Travel Blog: Vietnam
Duration: 14 Days
Getting Around: Tuk tuk, taxi, lots of walking
Currency: VND Viet Dong
Date travelled: July 2019
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One of the reasons why I chose Vietnam and put it on my to-do-list as places to visit was because I heard from other travellers what a great country it is.
And so I was naturally jealous and also very curious of all the amazing stories I heard.
1. Hanoi
As part of my holiday around south pacific asian countries, I chose to fly in from Hong Kong into Hanoi because I wanted to start in the North and work my down and fly out of Ho Chi Ming City.
I booked the accomodation last minute and stayed at the Little Charm Hostel.
The food, quality of the accommodation and the other travellers I met were amazing.
I stayed here a few nights because I had not planned my trip around Vietnam yet.
In the Hostel there was already a tour desk and they helped me to plan my itinerary.
I did a walking tour around Hanoi and visited some of the famous sights including this residential railway which is an alleyway where cafes and homes are set up.
2. Ha Long Bay
On the Beach in Ha Long Bay
Some of the other things I booked were the Ha Long Bay Cruise and overnight stay – for me this place was so magical.
Ha Long Bay Cruise 2 Days, 1 Night
I did the 2 Day and overnight stay in Ha Long Bay. This included swimming, kayak, and fishing around Tra Bau area.
I'm vegan and on a gluten free diet so the chefs made separate dishes for each of my meals.
On the boat there are cooking lessons and at night the crew gave us a chance to do some fishing and also set up a party after dinner.
Skull Island Kong
Another trip that was booked was the Ninh Binh tour which included Kong Skull Island.
The river cruise along Ninh Binh is highly recommended.
Our group climbed up to the Hang Mua viewpoint and temple – the walk was extremely difficult with high levels of humidity.
There is nothing else you can do about it. If you are keen to walk the steps – make sure you have water.
They have a café half way up but its quite expensive for the drinks. It supports the local people but if you are on a budget be prepared and take your water.
The views are so amazing from the top and really worth the climb, the buddhist tower overlooks the villages and farms.
The spirit of hang mua relates to the 5 senses and with buddhism being so strongly infused in Vietnamese culture, there is a big theme around rising above materialism and moving more so into wisdom.
3. Sa Pa Hills
After my cruise, I had scheduled a few nights in Sa Pa Hills.
I had met a traveller from Canada on my previous trip in Africa and it was her favourite location and she recommended it to me. So it was very much on my to-do list.
I booked an overnight bus to the hills and really enjoyed it. The sleeper bus makes a few stops at restaurants for toilet breaks and also pick ups and drop offs.
When we arrived in Sa Pa – it was around 6am and no one was around for pick up and transfer to the accommodation.
I chose to stay at a homestay for a different experience. I ended waiting around and eventually a café opened and I was able to reach the homestay host.
Sa Pa Hills Trekking with fields of Organic Marijuana Farms which are used to make hemp for clothes and other fabric uses.
If you are in a position to support a education program or school instead of giving children money for bracelets - it will make their future so much brighter.
I also ended up joining a mountain trekking group.
I definitely recommend carrying waterproof jacket as in the mountains it rained heavily and with sports shoes it was difficult to grip onto the pathways because of the mud.
4. Hoi An Ancient Town
Markets in Old Quarter - Hoi An
From Sa Pa Hills I flew down to Hanoi into Da Nang and then went to Hoi An.
I absolutely loved the shopping here on Hang Gai Street also known as Silk Street. I bought some cool t-shirts and dresses from local artists and fashion designers.
I also enjoyed the night markets.
The village is really easy to navigate and the vibes are so relaxed.
Walking around ancient town is really lovely, the banks of Thu Bong river are so pretty and when the different lights of the lantern turn on - it really is an instagram worthy location.
Hoi An Ancient Town street food was really good.
I didn't get sick at all in Vietnam and all the places I ate and drank were safe and hygienic.
This is a series of organic and health foods that the locals blend together for a herbal drink.
In the Markets I did some hard work!
It looks fun but gosh was it heavy. The fruits and the baskets weighed a lot and the women that walk around the towns usually have something on their shoulders for protection.
Walking around with this for hours would be very difficult.
This bridge is part of a disney-styled theme park called Ba Na Hills
You can stay at the resort and enjoy the amusements parks at your own pace.
There is also a great deal of french influence with replicas of iconic sites like moulin rouge and the notre dame cathedral.
As you can see from the photo, it was very busy and the scene around the resort and amusement park was just as popular - lots of activities are children and families as well as tourists.
5. Sivananda Yoga Resort and Training Centre
Yoga in Da Lat was a nice way to finish off my trip in Vietnam before heading down to Ho Chi Ming City to fly out.
I stayed here a few nights so I can practice yoga and meditation in the mountains and do a mini-detox.
I really enjoyed exploring the property abit too. When I was there, a few properties were under construction.
The schedule was quite relaxed and you don't really have to attend everything. I did get up early for satsang and then attended breakfast and brunch.
The Asana classes are traditional and I sat in on the workshops where I got to ask questions about yoga philosophy.
Things I'd Like To Do When I Go Back
Lantern Making Course
3 Day Ha Giang Motor Bike Circuit
Explore more of Ho Chi Minh City
Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta
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