visit organizations offer an auto or watercraft visit, however remember that visits a Cu Chi are offered free of charge too. When you land there, in the event that you are not piece of a visit bunch, a visit administrator that works there will group you into a gathering and provide for you a free visit, which is literally the same as the prebooked visits despite the fact that the administrator's dialect abilities may be better in the paid visit. Large portions of the open visit transports leave at 8 am and will cost around $5 for both the ride and a voyage through the passages. Then again, on the off chance that you need to pass by open transport, you can take transport #13 from the Ben Thanh transport stop specifically to Cu Chi for around 6000vnd. Note that there are two shaft locales – the primary one is Ben Dinh and the other one is Ben Duoc. Most visits will take you to Ben Dinh, yet general society transport stops at an intersection where you will get off and stroll to the right to get to Ben Dinh. Admission to the shafts is 90,000 VND.

Most voyagers go to the midday administration. They have fabricated an overhang that ignores the principle administration lobby so you can get an okay perspective of the function. Numerous visit organizations, particularly the open visit transport organizations, offer a complete visit that takes you to Cu Chi, the Cao Dai church for the midday administration and again for around $7-10. Most visits begin ahead of schedule around 8 am if to the point that doesn't work for you, a private visit may be the best alternative.

2. VungTau

Vung Tau has verifiably been an essential ocean port for Vietnam, particularly amid the French tenet. It was additionally a vital army installation amid the Vietnam-American War. Interestingly, Vung Tau was one of the epicenters of the Indochina Refugee Crisis in the late 70s due to its get to the ocean and its closeness to different nations in South East Asia. This region was the dispatch point for a significant number of the 'Vietnamese Boat People', the nearby occupants who fled to neighboring nations after the end of the war. Regardless of its questionable history, these days Vung Tau is a little, yet clamoring, waterfront group and a paramount place for Vietnam's seaward oil boring industry.

Just 2 hours outside Ho Chi Minh City, numerous local people visit Vung Tau as a speedy shoreline getaway. On the off chance that you have been to numerous worldwide shorelines, the shoreline itself in Vung Tau may could not hope to compare as it can frequently be grimy and littered. That being said, Vung Tau is a remarkable beguiling town with a lot of different exercises to fill your day other than a shoreline visit. There are little mountains that encompass Vung Tau and are a fast climb up. On the off chance that climbing is not your thing, there is a gondola ride up the greatest mountain for an incredible perspective of the narrows. What's more in case you're a foodie, Vung Tau is an incredible spot to go for neighborhood fortes like 'banh khot' that can be difficult to obtain somewhere else.

See more: Vietnam travel

Points of interest:  To get to Vung Tau by transport or mentor, a number of the open visit transport organizations run 12- to 16-seater aerated and cooled vans which run each 15 to 30 minutes and drop you off in the middle of the town. Large portions of them will even provide for you a free jug of water for the trek. Then again, you can employ private transport vehicles from the fundamental taxi organizations in Ho Chi Minh City (Mailinh and Vinasun) or your lodging can undoubtedly mastermind a private auto for you. The drive takes around 2 hours. As of not long ago, there was an exceptionally helpful Hydrofoil that ran between the harbors of Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau yet a blaze on one of the vessels in February has suspended all hydrofoil venture

Everest 2009: First Ascent Team YouTube Channel

The First Ascent Team, which consists of a few climbers you might have heard of, guys like Ed Viesturs and Dave Hahn, are posting daily video dispatches to their very own YouTube channel which you can find by clicking here.

There are already four videos on the site, and it's clear the team is making good progress. They arrived in Lukla two days ago and you can checkout that arrival in the video below.

Vietnamese food - Travelling in Vietnam safely

The conventional utilization of crisp vegetables and herbs can make mouth-watering flavors in Vietnamese food. At the point when going in Vietnam, you'll find that rice (Com) and noodles are for the most part the establishment for a principle course, yet you'll additionally discover various different dishes, for example, conventional Vietnamese soup, new fish and meat on Vietnamese menus.

You jar obviously additionally delight in the renowned Vietnamese browned egg rolls "Nem" alongside the every day staple of soup 'Pho'. We propose, amid your Vietnam occasion, that you attempt some 'Elephant Ear Fish' which is a famous dish along the Mekong Delta. This sort of hazardous looking fish is served in a stupendous upright position on your plate and tastes delectable. In case you're going in Vietnam amid the TET Festival, you ought to additionally attempt the 'Square cake' or 'Thí í'. Scrumptious

Vietnam is one of the most secure nations on the planet. Regardless of its vast populace, there's next to no wrongdoing and you're unrealistic to have any issues strolling over the road around evening time even in the bigger urban communities. Be that as it may, its generally vital to stay vigilant and watch your things to anticipate robbery. We suggest that you abandon your assets in the inn safe or things terminal when going out into town. Be careful with individuals posturing to be taxi escorts that need to take you to your lodging. Remember that in the event that we've orchestrated an entry exchange for you, our nearby executor will be sitting tight for you convey a sign with your name on it and the neighborhood operator's logo. Check to verify its the same logo to verify you're leaving with the perfect individual. On the off chance that you anticipate masterminding your taxi to your inn, make certain to bring a taxi with a meter in it and concede to a set value for every kilometer with your driver. You might likewise run into business people, cabbies or rickshaw drivers letting you know they don't have any change. Give them a chance to discover change for you or verify whether you have more diminutive change, yet never pay more than the concurred cost. You'll recognize that on the off chance that you choose to walk away, they'll abruptly have a lot of progress for you.

See more: travel Vietnam

Amid your Vietnam excursion you'll find how amicable the Vietnamese individuals really are. When you meet our neighborhood accomplice in Hanoi, it will practically appear to be as though the lodging is a front room and that you're being invited like an AWOL relative. That is simply the way the Vietnamese are, warm, welcoming and pleasing. Family and customs are vital to them and the individuals in the mountain tribes still live as per aged conventions.

Nowadays then again, western way of life is gradually affecting Vietnamese normal life, particularly in the urban communities and in Southern Vietnam. You'll see French and American impacts here coming about because of the occupation by France and the Vietnam War. You'll additionally see Chinese and comrade impacts in Vietnamese building design or for example in the Vietnamese banner (red and yellow). The populace of Vietnam have ended up progressively communist orientate

Official Report on the MS Explorer Blames Inexperienced Captain

Remember the MS Explorer? That was the Antarctic cruise ship that rapidly sunk off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula back in November of 2007. An investigation into the cause of the accident has just been completed, and according to the study, the fault lies with an “inexperienced and overconfident” captain.

Jon Bowermaster has posted a story on his blog with all the information. You might recall that Jon was aboard the National Geographic ship Endeavour, which was the first boat on the scene to help pull passengers and crew from the icy waters of the Southern Ocean when the Explorer went down. According to his post, the investigation was conducted by the Liberian Maritime Bureau, the country that holds jurisdiction over the ship, who released a 91-page document detailing the events that led to the accident, and near disaster.

Swedish Captain Bengt Wiman was in command of the Explorer on that fateful cruise, and while he had been in Antarctic waters many times in the past, it had always been as the first mate. This was Wiman's first time in the big chair, and the blame is placed squarely on his shoulders for misreading the ice. Jon notes that the captain felt that it was newer, more fragile ice, but it was in fact older, and much harder than he suspected.

As a result, the Explorer rammed into that ice at too high of a speed, ripping a ten foot long gash in its hull, which explains why the ship sunk so quickly. Early reports were that the hull had a fist-sized puncture. Wiman was all criticized for entering the ice field in darkness, which combined with the speed of the vessel, was a potent combination.

Jon is quick to point out that the age of the ship didn't help matters. The Explorer was more than 40 years old, and was suffering with that age. The hull was reportedly corroding in spots, and had already been patched a number of times, and there were a few failed inspections on its record as well. So while the inexperience of the captain has a role to play, the health of the boat didn't help matters at all, and probably played a major role in its sinking.

There has been some concern for some time now regarding the experience level of crews being sent into the Antarctic waters. More and more people are venturing to the region, and as a result, more ships are needed to keep up with demand. Those ships require a captain and a crew, and there are only so many good, experienced, crews to go around. Navigating the Southern Ocean is not like the Caribbean, and so far we've been fortunate that there hasn't been a serious loss of life, especially when you consider there were two more ships that ran aground this year.