Travelling Around Vietnam

My journey started on my flight from Manchester to Ho Chi Minh City with Qatar airlines. After a good flight with a changeover in Doha it was so exciting to arrive in this famous city, I couldn't believe how busy it was and everyone seemed to be on a motorcycle of some kind.

Only having two nights there we wanted to see as much as possible so after checking in at Intercontinental Asiana, which was in a great location, we unpacked and went out to dinner at a traditional Vietnamese Restaurant and also did some exploring around this fascinating city. The next day we decided to do a day tour on a Vespa where we had our own driver and I must say we saw so much and I thought it was a great way to see everything in one day followed by dinner at a lovely restaurant on the river.

Next day headed back to the airport for a short flight to Danang in central Vietnam where we stayed at Palm Garden Resort for five nights. It was a fabulous hotel right on the beach and Hoi An is so pretty it is difficult not to fall in love with it. There is lots to do in central Vientnam including fishing, a visit to a local orphanage, exploring the countryside on a bicycle and of course the shopping was fabulous. We then decided to travel to Hue by motorcycle which takes you over the scenic Hai Van Pass and I have never seen such stunning scenery. We also visited Marble Mountain and checked in at Pilgrimage Village for two nights which was like a retreat with spa facilities, massage and total chilling zone.

Chilling over, we flew to Hanoi in the north which was so different from Ho Chi Minh; still very busy but a lot more modern than the south. We stayed in the French Quarter which was perfect for everything with lots of great shopping, restaurants, tours and a great base to visit Halong Bay where we did a night on a Junk Cruise. It was a great experience and we chose one of the Dragon Pearl boats which I would recommend. There are lots of things to do off the boat including kayaking, floating village or simply swimming in the clear blue water, then dinner on the deck under the stars.

Then we went back to Hanoi for our flight home.

Vietnam is a lovely country with friendly people who go out of their way to make you feel welcome. There is lovely food, lots to see and do and such good value.