Golden Sands, Floating Lanterns & Ancient Temples: My 50th Birthday Adventure Across Asia
Turning 50 felt like the perfect excuse to tick off some long-awaited destinations on my travel bucket list — and what an adventure it turned out to be! From a touch of luxury in Qatar to cultural immersion across Vietnam and a soul-stirring finale in Cambodia, this journey had it all.
🌴 A Glamorous Start in Qatar
My adventure began solo in Qatar. Flying from my local airport made it an easy choice, and honestly — who could resist a day of sunshine and sea before the long haul ahead?
Days 1–2 – Doha
Landing in the early evening, I was quickly reminded how easy Doha Airport is to navigate. Within minutes, I’d jumped in a taxi for the 40-minute ride to West Bay. I checked into the InterContinental Doha – The Beach, and wow, what a welcome! My Club Room overlooked the sea and came with every luxury imaginable — remote blinds, Nespresso coffee machine, sleek wet-room shower, and even a bidet.
The Club Lounge was worth every penny: complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening canapés with cocktails and wine from 6pm. Honestly, I didn’t need half-board!
After a refreshing 7am swim in the warm Gulf waters, I set off for a whistle-stop tour of Doha — wandering through Souq Waqif, exploring the futuristic Lusail district, and admiring the city’s blend of old-world charm and modern design. Doha is compact, stylish, and ideal for a short luxury stopover or a sun-soaked escape. I’d return in a heartbeat.
Vietnam – A Feast for the Senses Days 3–4 – Hanoi
Next stop: Hanoi! Thanks to a very nice Business Class upgrade, I turned left on boarding, champagne in hand, and settled in with a squeal of delight. After a three-course dinner, I slipped into my pyjamas and slept soundly until breakfast — the perfect start to my Vietnam chapter.
Arriving amidst a typhoon, I navigated immigration and hopped into a taxi. Hanoi is an assault on the senses in the best way — where bikes outnumber cars and every street bursts with life.
That afternoon, my guide Ming introduced me to local culture: sipping coconut and egg coffee in a local’s home, sampling Banh Mi and fried prawns from trusted vendors, and wandering the narrow lanes of the Old Quarter — each named after a trade. Vietnamese food completely stole my heart.
🛶 Day 5 – Halong Bay
We departed early for Halong Bay, about 2.5 hours from Hanoi. Boarding our sleek, modern cruise ship felt surreal — my cabin was beautiful, with panoramic windows and a luxury bathroom.
Two days of kayaking, cave exploring, and waking to limestone karsts rising from the mist felt like a dream. It’s one of those “pinch me” moments that stay with you forever.
Back in Hanoi, I squeezed in a visit to Train Street, where cafés line the railway. Locals even flatten beer caps on the tracks as souvenirs — a quirky, unforgettable experience!
That night, we boarded an overnight train to Hue. Basic but full of laughter, and while flying is faster, the train was part of the adventure.
🏯 Days 6–7 – Hue
Hue exudes serenity. I visited a Buddhist pagoda and watched the monks chant, completely absorbed in mindfulness. Later, I took a rickshaw ride with my cheerful driver, Sunny, through backstreets, canals, and markets. Hue is peaceful yet lively — especially at night when the streets light up with bars and music.
🏮 Days 8–9 – Hoi An
A scenic coastal drive through Da Nang brought us to Hoi An, a riverside gem that feels like a fairytale. After a thrilling motorbike ride through the countryside, I settled in for dinner by the river — and as dusk fell, the whole town lit up with hundreds of floating lanterns. Magical doesn’t even begin to describe it.
The next day’s highlight was a Coconut Boat ride — spinning in a round bamboo bowl like a watery waltzer! Later, I joined a Vietnamese cooking class, making pho, spring rolls, prawns in banana leaf, and sticky rice with mango. Let’s just say it’s a good thing the experts finished off our dishes!
🌇 Day 10 – Ho Chi Minh City
A quick flight brought us to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The airport and aircraft were spotless, and the service excellent. Our first stop was the War Remnants Museum — an emotional, eye-opening experience.
Next, we explored the Mekong Delta, gliding along jungle-lined rivers, lunching with a local family on Elephant Fish wraps, and visiting a honey and chocolate farm. On my final day in Vietnam, a speedboat took us to the Cu Chi Tunnels — a fascinating look into Vietnam’s wartime past. For the brave, you can crawl inside the tunnels (I opted for coffee instead!).
That evening, I met up with family — Jack, Silas & Duong — for dinner in the city, the perfect farewell to Vietnam.
🛕 Day 11 – Siem Reap, Cambodia
An early flight whisked us to Siem Reap, where our private guide met us at the airport. Our day began with the majestic Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. Wandering among its ancient ruins, watching sunrise bathe the stones in gold, was the perfect finale to an incredible journey.
🏝️ Day 12/13 Paradise Found – The Royal Sands, Koh Rong
After the buzz of Vietnam and the awe of Angkor Wat, I couldn’t think of a better way to end my trip than with a few days of barefoot luxury at The Royal Sands, Koh Rong.
Accessible by speedboat from Sihanoukville, the journey itself feels magical — turquoise water, sea breeze, and that unmistakable island calm.
The Royal Sands is pure tropical bliss: powdery white sand, crystal-clear water, and spacious beachfront villas that blend with nature. My villa had a private pool, outdoor shower, and a bed facing the ocean — the perfect spot for sunrise coffee or sunset cocktails.
Days moved at island pace. I started mornings with yoga on the beach, snorkelled among colourful fish, and dined under the stars with my toes in the sand. The service was warm, genuine, and effortlessly personal.
If you’re looking to unwind after an active tour, Koh Rong is the dream destination. Peaceful yet luxurious, it’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, breathe, and just be. The perfect finale to an unforgettable trip.