Day 14 - Vietnam Discovery from Hanoi to the Meekong Delta - 'Inside Vietnam' adventure with EXPLORE

Day 14 – Saigon and The End of the Road

I had expected this morning to be going solo today as Miles had a flight at lunchtime but I bumped into Miles as I got out of the lift for breakfast.  We agreed to meet at midday to check out and share a taxi, me to the next hotel and Miles to the airport.  He's off back to Cambodia where he's living at the moment.  A notice comes through before we met at midday and his flight has been delayed a little, so we divert to my next hotel for a drink and some lunch.

Taxi ordered and we send Miles on his way to the airport and Siem Reip in Cambodia.  I  did a quick check on the app a little later, all good, he'd made it to the international terminal at Ho Chi Minh Airport okay.  It was then almost 2pm so it was time to check out the snacks and drinks at the lounge....

The lunch that is laid out in the club level lounge is outstanding.  The best I’ve ever seen.  It’s a large lounge and of high quality, that is for sure.  And finally, some decent cheese!  It's been hard to find here that is for sure.  The staff are very attentive and professional, very happy and provided a great service all round. 

So, my first attempt at a travel blog is all but done.  Its intended objective was to catalogue and describe some of the adventures of a group through the sights, sounds, food and people of Vietnam.  I'm here on my own now, enjoying a bit of luxury at the end of thoroughly amazing two weeks. 

I had a lot less walking today, so I could let my feet and the rest of my aches recover and recuperate a little.  I tried out the outdoor pool but I didn’t last too long as I was just a little too tired.  At about 7pm I went back to the lounge for ‘cocktail’ hour and yet again the spread of food for the evening was crazy.  More choices than I could count.  Super tasty food, small plates this time though!

Overall, the tour was simply amazing.  It taught me a lot about Vietnam its people.  The variety of destinations and activities on this tour was perfect.  The hotels were all superbly located and all of the standards you’d expect from travelling with Explore.  Our guide was superb, Joseph, a real character, approachable, knowledgeable and had connections with the Gods regarding the weather!

There are hammer and sickle red flags everywhere in Vietnam and the occasional billboard with the latest government ‘advert’.  All the ones I saw and translated were just celebrations of the convening of local government sessions and the like, nothing more political than that.  It did not feel to me like I was in a communist country in the way some might usually think of what that would be like. 

In the manic city traffic, no one sounds car horns in anger, no road rage, no one shouts, they just get on with it.  I didn’t see any police anywhere outside of the odd police car and the airports.  It felt safe here, virtually everywhere we went.

Our group was small, with only nine people.  But a truly wonderful group for sure.  It was a real pleasure to spend these two weeks with them and get to know them a little.  I felt so comfortable on this adventure, with the group and just as a general feeling, something that is priceless to me.

I hope this blog has given you enough of an idea about what an Explore adventure is like and something yourself or your family would like to try.  I would say for families especially, what a fantastic way to broaden the knowledge and cultural experiences of the world for children no matter what their ages.

As this is my first ever travel blog it’s probably a little rough and unrefined.  But it is all 100% my honest thoughts and experiences and not one bit of AI assistance to write it either!

This was my 4^th journey with Explore so I feel I have travelled with them and experienced enough to wholeheartedly recommend their superbly organized adventures.  Let me know when you do want to dip your toes into an Explore adventure, I will gladly help you find that adventure that will give you those memories that will last a lifetime.  

Happy travels!

Ashley

*Disclaimer
My journey with Explore to Vietnam was offered to me at a discounted agent rate.  Explore did not place any conditions or restrictions on what I could write, none at all.  I have been free to write what I wish.  The opinions expressed in my blog are truthfully mine and mine alone.  Thank you.