Amazing Vietnam
Day 1: Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City
This is the capital of the South. From here you can access the Southern Islands, go hiking in Dalat and explore the Mekong delta.
I spent two nights in Saigon. The standard of accommodation is good, and there are plenty of good bar and restaurant choices. I stayed next to the waterfront. This was a very good choice away from the busy streets. The traffic is like nothing you may have seen before! Most of the habitants travel around by motor cycle and this is a must-see experience! I recommend a street tour on motorbike or on foot with a guide.
Day 2: I visited the Cu Chi tunnels which is a sobering war remnants museum from the ‘American War’. It is poignant experience witnessing how the locals would have lived in the tunnels, and how they worked against the enemy.
Day 3 – A Day in Ben.
I drove through the countryside past paddy fields and coconut trees. I boarded a local boat for a first glimpse of life inside the Mekong Delta’s maze of waterways. I also took a row boat, tuk tuk, and then took a 2km cycling trip around the village and admired the tranquillity of the delta. It is also possible to take a Mekong Delta cruise, and these even go as far as Cambodia.
Day 4 - To beach resort of Mui Ne
This was a 4-hour drive. I chose this resort due to weather conditions in Vietnam in December and wanted to be somewhere hot! Accommodation here is of a high standard and very eco-friendly. The beach is beautiful white sand, and an excellent choice for kite surfers.
Day 5 and 6 - Mui Ne
Day 7 – To Hoi An
I flew from Saigon to Danang, which is a 40-minute road transfer to Hoi An, located in central Vietnam. Hoi An is a world heritage town full of lanterns, colourful shops, galleries, cafes and outstanding restaurants. It’s located just 5 minutes from An Bang beach, which has golden sands and beautiful views. It’s possible to stay in beach houses here. In Hoi An I recommend a countryside bicycle tour and a Vietnamese cooking class.
Day 8 Hoi An
Day 9 to Hanoi - I travelled by air from Danang to Hanoi. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. All roads in Vietnam lead to Hanoi. Parisian style streets and busy, full of makeshift pavement cafes. Fascinating old French quarter and French influenced architecture.
The standard of hotels here are excellent. I stayed at the La Siesta Hanoi Trendy Hotel. Quirky and excellent! I don’t recommend just walking the streets in Hanoi because it is very easy to lost! It’s better to take an arranged tour or get a guide. A street food tour is good, and there are plenty of very interesting museums. If you are a foodie, Hanoi is a must.
Day 10: Ha Long Bay
I travelled 2.5 hours by road to Ha Long Bay. It’s a world heritage site and one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen, and full of magnificent rock formations. I took an overnight Bhaya cruise around the bay and visited one of the three remaining water villages. There were also some interesting activates on board which included a cooking class, fishing and Tai Chi. This was one of the highlights of my trip.
Day 11: Hanoi
Day 12: to Hong Kong.
Climate: Varies from North to South. In the North there are four seasons including monsoon. In the South there are just two seasons, wet and dry.
Money: The local currency is Vietnam Dong. US Dollars are also accepted in some areas.
Entry: At this time a visa is issued on arrival for UK passport holders.
Other areas of interest: Sapa in the North for rice terraces, homestays, mountains and trekking. Da Lat in the South for old French villas, canyoning, trekking, cycling and flower and vegetable farms. Phu Quoc Island – Off the Southern tip of Vietnam, sea food, beach and relaxing. Unique marine life. Hue – Central Vietnam. Perfume river, temples.